Sunday, October 5, 2025 News Archive

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Neptune Insurance completes NYSE IPO

Neptune Insurance completes NYSE IPO
Neptune Insurance Holdings made its public debut on the NYSE at $20 per share, raising $368 million through its October 1 IPO. The insurtech player aims to disrupt traditional insurance with a technology-first approach focused on automation and digital underwriting. Early trading showed cautious but steady investor participation rather than speculative excitement. Market analysts suggest that Neptune’s post-listing performance over the next few quarters will be crucial in assessing whether it can scale meaningfully or remain a niche operator.
Companies:
  • Neptune Insurance Holdings
Tags:
  • ipo
  • markets
positive

Bitcoin approaches all-time high, ETF inflows surge

Bitcoin approaches all-time high, ETF inflows surge
Bitcoin edged close to record highs, crossing $123,874 in early October, fueled by strong ETF inflows of $3.24 billion last week and increased demand for safe-haven assets amid the US government shutdown. Investor confidence in crypto grew as Ethereum, Solana, and XRP also rallied, reflecting broader market participation. Traders are watching sentiment carefully, noting that heightened activity in digital assets is being driven both by institutional inflows and retail enthusiasm, signaling renewed momentum in the cryptocurrency space.
Companies:
  • Bitcoin
  • Ethereum
  • Solana
  • XRP
Tags:
  • crypto
  • markets
positive

DeepSeek unveils R1 model at lower cost

DeepSeek unveils R1 model at lower cost
Chinese startup DeepSeek has launched its R1 large language model, built on custom hardware that significantly reduces energy consumption. The model delivers performance comparable to leading US counterparts but at roughly 70% lower cost, making it an economical alternative for enterprises and developers. With ambitions to commercialize globally, DeepSeek aims to challenge Western dominance in AI, positioning itself as a cost-efficient, high-performance contender in the rapidly evolving artificial intelligence landscape. Early industry watchers are keenly observing its impact.
Companies:
  • DeepSeek
Tags:
  • ai
  • startups
positive

eBay deploys ChatGPT Enterprise for 10,000 sellers

eBay deploys ChatGPT Enterprise for 10,000 sellers
eBay has launched ChatGPT Enterprise for 10,000 of its sellers to enhance efficiency in listings, performance analytics, and customer communications. The AI-powered platform helps sellers streamline content creation, gain actionable insights from sales data, and maintain consistent messaging. Early user feedback highlights notable time savings and improved operational consistency. This rollout is part of eBay’s broader strategy to integrate AI across its platform, aiming to support sellers, improve performance, and modernize the overall marketplace experience.
Companies:
  • eBay
Tags:
  • ai
  • startups
positive

eBay deploys ChatGPT Enterprise for 10,000 sellers

eBay deploys ChatGPT Enterprise for 10,000 sellers
eBay has launched ChatGPT Enterprise for 10,000 of its sellers to enhance efficiency in listings, performance analytics, and customer communications. The AI-powered platform helps sellers streamline content creation, gain actionable insights from sales data, and maintain consistent messaging. Early user feedback highlights notable time savings and improved operational consistency. This rollout is part of eBay’s broader strategy to integrate AI across its platform, aiming to support sellers, improve performance, and modernize the overall marketplace experience.
Companies:
  • eBay
Tags:
  • ai
  • startups
neutral

US labor market shows sluggish improvement

US labor market shows sluggish improvement
ADP reported that private-sector employment declined by 32,000 jobs in September, with healthcare and education sectors accounting for most of the new additions. The official government jobs report was delayed due to the ongoing federal shutdown. This slowdown reflects cautious hiring among businesses amid economic uncertainty. Unemployment remains close to a four-year high, signaling persistent labor market challenges. Analysts are closely monitoring upcoming data to assess trends in employment growth, sectoral strength, and overall economic resilience.
Companies:
Tags:
  • economy
  • markets
positive

