Tuesday, September 23, 2025 News Archive

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Crypto Markets Volatile as Powell Speech Looms

Bitcoin and Ethereum prices face short-term volatility, with traders closely watching US Fed Chair Powell’s speech. Crypto markets recently saw $1.7 billion in liquidations as BTC slipped below $112,000. A rebound is possible if Powell signals rate cuts, while hints of policy caution may trigger further losses, especially in altcoins. Ethereum’s key support hovers around $4,000. Analysts emphasize the cross-asset impact, with investors reallocating from stocks to crypto amid ongoing macro risk and ETF outflows.
Tags:
  • crypto
  • Bitcoin
positive

India Records Bumper IPO Activity in September

India’s September IPO lineup saw Anand Rathi Share & Stock Brokers and Jaro Institute launch large offerings, joining Atlanta Electricals and Saatvik Green Energy in the record tally. Strong grey market premiums (GMPs) indicate oversubscription, with Atlanta Electricals’s GMP at ₹95 and Jaro’s at ₹122. Most recent mainboard and SME IPOs closed well above issue price, displaying robust investor interest. Observers expect vibrant listings as subscription data, fundamentals, and sector tailwinds continue supporting healthy aftermarket performance.
Companies:
  • Anand Rathi
  • Jaro Institute
  • Atlanta Electricals
Tags:
  • IPO
  • Anand Rathi
positive

India’s Auto Sector Shines on Festive Demand, EV Push

India’s auto sector has posted strong September sales, buoyed by festive season demand and positive sentiment for electric vehicles. Top automakers, including Maruti Suzuki and Tata Motors, report double-digit year-on-year growth in passenger vehicle deliveries. Analysts say EV launches like Tata’s Punch.ev provide further momentum. Industry experts project continued outperformance through Q4, supported by improving retail financing and lower input costs. Challenges such as semiconductor supply and emission compliance remain, but overall sector outlook is notably positive.
Companies:
  • Maruti Suzuki
  • Tata Motors
Tags:
  • auto sales
  • electric vehicles
neutral

China Asks Brokers to Pause Real-World Asset Tokenization in Hong Kong

China’s securities regulator has directed some domestic brokerages to pause real-world asset (RWA) tokenization activity in Hong Kong amid concern about rapid digital asset innovation. RWA tokenization refers to traditional assets like property, real estate, or stocks being converted into tradable digital tokens. This step signals caution from Beijing as Hong Kong seeks to enhance its virtual asset market. Shares in brokers such as Guotai Junan International and GF Securities dropped after the announcement. The duration and scope of the pause are unclear.
Companies:
  • Guotai Junan International
  • GF Securities
Tags:
  • China
  • tokenization
positive

Strive to Acquire Semler, Boost Bitcoin Holdings by $675M

Strive, backed by Vivek Ramaswamy, is acquiring Semler Scientific in a $1.34B all-stock deal and buying about 5,816 bitcoins for $675 million. Post-deal, the combined entity will hold over 10,900 BTC in its treasury. The acquisition comes amid rising interest in corporate bitcoin holdings as a strategic asset. This move strengthens Strive’s positioning among companies using digital assets as part of their balance sheet strategy.
Companies:
  • Strive
  • Semler Scientific
Tags:
  • bitcoin
  • corporate treasury
positive

India Mandates Cybersecurity Audits for Crypto Exchanges

In response to increasing cyber threats, the Indian government has made cybersecurity audits mandatory for **all** crypto exchanges, custodians, and intermediaries. This directive aims to strengthen operational security, protect user assets, and reduce risk of fraud. Platforms will be assessed for their readiness to follow security protocols and ability to handle threats. The move comes amid public concern after high-profile hacks globally and reflects regulators’ push towards safer and more transparent crypto infrastructure in India.
Companies:
  • CoinDCX
  • WazirX
  • other Indian exchanges
Tags:
  • India
  • crypto regulation
positive

Strive to Acquire Semler for $1.34B, Boost Bitcoin Holdings

Strive, a Bitcoin-focused firm backed by Vivek Ramaswamy, will acquire Semler Scientific in an all-stock deal valued at about **$1.34 billion**. Semler shareholders will receive 21.04 Strive Class A shares per Semler share, implying a premium above Semler’s prior trading price. Along with the acquisition, Strive will purchase ~5,816 bitcoins for $675 million, pushing its total Bitcoin holdings to over 10,900 BTC. Future acquisitions will be via “preferred equity only.”
Companies:
  • Strive
  • Semler Scientific
Tags:
  • Bitcoin
  • M&A
neutral

