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Saturday, September 20, 2025 News Archive

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positive

Luxury and Premium Goods See Festive Tailwind

India’s luxury and premium consumer segment is expected to thrive during the 2025 festive season, driven by urban incomes and aspirational buying. Brands in jewelry, high-end electronics, and fashion anticipate strong sales, with global luxury houses also expanding presence in Indian metros. Analysts highlight that India’s luxury market remains under-penetrated, but festive periods accelerate trial and conversion. Rising affluence, coupled with consumer credit availability, could make this season a defining moment for high-ticket discretionary purchases.
Tags:
  • festive season
  • luxury
Unknown Source• By
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positive

E-Commerce Players Eye Record Sales in Festive Season 2025

India’s e-commerce majors are gearing up for what could be record online festive sales this year. Platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, and Reliance JioMart are offering aggressive discounts across electronics, fashion, and appliances. Analysts expect double-digit growth over 2024 levels, with smartphone and premium appliance categories leading demand. Quick-commerce players such as Zepto and Blinkit are also entering festive gifting, experimenting with rapid delivery of sweets and hampers. This dual push reflects a shift in how India celebrates and shops during festivals.
Companies:
  • Amazon India
  • Flipkart
  • Reliance JioMart
  • Zepto
  • Blinkit
Tags:
  • festive season
  • e-commerce
Unknown Source• By
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positive

Festive Season 2025 Could Revive Rural Demand in India

India’s upcoming festive season may provide a lift to rural demand, especially as lower inflation and good monsoon support farm incomes. With agricultural households regaining some spending power, FMCG, two-wheelers, and affordable consumer durables could see improved sales. Companies like Hindustan Unilever, Hero MotoCorp, and Bajaj Electricals are expected to benefit from this demand uptick. Analysts suggest that a healthy rural recovery during Diwali and Dussehra could balance urban slowdown pressures, offering broader support to market sentiment.
Companies:
  • Hindustan Unilever
  • Hero MotoCorp
  • Bajaj Electricals
Tags:
  • festive season
  • rural demand
Unknown Source• By
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positive

Tariff Shifts Could Strengthen India’s Export Competitiveness

As Western economies impose new tariffs on China and other exporters, India has an opening to expand its footprint in global trade. By ramping up exports in textiles, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals, India can position itself as a trusted alternative supplier. Recent bilateral trade talks with the EU and UK add momentum. While tariff wars create short-term disruptions, India’s balanced diplomatic stance and lower trade frictions allow its exporters to capture shifting demand and diversify markets.
Tags:
  • India exports
  • tariffs
Unknown Source• By
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positive

Tariffs Push India Toward Supply Chain Self-Reliance

Global tariff disputes and shifting trade alignments are pushing India to reduce dependence on imports and strengthen local supply chains. Policies encouraging domestic manufacturing in electronics, renewable energy, and semiconductors are part of this pivot. The government’s Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes help create local capacity while attracting foreign investors who seek alternatives to tariff-exposed hubs. If sustained, this strategy may allow India to capture a larger slice of global production networks and build resilience.
Tags:
  • India
  • tariffs
Unknown Source• By
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positive

100k H-1B Visas May Spur Reverse Brain Gain for India

While the U.S. granting 100,000 H-1B visas boosts Indian tech workers abroad, it could indirectly accelerate reverse brain gain. Professionals returning after stints in the U.S. bring global exposure, networks, and capital. This cycle strengthens India’s startup ecosystem, particularly in deep tech and AI. The diaspora effect often channels venture funding and new business models back home. Thus, India benefits not only from remittances but also from reimported skills and innovation capacity that elevate competitiveness.
Tags:
  • H1B
  • India
Unknown Source• By
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positive

Anthropic CEO Says Claude Is Increasingly Writing Its Own Future Versions

At the Axios AI+ DC Summit, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei revealed that Claude is increasingly designing subsequent versions of itself. According to Amodei, the model is now handling much of its own development work, particularly writing code for its future upgrades. Though human oversight remains, this trend reflects accelerating automation within model design and iteration. The announcement raises questions about capability, safety, oversight and quality control. As AI evolves, the implications for developer workflows, alignment research, and regulatory oversight become more pressing.
Companies:
  • Anthropic
Tags:
  • Anthropic
  • Claude
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positive

