Friday, September 26, 2008

Selected Indian business news extracts (26 August, 2008)

Stocks closed in a week note at Mumbai stock exchanges today. The downward slide continued. The Bombay Stock Exchange’s benchmark index, Sensex closed at 13,102, down by 445 points. Nifty 50 closed at 3985.2, down by 125.3 points. In bullion market, gold is being quoted at Rs.13,028/10gm and silver at Rs.20,861/kg. Nymex crude was trading at around 105.8 US dollar a barrel. Rupee loses further against the dollar. The US dollar was at Rs.46.55.

US economy is in danger, says US President George Bush. He announced the summit with the presidential candidates and Congressional leaders seeking support for his US$700 billion-Wall Street rescue plan.

Japan’s Honda Motor Co has decided to set up an R & D Centre for cars in India to understand better the market’s requirements.

The Bombay High Court has accepted a Rs.10,000 Crore defamation suit by ADAG Chief Anil Ambani against elder brother and RIL Chief Mukesh Ambani for his alleged remarks published in an American daily.

US AIDS programme suspends procurement of anti-retrovirals from Indian pharma major Ranbaxy in the wake US FDA’s decision on “import Alerts”.

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Selected Indian business news extracts (25 August, 2008)

Stocks closed in a week note at Mumbai stock exchanges today. The Bombay Stock Exchange’s benchmark index, Sensex closed at 13,547, down by 145.3 points. Nifty 50 closed at 4110.5, down by 50.7 points. In bullion market, gold is being quoted at Rs.13,115/10gm and silver at Rs.20,945/kg. Nymex crude was trading at around 104 US dollar a barrel. Rupee loses further against the dollar. The US dollar was at Rs.46.2.

Singur Nano Plant is being dismantled by Tatas.

Indo-US nuclear deal is introduce in the US House of Representatives.

No food security concern right now in India

The current financial crisis in US and Europe will not affect the developing countries says the World Economic Report prepared by United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

US FBI is investigating a possible mortgage fraud in the collapse of banking giants –Fannie Mae, Fredie Mac, Lehman Brothers and AIG – a media report said.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Mumbai – Selected business news extracts

Stocks closed in a week note at Mumbai stock exchanges. The Bombay Stock Exchange’s benchmark index, Sensex closed at 13,570.3, down by 424.6 points. Nifty 50 closed at 4126.9, down by 96 points. In bullion market, gold and silver were up, gold is being quoted at Rs.13,123/10gm and silver at Rs.20,780/kg. Nymex crude was trading at around 107 US dollar a barrel. Rupee loses further against the dollar. The US dollar was at Rs.45.8.

The Reserve Bank of India increased the ceilings on the External Commercial Borrowings (ECB) to US$500 million from the existing level of $100 million in each financial year. This is likely to make availability of funds to India companies.

Japan’s Nomura Holdings buys Lehman Asian operations for $525 million.

Government of India approved 28 proposals for Special Economic Zones (SEZs), including those of L&T, JSW Bengal Steel and Bharat Forge, entailing total investment of 72,000 Crore rupees.

Goldman & Morgan will be subjected to tighter regulations from several US governmental agencies. They will have access to full array of the Federal Reserve Bank’s lending facilities.

Monday, September 22, 2008

Indian Energy Policy

The Indian new integrated energy policy envisages governance of nuclear energy also. Chairing a full panel meet of Planning Commission, Prime Minister calls for appropriate energy pricing to provide the incentives needed for efficient use of energy and for investment for expanding the supplies. To meet the growing energy demand, the country needs to expand all its energy resources. The policy advocates market determined prices of energy.

In nuclear energy scenario, to see signififcant contribution, the governement should move quickly to encourage as many private players as possible since the gestation period is comparatively long and initial investment is quite large. In addition to the public sector Unit, NPCIL, private players, such as Tata Power, Reliance Power and JSW also want to enter the nuclear power scenario. However, there are issues to be resolved such as security of the facilities, regulatory aspects and the liability paymnet to the affected public in case of any accidents.

With the Indo-US nuclear deal comming through, the country is becoming more and more import-dependent, which makes it vulnerable to uncertainty of international prices and reliability of supplies.

Mumbai Stock Markets –Selected news extracts

Stocks moved in a narrow range at Mumbai stock exchanges. The Bombay Stock Exchange’s benchmark index, Sensex closed at 13,995.4, down by 47.3 points. Nifty 50 closed at 4223, down by 22.2 points. In bullion market, gold and silver were up, gold is being quoted at Rs.12,827/10gm and silver at Rs.20,128/kg. Nymex crude was trading at around 107 US dollar a barrel. Rupee rises. The US dollar was at Rs.45.4.