India’s strong private sector expansion loses some steam in September, PMIs show

India’s private sector growth remains solid in September but moderated from August’s multi-year peaks, according to the flash composite PMI. Both manufacturing and services output continued expanding, though new orders and hiring grew at slower rates. Intense competition and cost pressures were cited by firms. Despite cooling, the expansion remains one of the fastest in recent years, keeping expectations for near-term GDP growth intact amid inflation and demand concerns.
Tags:
  • economy
  • PMI
negative

Indian benchmarks muted as US visa worries offset consumption optimism

India’s Nifty-50 and Sensex ended nearly flat today as optimism over festive demand and strong auto and finance stocks was tempered by concerns over the U.S. raising H-1B visa fees. The rupee slid to record lows amid worries around foreign inflows. Small-caps and mid-caps underperformed broader markets. IT stocks dropped sharply, weighed down by fears that higher visa costs will hit margins and contract wins tied to U.S. work-permit dependencies.
Companies:
  • Infosys
  • TCS
  • Wipro
Tags:
  • India
  • markets
neutral

India Private Sector Expansion Cools Slightly in September

Data from a business survey released September 23 shows India’s private sector growth remained robust this month but cooled from August’s multi‐year high. New orders slowed, and firms showed reluctance in expanding staffing despite sustained demand. Input cost pressures persisted, though output prices eased somewhat. Overall, the picture suggests solid momentum but with signs of moderation that could influence future GDP growth and inflation trajectories.
Tags:
  • economy
  • PMI
negative

IT Stocks Slide after US H-1B Visa Cost Increase

Shares of leading Indian IT firms dropped ~3% after the US government raised fees for new H-1B visa applications to US$100,000, raising cost pressures for the sector heavily dependent on US visas. With over half of revenues coming from US contracts, many companies are evaluating hiring adjustments and cost models. Analysts suggest earnings per share could be trimmed. The broader Nifty IT index was the worst performing, dragging down sectoral and market confidence.
Companies:
  • Infosys
  • TCS
  • Wipro
  • Tech Mahindra
Tags:
  • IT sector
  • visa policy
negative

Rupee Hits All-Time Low; Options Market Shows Calm

The Indian rupee dropped to a record low near 88.79 per US dollar, driven by concerns around elevated US tariffs and the higher H-1B visa fees, which threaten export margins. However, the options‐market implied volatility has not surged: three-month and one-year implied volatility remain near recent lows, signaling that traders are not expecting sharp swings ahead. Corporate hedging activity and subdued speculative demand are helping anchor volatility.
Tags:
  • currency
  • rupee
neutral

India Benchmarks Muted amid US Visa Fee Hike, Auto Demand

On September 23, 2025, Indian equity indices were largely flat as strong auto and finance stocks saw gains from festive season optimism, but concerns over a steep rise in US H-1B visa fees dampened broader sentiment. The Sensex fell about 0.07%, and the Nifty dropped ~0.13%. Broader small- and mid-cap stocks also slid. External worries around trade and currency weighed on risk appetite despite domestic consumption themes showing strength. Volatility remains elevated.
Companies:
  • Maruti Suzuki
  • Reliance Industries
  • Infosys
  • TCS
  • Wipro
Tags:
  • markets
  • Sensex
neutral

SEBI Approves IPOs for Bharat Coking Coal & Aequs Ltd

SEBI has granted approval for IPOs of Bharat Coking Coal Ltd (a coal‐mining CPSE) and Aequs Ltd (precision engineering / aerospace components). This means both companies can now move forward with filing issue documents, pricing & timelines. Expected use of proceeds, issue size etc. to be disclosed soon. Approval reflects regulator’s push to revive the IPO pipeline across sectors.
Companies:
  • Bharat Coking Coal
  • Aequs Ltd
Tags:
  • IPO
  • engineering
positive

Seshaasai Technologies IPO Opens with 24% GMP

Seshaasai Technologies has launched its IPO (₹813 crore) with a price band of ₹402-₹423 per share, and the Grey Market Premium (GMP) is about 24% over the upper band—indicating strong investor interest. The company operates in payments solutions and IoT-enabled products & services. Funds raised will likely support business expansion and working capital. Investors should assess financials and valuation closely given the high GMP ahead of listing.
Companies:
  • Seshaasai Technologies
Tags:
  • IPO
  • payments
positive

India Regulators Plan Quicker Entry Processes for Foreign Investors

India’s SEBI and RBI are planning to simplify and speed up the entry process for foreign investors, cutting down registration time from 6 months to 30-60 days. The changes would standardize documentation, especially for already regulated funds, potentially boosting capital flows amid recent foreign investment outflows (US$10B) caused by weak corporate earnings and external concerns. Measures include aligning bank account norms and allowing digital submissions to improve ease of access.
Tags:
  • foreign investment
  • regulation
positive