Anthropic Launches ‘Keep Thinking’ Campaign to Broaden Claude’s Reach

Anthropic has rolled out its first major brand campaign for its AI model Claude, titled “Keep Thinking.” The multimillion-dollar campaign aims to reach beyond enterprise users and position Claude as a thoughtful, safe AI assistant for solving complex problems without supplanting human judgement. It includes video spots, premium media placements, and out-of-home advertisements. As competition with OpenAI intensifies, Anthropic hopes to expand mindshare among consumers. The push reflects growing focus on brand and consumer trust in AI.
Companies:
  • Anthropic
Tags:
  • Anthropic
  • Claude
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positive

OpenAI Hires Mike Liberatore, Ex-xAI CFO, as Business Finance Officer

OpenAI has brought on Mike Liberatore, previously Chief Financial Officer at xAI, to serve as its business finance officer. He will work alongside CFO Sarah Friar and others to oversee OpenAI’s finance strategy, especially around compute infrastructure and scaling server capacity. Liberatore was involved in xAI’s $5 billion debt and equity deals earlier this year. His appointment underscores the competition among leading AI companies to lock in financial and operational leadership, especially as compute cost becomes a bottleneck.
Companies:
  • OpenAI
  • xAI
Tags:
  • OpenAI
  • executive hire
Reuters• By
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positive

OpenAI Planning $100B Backup Server Spend Over Five Years

OpenAI intends to spend about **$100 billion** over the next five years renting backup servers from cloud providers, as part of its broader infrastructure build-out. This is in addition to an already projected $350 billion in server rentals through 2030. The backup infrastructure will support AI model training, reliability, and scale. OpenAI believes some of this capacity could become monetizable, helping serve increased product usage or research demands. The report also estimates a cash burn of roughly $115 billion by 2029 for AI infrastructure expansion.
Companies:
  • OpenAI
Tags:
  • OpenAI
  • infrastructure
Reuters• By
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positive

Nvidia Eyes $500M Investment in UK Autonomous Driving Startup Wayve

Nvidia is exploring a potential investment of $500 million into Wayve, a UK-based startup focused on autonomous driving using camera-based machine learning. Wayve’s approach emphasizes adaptability to real-world driving conditions rather than relying solely on pre-mapped routes. The move is part of Nvidia’s broader strategy to deepen involvement in transportation AI and combine its chip capabilities with software innovators. If consummated, the deal would substantially support Wayve’s expansion across Europe and the U.S., with implications for autonomous mobility markets.
Companies:
  • Wayve
  • Nvidia
Tags:
  • Nvidia
  • Wayve
Reuters• By
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positive

Equinix Opens $69M AI-Ready Data Center in Chennai

Equinix has inaugurated a new AI-ready data center in Siruseri, Chennai, with an investment of about ₹600 crore (~$69 million). The facility features 800 cabinets initially, with plans to scale up to 4,250 cabinets over 4-6 years. It uses liquid cooling and is purpose-built to support high-performance AI workloads. Integrated with global cloud and internet networks, this enhances Equinix’s footprint in southern India. The center is expected to serve enterprise customers requiring density, low latency and AI infrastructure.
Companies:
  • Equinix
Tags:
  • Equinix
  • AI infrastructure
Timesofindia• By
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positive

Oracle in Talks with Meta for $20B AI Cloud Computing Deal

Oracle is in advanced discussions with Meta for a multi-year cloud services deal worth around $20 billion. Under the proposed agreement, Oracle would supply substantial computing power to support Meta’s AI model training and deployment, complementing Meta’s existing providers. This follows Oracle’s earlier deal to provide cloud services to OpenAI, underlining a strategic push into AI infrastructure. The deal signals rising demand for cloud capacity and could shift market dynamics in cloud service competition.
Companies:
  • Oracle
  • Meta
Tags:
  • Oracle
  • Meta
Reuters• By
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positive

xAI Valuation Rockets to $200B Amid Reported $10B Raise

Elon Musk’s AI firm xAI is reported to have raised $10 billion, bringing its valuation up to about $200 billion. The funds are expected to support its data center expansion and secure high-performance GPUs from Nvidia and AMD for developing next-generation AI models. The investment also comes as the company builds Colossus, a massive supercomputer cluster in Tennessee, aiming to compete with giants like OpenAI and Anthropic. Despite market volatility, investor interest in frontier AI infrastructure remains strong.
Companies:
  • xAI
Tags:
  • xAI
  • funding
Reuters• By
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positive

