Wednesday, March 11
India and Canada are set to resume negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, aiming to boost bilateral trade to $50 billion by 2030. This move signals renewed trust and investor confidence, following a period of strained relations. The agreement will explore collaboration in critical minerals, technology, and energy sectors.
Gold prices experienced a sharp decline on Monday, influenced by a stronger dollar and cautious investor sentiment ahead of key US economic data. Futures trade saw significant drops, with analysts anticipating these indicators will shape the Federal Reserve's December policy. City-wise rates also reflected this downward trend.
India's economy is poised for robust growth, with S&P Global Ratings forecasting 6.5% expansion this fiscal and 6.7% next. Boosted by tax cuts and monetary easing, consumption is expected to drive growth, offsetting the impact of higher US tariffs. Strong domestic demand and potential trade agreements with the US are key factors supporting this optimistic outlook.
Jammu & Kashmir is set to witness its first-ever auction of seven limestone blocks on Monday, a significant step under new mining reforms. These deposits, spanning over 314 hectares, are crucial for cement and construction industries. The transparent, technology-driven process aims to boost employment, industrial growth, and local revenue, contributing to J&K's economic development and the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
New labour codes effective November 21, 2025, mandate basic salary at 50% of CTC, potentially lowering take-home pay as retirement contributions rise. These unified laws aim to simplify compliance and boost worker safeguards. Expect higher provident fund and gratuity payments, impacting immediate earnings while enhancing long-term retirement security for employees.
The Securities Markets Code Bill 2025 is slated for introduction in Parliament's Winter session, aiming to streamline India's financial markets by merging key securities laws into a single code. This unified legislation, first proposed in the Union Budget 2021-22, is expected to reduce compliance costs and regulatory friction.
India's retail boom is shifting beyond metros, with Tier II and III cities now leading organized retail expansion. Rising incomes and evolving consumer tastes for lifestyle experiences are fueling this growth. Cities like Raipur, Vizag, and Bhubaneswar are becoming key hubs, attracting brands and investors eager to tap into new, aspirational audiences.
US government data on October inflation and jobs won't be released due to a record shutdown, leaving the Federal Reserve blind ahead of its December policy meeting. The Bureau of Labor Statistics confirmed the cancellations, citing an inability to collect essential survey information. This data gap intensifies uncertainty for the Fed as it considers interest rate adjustments.
US manufacturing experienced a four-month low in November due to tariffs increasing prices and reducing demand, leading to a build-up of unsold goods. While the services sector kept overall business activity steady, rising inflation and weakened consumer sentiment, particularly among lower- and middle-income families, raise concerns for broader economic growth.
India has unified its labour laws by implementing four new codes, consolidating 29 existing statutes into a single framework. This reform aims to enhance transparency, simplify compliance, and extend protections to unorganised, gig, and platform workers, marking a significant shift in the country's labour landscape.
