Category Archives: economy

business, economy, finance, international, stock market

Fears of £600bn stock market exodus to New York

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A host of household names could quit the stock market in a £600 billion exodus from London, analysts have warned. AstraZeneca, Shell, BP, and Rio Tinto are among those seen to be “at risk” of moving their main listings to New York in what would be a devastating blow to the City.

Analysis by broker AJ Bell identified ten London-listed firms that do so much business in the US, or have so many shareholders there, that they may be tempted to make the switch. The combined value of these firms—which also include Compass, Experian, Bunzl, Smith & Nephew, Rentokil, and Fresnillo—is £620 billion.

“An onslaught of UK-listed companies upping sticks for the US would be terrible for the reputation of the London market,” said Dan Coatsworth at AJ Bell.

Miners Glencore and Anglo American, worth a combined £73 billion, have ruled out moving to New York. However, it is feared that an exodus by other top firms could see them change their minds.

Some companies have already made the switch, including CRH, Flutter, Indivior, and Ferguson, while Ashtead and Wise are in the process of moving their listings.

Coatsworth added that there is a list of UK firms that could “make a good argument for switching their main stock listing to the US.” He explained, “The more companies that move, the more the topic will be discussed in the boardroom by other companies that have a US presence.”

The latest bout of anxiety about an exodus comes after AstraZeneca last week announced plans for a full listing in New York alongside London, sparking fears it could lead to a permanent move.
https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/markets/article-15164387/Fears-600bn-stock-market-exodus-New-York.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490

culture, economy, finance, lifestyle, technology

MAGGIE PAGANO: Cash is still king, right? Wrong

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If you have heard reports of a rather sweaty woman in gym gear running around the streets of Saffron Walden brandishing a crisp £50 note and cursing under her breath, that was me.

After the gym, I had stopped off at the health food shop to stock up on a few things, handing the assistant the £50 tucked into my leggings. The assistant refused my money. “But surely it’s legal tender,” I cried, “you can’t refuse it.” She didn’t budge, explaining that head office had told them not to accept £50 notes because of counterfeit concerns.

Determined, I went to the butcher’s shop opposite, where I know the staff, asking if they could break the note. Same story—no £50 notes accepted. They suggested I go to a bank. Not such a bad idea, I thought.

However, my bank, Barclays, closed long ago and only two banks remain in town. I ran to Nationwide, where there was a long queue. Explaining my problem, I asked the waiting customers if I could ask the cashier to change the note. They all said yes, of course.

One gentleman took one look at my Queen’s-head note and confidently said it wasn’t fake. That felt like a small victory. The chatter in the queue caught the cashier’s attention, and he stepped out to examine the note himself. He agreed—it was genuine. Another victory!

“But are you a Nationwide customer?” he asked. It felt like a trick question—and it was. Nationwide does not change money if you are not a customer.

By then, I was ready to raise an Essex peasants’ revolt against shops that don’t take money and banks that don’t change banknotes. As luck would have it, one of the kind ladies in the queue opened her wallet, checked her cash, and offered to change my £50.

My first call was to the Bank of England.

**Can vendors refuse to take cash?**

Yes, says the press officer—they can. Even though cash is legal tender, the concept has a narrow, technical legal definition related to contracts. No one is obliged to accept cash in exchange for goods.

**So why is cash usage shrinking so fast?**

Is it because vendors find cash messy to deal with? Are business owners being pushed by payment giants to go digital so they can be charged more? Or do most people simply prefer using cards or, increasingly, mobile payment apps? It’s probably a chicken-and-egg situation.

Whatever the reason, cash is under the kibosh. It made up just 9% of payments last year, compared to nearly half of all transactions a decade ago. It’s predicted to fall to 4% over the next ten years.

**But what happens in emergencies?**

Imagine a cyber hack or cyber warfare brings down banks. Or there are blackouts, like those recently experienced in Spain and Portugal. Or other crises such as another lockdown or war.