Seshaasai Technologies Prices ₹813 Crore IPO Band for Payments-Tech Offering

Seshaasai Technologies Limited has announced its IPO price band at ₹402-₹423 per share for its ₹813 crore IPO. The company offers technology-driven services in payments, communication, and fulfillment. The issue has a face value of ₹10 per share. Book runners and the registrar roles are in place. Investors are assessing subscription, valuation band, and sector positioning. The IPO is scheduled to open soon, and sentiment is positive given strong investor interest in fintech-adjacent offerings.
Companies:
  • Seshaasai Technologies
Tags:
  • Seshaasai Technologies
  • IPO price band
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positive

VMS TMT IPO Subscribed Over 100 Times as Retail Demand Surges

VMS TMT’s IPO, of ₹148.5 crore size, closed subscription from September 17-19, 2025, and is expected to conclude allotment by September 20. It was subscribed over 102× in total, with retail investors subscribing nearly 48×; non-institutional investors at ~227×; qualified institutional buyers (QIBs) ~120.8×. The strong oversubscription signals high appetite for mid-small cap IPOs. Listing performance will be closely watched, especially given the robust interest across investor categories, despite recent macro concerns.
Companies:
  • VMS TMT
Tags:
  • VMS TMT
  • IPO subscription
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positive

India IPO Wave: ~₹6,300 Crore from 25 Issues Slated Next Week

India’s primary market is gearing up for a busy week with 25 IPOs scheduled to open, combining both mainboard and SME offerings. The total expected capital raise is about ₹6,300 crore. Mainboard names include Anand Rathi Share, Ganesh Consumer, Jain Resource Recycling, Seshaasai Technologies, and Atlanta Electricals. IPO sizes range from small issues (~₹18 crore) to large ones of over ₹1,200 crore. This flurry signals strong investor interest and liquidity in the market despite broader macroeconomic uncertainties.
Companies:
  • Anand Rathi Share
  • Ganesh Consumer
  • Jain Resource Recycling
  • Seshaasai Technologies
  • Atlanta Electricals
Tags:
  • India IPOs
  • primary market
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neutral

Pattern’s Nasdaq Debut Sees Shares Drop Despite $2.4B Valuation

Pattern Group, a U.S.-based e-commerce accelerator that purchases inventory and resells via platforms like Amazon, Walmart and eBay, went public on Nasdaq September 19, 2025. Its IPO raised $300 million by offering 21.4 million shares at $14 each. However, shares opened lower at $13.50, a drop of about 3.6% from the issue price. The company is valued at approximately $2.38 billion. While the listing reflects strength in certain sectors, investor caution remains amid macroeconomic and platform dependency risks.
Companies:
  • Pattern Group
Tags:
  • Pattern
  • IPO
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positive

Navan Files for US IPO with Strong Revenue Growth

Navan, the corporate travel management and payments platform formerly known as TripActions, has filed for an IPO in the U.S. The filing reveals a 30% revenue increase for the first half of fiscal 2026: revenue reached $329.4 million, up from $253.7 million a year earlier. However, net losses also widened to about $99.9 million. Valuation estimates for the IPO are above $8 billion. The company aims to tap institutional and public capital markets amidst renewed tech IPO activity.
Companies:
  • Navan
Tags:
  • Navan
  • IPO
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neutral

Startup IPO Momentum Slows in India as Global Uncertainties Bite

India’s startup IPO momentum, after a strong 2024, has seen a slowdown in 2025. Despite a healthy pipeline of around 25 startups that have filed Draft Red Herring Prospectuses (DRHPs) with SEBI — including Meesho, Lenskart, Fractal, PhysicsWallah, Shadowfax, and Turtlemint — only a handful have listed so far. Analysts attribute the delay to global macroeconomic concerns, valuation correction, and regulatory caution. Many startups may defer listing into 2026, awaiting clearer windows and market conditions.
Companies:
  • Meesho
  • Lenskart
  • PhysicsWallah
  • Shadowfax
  • Turtlemint
Tags:
  • startup IPOs
  • India
Financial Express• By
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positive

Google Chooses 20 Indian AI Startups for ‘AI-First’ Accelerator Programme

Google has selected 20 AI startups in India for its accelerator “Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First,” chosen from around 1,600 applicants. The cohort spans sectors like healthcare, climate, finance and education, and includes founders working on foundational AI models, multimodal systems and agentic platforms. Support will include access to Google Cloud infrastructure, Gemini models, technical mentorship, and go-to-market assistance under the IndiaAI Mission. The move signals rising investor confidence in India’s AI startup ecosystem amid increasing enterprise adoption and regulatory clarity.
Companies:
  • Google
  • selected AI startups
Tags:
  • Google
  • AI startups
M• By
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negative

