Finnovate Weekly Capsule (Oct 27–Oct 31, 2025)

Here’s your concise round-up of key financial and market highlights from the final week of October 2025. From policy shifts and IPO activity to corporate results and global developments, here’s what moved the markets and shaped investor sentiment.

1. India IIP growth for September 2025 came in almost flat at 4.02%

Impact Analysis

• Industrial growth remained steady for the third consecutive month, led by robust manufacturing activity supported by GST cuts.
• However, mining output continued to lag, highlighting sectoral imbalances in industrial performance.

2. US Fed cuts rates by 25 basis points to 3.75%–4.00% in October

Impact Analysis

• Fed Chair Jerome Powell indicated that further rate cuts would require significant economic justification.
• The FOMC remains divided as inflation persists about 100 bps above the target, balancing job risk with price stability.

3. CME Fedwatch sharply cuts chances of another rate cut in 2025

Impact Analysis

• The probability of an additional 2025 rate cut fell from 93% to 67% following the Fed’s cautious tone.
• Markets now expect only two more rate cuts through mid-2027, reflecting tempered optimism.

4. SEBI to cut brokerage chargeable by AMCs from mutual fund investors

Impact Analysis

• Brokerage on cash market trades over TER is cut from 12 bps to 2 bps, and F&O brokerage from 5 bps to 1 bps.
• The move aims to enhance cost efficiency and transparency for mutual fund investors.

5. Proposed SEBI MF reforms aim at greater transparency

Impact Analysis

• Funds must now show statutory levies like GST, STT, and stamp duty separately from TER.
• The discretionary 5 bps over TER could also be eliminated to further curb hidden costs.

6. Power distributors (DISCOMs) to receive $12 billion bailout package from centre

Impact Analysis

• Loss-making DISCOMs can access funds by agreeing to privatization or public listing mandates.
• The reform targets long-term sector efficiency and reduced dependency on subsidies.

7. India’s biggest refiners look beyond Russia for crude oil supplies

Impact Analysis

• Sanctions risk is pushing refiners toward US and Abu Dhabi crude purchases via global spot markets.
• This diversification reduces geopolitical risk but may increase input costs temporarily.

8. India brings back gold reserves from foreign central banks

Impact Analysis

• India repatriated 576 tons of its 880-ton reserves from the Bank of England and BIS to domestic vaults.
• The move follows lessons from Russia’s asset freeze, strengthening national reserve security.

9. Mehli Mistry steps down from Tata Trusts board after losing key vote

Impact Analysis

• The decision marks a leadership reshuffle at Tata Trusts amid internal disagreements.
• It remains to be seen whether Mistry challenges the outcome through legal means.

10. Lenskart raises ₹3,268 crore from anchor investors ahead of IPO

Impact Analysis

• The anchor round saw 147 institutional investors, indicating strong pre-listing confidence.
• Oversubscription nearly 10x highlights investor faith in India’s consumer tech and retail story.

11. Maruti Suzuki reports 7.95% profit growth to ₹3,349 crore in Q2FY26

Impact Analysis

• Revenue rose 13% to ₹42,344 crore, though EBIT margins fell due to rising commodity prices.
• Exchange rate volatility and input costs continue to pressure profitability.

12. NHAI targets ₹40,000 crore asset monetization in Q2FY26

Impact Analysis

• Buoyed by strong investor interest in the UP highway project, targets were raised from ₹30,000 crore.
• This could mark a 40% YoY increase in monetization compared to FY25.

13. Narayana Hrudayalaya acquires UK-based Practice Plus Group Hospitals

Impact Analysis

• The ₹2,200 crore deal adds 7 hospitals and 5 medical centers to Narayana’s international footprint.
• Strengthens India’s healthcare presence in Europe while diversifying revenue streams.

14. Air India seeks ₹10,000 crore compensation from Singapore Airlines

Impact Analysis

• The claim relates to losses from a plane crash that delayed breakeven projections.
• Loss-sharing talks are underway between Tata Group (74.9%) and Singapore Airlines (25.1%).

15. BPCL posts 169.5% profit growth at ₹6,192 crore for Q2FY26

Impact Analysis

• Profit jump driven by lower crude costs and strong refining margins.
• OPEC’s oversupply and weak global demand helped stabilize fuel prices.

16. Indian rupee remains weak in 2025 despite recent rally

Impact Analysis

• The rupee’s fall against the Euro (–15%) and Pound (–9%) contrasts with global dollar weakness.
• Outflows and fiscal pressures continue to weigh on currency stability.

17. General Atlantic invests $600 million in PhonePe ahead of IPO

Impact Analysis

• The investment increases General Atlantic’s stake to 9% ahead of PhonePe’s ₹12,000 crore IPO.
• IPO proceeds will facilitate exits for early investors under an Offer for Sale (OFS) structure.

18. Sugarcane arrears may rise as OMCs cut ethanol offtake

Impact Analysis

• Sugar producers face losses of ₹9 per kg, pressuring margins and payment cycles.
• Industry seeks higher ethanol quotas and export relaxations to manage liquidity.

19. Signature Global raises ₹875 crore via NCDs from IFC

Impact Analysis

• Funds will support mid-income, eco-friendly housing development across India.
• The NCDs carry an 11% coupon and mature in January 2029.

20. India’s H1FY26 fiscal deficit reaches 36.5% of full-year target

Impact Analysis

• Capex spending of ₹1.50 trillion in September underscores growth-led fiscal strategy.
• Fiscal trajectory remains on track to achieve 4.4% of GDP by year-end.

21. Orkla India IPO closes 49x oversubscribed

Impact Analysis

• The ₹1,667 crore IPO saw record 117.6x QIB participation, indicating strong global appetite.
• Parent company Orkla ASA continues to strengthen its Indian presence with premium food brands.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice or product recommendations. Please consult a registered advisor before making investment decisions.