Being resilient is why countries such as Norway, Sweden, and the Netherlands have warned their citizens to always keep cash in reserve. They’re also introducing legislation ensuring vendors must accept cash.

The European Central Bank is alert to these dangers as well. All households have been advised to store cash at home in case digital systems fail—as they inevitably will.

In contrast, the Bank of England does not have the mandate to issue such warnings; that responsibility lies with the Government. Interestingly, its Governor, Andrew Bailey, told a recent Citizens’ Panel in Wolverhampton that he always carries cash with him in case of emergencies.

Does that include any £50 notes, I wonder?
https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/comment/article-15164391/MAGGIE-PAGANO-Cash-king-right-Wrong.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490

business, economy, energy, india, mining

Arunachal Pradesh’s first commercial coal mine starts operations tomorrow

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**Arunachal Pradesh’s First Commercial Coal Mine to Begin Operations Tomorrow**

*By Dwaipayan Roy | October 5, 2025, 6:41 PM*

Arunachal Pradesh is set to enter the coal mining industry with the inauguration of its first commercial coal mine at the Namchik-Namphuk coal block in Changlang district tomorrow. The ceremony will be led by Union Coal Minister G Kishan Reddy, who will perform the Bhoomi Poojan and officially hand over the mining lease.

As part of the event, Minister Reddy will also flag off machinery for Coal Projects Private Limited (CPPL), the company that will commence operations at the site. In a move towards environmental sustainability, he will plant 100 trees to support a green initiative.

### The Journey of Namchik-Namphuk Coal Block

The Namchik-Namphuk coal block holds significant reserves estimated at 1.5 crore tons. Originally allocated in 2003, the project faced numerous delays and operational hurdles over the years. However, in 2022, the coal block was revived through a transparent auction process, marking a new era of private sector participation in Arunachal Pradesh’s mining sector.

This marks a milestone not only for the state but also for India, which currently ranks as the world’s second-largest coal producer. Arunachal Pradesh is now poised to contribute to this status through its maiden commercial coal mining activity.

### Economic Impact and Employment

The commercial mining launch is expected to generate over ₹100 crore in annual revenue for Arunachal Pradesh. Beyond revenue generation, the project is anticipated to create substantial employment opportunities for the local youth, boosting the state’s socio-economic development.

This initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of EAST – Empower, Act, Strengthen, Transform – which guides development efforts across India’s Northeast region.

### Promoting Responsible Resource Management

By formalizing coal mining operations, the state aims to eradicate illegal mining activities that have previously led to resource exploitation and wastage. This move is expected to introduce transparency and accountability in managing Arunachal Pradesh’s precious natural resources.

Moreover, the government has announced plans to auction two critical mineral blocks in Arunachal Pradesh and five additional blocks in Assam. This highlights the growing importance of the Northeast region within India’s strategic and technological mineral landscape.

—

The inauguration of the Namchik-Namphuk coal mine marks a new chapter for Arunachal Pradesh, setting the stage for sustainable development while contributing to India’s overall energy and mineral production goals.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/arunachal-pradesh-to-start-commercial-coal-mining-on-october-6/story

business, economy, energy, india, mining

Arunachal Pradesh’s first commercial coal mine starts operations tomorrow

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**Arunachal Pradesh’s First Commercial Coal Mine to Start Operations Tomorrow**

*By Dwaipayan Roy | October 5, 2025, 6:41 PM*

Arunachal Pradesh is set to inaugurate its first commercial coal mine at the Namchik-Namphuk coal block in Changlang district tomorrow. The ceremony will be led by Union Coal Minister G Kishan Reddy, who will perform the Bhoomi Poojan and officially hand over the mining lease. Additionally, he will flag off machinery for Coal Projects Private Limited (CPPL) to begin operations at the site and plant 100 trees as part of a green initiative.

