💱 FDI Freeze, Fuel Falls
Your daily dose of business news
🗞️ Crude Imports Get Cheaper as Prices Dip Below $70
India's average crude oil import price has dropped below $70 per barrel, offering a much-needed breather for the economy. This drop could ease inflationary pressures and help reduce the current account deficit, especially beneficial for oil-reliant sectors like aviation and transport.
📌 Expert Opinion: “Lower oil prices will support macroeconomic stability and improve India’s fiscal outlook,” said an energy policy researcher.
🗞️ SBI Slashes Lending Rates After RBI’s Repo Cut
State Bank of India has reduced interest rates by 25 basis points on home and personal loans. Following the RBI’s recent repo rate cut, this move is expected to boost borrowing and housing demand across urban and semi-urban regions.
📌 Expert Opinion: “This will improve loan affordability and spur demand in real estate and auto sectors,” said a senior banking analyst.
🗞️ Shein-Reliance Deal Hit by China Tariffs
The proposed Shein-Reliance collaboration faces hurdles as China introduces tariffs that may impact global sourcing strategies. The shift could lead to a downsizing of Shein’s sourcing plans from India, affecting local garment suppliers.
🗞️ Germany Scraps Fast Citizenship Track for Immigrants
Germany has decided to end its 3-year citizenship path for well-integrated immigrants, signaling a shift in its immigration policies. The change may impact skilled Indian professionals aiming for permanent residency.
🗞️ Trump Freezes $2.2 Billion Grant to Harvard
The Trump administration has frozen funding worth $2.2 billion allocated to Harvard University. This move is seen as part of a larger pushback against elite institutions amid ongoing tensions around education policy.
🗞️ Mutual Funds Load Up on Private Banks & RIL
Mutual fund data reveals aggressive buying in private banks, financial services, and Reliance Industries Ltd. Analysts suggest this reflects growing investor confidence in large-cap plays amid market uncertainty.
🗞️ Fertiliser Companies Set for Volume-Pricing Boost
Fertiliser firms are expected to benefit from a pricing overhaul and volume uptick, spurred by better monsoon forecasts and increased agricultural demand. This could improve margins across the sector heading into Q2.
🗞️ BluSmart May Exit Cab Business, Join Hands with Uber
EV cab startup BluSmart is reportedly considering ending its independent cab operations and becoming a fleet partner for Uber. If true, this pivot could reduce operating costs while scaling EV adoption via partnerships.
📊 Market Updates (As of April 14, 2025)
📈 Sensex: Market closed due to Ambedkar Jayanti holiday
📈 Nifty 50: Market closed due to Ambedkar Jayanti holiday
💱 USD/INR: 86.00
🥇 Gold: ₹95,670 per 10g (24K)
🥈 Silver: ₹99,900 per kg
🛢️ Brent Crude: $64.91 per barrel