Global markets may be near a bottom. Expect Asian markets to remain choppy. Financial data providers are hit. Thomson Reuters begun cost cutting measures.

Goldman & Morgan will be regulated by US Federal Reserve.

Nomura is trying to clinch a deal to buy-out Asian arm of Lehman Bros.

Reliance oil flow: Mukesh Ambani says that the challenge of value creation lies in building real assets. He announces the first commercial flow of oil from the depths of the east coast. With the Reliance’s contribution, the oil & gas contributes over 40% to India’s Energy Sector.

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Mumbai Stock Markets –Selected news extracts (19/9/2008)

What a comeback! today again, there were some more gains at Mumbai stock exchanges. The Bombay Stock Exchange’s benchmark index, Sensex closed at 14,042.3 up by 726.7 points. Nifty 50 closed at 4245.2 up by 207 points. In bullion market, gold and silver were down, gold is being quoted at Rs.12,617/10gm and silver at Rs.19,345/kg. Nymex crude was trading at around 101 US dollar a barrel and the US dollar was at Rs.45.8.

India equipped to tackle the financial crisis: The regulators, IRDA and RBI have assured the Finance Minister that the US crisis is not going to affect India financial sector. The net non-performing assets of the entire banking sector are less than 2%, and it is well capitalized. The capital adequacy ratio is around 13% as against the statutory requirement of 8 to 9%.

Morgan Stanley looks for a buyer. Deutsche Bank laps up Morgan India sale.

Inflation rose moderately to 12.14% for the first week of September, 2008 due to increase in rates of some food items.

The US financial crisis is expected to have an impact on the global carbon credit market. Morgan Stanley and Lehman Bros are said to have huge carbon assets.

Mumbai Stock Markets – Selected news extracts

Today, there were some gains at the fag-end of the trading hours at Mumbai stock exchanges. The Bombay Stock Exchange’s benchmark index, Sensex closed at 13,315.6 up by 52.7 points. Nifty 50 closed at 4038 up by 29.9 points. In bullion market, gold and silver were bullish and gold is being quoted at Rs.12,920/10gm and silver higher at Rs.20,149/kg. Nymex crude was trading higer at around 100 US dollar a barrel and Rupee weakens further and the US dollar was at Rs.46.4.

Global Financial turmoil: To ease the global credit crunch, in a well coordinated move, Central Banks around the world pump billions (over 180 billions) of dollars to keep the funds flowing.

US FDA bans 30 generic drugs produced by Ranbaxy at its Dewas and Paonta Sahib plants in India on quality fear.

Barclays, the British Bank, buys the broken investment firm’s core capital market businesses for US$1.75 billion, far less than Lehman had hoped for. This could save 8,000 to 10,000 Lehman jobs.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Mumbai Stock Markets –Selected news extracts

Today again, there were all round losses in the Mumbai stock exchanges. Banking sector and realty stocks were the worst hit. The Bombay Stock Exchange’s benchmark index, Sensex closed lower at 13,262.9, down by 255.9 points. Nifty 50 closed at 4008.2, down by 66.6 points. In bullion market, gold is being quoted at Rs.11,741/10gm and silver was quoted at Rs.17,865/kg. Nymex crude was trading low at around 93.8 US dollar a barrel and Rupee weakens further and the US dollar was at Rs.46.6.

Reserve Bank of India steps in to arrest fall of rupee. Funds flow into the Indian markets is adversely affected by the financial turmoil in USA. Foreign fund flow in equities could be affected.

Indian bankers are on guard. ICICI Bank will lose around Rs.375 Crore as US major Lehman Bros. filed for bankruptcy.

Top Indian IT firms may cut up to 25,000 jobs. However, MBA graduates still keen investment banking.

Financial crisis world-over

The big bubble was in waiting to burst. Starting in early 2007, the financial crisis related with the real estate mortgaging and subsequent impact on the investment banks came as global tsunami devastating the financial giants like Leyman Bros, Merrill Lynch, and now the insurance giant American International Group (AIG). The US Federal Reserve is trying to bail out the companies by pumping-in billions of dollars. Take-overs are the buzz word everywhere. The US government should step in decisively to prevent bankruptcy of these institutions.

The employees in these companies are facing a un-precedence insecurity in their jobs. The fallout of the collapse of the major international companies (MNCs) on India is also tremendous. Thousands of people may loose their jobs, and face severe financial crunch in repaying the EMIs for housing and vehicles bought during good times. Real estate prices also on a downward trend. Stock markets are falling like pack of cards. Even the oil prices have crashed. The Indian rupee is suffering the steepest fall in 10 years!

