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As October unfolds, India's vibrant festival season translates into various state-specific bank holidays. On October 26, banking services will pause in Tripura, Chandigarh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh. Important dates approaching include Karva Chauth on October 29 and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's birth anniversary on October 31. Although digital transactions persist, customers are encouraged to verify local holiday observances to sidestep any unexpected closures at physical branches.from Business News Today: Stock Markets, Financial News, India Business & World Business News https://ift.tt/8jJUVo0
A recent study by the RBI indicates that banks are more responsive to interest rate hikes than to cuts. Specifically, banks relayed 76.4% of repo rate increases, while only 64% of reductions were passed on. Amid periods of tightening, lending rates surged significantly, in contrast to the minimal decreases observed during easing. This research highlights the intricate dynamics of interest rate adjustments, particularly affecting sectors like MSMEs.
HDFC Bank and Bajaj Finance experienced significant market value declines last week amid broader market losses. The combined drop in valuations for eight major companies totaled Rs 1.55 lakh crore. Market capitalization for BSE-listed companies fell sharply by Rs 20,78,774.28 crore. Only Tata Consultancy Services and Larsen & Toubro managed to increase their market valuations during this period.
In Q2 FY27, IDFC First Bank showcased an impressive profit surge of 196.5 percent year-on-year, reaching Rs 1,045 crore. The bank's robust core operating performance is highlighted by a 21 percent rise in net interest income. Additionally, total loan assets expanded by 30.1 percent, showcasing substantial business growth. With gross non-performing assets reduced to 1.32 percent, management credits this achievement to effective deposit strategies and anticipated liquidity advantages.
Kotak Mahindra Bank reported an impressive 26% growth in its consolidated net profit for the September quarter of FY27. Standalone profit surged by 29%, reaching Rs 4,212 crore. The bank's asset quality improved, as evidenced by the notable decrease in gross non-performing assets. Moreover, the net interest income increased by 16%, with a robust capital adequacy ratio of 21.9%. Nevertheless, the net interest margin dipped to 4.
The YES Bank AT1 Retail Bond Holders Association cited Companies Act and Sebi obligations in seeking an explanation for non-payment of the 9% bond coupon due Oct 18, three days after the Oct 15 court order restoring the bonds. It also demanded payment of coupons skipped in 2020-25 and arrangements for the forthcoming Dec 23 coupon on 9.5% bonds.
In a significant restructuring effort, Barclays is poised to cut about 5,000 jobs from its worldwide team by the year's conclusion. This initiative focuses on optimizing efficiency and increasing investment in innovative technologies, notably artificial intelligence. The reductions will largely target support functions, affecting numerous developers and operational staff. Following 1,000 closed roles, the anticipated cuts will drive Barclays' ongoing mission to enhance its services while reducing costs.
Output in the energy-dominant industries like natural gas (-4.6%), crude oil (-1.4%) and fertilisers (-11.7%) saw continued sequential contraction, reflecting the impact of the prolonged conflict in West Asia. Output in the refinery products (10.3%) and coal (10.7%), however, saw acceleration during the month. Bank of Baroda chief economist Madan Sabnavis said Sept figures highlight buoyancy in infrastructure where govt has been spending.
HDFC Bank is conducting an internal investigation into two senior executives for sharing confidential business information. The probe began after concerns were raised about potential information leaks to outsiders. As changes in leadership approach, the bank faces mounting challenges amid recent internal disagreements. Executive transitions include Anup Bagchi becoming the new chief executive later this month. The findings of this investigation will influence future decisions and strategies at the bank.
In a concerning development, the State Bank of India has initiated an investigation following the exposure of 3,897 customer records on the dark web. Allegations suggest that a hacker group obtained sensitive personally identifiable information, such as names, mobile numbers, and addresses. Despite these alarming findings, SBI has assured that its essential operations remain unaffected and are functioning normally, while ongoing evaluations and corrective actions are being put in place.
Under income tax law, SBI staff are treated as non-government employees and, therefore, can claim leave encashment exemption subject to the applicable limit. A retired SBI employee from Jaipur, was unaware of this distinction. When he retired in 2020 he received Rs 9.29 lakh as leave encashment and did not pay tax on the amount.
The rupee opened higher against the US dollar, appreciating by 29 paise to a solid 94.62, fueled by foreign investments linked to the Jio IPO and backing from the Reserve Bank of India. Nevertheless, persistent crude oil price surges presented ongoing challenges for the currency. The domestic equity landscape also showed positivity, with the BSE Sensex recording substantial gains, even as foreign institutional investors stayed in a selling position.
As the festive season in India draws near, numerous bank holidays will mark the month of October. It’s essential for customers to verify the holiday schedules specific to their regions, particularly regarding closures for Dussehra, Durga Puja, and other festivities. Fortunately, services like ATMs and mobile banking will still operate, allowing for uninterrupted transactions. Careful planning can help customers navigate potential inconveniences during this busy season.