Crypto Firms Push Back Against UK Stablecoin Ownership Caps Proposed by BoE

Cryptocurrency groups and industry associations are opposing proposals by the Bank of England that would cap individual holdings of systemically important stablecoins, suggesting limits between £10,000-£20,000 per person, and up to £10 million for businesses. Critics say such restrictions may stifle innovation and put UK crypto firms at a competitive disadvantage compared to other jurisdictions. They also raise compliance cost concerns, especially around verification and enforcement. The debate reflects tension between financial stability and fostering growth in digital asset markets.
Companies:
  • Coinbase
  • UK Cryptoasset Business Council
Tags:
  • crypto regulation
  • stablecoins
Financial Times• By
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positive

iDO Devices Raises $4 Million from Blume & Merak to Expand ODM Business

iDO Devices, an original design manufacturer (ODM) in India, has secured $4 million funding led by Blume Ventures and Merak Ventures. The funds will support further development of its hardware design and manufacturing capacity, enabling expansion of its product portfolio. This investment reflects growing interest in India’s full-stack product tech space, especially hardware manufacturing. Rising costs globally and supply chain challenges are pushing more companies toward local ODMs. The raise also signals investor confidence in hardware innovation beyond software startups.
Companies:
  • iDO Devices
Tags:
  • hardware
  • startup
Timesofindia• By
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positive

India’s Markets Regulator Approves Pine Labs IPO

SEBI has cleared the IPO for fintech firm Pine Labs, which could raise up to $1 billion and reach a valuation of about $6 billion. The company offers payment infrastructure including point-of-sale terminals. Proceeds will be used to reduce debt, improve technology, and ramp up overseas operations. The approval comes amid renewed IPO interest in India. Alongside Pine Labs, IPOs for Hero Motors and Canara Robeco Asset Management were also given nods, indicating strength in fintech and asset management stocks.
Companies:
  • Pine Labs
Tags:
  • Pine Labs
  • IPO
Reuters• By
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positive

SEBI Proposes Allowing Banks and Pension Funds to Trade Commodities

India’s securities regulator SEBI has initiated discussions with the government to enable banks and pension funds to participate directly in commodity markets. If approved, this change could significantly boost liquidity in commodities like metals and energy, and provide institutional investors new hedging tools. The proposed reform comes as SEBI also considers permitting foreign investors to engage in non-agricultural, non-cash settled derivatives. Markets responded positively, with shares of MCX rising on the news, as investors anticipate more depth and broader participation in commodities trading.
Companies:
  • MCX
Tags:
  • SEBI
  • commodities
Reuters• By
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positive

Piyush Goyal to Visit US on September 22 for Talks

India’s Trade Minister Piyush Goyal is scheduled to visit Washington DC on September 22, 2025, for discussions aimed at reviving a long-stalled trade agreement with the United States. Key topics include reducing U.S. tariffs on Indian goods, agricultural sector access, and addressing recent policy decisions like the steep H-1B visa fee hike which have strained trade relations. Indian exporters are watching closely, especially after August saw a drop in exports to the U.S. due to new barriers and costs. Progress in these talks could help lift export sentiment and equity markets.
Tags:
  • India
  • trade talks
Reuters• By
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positive

Platinum Outperforms Gold and Silver, Up ~57% Year‑to‑Date

Platinum has emerged as the top-performing precious metal in 2025, with gains of nearly 57% year-to-date, surpassing gold (~38%) and silver (~43%). Tightening supply from major producers in South Africa, combined with strong demand from the automotive sector for catalytic converters, has boosted prices. Investor interest seeking alternatives to gold’s elevated valuations is rising. Analysts note the narrowing premium over gold makes platinum increasingly attractive, especially amid supply constraints and global industrial demand. Market participants expect continued interest as demand remains robust and supply tight.
Companies:
  • Valterra
Tags:
  • platinum
  • precious metals
Timesofindia• By
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positive

