Market & IPO Updates
The Indian stock market has recently displayed a robust performance, with the Sensex rising by 1,000 points in just two days, and the Nifty surpassing
26,100. Key factors contributing to this surge include positive developments in the market. Several IPOs are also making headlines, with companies like Corona Remedies and ICICI Prudential AMC entering the market. Notably, the ICICI Prudential AMC IPO listed at ₹2,600 per share, a 20% premium. The success of IPOs is expected to continue into 2026. Experts at Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan anticipate the IPO boom to extend through 2026, indicating sustained growth in the primary market.
Real Estate Dynamics
India's real estate sector is experiencing significant growth, with the REIT market reaching ₹2.3 lakh crore, surpassing Hong Kong in just six years. Premium housing sales in H1 have surged by 85%, driven by infrastructure development. In Mumbai's Worli area, 30 homes were sold for ₹5,500 crore within two years, representing 40% of the ultra-luxury market. Furthermore, the Navi Mumbai International Airport is expected to propel Khopoli into the spotlight. The luxury housing market is expanding beyond major metropolitan cities as tier-1 cities stabilize. Furthermore, a substantial housing project worth ₹1,500 crore has been launched on the Dwarka Expressway in Gurugram, indicating continued investment in residential properties.
Taxation Matters
Tax regulations and their implications are a critical aspect of financial planning for Indians. The government is slated to conduct a consultative workshop on December 23 regarding the revised GDP, CPI, and IIP series in 2026. Taxpayers need to be aware of deadlines, such as the December 15 deadline for advance tax payments. Regarding gifts, there are specific tax implications: wedding gifts are tax-free, but alimony is taxable. Additionally, the new income tax act includes changes to ITR forms, which will be notified before FY28. Experts have indicated that filing revised returns immediately is important for any extra interest income found in the AIS. The ITR refund process this year is slower, and taxpayers can follow a step-by-step guide to check their payout status. The government also clarified that under the new act, the I-T department does not have blanket access to private digital data.
Investment Strategies
Exploring various investment avenues is key to building financial security. The potential of the Indian market is attracting significant interest from brokerages. Investors should consider investment options. For those planning retirement, understanding annuity blind spots is crucial. Robert Kiyosaki, the 'Rich Dad...' author, cautioned about a potential market crash and advised investments in silver. The 15x15x15 SIP rule highlights how a monthly investment of ₹15,000 can potentially grow to ₹1 crore. Experts are also analyzing the performance of different investment options over long periods; for example, they looked at the returns of gold, the Sensex, and deposits since 1985. The government is also bringing major overhauls to the NPS in 2025.
Banking and Loans
Navigating banking and loan products is crucial for sound financial management. HDFC Bank has revised its fixed deposit (FD) rates, impacting interest rates on deposits. Furthermore, the RBI has levied a fine of ₹62 lakh on Kotak Mahindra Bank. The RBI has also cut the repo rate, leading to banks, including Canara Bank and HDFC Bank, reducing their lending and deposit interest rates. If you are buying a car with a loan, it's wise to be aware of tips to save money and avoid costly mistakes. For those using credit cards, it is essential to be aware of potential pitfalls, and there are five mistakes that can lead to excessive spending. The RBI has also established rules regarding loan recovery calls and the actions agents can and cannot take. SBI Card is also set to revamp airport lounge access from January 10.