The India government should prepare itself to face a financial crisis similar to that faced in USA. Banks have been giving easy loans for housing and buying vehicles. One can find thousands of confiscated vehicles parked under the fly-overs in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai for non-payment of EMIs to the financial institutions. In real sense, they are worth not even 10% of the loan advanced by the banks! Fortunately, in India, real estate prices have not yet nose-dived. But, anything can happen under the present uncertain situation.

It is absolutely necessary that government should intervene at the right time so that crisis of the kind witnessed in US is not repeated in India. Already, enough damage has been done to the financial institutions by the India government waiver of 70,000 Crore rupees of loans advanced to the farmers.

Good sense, not the vote-catching sense, should prevail upon the government to protect the financial institutions and the hard-earned public money invested in these institutions.

It is time that the Indian business houses such as Reliance and Tatas should look at the options of takeover of these companies, if not in full, at least the Indian operations. India flags on top of the American companies!

Friday, September 12, 2008

Mumbai Stock Markets –Selected news extracts

Today again, there were all round losses in the Mumbai stock exchanges. The Bombay Stock Exchange’s benchmark index, Sensex closed lower at 14,000.8, down by 323.5 points. Nifty 50 closed at 4228.4, down by 61.6 points. In bullion market, gold is being quoted at Rs.11,363/10gm and silver was quoted at Rs.18,180/kg. Nymex crude was trading at around 102 US dollar a barrel and Rupee weakens further and the US dollar was at Rs.45.7.

Government approves bio-fuel policy. The government set 2017 as target to sell petrol mixed with one-fifth of sugarcane extracted ethanol and diesel doped with non-edible oil with a view to cut the nation’s dependence on expensive oil imports.

GMR Energy plans to invest Rs.10,000 Crore in setting up a 2000-3000MW nuclear power plant in the country in the next 5-7 years.

Inflation dropped to 12.1% for the week ending August 20 from the previous level of 12.34%.

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Mumbai Stock Markets –Selected news extracts

Today again, there were all round losses in the Mumbai stock exchanges. The Bombay Stock Exchange’s benchmark index, Sensex closed at 14,324.3, down by 338.3 points. Nifty 50 closed at 4290.3, down by 110 points. In bullion market, precious metals were down, gold is being quoted at Rs.11,226/10gm and silver was quoted at Rs.18,029/kg. Crude declines further. Nymex crude was trading lower at around 102 US dollar a barrel and Rupee weakens further and the US dollar was at Rs.45.45

Inflation is expected to be lower. It is just over 12%.

MTNL to start 3G services on a trial basis soon in Delhi.

Leyman Bros – strategic moves for survival

Leyman Bros is one of the top invest banking companies in USA, is in trouble. The sub-prime mortgage crisis has affected the company which is a major underwriter of mortgage related securities. The company is expecting a loss of US$3.9 billion in the third quarter of this year. Not a big deal for the investment company like the Leyman Bros.

Some of the strategic moves planned by the company are: cut its annual dividend to 5 cents a share, sell a majority of its investment management division, complete the spin-off of the majority of its remaining commercial real estate holdings into a new public company, complete the spin-off of around $32 billion in commercial mortgage assets by early next year, etc.

The Chief Executive says that this is a temporary setback and all the strategic alternatives announced will bring the company back into its well-deserved position of a profit making company, to maximize the shareholder value. Best of luck Richard.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Mumbai Stock Markets –Selected news extracts

Today again, there were all round losses in the Mumbai stock exchanges. The Bombay Stock Exchange’s benchmark index, Sensex closed at 14,662.6 down by 238 points. Nifty 50 closed at 4400.2, down by 66.4 points. In bullion market, gold is being quoted at Rs.11,430/10gm and silver was quoted at Rs.18,396/kg. Crude declines. Nymex crude was trading lower at around 103 US dollar a barrel and the US dollar was at Rs.45.

India has been ranked at the 31st position in the World Economic Forum’s first Financial Development Index topped by the US & UK.

Home sales shrinking in Mumbai: The city’s suburbs see housing sales fall by 14% from April through July this year.

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Mumbai Stock Markets –Selected news extracts

Today again, there were all round losses in the Mumbai stock exchanges. The Bombay Stock Exchange’s benchmark index, Sensex closed at 14,900.76 down by 44.2 points. Nifty 50 closed at 4468.7, down by 13.6 points. In bullion market, gold is being quoted at Rs.11,633/10gm and silver was quoted at Rs.19,083/kg. Crude declines. Nymex crude was trading lower at around 104.6 US dollar a barrel and the US dollar was at Rs.44.8.

