Bank Holiday Updates
Bank holidays for January 2026 are highlighted, giving a clear schedule of closures during the month. The list offers details on which dates banks across
the country will be shut. In addition, the article points out that branches were scheduled to remain closed for several days from January 14-18, informing readers about potential disruptions to banking services. This knowledge empowers people to plan their financial activities effectively, preventing inconvenience caused by unforeseen bank closures. Furthermore, information on stock market holidays, such as the Maharashtra Municipal Elections on January 15, is included, which further helps in financial planning.
Market & Economic Trends
The article discusses key economic indicators, including wholesale and retail inflation figures. In December 2025, wholesale price inflation rose to 0.83% compared to a 0.32% fall in November. Retail inflation also increased to 1.33% in December 2025. Besides, the World Bank elevated its growth estimate for India in fiscal year 2026 to 7.2%, reflecting strong domestic demand. Furthermore, the report emphasizes the strength of Indian banks, which have been boosted by double-digit growth and reduced non-performing assets in 2024-25. These elements provide a complete picture of the economic setting.
Stock Market Performance
The stock market's recent movements are analyzed, focusing on the Sensex and Nifty. The Sensex closed lower by 250 points after a volatile session and the Nifty fell below 25,750, as mentioned in the news. Moreover, the report also shows that FIIs pulled out over Rs 11,700 crore in January, and the Sensex ended 245 points lower, with the Nifty below 25,700 on January 14. These insights give investors and market watchers an understanding of the current state of market trading and investor sentiment. In addition to this, the article mentions that the NSE IPO nears regulatory clearance, with the Sebi chief indicating a possible NOC this month.
IPO Market Overview
The article offers an update on the IPO market, detailing the performance of recent offerings. The Bharat Coking Coal IPO opened on January 9 and was fully subscribed within one hour of opening. Furthermore, the article also presented details on the Victory Electric Vehicles IPO. On Day 2, the issue received 0.37x subscription, and the GMP remained nil. The Gabion Technologies IPO also received significant attention. These details enable potential investors to assess IPOs and make informed investment choices, and also monitor the subscription status.
Budget 2026 Expectations
The article previews expectations for the upcoming Budget 2026. The FM Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to present the budget at 11 AM on February 1, as announced by the Lok Sabha Speaker. Furthermore, the CII suggests a phased privatization roadmap for public sector enterprises. Tax clarity, along with faster dispute resolution for ease of doing business, is also included in KPMG's expectations. The real estate industry is calling for tax relief and stable policies. These expectations give readers a preview of the upcoming financial changes.
Real Estate Sector
The real estate market is highlighted, with various trends emerging. The report noted that branded homes are gaining popularity, and Indian homebuyers are shifting to them, with a strong outlook for 2026. Delhi-NCR saw a 39% jump in housing launches in Q4 2025, and mid-segment properties are leading in supply. Additionally, the REIT market value in India is expected to reach $25 billion by 2030, which was $18 billion in 2025. The insights provide information on the changing trends and future growth in the real estate sector.
Personal Finance Insights
The article explores different areas of personal finance. Personal loan growth hit 35% in 2025, driven by small-ticket loans. Furthermore, the article mentions that Karur Vysya Bank launched a Capital Gains Account for tax relief and that ICICI Bank also launched a similar scheme to help taxpayers claim exemptions. The article also informs readers of the possibility of gifting mutual fund units to children without capital gains tax. Lastly, the article addresses concerns about tax refunds, including potential delays and interest rules.
Financial News Snippets
The article offers a variety of additional financial news tidbits. The article also provides details on TCS, whose voluntary exits crossed 22,000 in two quarters and saw a headcount reduction of 30,000. Infosys's Q3 results were also a key point, with a net profit falling 2.2% year-on-year to Rs 6,654 crore, and revenue up 8.9%. Furthermore, the article also reports that the new income tax will be effective from April 1, 2026, to simplify provisions, and a new income tax law will roll out from April 2026. Finally, the article mentions how the government is driving digital payments with a 41% CAGR, as digital payments hit Rs 22,831 crore in FY25.