**Namchik-Namphuk Coal Block: A Historical Overview**

The Namchik-Namphuk coal block, which holds reserves of approximately 1.5 crore tons, was initially allocated in 2003. However, the project faced several delays and stoppages due to operational challenges over the years. In 2022, the block was revived through a transparent auction process, facilitating private sector participation in Arunachal Pradesh’s mining industry.

This marks a significant milestone for Arunachal Pradesh as it embarks on its coal mining journey, positioning itself within India’s coal sector — India being the world’s second-largest coal producer.

**Economic Impact: Revenue and Employment**

The commencement of commercial coal mining in Arunachal Pradesh is expected to generate over ₹100 crore annually in revenue for the state. More importantly, it will create valuable employment opportunities for local youth, contributing to the region’s economic development.

This initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of EAST (Empower, Act, Strengthen, Transform), a guiding philosophy aimed at uplifting the Northeast region of India through sustainable growth and development.

**Sustainable Resource Management and Future Plans**

The launch of formal commercial mining will help curb illegal mining, exploitation, and wastage of the state’s natural resources. It is anticipated to bring greater transparency and accountability to the management of Arunachal Pradesh’s rich mineral wealth.

Furthermore, the government has announced plans to auction two critical mineral blocks in Arunachal Pradesh and five in Assam. These moves underscore the growing strategic importance of the Northeast region in India’s technological and mineral landscape.

With these developments, Arunachal Pradesh is poised to play a vital role in India’s broader mining sector while promoting sustainable economic growth.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/arunachal-pradesh-to-start-commercial-coal-mining-on-october-6/story

agriculture, economy, politics

State should help farmers, not take from them: Sharad Pawar

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Sharad Pawar has expressed concern over the major losses suffered by farmers across the state due to heavy rains. He criticized the state government’s decision to forcibly recover funds from sugarcane producers for the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, calling it “completely wrong.” Pawar urged the Chief Minister to reconsider this decision and emphasized the need for proper damage assessment and government support for the affected farmers.

According to Pawar, “Farmers and crops have suffered significant losses due to excessive rainfall. Data from the Vasantdada Sugar Institute shows that sugarcane crops have been severely damaged in many areas of Marathwada and Western Maharashtra.” He added that a detailed assessment of the damage is necessary.

Pawar also mentioned that a Governing Council meeting, which will include all sugar factories in the state, is scheduled for the 12th. He expressed hope that the state government would provide maximum assistance to farmers following this meeting, as reported by ANI.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis defended the state government’s decision to impose a levy on sugar mills. He clarified that the contribution would be taken from the profits of the mills and not from the farmers’ earnings, according to PTI.

Last week, in response to the heavy rainfall and flood-related losses across parts of Maharashtra, the government announced a levy of Rs 10 per tonne of sugarcane on mills for the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, along with an additional Rs 5 per tonne to assist flood-affected farmers.

Opposition leaders have alleged that this decision will adversely affect farmers. However, speaking at an event at a sugar factory, CM Fadnavis stated, “There are around 200 mills in the state. One mill may have to contribute about Rs 25 lakh to the CMRF. We are seeking funds from the profits of sugar mills, not from farmers,” reported PTI.

(With ANI and PTI)
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/maharashtra-floods-state-should-help-farmers-not-take-from-them-says-ncp-sp-chief-sharad-pawar-23597312

business, economy, energy, india, mining

Arunachal Pradesh’s first commercial coal mine starts operations tomorrow

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**Arunachal Pradesh’s First Commercial Coal Mine to Commence Operations Tomorrow**

*By Dwaipayan Roy | October 5, 2025, 6:41 PM*

Arunachal Pradesh is set to make a significant leap in its mining sector with the inauguration of its first commercial coal mine at the Namchik-Namphuk coal block in Changlang district tomorrow. The ceremony will be led by Union Coal Minister G Kishan Reddy, who will perform the Bhoomi Poojan and officially hand over the mining lease.