JPMorgan Sees India IPOs Surpass 2024 Levels as Fundraising Gathers Steam

JPMorgan Chase projects that India’s IPO market in 2025 will exceed the totals of 2024, driven by softened regulations and strong equity valuations. Till August 2025, companies raised about US$8.2 billion from 49 IPOs. Another US$13B in IPOs has regulatory approval, and US$18.7B are awaiting green light. Big names like LG Electronics, Pine Labs and Groww may lead upcoming listings, with US$7-10B more expected in new deals.
Companies:
  • LG Electronics India
  • Pine Labs
  • Groww
  • JPMorgan
Tags:
  • IPO
  • equity markets
positive

Indian IPO Boom: 15 New Issues Open for Subscription

Indian primary markets are buzzing with activity as 15 new IPOs, both mainboard and SME, open for subscription in September 2025. Notable listings include GK Energy, Saatvik Green Energy, and Anand Rathi Share and Stock Brokers, with price bands ranging from ₹65 to ₹890 per share. Investors are showing strong interest, driven by prospects in energy, edtech, and manufacturing. Observers expect healthy listing gains as stable market liquidity, positive sentiment, and policy clarity drive demand in the IPO space.
Companies:
  • GK Energy
  • Saatvik Green Energy
  • Anand Rathi
Tags:
  • India IPOs
  • GK Energy
positive

Wall Street Hits Record: Nvidia, OpenAI Partnership Drives S&P 500

The S&P 500 soared to new record highs, fueled by a breakthrough partnership announcement between Nvidia and OpenAI. This move ignited investor enthusiasm for technology names, bolstered further by the Federal Reserve’s recent rate cut. Wall Street’s robust performance this week has inspired optimism across global markets, with major indices reflecting gains. Analysts now see heightened opportunity in AI-linked stocks as well as small-cap plays. The partnership marks a milestone for the sector, potentially reshaping future AI innovation.
Companies:
  • Nvidia
  • OpenAI
Tags:
  • Nvidia
  • OpenAI
neutral

IMF Revises Global Growth Outlook to 3% for 2025

The IMF’s latest World Economic Outlook saw global growth projections revised upward to 3% in 2025, supported by preemptive corporate activity ahead of new tariffs, improved financial conditions, and fiscal boosts in major economies. Despite a forecast fall in global inflation, the US inflation rate remains slightly above target, causing investor caution. Key downside risks include further tariff hikes, geopolitical tensions, and policy uncertainty. Policymakers are urged to restore confidence, enhance predictability, and promote sustainable growth across developed and emerging markets.
Tags:
  • IMF
  • global growth
negative

UN Warns of Rising Global Inequality with Growth Slowdown

United Nations forecasts that worldwide growth will decline to 2.4% in 2025, largely due to trade friction and delayed investments amid increased tariffs, especially from the US. The slowdown impacts both developed and emerging nations, raising concerns about widening inequality and social pressures. Calls for sustainable development and more targeted support have grown, highlighting the need for coordinated global recovery plans.
Tags:
  • UN
  • global growth
negative

OECD Flags Global GDP Dip Amid Trade Uncertainty

The OECD warns that global GDP growth will slow to 2.9% in both 2025 and 2026, down from 3.3% previously. The slower pace is attributed to trade policy uncertainty, tighter financial conditions, and persistent inflation in key regions including the US, EU, and China. Geopolitical risks continue to weigh on corporate investment worldwide, prompting economists to call for more stable export policies and targeted stimulus measures to safeguard recovery.
Tags:
  • OECD
  • global GDP
neutral

Global Equities Mixed as US Indices Rally

Asian markets traded mixed after China kept its loan prime rates unchanged for a fourth straight month, hinting at persistent concerns over local demand and rate stability. Meanwhile, US equity markets continued their upward momentum, with the S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Dow Jones all closing higher last session. Hong Kong's Hang Seng dipped, while Japan's Nikkei saw robust gains. Investors globally remain focused on rate developments and macroeconomic news.
Tags:
  • global stocks
  • Asia
neutral

Gold Hits Record High, IT Stocks Pull Down Indices

Gold prices on MCX surged to an all-time high at Rs 1,11,000 per 10g and silver futures rose to Rs 1,33,582/kg. However, Indian equity indices ended lower for a second day, especially battered by IT shares after the US announced a massive hike in the H-1B visa fee. Market experts believe that volatile commodities and sectoral shocks will define trading this week. Defensive and consumption stocks could offer some respite to investors seeking stability.
Tags:
  • gold
  • silver
neutral

Vodafone Idea Challenges AGR Demand; Swan Defence Signs Maritime MoU

Vodafone Idea announced its decision to legally challenge aggressive AGR demands from the government before the Supreme Court, aiming for long-term debt relief. Meanwhile, Swan Defence signed a Rs 4,250 crore MoU with Gujarat Maritime Board for new investments. NBCC and Railtel also reported large infrastructure orders, signaling robust activity in the construction and infrastructure sectors despite sector-wise headwinds affecting telecom and logistics stocks.
Companies:
  • Vodafone Idea
  • Swan Defence
  • NBCC
  • Railtel
Tags:
  • Vodafone Idea
  • AGR
negative