RBI raises India’s GDP forecast for FY26

RBI raises India’s GDP forecast for FY26
The Reserve Bank of India has revised its FY26 real GDP growth forecast upward to 6.8%, up from the earlier projection of 6.5%, while keeping the repo rate steady at 5.5%. This adjustment reflects strong domestic investment, resilient consumer demand, and a stable external sector supporting economic expansion. India’s Q1 growth reached 7.8%, marking the fastest pace in seven quarters. The RBI’s outlook underscores sustained economic momentum, balanced monetary policy, and continued optimism for India’s growth trajectory.
Companies:
Tags:
  • economy
  • stocks
positive

Berkshire Hathaway acquires Occidental petrochemicals

Berkshire Hathaway acquires Occidental petrochemicals
Berkshire Hathaway has announced the acquisition of Occidental Petroleum’s petrochemical division for $9 billion in cash, representing its largest deal since 2022. The announcement triggered a premarket surge of over 1% in Occidental shares. This strategic acquisition reflects Berkshire Hathaway’s focus on expanding its energy portfolio and capitalizing on market opportunities. Analysts view the move as a sign of renewed merger and acquisition activity in the energy sector, highlighting confidence in long-term growth prospects and sectoral stability.
Companies:
  • Berkshire Hathaway
  • Occidental Petroleum
Tags:
  • markets
  • stocks
positive

Tech stocks lead quarterly gains in US

Tech stocks lead quarterly gains in US
The tech-focused Nasdaq Composite surged 10.6% for the quarter ending October 3, supported by robust AI investments and resilient investor sentiment that offset concerns over a potential government shutdown. The broader S&P 500 index gained 7% during the same period, reflecting solid earnings and market confidence. Small-cap stocks also performed strongly, with the Russell 2000 reaching an all-time high and posting a 10% quarterly gain. The Dow Jones Industrial Average grew 4.3%, highlighting steady growth across major US indices.
Companies:
  • Apple
  • Microsoft
  • Tesla
Tags:
  • markets
  • stocks
positive

US markets hit record highs despite shutdown

US markets hit record highs despite shutdown
Leading US stock indexes ended last week at record highs despite concerns over a potential government shutdown. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq posted gains, buoyed by investor optimism that any funding stoppage would be brief and confidence in continued investments in artificial intelligence. While Dow futures slipped slightly, technology stocks led the quarter’s performance, reflecting strong earnings and sectoral momentum. Overall, market sentiment remained resilient, with investors focusing on growth opportunities rather than short-term political disruptions.
Companies:
  • Apple
  • Microsoft
  • Tesla
Tags:
  • markets
  • stocks
positive

Indian markets reopen after holiday break

Indian markets reopen after holiday break
The BSE and NSE reopened for regular trading on October 3 following closures for Gandhi Jayanti and Dussehra. Market participants are closely observing global cues, institutional flows, and corporate earnings after the recent RBI policy meeting. The Reserve Bank of India kept the repo rate steady at 5.5%, signaling a balanced monetary stance. In response, the Nifty50 crossed 24,600 points, and the Sensex climbed over 500 points, reflecting investor optimism fueled by stable policy and positive economic indicators.
Companies:
  • BSE
  • NSE
  • RBI
Tags:
  • markets
  • economy
positive

EPFO to Ease International Workers’ Transfers

EPFO to Ease International Workers’ Transfers
The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has introduced new guidelines allowing cross-border transfer of provident fund deposits for Indian workers abroad under Social Security Agreements. This framework ensures seamless portability of retirement savings for Indians returning from countries including Germany, Belgium, and South Korea. By preventing duplication of benefits and enabling consolidated fund access, the move strengthens member rights, simplifies retirement planning for expatriates, and reflects EPFO’s commitment to enhancing convenience, transparency, and global alignment of India’s social security system.
Companies:
Tags:
  • economy
  • global
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EPFO: Digital Services Expansion

EPFO: Digital Services Expansion
The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has significantly expanded its digital services, offering instant UAN activation, mobile number updates, and KYC-linked withdrawal portals. Members can now claim advances, update personal credentials, and access passbook balances online, streamlining routine tasks. This move enhances convenience for over 6 crore contributors and reduces processing turnaround times. By embracing rapid digitization, EPFO aims to make provident fund management more efficient, transparent, and user-friendly, reflecting a broader commitment to leveraging technology for improved service delivery.
Companies:
Tags:
  • economy
  • mutual_funds
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EPFO Surplus Surges, Interest Rates Stay at 8.25%