Gold and Silver Prices Rebound in India Amid Record Domestic Demand

Gold prices in Delhi surged by around ₹800 per 10 grams to approximately ₹1,14,000, while silver rose by roughly ₹500 amid strong domestic demand. Investors are holding onto gold anticipating further gains, leading to tight scrap supply. Increased imports are required to meet festive-season demand. A weakening rupee combined with expectations of global interest rate cuts is further boosting the appeal of precious metals as safe-haven assets. Analysts suggest the rally may continue as inflation worries and geopolitical tensions support safe-haven buying.
Tags:
  • gold
  • silver
Timesofindia• By
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positive

Wall Street Hits Record Highs on Nvidia-Intel Deal and Fed Rate Cut

U.S. markets surged to record levels after the Federal Reserve’s decision to cut rates by 25 basis points, coupled with Nvidia’s $5 billion investment in Intel. Intel jumped nearly 23%, its largest single-day gain since the 1980s, while major indices including the S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Russell 2000 all posted new highs. Strength was broad-based, especially in semiconductors and tech stocks, as investor optimism builds around AI-driven growth and expectations of further monetary easing.
Companies:
  • Intel
  • Nvidia
Tags:
  • US markets
  • Fed rate cut
Reuters• By
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positive

UAE Stocks Rise After Local Rate Cut and Real Estate Gains

Markets in Dubai and Abu Dhabi rose on September 19, 2025, following a 0.25 percentage-point rate cut by the UAE central bank, echoing the U.S. Fed’s move. Dubai’s index was buoyed by gains in real estate and industrial stocks: Emaar Development rose nearly 5%, and Gulf Navigation Holding surged over 6%. Abu Dhabi’s market also advanced, led by energy and telecom names. Despite positive sentiment, oil price volatility and global macro risks continue to temper enthusiasm among investors.
Companies:
  • Emaar Development
  • Gulf Navigation Holding
  • Emaar Properties
  • ADNOC Gas
  • Etisalat etc.
Tags:
  • UAE
  • rate cut
Reuters• By
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positive

AI Robotics Startup Figure Valued at $39 Billion After $1B Series C Round

AI robotics company Figure has raised over $1 billion in a Series C funding round, lifting its valuation to $39 billion. Investors including NVIDIA, Intel Capital, Salesforce, Qualcomm Ventures and others backed the round. The funding will be used to scale manufacturing (BotQ), enhance its AI platform Helix, and expand into commercial and household robot applications. The surge reflects growing capital inflows into AI startups. Figure has also intensified data collection efforts to improve product robustness and move toward broader commercialization.
Companies:
  • Figure
Tags:
  • Figure
  • AI robotics
Reuters• By
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positive

Pelocal Raises $5M to Broaden Fintech Services in India

Pelocal, an Indian fintech startup, has raised $5 million in a funding round led by Unleash Capital Partners and Unicorn India Ventures, with support from angel investors. The capital will be used to expand its platform offerings, strengthen product development, and accelerate growth in digital financial services. Pelocal aims to target underserved customer segments and enhance tech infrastructure for seamless fintech experiences. The raise signals investor confidence in India’s fintech space even amidst macro pressures like inflation and regulatory shifts.
Companies:
  • Pelocal
Tags:
  • Pelocal
  • fintech
M• By
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positive

Databricks Makes First Latin American Startup Investment in Indicium

Databricks Ventures has acquired a minority stake in Indicium, a data & AI consultancy originally founded in Brazil, making it its first investment in a Latin American startup. Indicium, with 450 employees, raised $40 million in early funding in 2024 and expects its U.S. revenue portion to grow from 30% in 2024 to 60% by 2026. The move aligns with Databricks’ expansion across Latin America and strengthens its partner ecosystem. The funding terms were not disclosed, but the collaboration promises to deepen in AI customer solutions.
Companies:
  • Databricks
  • Indicium
Tags:
  • Databricks
  • Indicium
Reuters• By
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positive

Nothing Secures $200 Million to Accelerate AI-Native OS and Hardware Integration

London-based startup Nothing has raised $200 million in a Series C funding round led by Tiger Global and other existing and new backers including Qualcomm Ventures. Its valuation now stands around $1.3 billion. The company plans to use the capital to build an AI-powered operating system and integrate hardware and software more tightly. Expansion of distribution channels is also planned. The funding marks a shift from pure hardware focus toward platform creation, aligning with trends in AI-driven user interfaces and ecosystem development.
Companies:
  • Nothing
Tags:
  • Nothing
  • AI OS
Timesofindia• By
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positive