Midcap and Smallcap Indices Lag as IT Sector Falls

Indian midcap and smallcap indices fell by 0.5% each, while IT stocks plunged 2.7% and pharma stocks lost 1%. Power and oil sectors offered minor gains, cushioning the decline somewhat. Adani Enterprises and Eternal stood out as top-performing stocks, whereas Tech Mahindra and TCS led losses. Broader markets underperformed, with significant profit-booking observed across the Nifty 500 universe. The advance-decline ratio skewed negative, reflecting widespread bearish sentiment among investors.
Companies:
  • Adani Enterprises
  • Tech Mahindra
  • TCS
Tags:
  • midcap
  • smallcap
negative

IT Stocks Under Pressure; Mixed Global Cues

Indian IT stocks came under renewed pressure after the US imposed a sharp $100,000 one-time fee for new H-1B visas, triggering selling across the sector. Asian markets remained mixed, while US indices closed higher last session. As Indian equities prepare for a cautious opening, focus will be on how IT and financial stocks navigate policy headwinds. Stock futures indicate mild weakness, reflecting investor concerns over global rate changes and local regulatory signals.
Companies:
  • TCS
  • Infosys
  • Wipro
Tags:
  • IT stocks
  • H-1B visa
negative

Indian Stock Market Dips as IT Sector Feels Visa Shock

Indian benchmark indices fell for a second day, with the IT sector leading declines in response to the US hiking the H-1B visa fee to $100,000 per worker. Reliance Industries also weighed heavily on the market, triggering further selling. While Tech Mahindra, Infosys, and HCL Tech closed lower, select stocks like Bajaj Finance and Adani Ports saw gains. Analysts expect GST reforms, normal monsoon, and foreign inflows to support longer-term recovery despite current volatility.
Companies:
  • Reliance Industries
  • Tech Mahindra
  • Infosys
  • HCL Tech
Tags:
  • Sensex
  • Nifty
positive

a16z-Backed Shield Raises $5M for Crypto International Transactions

Crypto neo-bank Shield, backed by Andreessen Horowitz, secured $5 million in seed funding led by Giant Ventures to streamline international business payments using cryptocurrency. The platform aims to reduce cross-border friction for SMEs by enabling fast, low-cost transfers. This funding underscores growing investor interest in blockchain solutions amid regulatory clarity in digital assets.
Companies:
  • Shield
  • Andreessen Horowitz
Tags:
  • startups
  • crypto
neutral

Fed's Hammack Cautions on Inflation, Urges Measured Easing

Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Hammack emphasized ongoing focus on inflation risks, advocating caution in further monetary policy easing. Speaking amid recent rate cuts, he highlighted the need for data-dependent decisions to balance growth and price stability. This stance reflects broader economic concerns over persistent inflationary pressures despite cooling trends, influencing market expectations for future Fed actions.
Tags:
  • Fed
  • inflation
positive

Nasdaq Rises After Nvidia-OpenAI Partnership Announcement

Global markets edged higher as the Nasdaq surged following news of a major partnership between Nvidia and OpenAI, boosting AI-related stocks. The dollar weakened alongside Treasury yields amid expectations of U.S. policy shifts on visas. Investors remain cautious on trade tensions but optimistic about tech-driven growth, with MSCI's world index showing modest gains across sectors.
Companies:
  • Nvidia
  • OpenAI
Tags:
  • Nasdaq
  • Nvidia
positive

Wall St Indexes Climb with Nvidia, Tech Shares Amid Fed Rate Discussions

U.S. stock indexes rose on Monday, driven by gains in Nvidia and other tech shares, as investors digested mixed signals from Federal Reserve officials on further rate cuts. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq approached record highs, reflecting optimism in the tech sector despite some caution on monetary easing. This movement highlights ongoing investor focus on AI-driven growth and economic resilience.
Companies:
  • Nvidia
Tags:
  • US stocks
  • Nvidia
positive

UK-US Taskforce to Align Capital Access & Crypto Rules

The United Kingdom and United States have initiated the “Transatlantic Taskforce for Markets of the Future” to reduce regulatory frictions in capital markets and improve cooperation on cryptocurrency rules. Approved as part of UK-U.S. economic talks, the taskforce will produce recommendations in 180 days, focusing on smoother cross-border investment, digital asset oversight, and harmonizing rules for wholesale crypto markets. For fintechs, startups, and investors, this may mean faster approvals, clearer compliance paths, and reduced uncertainty when operating across both jurisdictions.
Companies:
  • Coinbase
  • OKX
Tags:
  • UK
  • US