During the event, Minister Reddy will also flag off the machinery for Coal Projects Private Limited (CPPL) to commence operations at the site. As a part of a green initiative, he will plant 100 trees, underscoring the commitment to environmentally responsible mining practices.

**A Long-Awaited Milestone: The Namchik-Namphuk Coal Block**

The Namchik-Namphuk coal block, which holds an estimated reserve of 1.5 crore tons of coal, was initially allocated in 2003. However, the project faced numerous delays and operational challenges over the years. It was in 2022 that the block was revived through a transparent auction process, opening the door for private sector participation and marking Arunachal Pradesh’s formal entry into the coal mining industry.

This development is particularly significant as India currently ranks as the world’s second-largest coal producer, and Arunachal Pradesh’s new role will contribute to bolstering the country’s coal output.

**Economic Benefits and Employment Opportunities**

The launch of commercial coal mining in Arunachal Pradesh is expected to generate an annual revenue of over ₹100 crore for the state government. Additionally, it will create numerous employment opportunities for local youth, providing a boost to the region’s economy.

This initiative aligns closely with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for the Northeast region, encapsulated in the EAST framework—Empower, Act, Strengthen, Transform—which guides development projects throughout the area.

**Promoting Transparency and Sustainable Resource Management**

One of the key benefits of the commercial mining operation is the anticipated end of illegal mining activities and resource exploitation that have previously plagued the region. The government aims to bring transparency and accountability to the management of Arunachal Pradesh’s natural resources through this official and regulated mining operation.

Furthermore, plans are underway to auction additional critical mineral blocks—two in Arunachal Pradesh and five in neighboring Assam—highlighting the Northeast’s growing importance in India’s strategic minerals and technology sectors.

—

The inauguration of the Namchik-Namphuk coal mine marks a new chapter in Arunachal Pradesh’s economic development, promising growth, sustainability, and prosperity for the region.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/arunachal-pradesh-to-start-commercial-coal-mining-on-october-6/story

business, economy, finance, international, technology

These IPOs will be launched in India this week

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The primary market is gearing up for a major wave of initial public offerings (IPOs) with some high-profile launches on the horizon.

Among the most anticipated offerings are those from Tata Capital and LG Electronics. These upcoming IPOs are expected to attract significant investor interest and could set the tone for the market in the coming months.

Stay tuned for more updates as these launch dates approach, bringing new opportunities for investors and companies alike.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/prepare-for-ipo-bonanza-tata-capital-lg-electronics-to-launch/story

business, economy, entertainment, science, technology

ServiceNow Unveils ‘AI Experience’ as Unified Conversational UI for Enterprise Workflows

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ServiceNow Inc. (NYSE: NOW) is considered one of the best American stocks to buy and hold for the next three years.

On September 30, ServiceNow announced the launch of AI Experience, a new offering designed to enhance enterprise workflows.

AI Experience provides a unified, conversational interface, referred to as the “UI for Enterprise AI.” This intelligent entry point enables employees to interact seamlessly with various enterprise systems, improving productivity and user engagement.

With this innovative solution, ServiceNow aims to simplify access to AI-driven tools across organizations, driving more efficient and effective business processes.
https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/servicenow-unveils-ai-experience-unified-205501961.html

business, economy, finance, politics, technology

Stocks rise on AI optimism, US rate-cut hopes

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NEW YORK, United States – Stock markets struck fresh records Friday, driven by investor optimism over artificial intelligence and hopes of US interest rate cuts. This positive sentiment overshadowed concerns about an ongoing government shutdown.

Wall Street’s main indices were mixed at the end of the day, although the Dow and S&P 500 notched fresh records.

https://business.inquirer.net/550751/stocks-rise-on-ai-optimism-us-rate-cut-hopes

business, economy, finance, stock market

Weekly Market Review & Top Stocks In Focus For The Week Ended October 3, 2025

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**Weekly Market Review: India Equities**

Last week, while the markets experienced a significant downturn, breaking their 3-week winning streak, the downward momentum continued into this abbreviated trading week — until the RBI MPC meeting outcome was announced, which lifted market sentiment.

