Bilkul Bazaar – Weekly News Wrap
17–24 October 2026
National Business News Highlights
1. Jio Platforms IPO Attracts Strong Investor Demand
Reliance Jio Platforms’ ₹30,213-crore initial public offering closed with an overall subscription of 22.19 times. Institutional investors led the demand, making it one of the biggest developments in India’s primary market this week.
2. India’s Wholesale Inflation Climbs to 11.39%
Wholesale price inflation rose to 11.39% in September, up from 9.92% in August. Higher prices of fuel, power, primary articles and manufactured products increased concerns about cost pressures on businesses.
3. Retail Inflation Rises to 5.54%
India’s retail inflation reached 5.54% in September, while food inflation climbed to 7.74%. The increase put household purchasing power and the Reserve Bank of India’s inflation management back in focus.
4. India’s Core Industries Record 7.9% Growth
The Index of Core Industries grew 7.9% year-on-year in September. The performance indicated stronger activity across key infrastructure-linked sectors, including energy, cement and steel.
5. RBI’s Policy Decisions Remain in Focus
Minutes of the Reserve Bank of India’s October monetary policy meeting were released this week. The central bank’s policy rate stood at 5.50% following its earlier increase, keeping borrowing costs and inflation expectations in focus for companies and consumers.
6. RBI Announces New Capital Rules for Banks
The RBI issued revised Basel III leverage-ratio and operational-risk capital requirements for banks, scheduled to take effect from April 2027. The changes are intended to strengthen risk management and the resilience of the banking system.
7. Infosys Reports Higher Profit but Cuts Growth Guidance
Infosys reported a 6% year-on-year rise in second-quarter consolidated net profit to ₹7,823 crore. However, it lowered its FY27 constant-currency revenue growth guidance to 1–2%, highlighting continuing challenges in the global IT services market.
8. HPCL Reports ₹3,625-Crore Quarterly Profit
Hindustan Petroleum Corporation reported consolidated net profit of approximately ₹3,625 crore for the July–September quarter, down 6% year-on-year despite a rise in revenue. The results highlighted the changing profitability dynamics of the oil-refining sector.
9. Canara Bank Posts 8.4% Rise in Quarterly Net Profit
Canara Bank reported a second-quarter net profit of ₹5,175 crore, up 8.4% year-on-year. Growth in advances and deposits reflected continued activity in the banking and credit markets.
10. Foreign Investors Increase Interest in India’s Banking Sector
International financial institutions continued pursuing major investments and acquisitions in Indian lenders. The trend reflects interest in India’s credit demand, expanding financial services market and improving bank balance sheets.
International Business News Highlights
1. Global Economic Outlook Faces Fresh Uncertainty
Discussions at the IMF and World Bank annual meetings highlighted the challenges facing the global economy, including inflation, geopolitical tensions, debt pressures and uneven growth across major markets.
2. Rising Crude Oil Prices Put Pressure on Importing Economies
International crude oil prices rose sharply amid concerns about supply disruptions and geopolitical tensions. Higher energy costs pose risks for import-dependent economies, increasing transport expenses and inflationary pressure.
3. China’s Slowing Growth Raises Global Market Concerns
China’s economy expanded 4.3% year-on-year in the second quarter of 2026, slowing from 5% in the first quarter. The moderation has implications for global manufacturing, commodity demand and international trade.
4. AI Investment Boom Brings Both Opportunities and Risks
Global policymakers and business leaders continued examining the economic implications of heavy investment in artificial intelligence. While AI offers opportunities to improve productivity, concerns remain about investment concentration, valuations and the potential consequences of a slowdown.
5. Luxury Goods Industry Faces Weak Demand in China
Major European luxury brands continued to face pressure from weaker Chinese consumer demand. Declining sales in premium fashion and leather goods highlighted the challenges facing high-end retailers in an uncertain global consumption environment.
Quote of the Week
“Price is what you pay. Value is what you get.”
— Warren Buffett
A reminder for entrepreneurs, investors and business leaders that sustainable success depends on understanding real value, not simply the price attached to a product, company or investment.
BILKUL BAZAAR — Making business news simple, relevant and useful.
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