Mutual Funds Increase Auto Sector Exposure on Festive Demand and GST Relief

Mutual fund portfolios in India have boosted their allocation to the automobile sector recently. This is driven by expected demand uptick over the forthcoming festive period and certain GST relief measures reducing input costs. Auto sector’s weight in equity schemes has climbed to its highest in about ten months, reflecting optimism over consumer sentiment and demand for vehicles. Analysts suggest this could persist if collection data and retail footfall hold up over the next few weeks.
Companies:
  • auto manufacturers
Tags:
  • auto sector
  • mutual funds
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positive

Edelweiss MF Launches India’s First Hybrid Long-Short Specialised Investment Fund

Edelweiss Mutual Fund has introduced the Altiva Hybrid Long-Short SIF (Specialised Investment Fund), India’s first fund to combine long- and short-position strategies within one scheme. The aim is to generate absolute returns while keeping volatility low, using hedging strategies alongside conventional equity exposure. Fund managers see this as offering investors an alternative to typical equity or debt funds, particularly in volatile or sideways markets. It opens for subscription from October 1 to October 15, 2025.
Companies:
  • Edelweiss MF
Tags:
  • hybrid fund
  • long-short
M• By
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positive

SEC Eases Listing Rules, Paving Way for More Crypto Spot ETFs

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has approved new generic listing standards that ease entry for crypto spot ETFs on major exchanges like Nasdaq, NYSE Arca and Cboe. Under the updated rules, fund issuers no longer must seek individual rule-changes for each crypto ETF, instead using a standardized process. The first multi-crypto ETF under this regime, holding Bitcoin, Ether, XRP, Solana and Cardano, has already been green-lit. Industry observers expect a wave of fresh crypto ETFs to hit markets starting October 2025.
Companies:
  • fund issuers
  • crypto asset firms
Tags:
  • crypto
  • ETFs
Reuters• By
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positive

IG Group Acquires Independent Reserve to Expand Crypto Exposure in Asia-Pacific

IG Group, a UK-based financial markets firm, has agreed to acquire a 70% stake in Independent Reserve, an Australian cryptocurrency platform, for about £60.8 million, with a conditional option to buy the rest. Independent Reserve has over 450,000 users and saw revenue nearly double year-over-year. The acquisition enables IG to deepen its crypto offerings in Australia and Singapore while strengthening its foothold in Asia-Pacific digital asset markets. The platform will continue operating under its existing brand and license framework.
Companies:
  • IG Group
  • Independent Reserve
Tags:
  • crypto acquisition
  • IG Group
Thetimes• By
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positive

Micron Rides High Demand Ahead of Earnings on AI-Driven Memory Needs

Micron Technology is seeing its stock surge as investors anticipate its upcoming earnings report, driven by strong demand from data centers and AI applications. The company’s memory and storage products are being stretched thin amid growth in AI model training and inference workloads. Revenue forecasts for its next quarter suggest higher than expected numbers, reinforcing optimism. Micron is viewed as one of the key beneficiaries of generative AI’s infrastructure demands, increasing both its market sentiment and investor interest across the semiconductor sector.
Companies:
  • Micron Technology
Tags:
  • Micron
  • AI demand
Investors• By
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negative

Semiconductor firms facing high cost pressures as India tightens raw material import rules

Semiconductor and electronics manufacturers are raising concerns over significant cost increases caused by tightened import restrictions on critical raw materials such as solder paste, gold wire, and lead frames. Under India’s Directorate General of Foreign Trade, some items now require specialized import licenses and attract greater customs duties. The changes have disrupted procurement timelines, and some firms report delays and increases of 15-30% in input costs. This could squeeze margins unless passed onto consumers or absorbed via efficiency gains.
Tags:
  • India
  • semiconductors
M• By
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positive

STMicroelectronics invests $60M in French PLP pilot amid semiconductor restructuring

STMicroelectronics has committed $60 million toward a pilot line in its Tours, France factory to adopt Panel-Level Packaging (PLP) technology, part of its broader restructuring effort. The investment involves reorganizing older manufacturing lines and relocating some operations to enhance efficiency. PLP allows chips to be produced on large square panels rather than conventional circular wafers, cutting manufacturing steps and boosting throughput. The pilot line is expected operational by third quarter of 2026, amid global push for more automated, cost-efficient chip production.
Companies:
  • STMicroelectronics
Tags:
  • STMicroelectronics
  • PLP
Reuters• By
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positive