The drop in indices was largely due to several factors: Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) selling, with more than $22 billion withdrawn from the Indian market since the beginning of 2025; restrictions on US H-1B visas; President Trump announcing a 100% tariff on imports of branded and patented pharmaceutical products; delays in the US-India trade agreement; a record low rupee; uncertainty ahead of the September quarter earnings; and liquidity constraints in the secondary market caused by a slew of new IPOs set to debut on Dalal Street, including the much-anticipated Tata Capital IPO.

—

### RBI MPC Meeting Outcome: A Market Roller Coaster

Mid-week presented a roller coaster ride with the RBI Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting outcome. The RBI Governor kept repo rates unchanged at 5.50%. As communicated earlier, a rate cut was unlikely due to low inflation and strong GDP growth in Q1FY26.

While rates remained unchanged, the RBI Governor’s commentary caught everyone’s attention. The central bank projected a favorable growth-inflation outlook, lowering its inflation forecast from 3.1% to 2.6%, and raising GDP growth expectations from 6.5% to 6.8%. This positive outlook, combined with robust September auto sales and strong GST collections (which rose over 9% to Rs 1.9 lakh crore), sparked a market rally.

Consequently, the Sensex surged over 700 points, and the Nifty closed above the 24,800 mark, snapping a 9-day losing streak and boosting market sentiment.

Additional positives included measures to improve liquidity, speculation around a possible rate cut in December, infrastructure status granted to NBFCs, and Brent crude prices falling to a 4-month low, all expected to support market performance.

—

### Looking Ahead: Q2FY26 Earnings and Market Drivers

As we approach the Q2FY26 earnings season, provisional business updates from banks, NBFCs, realty, and FMCG sectors will be closely monitored. Despite ongoing global and domestic uncertainties, we remain positive over the medium to long term. Recent GST cuts have stimulated positive sentiment across various sectors, which is expected to fuel volume growth and support GDP expansion in the upcoming period.

—

### How Did the Markets Fare Last Week?

For the week ending Friday, the Indian benchmark indices closed in green. The Sensex and Nifty gained nearly 1.0% each, while midcaps outperformed, rising approximately 2.1%.

—

### What to Watch in the Coming Week?

The upcoming week is packed with key economic data releases from both domestic and global markets, likely to influence market direction.

**Domestic data releases include:**
– Foreign Exchange Reserves
– Bank Loan Growth
– HSBC Composite, Manufacturing, and Services PMI

With the September quarter earnings approaching, select companies in FMCG, banking, and other sectors will provide crucial business updates. These results will help set expectations for the full earnings season.

**On the global front, key events include:**
– Fed Officials’ speeches
– US Nonfarm Payrolls data
– Important FOMC minutes, providing insight on future policy direction
– Initial Jobless Claims figures

Additionally, progress in India-US trade talks and any comments from President Trump regarding tariffs will be market-moving. Tracking Foreign Institutional Investors’ positions will remain essential in the near term.

—

### Crude and Foreign Institutional Investor (FII) Flows

Brent crude oil prices declined to $64/bbl ahead of an OPEC+ meeting expected to increase output by bringing more idled barrels back online, intensifying oversupply concerns.

Meanwhile, FIIs continued to be net sellers during the week, contributing to market volatility.

—

### Sectors in Focus

Metals, PSU banks, and realty sectors were under the spotlight throughout the week.

—

### Stocks That Made Headlines

**Sammaan Capital**
Avenir Investment is set to invest Rs 8,850 crore via shares and warrants at Rs 139 apiece — an 18% discount to the current market price. Post-investment, Avenir will hold 43.46% and initiate an open offer, with Rs 4,587 crore via shares and the balance via warrants in two tranches.

