RBI Locks In 8.25% EPF Returns

Your daily bite of business & market news 🗞️

🗞️ Jio IPO Moment of Truth Nears

All eyes are on Jio’s much-awaited IPO as investors await clarity on one of India’s most anticipated listings. The offering is expected to test market appetite for large-scale technology and telecom businesses amid a volatile global backdrop.

The IPO could become a defining moment for India’s capital markets, given Jio’s scale, profitability, and influence on the digital economy.

💬 Expert Take — “Large IPOs often become sentiment indicators. A successful Jio listing could set the tone for the broader IPO market in the second half of the year.”

🗞️ EPF Interest Rate of 8.25% Gets Final Approval

The government has ratified the 8.25% EPF interest rate for FY26, with interest expected to be credited to subscribers’ accounts this month.

The decision impacts millions of salaried employees and keeps EPF among the more attractive fixed-income retirement savings avenues.

💬 Expert Take — “For long-term savers, EPF continues to offer a compelling combination of tax efficiency, stability, and relatively attractive returns.”

🗞️ Rupee Slips Further to 94.66

The rupee weakened by 21 paise to close at 94.66 against the US dollar.

Persistent global uncertainty, capital flows, and energy prices continue to influence currency movements, keeping the RBI’s policy response under focus.

🗞️ Gold Imports Fall After Duty Hike

India’s gold imports have dropped to 25–30 tonnes per month following the recent increase in import duties.

The decline reflects the immediate impact of policy measures aimed at reducing import dependence and supporting the rupee.

🗞️ Banks in Focus After RBI Eases NRI Deposit Rules

HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank and other lenders are in focus after the RBI removed interest rate caps on select NRI deposits.

The move is expected to improve foreign currency inflows and provide banks greater flexibility in attracting overseas deposits.

🗞️ India’s Agricultural Export Basket Expands

According to APEDA, India’s agricultural export basket now includes nearly 500 products.

The diversification reflects growing global demand for Indian agricultural goods and strengthens export resilience.

🗞️ CPP Investments Commits $710 Million to Data Centres

Canadian pension giant CPP Investments has committed $710 million to CtrlS Datacenters.

The investment highlights continued confidence in India’s rapidly expanding digital infrastructure and data economy.

📊 Market Update

📈 Sensex: 77,409.98 ▲ 254.36 (+0.33%)
📈 Nifty 50: 24,168.00 ▲ 82.30 (+0.34%)
🪙 Gold (per gram)
24K: ₹14,951 ▼ ₹159
22K: ₹13,705 ▼ ₹145
18K: ₹11,213 ▼ ₹119
🥈 Silver: ₹2,60,000/kg ▼ ₹5,000