BILKUL BAZAAR— The Daily News Wrap
- Bilkul Bazaar
- 9:00 PM | 21 Aug – 22 Aug 2026
National Business News Highlights
1. RBI Forex Swap Facility Draws $72.85 Billion in Inflows
India’s special USD-INR forex swap facility has attracted $72.85 billion in foreign-exchange inflows through August 21. FCNR(B) deposits accounted for the bulk at $65.4 billion, strengthening the country’s forex liquidity position.
2. India Clears 29 FDI Proposals Worth ₹4,895 Crore Under Revised Land-Border Rules
The government has approved 29 foreign-investment proposals worth about ₹4,895.65 crore under the revised rules governing investments involving countries sharing a land border with India. The changes are aimed at improving certainty and reducing approval-related delays.
3. SEBI Proposes Wider Retail Access to Bonds
SEBI has proposed a framework allowing channel partners to expand retail access to bonds, particularly in Tier-II, Tier-III cities and rural areas. The move could broaden participation in India’s fixed-income market.
4. SEBI May End Duplicate Fines Across Stock Exchanges
SEBI is considering a framework to prevent listed companies from facing duplicate financial penalties from multiple exchanges for the same compliance violation. The proposal is aimed at making the regulatory system more streamlined.
5. Indian Banks See Stronger FY27 Earnings Outlook
ICICI Securities expects Indian banks to see improving earnings in FY27, supported by stronger credit demand, FCNR deposit mobilisation and stable asset quality. Systemic credit growth is projected at around 15% year-on-year.
6. Housing Sales Fall 6% Across Eight Major Cities
Housing sales declined 6% year-on-year to 91,729 units in Q2 2026 across India’s eight major cities, according to PropTiger. Buyers have reportedly become more cautious amid global uncertainty and concerns about AI-driven disruption to jobs.
7. Tata Steel Plans ₹20,000-Crore Capital Expenditure in FY27
Tata Steel plans to spend around ₹20,000 crore on capital expenditure during the current financial year, with a major portion directed towards its India operations. The planned spending is around 38% higher than its FY26 capex.
8. Acuitas Chemicals Approves ₹212-Crore Gujarat Manufacturing Project
Acuitas Chemicals has approved a capital expenditure of up to ₹212 crore for a new greenfield/brownfield manufacturing facility in Gujarat focused on electronic-grade chemicals. The project is targeted for completion by FY2027-28.
9. Holtec Eyes Gujarat for Small Modular Reactor Manufacturing Facility
US nuclear technology company Holtec International has expressed interest in establishing an SMR manufacturing facility and R&D centre in Gujarat. The proposal fits Gujarat’s Industrial Policy 2026 focus on nuclear equipment manufacturing. Investment details and timelines have not yet been disclosed.
10. India’s IPO Market Remains Strong; Fresh Issues Keep Investor Interest High
India’s primary market continues to attract strong investor attention. FY26 saw companies raise a record ₹1.77 lakh crore through IPOs, while several new issues are preparing to enter the market. Upcoming offerings include Skyways Air Services, Symbiotec Pharmalab, Hy-Tech Engineers and Lumino Industries.
International Business News Highlights
1. US Imposes 50% Tariffs on $20 Billion of Canadian Goods
The United States has imposed 50% tariffs on about $20 billion of Canadian imports after last-minute trade negotiations failed. Canada has announced retaliatory measures, escalating tensions between the two major trading partners.
2. Oil Prices Rise as Iran Sanctions Threaten Global Supply
Brent crude settled at $94.39 a barrel, while WTI ended at $87.06, as markets reacted to threats of tougher US sanctions on Iran’s trading partners. Brent gained more than 6% during the week amid concerns over supply disruptions.
3. US Stock Markets Rebound but Remain Set for Weekly Losses
Wall Street recovered on Friday, with healthcare and financial stocks leading gains, but major indices remained on course for weekly declines as rising Treasury yields and geopolitical tensions weighed on investor sentiment.
4. US Services Sector Drives Stronger Business Activity
The US services sector accelerated in August, helping overall private-sector business activity strengthen. The latest S&P Global data pointed to continued resilience in the world’s largest economy despite higher borrowing costs.
5. UK Services Sector Shows Signs of Resilience
Britain’s services sector picked up in August, adding to evidence that the UK economy remains more resilient than expected. S&P Global’s data suggested growth of around 0.3% in the third quarter.
💬 QUOTE OF THE DAY
“The best investment you can make is in yourself.”
— Warren Buffett
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