Tatas reject Singur pact. Stunned by the Signur row, software giant Infosys is reviewing its plan to invest in a development centre on the outskirts of Kolkata.

US government bails out troubled mortgage leaders Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, which are vital to the US housing industry. The script was traded frantically in London stock exchange.

Netherlands-based Royal Philips Electronics announced the acquisition of Mumbai-based Alpha X-ray systems.

Yamaha Motor Co is all set to launch at least two high-end motor cycle models in India.

Monday, September 8, 2008

Mumbai Stock Markets –Selected news extracts

Today, there were all round gains in the Mumbai stock exchanges. The Bombay Stock Exchange’s benchmark index, Sensex closed at 14,945, up by 461 points. Nifty 50 closed at 4482.3 up by 130 points. In bullion market, gold is being quoted at Rs.11,672/10gm and silver is quoted at Rs.19,542/kg. Nymex crude was trading at around 107 US dollar a barrel and the US dollar was at Rs.44.7.

Mamta calls off Singur stir. Tatas are not impressed. The project is likely to be shelved. Nano might not come out of the Singur plant.

Yamaha is all set to launch at least two models in India.

Now that Nuke deal is through the NSG. The US Congress is likely to clear it by December. Industries started counting the likely projects coming their way.

Friday, September 5, 2008

Mumbai Stock Markets –Selected extracts (5 August, 2008)

Today again, there were all round losses in the Mumbai stock exchanges. The Bombay Stock Exchange’s benchmark index, Sensex closed at 14,483.8, down by 415 points. Nifty 50 closed at 4352.3 down by 95.4 points. In bullion market, gold is being quoted at Rs.11,557/10gm and silver was quoted at Rs.19,445/kg. Crude declines. Nymex crude was trading at around 106 US dollar a barrel and the US dollar was at Rs.44.6.

Singur agitation continues. The Chief Minister is seeking a solution to keep the Tata’s Nano project in the state. Trinamool Congress is adamant.

Inflation seems to be slowing tapering off. Subba Rao takes charge as Governor of the Reserve Bank of India. Immediate priority is to contain inflation.

End of Nuclear isolation? India may clinch the NSG waiver today.

Mumbai Stock Markets –Selected extracts (4 August, 2008)

Today, there were all round losses in the Mumbai stock exchanges. The Bombay Stock Exchange’s benchmark index, Sensex closed at 14,899, down by 150.7 points. Nifty 50 closed at 4447.7 down by 56 points. In bullion market, gold is being quoted at Rs.11,689/10gm and silver was quoted at Rs.19,649/kg. Crude declines. Nymex crude was trading at around 110 US dollar a barrel and the US dollar was at Rs.44.35.

Hedging tool for banks to beat fluctuations: After successfully commencing currency futures, the stock market regulator SEBI is all set for interest rate futures in the forth quarter of this fiscal.

Japanese commercial vehicle major Hino will be trucking on India roads from April next year. Hino will be launching the very successful 500 series.

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Mumbai Stock Markets –Selected extracts

Today, there were all round gains in the Mumbai stock exchanges. The Bombay Stock Exchange’s benchmark index, Sensex closed at 15,049.8 up by 551.3 points. Nifty 50 closed at 4504, up by 155.3 points. In bullion market, gold is being quoted at Rs.11,582/10gm and silver was quoted at Rs.19,472/kg. Crude declines. Nymex crude was trading lowest since April 7, 2008, at 109 US dollar a barrel and the US dollar was at Rs.44.4.

Singur (West Bengal) agitation continues. Tata's Nano work at Singur is suspended.

Monday, September 1, 2008

Mumbai Stock Markets –Selected extracts

Today, there were marginal losses in the scripts in the Mumbai stock exchanges. The Bombay Stock Exchange’s benchmark index, Sensex closed at 14,498.5 down by 66 points. Nifty 50 closed at 4348.6, down by 11.3 points. In bullion market, gold is being quoted at Rs.11,882/10gm and silver was quoted at Rs.20,187/kg. Crude declines. Nymex crude is at 114 US dollar a barrel and the US dollar was at Rs.44.1.

Singur (West Bengal) agitation continues. The dead-lock will hit investment, GDP warns IT icon N.R. Narayan Murthy.

Manipal Press, promoted by the Pai family, is all set to enter the telecom business.

India moots collaborative oil exploration with China. Indian Petroleum Minister suggests “no compete” agreement with China and also joint acquisition of global assets.

India is world’s third biggest CO2 emitter, after China and USA. The state-owned National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) tops the list in India.