EPFO Surplus Surges, Interest Rates Stay at 8.25%
The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has maintained the 8.25% interest rate on provident fund deposits for FY 2024-25, following record surpluses. Over 6.8 crore Indian employees benefited from provident fund accruals, supported by strong payroll growth and investment gains across the EPFO portfolio. Retaining the rate ensures stable returns for members and reflects the EPFO’s prudent and conservative investment strategy, even amid fluctuating global interest rates. This decision underscores the organisation’s focus on safeguarding retirement savings while balancing growth opportunities.
Companies:
  • EPFO
Tags:
  • economy
  • mutual_funds
positive

Best Practices for Safe, Compliant Global Investing

Best Practices for Safe, Compliant Global Investing
Experts advise Indian investors to begin with US-focused mutual funds for simplicity, as these funds handle compliance and aggregation. For direct stock investments, choose large, regulated US brokers, and ensure all remittances and global income are reported according to Indian tax laws. Diversifying across sectors, starting gradually via SIPs, and continuously monitoring US and Indian market developments, currency fluctuations, and tax policies are essential. Following these practices helps mitigate risks, maintain regulatory compliance, and optimize long-term returns while participating in global equity markets.
Companies:
  • Apple
  • Microsoft
  • Tesla
Tags:
  • economy
  • stocks
neutral

US Market Shocks Can Impact Indian Portfolios

US Market Shocks Can Impact Indian Portfolios
The Indian Economic Survey 2025 emphasizes that strong participation of Indian investors in US equities could amplify domestic market impacts in the event of a US stock correction. Since US stocks constitute a major portion of the MSCI World Index, any volatility abroad is likely to influence Indian equity sentiment. This effect is particularly significant for new retail investors who may lack experience with prolonged market corrections, potentially leading to reactive selling or heightened market nervousness in India.
Companies:
  • MSCI
Tags:
  • economy
  • global
positive

Global Diversification and Currency Shield for Indian Investors

Global Diversification and Currency Shield for Indian Investors
US markets provide Indian investors with global diversification, offering exposure to leading multinational firms such as Apple, Microsoft, and Tesla. Investing abroad also serves as a hedge against rupee depreciation since returns are denominated in US dollars. Unlike India’s more concentrated sectoral indices, US markets grant access to sectors that are underrepresented domestically, including cloud computing, advanced AI, and global healthcare. This enables investors to spread risk across industries, capture innovation-driven growth, and benefit from broader market cycles unavailable in local equities.
Companies:
  • Apple
  • Microsoft
  • Tesla
Tags:
  • markets
  • economy
positive

Cross-Border Investments: Tax, RBI Caps, and Reporting

Cross-Border Investments: Tax, RBI Caps, and Reporting
Investing in US stocks subjects Indian investors to taxation in both countries. Dividends are taxed at a flat 25% withholding rate in the US, but India offers Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) relief when filing returns. Capital gains are taxed only in India—at slab rates for short-term gains or 20% with indexation for long-term holdings. Investments are made under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS), which permits remittances up to $250,000 per year. All returns must be reported in Indian tax filings with annual disclosure to the RBI.
Companies:
  • Interactive Brokers
  • Vested
Tags:
  • economy
  • stocks
positive

Paths Open Up for Indians Eyeing US Stock Exposure

Paths Open Up for Indians Eyeing US Stock Exposure
Indian investors now have three primary routes to gain exposure to US equities. The first is direct investment by opening an international brokerage account with platforms like Interactive Brokers or Vested under RBI’s Liberalised Remittance Scheme, which permits up to $250,000 per financial year. The second is through domestic mutual funds categorized as Fund of Funds or index funds that invest in US markets such as the S&P 500 or NASDAQ. The third option is US-focused Exchange-Traded Funds offered by SEBI-regulated issuers. Each path differs in taxation, forex charges, and compliance requirements.
Companies:
  • Interactive Brokers
  • Vested
Tags:
  • economy
  • mutual_funds
positive