Huawei Unveils Ambitious AI Chip Roadmap to Rival Nvidia

Huawei has laid out detailed plans for its next wave of AI chips, unveiling four new Ascend-series chips over 2026-28. The roadmap includes Ascend 950 (two variants in 2026), followed by Ascend 960 (2027) and 970 (2028), along with powerful computing platforms Atlas 950 and Atlas 960 designed for large scale AI clusters. Huawei also claims progress on high-bandwidth memory tech to reduce dependency on foreign suppliers. The push reflects China’s drive for greater self-reliance amid export control tensions.
Companies:
  • Huawei
Tags:
  • Huawei
  • AI chips
Reuters• By
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positive

25 New IPOs Set to Open Next Week, ₹6,300 Crore On Offer

Next week in India promises a busy IPO calendar with 25 new issues opening, aiming to raise a combined ₹6,300 crore. Mainboard and SME companies, covering sectors from consumer, manufacturing to tech, will offer shares ranging from around ₹18 crore to over ₹1,200 crore. Key players include Anand Rathi Share, Ganesh Consumer, Jain Resource Recycling, Seshaasai Technologies and Atlanta Electricals. Investor appetite remains strong, driven by high liquidity and positive sentiment in select sectors despite valuation concerns.
Companies:
  • Anand Rathi Share
  • Ganesh Consumer
  • Jain Resource Recycling
  • Seshaasai Technologies
  • Atlanta Electricals
Tags:
  • IPO pipeline
  • India markets
M• By
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neutral

Five Key Takeaways from the Latest US Executive Order on H-1B Fees

The recent executive order raises the annual application fee for H-1B visas to $100,000 for those entering or applying after September 21, 2025, with some waivers possible for national interest cases. Employers must provide proof of payment, and entry may be denied without it. Wage standards are under review to align with the higher fee. Existing visa holders are not impacted retroactively. The order is expected to trigger legal challenges and major cost impacts for large tech firms, especially those employing many foreign skilled workers.
Tags:
  • policy
  • H-1B
Hindustantimes• By
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negative

Microsoft Issues Return Advisory Ahead of H-1B Fee Hike Deadline

Microsoft has issued an internal advisory urging H-1B and H-4 visa holders to return to the U.S. before September 21, 2025, when a new $100,000 annual fee for H-1B applications takes effect. The recommendation follows a presidential proclamation raising the fee and tightening entry rules under the H-1B visa program. The change will significantly increase employer costs and affect travel plans. Existing visa holders outside the U.S. may face complications due to the deadline and new entry requirements.
Companies:
  • Microsoft
Tags:
  • Microsoft
  • H-1B
Hindustantimes• By
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negative

Indian IT Sector Warns of Disruption After H-1B Fee Jump

Indian technology services companies may face significant disruption as the new $100,000 annual H-1B visa fee increases costs of sending workers to the U.S. Firms with tight margins and large workforce overseas could re-think staffing models. The rule change might push some operations out of the U.S. and accelerate automation. Indian tech firms dependent on H-1B talent may also face client pushback or renegotiation of contracts. Some are evaluating whether this will distort resource planning and pricing in contracts dollarized in U.S. regions.
Companies:
  • Infosys
  • TCS
  • Wipro
  • Tech Mahindra
Tags:
  • Indian IT
  • H-1B
Reuters• By
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neutral

Key Takeaways from H-1B Fee Hike and Exemptions Under New Order

The order raising H-1B visa fees to $100,000 annually becomes effective September 21, 2025, but includes some exemptions. If hiring foreign workers is deemed in the U.S. national interest, the secretary of homeland security can waive the fee for individuals, companies, or industries. The wage levels required under H-1B may also be revised. Proof of fee payment will be required in visa applications. The order affects only new entries or visa changes post-effective date, not existing visa holders.
Companies:
  • Tech firms
  • Universities
Tags:
  • H-1B
  • fee_hike
Hindustantimes• By
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negative

US Introduces $100,000 Annual Fee for H-1B Visa Filings

The Trump administration has signed a proclamation requiring companies sponsoring H-1B visa holders to pay an annual fee of $100,000, up from about $215. This change is scheduled to take effect September 21, 2025. Its purpose is to discourage use of the program for lower-wage foreign labor and to encourage employers to hire and train U.S. workers. Tech companies and universities are likely to face higher costs, and smaller firms may struggle. Legal challenges are expected.
Companies:
  • Amazon
  • Google
  • Microsoft
  • Infosys
  • Wipro
Tags:
  • H-1B
  • visa_fee
Reuters• By
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positive

