Market & IPOs
The stock market saw fluctuations, with the Sensex closing lower and the Nifty dropping below 25,700 points. Simultaneously, the Gabion Technologies IPO
saw significant oversubscription on its last day, with a remarkable 826x subscription. Additionally, Bharat Coking Coal's IPO, saw its opening on January 9th, with the GMP, or Grey Market Premium, fluctuating, indicating market sentiment. Meanwhile, the NSE's IPO is nearing regulatory approval, which would mark a milestone. Another IPO, Victory Electric Vehicles, also opened, showing the market's current trajectory.
Savings Schemes
For those seeking safe returns, a comprehensive list of small savings schemes and their respective interest rates is available. The SGB (Sovereign Gold Bond) premature redemption saw investments of Rs 1 lakh turning into Rs 2.9 lakh, underlining the benefits of certain investment avenues. Furthermore, the PFRDA is exploring a guaranteed payout model for NPS subscribers, which may offer more financial security. The article also provides information on the NPS Vatsalya scheme, designed to build a pension corpus for children, suggesting opportunities for long-term financial planning.
Real Estate Trends
The real estate sector is witnessing significant activity. India's branded homes segment has seen a 55% rise over the past 5 years, highlighting the increasing preference for premium properties. In Delhi-NCR, office occupancy is predicted to surpass 80% by 2027, indicating growth. Moreover, new construction rules in Bengaluru are impacting property possession. Further, a new flat scheme in an NCR city will be introduced after Makar Sankranti, potentially providing relief for buyers. The article also mentions the potential for tax relief and stable policies to support the real estate industry, as requested in Budget 2026.
Taxation Updates
Several tax-related developments have been noted. The government is slated to hike excise duties on cigarettes and pan masala starting February 1. Discussions are ongoing regarding the potential phasing out of the old tax regime. Budget 2026 is expected to bring clarity on taxes and faster dispute resolution. Income tax refunds may be delayed, and the reasons, along with how to check the status, are clarified. The Income Tax Department is tracking online spending and digital activity to some extent. Taxpayers can leverage the ICICI Bank's Capital Gains Account Scheme to claim exemptions and earn interest.
Financial Institutions
Various financial institutions are making adjustments and offering new services. SBI Card, HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank are revising card benefits due to rising airport lounge demand. Karur Vysya Bank is launching a Capital Gains Account for tax relief. Banks will be closed for multiple days from January 14-18, and this list is available to the public. HDFC Bank is making changes to debit card lounge access rules. Furthermore, there is a report on double-digit growth and falling NPAs, which indicates the strengthening of Indian banks in 2024–25, according to the RBI.
Market Reactions
Several market reactions have been documented. HCL Tech's share price declined after Q3 results, influencing investor decisions. TCS experienced a flat share price post-Q3 results, whereas Infosys is also expecting the results and revenue growth. Motilal Oswal paused inflows into its Microcap Index Fund. The prices of gold and silver saw fluctuations, hitting both record highs and experiencing sharp declines, which prompts investor interest. Bank Nifty rebounded significantly after a specific commentary, and Hindustan Zinc shares increased following silver futures' movement, and ETFs hit record highs.
Other Financial Insights
Additional financial information includes the rise in India's personal loan growth, hitting 35% in 2025, primarily driven by small-ticket loans. Also, the rise in digital payments and the DigiDhan mission shows a 41% CAGR. The potential end of the BSE-NSE duopoly, with the Metropolitan Stock Exchange’s launch, is noted. Furthermore, there is discussion of Elon Musk's perspective on retirement planning. The article explores the risks associated with certain types of loans, specifically those with high default rates, providing a well-rounded view of the financial landscape.
