Thursday, March 12
Brazil unveiled a $5.5 billion support package to aid businesses hit by new US tariffs. President Lula da Silva's plan includes tax breaks and insurance for exporters. Simultaneously, the US imposed visa restrictions on Brazilian officials linked to Cuba's medical program.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to launch the National Mission on Natural Farming on August 23, a Rs 2,481 crore initiative promoting sustainable agriculture across 750,000 hectares. The programme aims to boost the income of 10 million farmers, improve crop yield, and reduce input costs.
A Reserve Bank of India (RBI) report suggests that Generative AI could boost Indian banking operations by up to 46%. The central bank highlights AI's potential to enhance customer understanding, improve efficiency, and personalize services. AI-powered credit scoring models can broaden access to credit, integrating underserved populations into the formal banking network.
CareEdge Rating reports India's credit-to-deposit ratio remains under 80% as lending growth trails deposit inflows. As of July 25, 2025, total credit grew 10.0% year-on-year to Rs 185.0 lakh crore, while deposits increased 10.2% to Rs 233.5 lakh crore. The slower growth in both credit and deposits, attributed to base effects and alternative investments, keeps the ratio below 80%.
Stock market today: The NSE Nifty increased by 131.95 points or 0.54 per cent to reach 24,619.35. The BSE Sensex gained 304.32 points or 0.38 per cent to close at 80,539.91, reaching an intraday high of 80,683.74, up by 448.15 points or 0.55 per cent.
Asian stocks experienced gains, led by Japan's Nikkei reaching a record high, following the US-China tariff truce extension. This eased trade tensions and stabilised oil prices. Australia's index also hit a record high amid expectations of interest rate cuts. Investors are now focused on upcoming US consumer price inflation data and its potential impact on Federal Reserve rate cut expectations.
President Trump has extended the trade truce with China for 90 days, delaying tariff escalations and export controls. This extension aims to provide more time for Washington and Beijing to resolve trade disputes and potentially arrange a summit between Trump and Xi Jinping later this year. While negotiations continue, analysts remain cautious about the prospects for a final deal.
Stock market today: The NSE Nifty decreased by 97.65 points or 0.40 per cent to close at 24,487.40. The BSE Sensex concluded at 80,235.59, falling 368.49 points or 0.46 per cent, whilst fluctuating between 80,997.67 and 80,164.36 throughout the session.
