URBAN RURAL DEMAND
OneStack raises Rs 12.5 crore to take cooperative banks deeper into UPI ecosystem
OneStack, a fintech provider, secured ₹12.5 crore funding to enhance cooperative bank participation in UPI payments. The funding will help expand services among cooperative banks and NBFCs while developing compliance offerings. Partner banks can now act as UPI issuers and acquirers, which improves revenue opportunities. This shift allows banks to maintain direct relationships with customers and merchants while managing transaction data.
ITC shares jump 6% in two days after Q2 results. More upside ahead?
ITC shares rose to Rs 283.5 apiece on NSE on Wednesday morning, the highest level seen by the stock in nearly three months. The stock has now recovered more than 12% in five sessions after hitting a 52-week low of Rs 253 apiece in late October.
ITC shares rise 2% after Q2 results. What are Jefferies, Nuvama and others saying?
ITC shares gained 2% despite an 18.5% year-on-year decline in Q2 net profit, as higher taxes and falling cigarette earnings weighed on profitability. However, its FMCG business delivered strong growth. Jefferies, Nuvama, Emkay and DAM Capital remain positive on the stock, with target prices ranging from Rs 300 to Rs 355.
ITC Q2 net profit falls 20% as high taxes keep margins in check
ITC reported a 20% decline in standalone net profit for the September quarter despite a 45% increase in revenue. The rise in cigarette taxation significantly impacted profitability, forcing ITC to absorb part of the price hikes. Non-cigarette businesses showed strong growth, achieving the highest revenue growth in 14 quarters. Factors such as inflation and geopolitical tensions continue to affect the operating environment.
Gen Z brands are breaching the last citadel of legacy consumer firms
India's Gen Z and D2C brands are challenging FMCG giants like Hindustan Unilever, ITC and Marico by expanding into kirana stores. New-age brands captured 21.7% of India's kirana market in H1 FY27, up from 14.8% a year earlier. As digital-first brands breach traditional distribution networks, legacy FMCG companies face growing competition for retail shelf space and consumer loyalty nationwide.
These large-, mid- and small-cap stocks can give more than 20% return in 1 year, according to analysts
Here’s one thing that is worth clarifying, because it is in the headlines. Large global technology companies have been announcing heavy spending on AI, and there has been some correction in those stocks because of it. It is natural to worry that this will spill over into the Indian market. It most likely will not.
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HUL shares rise 3% after Q2 results. Jefferies, Nomura cut target price but forecast 29% upside potential
Hindustan Unilever shares rose on Thursday after the FMCG major reported a 4% year-on-year increase in Q2 FY27 net profit to Rs 2,790 crore and 15% revenue growth to Rs 18,226 crore. Jefferies, Nomura and JM Financial cut their target prices but continue to see upside potential of up to 29%.
Festive demand, capex to fuel India’s industrial growth in H2 FY27 despite risks: Report
Festive demand and sustained public capital expenditure are expected to support India's industrial activity in the second half of FY27, although unfavourable base effects, weak monsoon conditions and higher input costs could weigh on production, according to a report by Union Bank of India.
HUL sales rise 15% to hit 14-quarter high, but inflation clouds demand outlook
Hindustan Unilever posted a turnover of ₹18,071 crore for the September quarter, highlighting a 15% rise. Even with a price increase of 7.5%, the company's volume growth remained stable at 7%. Homecare emerged as the standout performer, boasting a robust 22% sales growth. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation climbed to ₹4,089 crore, an 8% boost. However, ongoing inflation and wage issues in rural sectors pose significant challenges.
Hindustan Unilever to take calibrated price hikes as commodity inflation stays high, says CEO Priya Nair
Hindustan Unilever has raised prices by around 7.5% in response to rising input costs across its portfolio. Despite these increases, consumer demand remains strong in both urban and rural areas of India. The company is focusing on balancing further price adjustments with cost savings through procurement and supply-chain efficiencies. Positive indicators of economic resilience include electricity demand and GST collections, alongside improved rural demand.
Delhi circle rate update: Agri land prices to go up sharply after 18 years; check areas where it could be cheapest and costliest
Delhi circle rate update: Farmers in the national capital are demanding a circle rate of Rs 10 crore per acre, with the Delhi Panchayat Sangh urging the government to implement this circle rate for agricultural land. Current estimates suggest that land rates in the capital region could zoom by around 650%, causing prices to go over Rs 15 crore per acre from Rs 2 crore now.
West Asia crisis so far may cost govt Rs 1.35 lakh crore, spending cuts unlikely: ICRA Chief Economist Aditi Nayar
The West Asia crisis may impose a fiscal burden of approximately Rs 1.35 lakh crore on India. Government spending has generally remained below budget estimates, providing financial flexibility for these pressures. Higher customs duty collections from gold and silver imports might help offset some costs. ICRA anticipates GDP growth to remain robust, exceeding 7 percent in the second quarter of FY27.
Around 5,000 J-K Congress workers to attend 'Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao' rally in Delhi
Around 5,000 Congress members from Jammu and Kashmir are gearing up for a significant national rally at Ramlila Maidan, New Delhi, on November 1. This rally, part of the 'Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao' initiative, aims to confront issues of alleged electoral manipulation, with party officials asserting that the government is compromising the electoral integrity through its control over the Chief Election Commissioner.
Indians develop a taste for dark chocolate as household demand jumps 45%
Households in India are increasingly purchasing dark chocolate, with a significant rise in demand over recent years. Urban consumers account for the majority of dark chocolate purchases, driven by rising incomes and health awareness. The growth is supported by trends in quick-commerce, making premium products more accessible. Despite its growth, dark chocolate remains a small segment in India's larger confectionery market.