This week, Indian stock markets will likely be influenced by the quarterly earnings reports from key banks including HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and Axis Bank, showcasing different profit trends that are capturing investor interest. Traders will also keep a close eye on crude oil price shifts, geopolitical events, and foreign institutional investor movements, as well as the rupee-dollar exchange rate, to determine if the recent market resurgence is sustainable.
ICICI Bank has reported a remarkable 20.1 percent surge in standalone net profit for Q2 of FY 2026-27. This impressive performance is further highlighted by a 22.28 percent increase in consolidated net profit, which reached Rs 16,333.18 crore. Year-on-year, net interest income rose by 17.7 percent, alongside significant growth in advances and deposits, while asset quality improved with a drop in the gross non-performing asset ratio to 1.20 percent.
HDFC Bank's Deputy Managing Director, Kaizad Bharucha, has announced his resignation, effective December 31. This move precedes Anup Bagchi's appointment as the new Managing Director and CEO. In the latest reports, HDFC Bank has demonstrated remarkable profitability shifts this July to September, reflecting improved asset quality and a surge in net profit. Bharucha's resignation awaits approval from the Reserve Bank of India, as it has been accepted by the board.
In a recent case before the ITAT Mumbai, the Income Tax Department carried out searches at a woman's residence and bank lockers, and seized diamonds, gold and silver articles, along with jewellery, which it treated as unexplained assets. The seized items included gold jewellery of 427.71 grams, 258 grams of pure gold, diamond-studded jewellery containing 161.33 grams of gold, and articles made of a silver mixture weighing 11.200 kg.
On Friday, the Rupee showcased a solid performance, climbing 20 paise to hit 94.79 against the US dollar, building on gains from the previous day aided by a softer dollar and actions by the Reserve Bank of India. Nevertheless, escalating crude oil prices curtailed further advancements, even as domestic equities remained upbeat.
MD & CEO Sharma May Continue At The Helm
Wall Street faced a noticeable dip in stock prices following a surprise rise in inflation data, which has raised concerns over borrowing costs. As Treasury yields soared, investors pondered the shifting allure between equities and bonds. Major banks explored both the potential gains and risks tied to investments in the artificial intelligence sector. Although AI infrastructure is evolving, rising interest rates could jeopardize project success and returns.
In 2022, the woman applied for 130 shares in an IPO. However, the bank recorded her application for just 65 shares, which she claimed resulted in a loss of Rs 42,142. She also accused the bank of causing her physical and mental harassment. The Gujarat State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission subsequently partly allowed the woman’s appeal.
Gold price prediction today: Gold prices are trading cautiously, influenced by high US yields and the dollar index. Investors are still purchasing gold despite challenges in the physical market and slowed central bank acquisitions. The upcoming US September CPI is pivotal for the Federal Reserve's actions regarding interest rates.
Stock market recommendations:Bank of India, GAIL, and Dabur India - these are the top stocks to sell today as picked by Somil Mehta, Head of Retail Research, Mirae Asset ShareKhan for October 13, 2026. 
In a significant turnaround, the Rupee gained ground against the US dollar, settling at 94.96 as a result of strategic interventions by the Reserve Bank of India. These measures aimed at reducing excessive demand for dollars positively influenced the forex market, contributing to a decline in the dollar index and modestly lower oil prices.
India is projected to maintain a robust growth rate of 7% in both 2026 and 2027, bolstered by strong domestic demand and a thriving services sector, according to the International Monetary Fund. Positive revisions from the World Bank and OECD highlight resilience amid consumption patterns. However, challenges such as rising energy prices and geopolitical tensions could impact this trajectory, yet India's economic growth remains strong compared to other major nations.
Initially, the FD earned interest at rates of 7.75%, 8.25% and 7.75% over different periods. However, from January 30, 2018, the bank lowered the rate to 3.5%. Challenging the reduction, the deposit holder approached the court again, arguing that the bank had cut the interest rate without any valid reason or justification.
The study recommends setting the MDR share for TPAPs at 0.06%, lower than the 0.08% proposed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), while keeping the PSP share unchanged at 0.02%. Under the existing arrangement, banks that issue and acquire transactions collectively receive the bulk of the revenue, with a 70% share split between them
Reserve Bank of India has introduced new measures aimed at stabilizing the Indian rupee against the dollar. These changes include tighter restrictions on foreign exchange derivatives and new reserve requirements for banks. Analysts expect these measures to ease rupee depreciation and lower speculative dollar demand temporarily. However, external factors like high crude oil prices may continue influencing the currency's stability.
