IPO Market Overview
The Initial Public Offering (IPO) market saw various activities, with Gabion Technologies' IPO receiving significant interest. By the second day, the issue
was oversubscribed by 209.45 times, and by the last day, it reached an impressive 826 times. The Grey Market Premium (GMP) for this IPO was at 37%. Bharat Coking Coal also launched an IPO, and on the third day, it was oversubscribed by 43.82 times, with a GMP of 46%. Modern Diagnostic IPO saw a rise in its GMP, highlighting the investor interest. NSE's IPO is also nearing regulatory clearance, which is a positive sign for the market.
Market Performance Analysis
In 2026, the stock market experienced fluctuations. The Sensex closed 245 points lower, with the Nifty below 25,700. Additionally, the Sensex dropped 250 points after a volatile session, with the Nifty also trading below 25,750. The IT sector saw varied results, with HCL Tech's share price declining by over 2% after its Q3 results. Infosys's Q3 results showed revenue growth of 2% quarter-over-quarter. TCS announced a dividend of Rs 57 per share. FIIs pulled out over Rs 11,700 crore in January, and the BSE-NSE duopoly may end as the Metropolitan Stock Exchange prepares to start trading.
Taxation and Budget Insights
The upcoming Budget 2026 is a key focus for several sectors. The real estate industry is calling for tax relief and stable policies. The expectations include potential changes in income tax slabs and the phasing out of the old tax regime. There are also considerations for joint tax filing for married couples. The new income tax law is set to roll out from April 2026. The government aims to simplify tax provisions. The government also reported that 22.4 lakh updated returns and 26 lakh revised returns were filed until December 31.
Savings and Investment
Various savings schemes and investment options are available in India. The article highlights the importance of safe returns and provides a list of small savings schemes and their interest rates. SGB premature redemption saw investments of Rs 1 lakh turning into Rs 2.9 lakh. Investors are also exploring options like gift mutual fund units to children without incurring capital gains tax. HDFC Bank, SBI Card, and ICICI Bank are revising their card benefits, aligning with rising demand for airport lounge access.
Real Estate Trends
The real estate market shows promising trends. India is witnessing a 55% rise in branded homes over the past 5 years. Delhi-NCR saw a 39% jump in housing launches in Q4 2025. Office occupancy in Delhi-NCR is projected to exceed 80% by 2027. One significant change includes new possession rules in Bengaluru. In Ghaziabad, there's a mega flat sale offering discounts of up to 25%.
Personal Loan Growth
India's personal loan growth reached 35% in 2025, driven by small-ticket loans. Freelancers can also secure personal loans, even without a salary slip, and there is information about how this is possible. A key concern is the riskiest type of loan, which has the highest default rate in India.
Banking Sector Dynamics
The banking sector is experiencing significant developments. Double-digit growth and falling NPAs are strengthening Indian banks in 2024-25, according to the RBI. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is exploring a guaranteed payout model for NPS subscribers. Additionally, banks are set to remain shut for multiple days from January 14-18. Karur Vysya Bank is launching a capital gains account for tax relief, and ICICI Bank also introduced a similar scheme.
Other Financial Aspects
Retail inflation in India rose to 1.33% in December 2025, and food deflation eased. India's GST collection rose 6.1% year-on-year to Rs 1.74 lakh crore in December 2025. Digital payments are on the rise, with a 41% CAGR, and hit Rs 22,831 crore in FY25. The article also provides information on salary calculations, including the 8th Pay Commission, and highlights the potential impact of the US-Venezuela crisis on India’s trade and corporate credit, as analyzed by Crisil. Furthermore, India’s fish production doubled in a decade, creating 74.66 lakh jobs.