GTPL Hathway begins publishing TV viewership data from 10,000+ set-top boxes
GTPL Hathway has introduced audience viewership data for TV channels through its set-top boxes across various markets. This is an industry first and adheres to the guidelines from the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. It uses return path data to derive insights without collecting personally identifiable information from subscribers.
RBI flags rising inflation risks from West Asia conflict, El Nino despite resilient Indian economy
India's external sector shows resilience due to a narrowing trade gap and comfortable foreign exchange reserves. Inflationary pressures have intensified due to geopolitical tensions and supply-side bottlenecks. The RBI reported an increase in both industry and services indicators, showcasing economic strength. The IMF has revised India's growth projection for 2026-27 to 7% based on resilient domestic demand. Global financial volatility has increased amid global challenges and rising inflation risks.
India Inc eyes a festive boom, but the bottom line holds a twist
Festive shopping is currently gaining momentum with significant sales in both online and offline markets. Companies are experiencing increased demand but are also facing rising costs that impact profitability. Many consumers are driven by discounts and affordable payment options during this festive season. Businesses are adapting pricing strategies to balance consumer affordability with input cost pressures.
UltraTech Cement shares jump 3% as brokerages revise target prices after Q2 results. What Jefferies, Citi are saying
Shares of UltraTech Cement increased by 3% after the company reported strong quarterly earnings for Q2 FY27. The company's net profit saw a 21% growth compared to the previous year, driven by operational revenue increases. Jefferies raised its target price for the stock, indicating significant upside potential. Meanwhile, Nomura and Citi slightly lowered their estimates due to rising costs and external economic factors.
Gurgaon Electricity Update: New power company, more choice? Eleven Power gets 25-year licence; What it means for 8.3 lakh consumers
Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission has granted a 25-year electricity distribution licence to Eleven Power for Gurgaon, Manesar, Sohna and Nuh. The Rs 4,716.7 crore investment plan could give over 8.3 lakh consumers a choice of electricity supplier alongside state-run utilities, subject to network development and regulatory approvals.
FMCG firms grapple with input cost inflation in Q2, brace for margin pressure in H2
FMCG companies are experiencing increased margin pressure as input costs continue to rise. Rising inflation is affecting profitability, forcing firms to consider price hikes after the festive season. Companies are currently absorbing some costs to maintain consumer demand in urban and rural markets. The expectations for the second half of FY27 remain cautious amidst fluctuating commodity prices. Consumer purchasing behavior may shift if food prices increase or rural incomes decline.
India needs policy credibility and continuity to sustain FDI as strong growth alone is not enough, says KIEP expert
India needs to maintain policy credibility and continuity to sustain foreign investment inflows, as strong economic growth alone may not be enough to reassure global investors about the country's long-term business environment, highlighted Kyunghoon Kim, Head of the India and South Asia Team at the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy (KIEP).
India's cooling problem is becoming an electricity-cost problem, and the AC industry is trying to solve it
India’s rising temperatures and growing AC adoption: The country's AC market is predicted to grow significantly in the coming years due to rising temperatures and urbanization. A recent survey indicates that air conditioners are an essential part of household electricity consumption. Many consumers are prioritizing energy efficiency when purchasing air conditioning units to reduce their electricity bills. Companies are responding by introducing advanced technology and enhancing energy-saving features in their products.
Nirmala Sitharaman pitches for public, private capital to build financially sustainable cities
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the importance of creating sustainably investable cities in India. She proposed a combination of public investment alongside private capital to achieve these goals. Various urban development initiatives have been established to support this approach effectively. The Urban Challenge Fund aims to improve municipal finances and is pivotal for project preparation. Overall, the strategies discussed will enhance urban planning and infrastructure development throughout the country.
Beyond Oil: How bioenergy investments can rebalance India-Russia trade
Russia now exports more than $60 billion worth of goods annually to India, primarily crude oil, petroleum products, coal, and fertilisers.
Auto companies ride on a low base to deliver robust 22% sales in September
Car sales in India saw a 22% increase in September due to dealers stocking up for festivals and strong demand. Two-wheelers and three-wheelers also experienced growth of 13.5% and 16% respectively during the same month. The overall sales for passenger vehicles increased by 28.3% in the first half of FY27. Automakers remain hopeful about continuous demand amidst ongoing geopolitical challenges.
India passenger vehicle sales rise 22% to 4.54 lakh units in September: SIAM
September 2026 marked a pivotal month for India's automotive sector, with car sales climbing by 22%, reflecting strong consumer interest. Ahead of the festive season, manufacturers stepped up shipments, while two-wheeler sales also surged by 13.5%. This upward trend was bolstered by enhancements in affordability and infrastructure. Despite ongoing global geopolitical tensions, optimism about maintaining this demand growth remains high.
'Small' pains: Inflation squeeze likely to choke FMCG volume growth again
India's fast-moving consumer goods sector is under pressure as inflation reshapes how consumers spend their money. Rather than splurging on high-end products, buyers are preferring smaller, budget-friendly options. Data suggests that inflation tends to shrink average FMCG pack sizes. Notably, urban areas are seeing a more significant shift in spending compared to rural regions. Price increases in multiple categories are likely on the horizon.
Bigger car loans, longer tenures face rate-hike test
Indian car buyers are increasingly taking out larger and longer loans to purchase higher-priced vehicles. This trend emerges as borrowing costs are projected to rise following the Reserve Bank of India's recent rate hike. Data shows that the average vehicle loan amount has risen significantly, while the repayment tenure has also increased. Interestingly, the demand for vehicles remains strong across both urban and semi-urban markets.
India's Hatsun Agro targets up to 50% revenue growth over next two years
India's Hatsun Agro Product expects revenue to rise as much as 50% over the next two financial years, supported by a wider milk procurement network and expansion beyond its southern Indian stronghold, Chairman RG Chandramogan told Reuters.
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