**Maruti Suzuki**
Maruti Suzuki sold 1,89,665 units in September 2025, aligning with estimates. Export volumes hit a record 42,204 units — up 52% YoY — although domestic sales fell 6.3%. Production grew 26% YoY to 2.01 lakh units, driven by strong passenger vehicle output. The company highlighted record festive demand with 1,65,000 deliveries in the first eight days of Navratri and a 50% uptick in daily bookings post recent price cuts. Exports in H1FY26 crossed 2.1 lakh units, including over 6,000 electric vehicles shipped in August–September.

**Lemon Tree Hotels**
Lemon Tree Hotels signed its newest property, Keys Select by Lemon Tree Hotels in Haridwar. The facility features 52 rooms, a restaurant, conference hall, and recreational amenities including a fitness center. This signing expands the company’s leisure portfolio in Uttarakhand, where it currently operates 8 properties with 9 more upcoming.

**KNR Construction**
The company received a Letter of Acceptance from the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation for constructing two 3-lane flyovers at Kukatpally ‘Y’ junction on NH65 (towards Ameerpet and Miyapur) under an EPC/Turnkey contract, worth Rs 72.80 crore excluding GST. The project timeline is 24 months.

**Unimech Aerospace**
In its September quarter update, Unimech Aerospace reported a revenue slowdown for Q2FY26, expected to be marginally lower than Q1. This is attributed primarily to US tariffs impacting export realizations. Customers are delaying orders while monitoring tariff developments, pressuring profits. Given these headwinds, meeting full-year FY26 revenue guidance may be challenging.

**Nestlé India**
Nestlé India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Food Processing Industries to accelerate investments in greenfield and brownfield projects in Odisha and at existing manufacturing sites. These investments over the next 2–3 years aim to bolster the food processing sector, generate employment, and support the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

**Time Technoplast**
Time Technoplast secured the BIS License under IS 14885:2022 for manufacturing PE pipes for gas distribution within Q2FY26. This milestone supports the company’s goal to expand its presence in the gas distribution sector, targeting 20+ firms and anticipating 30% growth in the PE pipe segment with enhanced capacity and minimal investment.

**RITES**
RITES signed an MoU with Etihad Rail and its UAE-based subsidiary NICC to collaborate on mobility infrastructure projects in the UAE and beyond. This partnership leverages RITES’ 50 years of expertise and NICC’s execution capabilities, strengthening RITES’ global footprint under its ‘RITES Videsh’ initiative.

**P N Gadgil Jewellers**
P N Gadgil Jewellers achieved record festive sales of ₹618 crore during Navratri and Dussehra, marking a 65% YoY growth. Navratri sales were ₹428 crore (+66% YoY), and Dussehra set a single-day record of ₹190 crore (+64% YoY). Gold sales drove growth despite a 50% YoY gold price surge, complemented by strong diamond (+47%) and silver (+133%) performance. Volume growth was significant: gold +10%, diamonds +53%, and silver +64%.

**Bharat Electronics (BEL)**
BEL secured additional orders worth Rs 1,092 crore since September 16, 2025. Major new orders include EW system upgrades, defense network upgrades, tank subsystems, TR modules, communication equipment, EVMs, spares, and services. As of April 1, BEL’s order book stands at Rs 71,650 crore. Since the start of FY26, the company has disclosed order inflows worth Rs 7,348 crore—27% of its full-year inflow guidance of Rs 27,000 crore (excluding a Rs 30,000 crore quick-reaction surface-to-air missiles order).

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### Closing Thoughts

Patience creates wealth! Despite near-term volatility, the fundamentals support a positive outlook for the Indian markets over the medium to long term. We will continue to monitor key domestic and global developments closely as the earnings season unfolds.

—

*Stay tuned for more updates and insights in our next weekly market review.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/business/weekly-market-review-top-stocks-in-focus-for-the-week-ended-october-3-2025