IPO Market Overview
The initial public offering (IPO) market in India has seen significant activity. Gabion Technologies' IPO garnered substantial interest, with subscriptions
reaching 209.45 times on the second day. Later reports indicated an impressive 826 times subscription. Simultaneously, Bharat Coking Coal's IPO opened with strong initial demand, fully subscribed within an hour. The performance of these IPOs, along with factors like the Grey Market Premium (GMP), offers insights into investor sentiment and market expectations. Avana Electrosystems and Victory Electric Vehicles also made their debut, with varying levels of subscription. The NSE IPO is also nearing regulatory clearance as Sebi Chief signals a green light possibly within the month. Overall, these activities reflect the current investor appetite and the buoyancy of the Indian capital markets.
Loans and Savings
India's personal loan sector experienced rapid growth, with a 35% surge in 2025. This increase was primarily driven by small-ticket loans. Furthermore, several avenues for financial savings are available for individuals. A comprehensive list of small savings schemes and their respective interest rates is available, offering options for those seeking safe returns. These schemes provide secure investment avenues. Individuals seeking financial assistance can explore personal loans, even without a salary slip, offering flexibility in borrowing. Additionally, the PFRDA is exploring a guaranteed payout model for NPS subscribers, which would ensure a level of income security in retirement for NPS subscribers.
Real Estate Dynamics
The Indian real estate market displayed notable trends, especially in 2025. Branded homes witnessed a 55% rise over five years, fueled by growing demand for quality properties. Delhi-NCR saw a 39% jump in housing launches in the fourth quarter of 2025, with the mid-segment leading the supply. In Bengaluru, a new order introduced changes regarding property possession. Furthermore, office occupancy in Delhi-NCR is projected to exceed 80% by 2027. Property markets such as Pune are also experiencing significant price changes, as evidenced by a 3BHK projection to hit Rs 2.15 crore next month. Additionally, the RBI's report showed that double-digit growth and falling NPAs strengthened Indian banks in 2024–25.
Budget 2026 Expectations
The upcoming Budget 2026 is creating anticipation. The real estate industry is seeking tax relief and stable policies. Discussions revolve around the potential phasing out of the old tax regime and a focus on tax clarity and faster dispute resolution. The CII suggested a phased privatization roadmap for public sector enterprises. The budget, slated to be presented by FM Nirmala Sitharaman at 11 AM on February 1, is expected to address healthcare, insurance, and pharma sectors. Discussions include joint tax filing for married couples.
Market Fluctuations
The stock market experienced volatility. The Sensex closed 245 points lower, with the Nifty below 25,700. TCS and Maruti faced a 2% decline. Gold and silver prices reached record highs. FIIs pulled out over Rs 11,700 crore in January, influencing market performance. Market holidays were observed on January 15 for Maharashtra civic polls. Infosys and TCS announced dividends, impacting investor sentiments. HCL Tech's share price fell following Q3 results, influencing investor decisions, and the overall market remained sensitive to global and domestic economic data.
Taxation Updates
Several tax-related developments are worth noting. The new income tax law is scheduled to roll out from April 2026. The income tax department is issuing notices, and understanding the implications is crucial. Income Tax refunds are taking longer, with reasons for the delay being discussed. Individuals can also explore capital gains account schemes for tax relief. ITR filing for AY26 saw 22.4 lakh updated returns and 26 lakh revised returns filed by December 31, indicating active tax compliance. The government is also simplifying provisions.
Other Financial Insights
The digital payment sector witnessed substantial growth, with a 41% CAGR as digital payments reached 22,831 crore in FY25. The GST collection in India rose by 6.1% YoY to Rs 1.74 lakh crore in December 2025. Bank employees are planning a nationwide strike on January 27 due to the demand for a 5-day work week. India's fish production doubled in a decade, creating 74.66 lakh jobs through government schemes. Moreover, the report states that India's REIT market value is expected to reach $25 billion by 2030, in comparison to the $18 billion in 2025. Also, the RBI has a special ink that is behind the Mahatma Gandhi's image on the currency note.