Anticipation is high in Indian stock markets as volatility and consolidation loom, particularly with September's inflation data on the horizon. These figures will shed light on price movements and may sway the Reserve Bank of India's policy decisions. The week also promises notable quarterly earnings from key corporations, adding another layer of influence on market behavior.
A man had not filed an income tax return for assessment year 2016-17. The tax department subsequently completed a reassessment without his participation and, on February 15, 2024, assessed his total income at Rs 55.62 lakh. The amount was treated as unexplained cash deposits in a bank account that the department attributed to him.
Stock market recommendations: Axis Bank, and Authum Investment & Infrastructure Ltd have been recommended as the top stocks to buy today on October 9, 2026 by Hitesh Rathi, Technical Analyst (Equity & Derivatives) at Angel One.
Anup Bagchi will assume the role of MD and CEO of HDFC Bank on October 27. His target annual compensation is set at Rs 35.9 crore, with potential total pay reaching Rs 43.2 crore. The compensation package includes a fixed pay of Rs 9 crore and a variable pay component capped at Rs 26.9 crore. Bagchi's pay significantly surpasses his previous compensation at ICICI Prudential Life.
The rupee opened at 96.71 against the dollar but improved to 96.65 thanks to intervention from the Reserve Bank of India. External factors, like a robust US dollar and climbing crude oil prices, are still putting pressure on the currency. Additionally, India's forex reserves are diminishing, leading to unease about the rupee's consistency.
RBI governor Sanjay Malhotra indicated that the rupee is undervalued and the central bank will intervene. The rupee closed at 96.78, down 36 paise from the previous day, hitting a five-month low. Malhotra mentioned that global AI stock corrections could attract foreign capital to India. Despite a robust services trade surplus, the current account deficit has widened due to increased merchandise trade deficit.
The Reserve Bank of India has announced a 25 basis points increase in the repo rate to 5.5%. This decision reflects growing inflation pressures and stronger than anticipated economic growth. The rise in interest rates will lead to higher loan EMIs, impacting consumption during the festive season. Banks are expected to increase fixed deposit rates following this policy change.
For individuals who receive a CAS, this means information on their mutual funds, stocks and, going forward, fixed deposits (FDs) can be viewed together in one place. The change will allow demat account holders to see details of their demat holdings as well as bank deposit accounts together in a single CAS.
The World Bank has revised India's economic growth projection to 7.1% for 2026-27, up from an earlier estimate. Strong domestic demand and exports are expected to support this growth despite global challenges. The Indian economy's performance in the first quarter of the current financial year has led to upgrades from various global entities. Agricultural output may be affected by sub-par monsoons, impacting rural demand and food inflation.
The proposal is aimed at ensuring that different channels used to import bullion face similar tax treatment and at reducing classification and valuation disputes that have resulted in lengthy litigation. The issue is likely to be discussed at the GST Council meeting on October 8. Currently, banks and certain nominated agencies are required to pay 3% GST when importing precious metals.
Private banks witnessed considerable credit and deposit growth in the second quarter of FY27. This growth was driven by the RBI's concessional dollar-rupee swap facility for FCNR(B) deposits. Major banks like Axis Bank, Kotak, and HDFC Bank reported varying growth figures, showing the impact of international branches. Although headline numbers appeared strong, underlying growth was more moderate after adjustments.
The rupee started off on a weaker note against the US dollar due to soaring crude oil prices and foreign investors selling off. In response, the Reserve Bank of India is stepping in to curb volatile changes, as forex reserves dwindle. Market analysts anticipate a possible interest rate increase following the upcoming monetary policy meeting, while the dollar index remains robust.
Bankers expect the Reserve Bank of India to raise the repo rate by 25 basis points soon. This marks the end of the rate-cutting phase that began in February 2025. Economists predict inflation will exceed the RBI’s forecasts, necessitating tightening. Experts anticipate resilient growth will provide the RBI room to act despite external pressures. The focus will remain on managing liquidity and aligning rates with policy measures.
This week, prices for gold and silver are likely to experience fluctuations driven by various factors including the strength of the US dollar, rising bond yields, and continuing tensions between the US and Iran. Market participants are closely monitoring the Reserve Bank of India's impending interest rate decision, as well as key economic data that could shape market predictions.
Volatility looms over Indian stock markets as they navigate a complex web of local and global influences. Major factors at play include the upcoming decision on interest rates from the Reserve Bank of India, alongside the eagerly awaited corporate earnings announcements. Additionally, fluctuations in crude oil pricing and global bond yields are expected to mold market sentiment.
The Bangalore bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) recently held that rental income already disclosed to the income tax authorities can be considered as an identifiable source of cash deposited into a bank account at a later date. Even where a landlord claims to have collected rent in cash, the subsequent deposit of that money cannot be disregarded merely because the rental earnings have already been taxed.