GST Reform Boosts Consumption, Urban Credit Reliance Rises

GST Reform Boosts Consumption, Urban Credit Reliance Rises
Experts note that GST reductions have successfully boosted demand during the festive season, driving strong sales across vehicles, home appliances, and consumer electronics. However, a growing share of this spending is being financed through EMIs and short-term credit, particularly among urban households. While retailers benefit from higher immediate consumption, the trend also signals rising household leverage. This dual outcome highlights the economic upside of tax-led stimulus while raising concerns about long-term financial resilience if incomes fail to keep pace with repayments.
Companies:
  • Maruti Suzuki
  • Mahindra
  • Tata Motors
Tags:
  • economy
  • markets
positive

Auto Sales Double as Maruti, Mahindra Lead Record Navratri Growth

Auto Sales Double as Maruti, Mahindra Lead Record Navratri Growth
Auto manufacturers reported exceptional Navratri performance in 2025, with sales surging between 60% and 100% across major brands. Maruti Suzuki delivered 1.65 lakh vehicles within eight days, more than twice last year’s volume. Mahindra and Tata Motors also registered record-breaking sales driven by GST rate cuts and attractive festive incentives. SUVs and recently launched models dominated buyer preference. Strong traction in both urban and semi-urban regions signals robust consumer confidence and a growing appetite for premium vehicle upgrades.
Companies:
  • Maruti Suzuki
  • Mahindra
  • Tata Motors
Tags:
  • economy
  • markets
positive

GST Rate Cuts Drive Decade-High Navratri Sales

GST Rate Cuts Drive Decade-High Navratri Sales
India's reduction of GST across 375 items has sparked record-breaking Navratri sales in 2025, marking the strongest performance in over a decade. The tax cuts significantly lowered prices on cars, home appliances, and essential consumer goods, encouraging higher household spending and upgrades. Both urban and semi-urban markets saw robust demand, with families investing in vehicles, refrigerators, washing machines, and smartphones at accelerated rates. Retailers reported double-digit growth across categories, crediting the GST relief for reviving sentiment and boosting overall consumption.
Tags:
  • economy
  • markets
neutral

Stricter Checks, Mismatched Details Cause Refund Delays

Stricter Checks, Mismatched Details Cause Refund Delays
Refunds in 2025 may take longer than usual as the Income Tax Department increases scrutiny of high-value or irregular exemption claims. Refunds above ₹10 lakh are subject to additional verification, often leading to extended processing times. Delays also occur when filings are incomplete, bank details are incorrect, or ITRs remain unverified. Significant mismatches between reported and actual income trigger further review. The department now relies on advanced analytics and data-matching tools to flag inconsistencies before approving refunds.
Tags:
  • economy
  • global
positive

Refund Status Can Be Checked Online Via Income Tax Portal

Refund Status Can Be Checked Online Via Income Tax Portal
Taxpayers can easily track their income tax refund status through two official platforms. The most common method is by logging into the income tax portal at www.incometax.gov.in, navigating to the 'e-File' section, selecting 'Income Tax Returns', and clicking 'View Filed Returns' to view real-time updates. Alternatively, refunds can be checked on the NSDL refund tracking portal by entering PAN and assessment year details. Both portals display current and past refund statuses, offering transparency and convenience throughout the refund process.
Companies:
Tags:
  • economy
  • global
positive

Income Tax Refunds Typically Issued Within Weeks of Filing

Income Tax Refunds Typically Issued Within Weeks of Filing
Most individual taxpayers receive their income tax refund soon after completing e-verification, particularly for straightforward returns. In many cases, refunds are credited within just a few days. However, the average processing time ranges from four to five weeks before the amount reflects in the taxpayer’s bank account. Refunds involving higher exemption claims or complex filings may take longer, as such cases undergo additional scrutiny by the Income Tax Department under Section 143(1) prior to approval.
Tags:
  • economy
  • global