Wall Street Closes at Record Highs Fueled by Fed Rate Cut and Nvidia-Intel Deal

U.S. markets ended at record highs driven by a quarter-point rate cut by the Federal Reserve and a surprise investment by Nvidia in Intel. Intel shares rose nearly 23%, its biggest jump in decades, while Nvidia also gained. Tech and semiconductor sectors led the rally, with small-caps showing strength. Broader indexes like S&P 500 and Nasdaq rose significantly. Investors are now pricing in more rate cuts this year, though there is caution around potential overvaluation and global economic risks.
Companies:
  • Intel
  • Nvidia
Tags:
  • Fed
  • rate cut
Reuters• By
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negative

Global Equity Funds See Historic Weekly Outflows Amid High Valuations

Global equity funds recorded their biggest weekly outflow in years, totaling nearly $39 billion, as investors take profits following a broad rally. Valuations are now stretched, forward price-to-earnings ratios near multi-year highs, and debt costs remain a concern. Outflows from U.S. equity funds were especially large, while Europe and Asia drew modest inflows. At the same time, bond funds saw demand, though returns are squeezed by rising yields. Analysts warn that markets may be vulnerable if central banks don’t follow through on promised rate cuts.
Tags:
  • fund flows
  • global equities
Reuters• By
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positive

India Auto Stocks Lead Benchmarks to Two-Month Highs on Trade & Fed Hopes

Indian equities hit two-month highs, with auto stocks driving gains in recent sessions. Companies like Mahindra & Mahindra, TVS Motor and Hyundai Motor India outperformed after GST cuts and positive sentiment around trade talks with the U.S. Lifted by hopes of U.S. rate cuts, Nifty and Sensex closed higher. Energy sector also saw strength. Some selling pressure in sectors like FMCG dampened broader gains. Investors expect auto names to benefit if festive demand holds up and input costs remain stable.
Companies:
  • Mahindra & Mahindra
  • TVS Motor
  • Hyundai Motor India
Tags:
  • India
  • auto sector
Reuters• By
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positive

WTO Report Sees AI Boosting Global Trade by Up to 37% by 2040

A new World Trade Organization report projects that artificial intelligence could raise global trade in goods and services by about 34-37% by 2040, and lift global GDP by 12-13%, depending on how fast countries adopt AI and build enabling infrastructure. The report warns that without policy support, poorer nations might miss out due to gaps in digital connectivity, semiconductor access, and regulatory readiness. It emphasizes predictable trade rules and investment in skills to ensure benefits are broadly shared.
Tags:
  • WTO
  • AI trade
Reuters• By
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positive

WTO Report Sees AI Boosting Global Trade by Up to 37% by 2040

A new World Trade Organization report projects that artificial intelligence could raise global trade in goods and services by about 34-37% by 2040, and lift global GDP by 12-13%, depending on how fast countries adopt AI and build enabling infrastructure. The report warns that without policy support, poorer nations might miss out due to gaps in digital connectivity, semiconductor access, and regulatory readiness. It emphasizes predictable trade rules and investment in skills to ensure benefits are broadly shared.
Tags:
  • WTO
  • AI trade
Reuters• By
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positive

Crisil Sees GST Rationalization + Low Food Inflation Spurring Household Spending

Crisil’s chief economist predicts that recent GST cuts, combined with low food inflation and income tax relief, could significantly boost consumption among Indian households ahead of the festive season. Middle-class and mass-market segments are expected to benefit most, especially in categories like apparel, electronics and personal care. The stimulus effect is expected to flow through quickly. Concerns remain about fiscal cost and whether inflation pressures may disrupt pass-through, but overall outlook is improving for consumer-facing stocks.
Tags:
  • GST
  • inflation
M• By
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positive

India’s RBI Urges States to Diversify Borrowing Amid Record Fiscal Needs

The Reserve Bank of India has asked state governments to spread their borrowing across bond tenures rather than rely heavily on long-term issuances. This comes as states plan to borrow a record ₹12 trillion in fiscal year 2026. Heavy concentration in long terms has pushed bond yields up, causing concern among banks and fixed income investors. The RBI recommends using reissues of existing bonds to enhance liquidity and avoid market distortion from sudden supply pressure. The move aims to stabilize yields and promote smoother state borrowing.
Tags:
  • RBI
  • state borrowing
Reuters• By
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