The number of borrowers taking loans from three or more lenders was 11 million, or 13% of the total microfinance borrower base of 85 million, showed the latest data collated by credit bureau CRIF High Mark, and seen by ET. At present, the microfinance sector is reeling under severe asset quality stress. The sectoral gross nonperforming assets ratio rose to an 18-month high of 11.6% at the end of September

Pace at which PEs are leaning into India, Japan and ANZ is striking, said top Asian dealmaker. Global capital according to him is truly diversifying in the region as new opportunities spring up across the region. Beijing’s recent fiscal stimulus to spur domestic growth and demand may have opened up a window of opportunity not seen in the last few years.

Given the sustained flow of companies filing draft red herring prospectus (DRHPs) with the markets regulator as a part of the IPO launch process, the domestic primary market is likely to remain a major route of equity investment for foreign investors in 2025 as well.

India witnessed a record Rs 1.6 lakh crore raised through 90 IPOs in 2024, driven by robust economic growth and favorable market conditions. Hyundai Motor India's IPO led the charge, raising Rs 27,870 crore. Experts predict 2025 could surpass this record, with a potential Rs 2.5 lakh crore raised from upcoming IPOs, including HDB Financial Services and LG Electronics India.

Billionaire Gautam Adani-led promoter group has increased stake in two of the group's listed companies. This is the second time in less than a month that the promoters have raised stake in the flagship firm that incubates new businesses. The promoter group has also increased stake in Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd.

Indian CXO salaries are catching up to US counterparts. Multinationals and GCCs are giving higher pay and stock options. This rise is due to increased responsibilities and India's growing importance. The '2 in a box' model promotes collaboration. India's cost-effectiveness and skilled workforce contribute to this trend.

Indian listed companies saw a 6% revenue growth in FY24, but profits (EBIDTA and PAT) surged by 28% and 32%, respectively. Employee expenses moderated to 13% growth, down from 17% in FY23, indicating cost optimization efforts. Companies maintained a steady 22% EBIDTA margin over the past four years, demonstrating effective cost management strategies.

Twelve Indian startups, including Go Digit General Insurance, Awfis, Ixigo, Ola Electric, FirstCry, TBO Tek and Swiggy, went public in 2024, demonstrating resilience amid funding challenges. Mobikwik and Bluestone are also preparing for IPOs, further highlighting the growth of India's startup ecosystem and investor confidence in new-age tech enterprises.

Indian companies raised a record-breaking Rs 1.21 lakh crore through Qualified Institutional Placements (QIPs) in 2024, a two-fold increase from the previous year. Strong market conditions and high valuations fueled this surge, with 82 companies utilizing QIPs until November. Major players like Vedanta and Zomato led the fundraising, bolstering financial reserves and capitalizing on positive investor sentiment.

Eight BSE 200 companies, including Bharti Airtel and Zomato, exceeded their full-year FY24 profits in just the first half of FY25. Factors contributing to this success include revenue growth, lower input costs, and improved operating cash flows. Several companies like Dixon Technologies and Zomato saw substantial revenue increases, while others like Vedanta benefited from lower taxes.

​Consumption, as I said, there is a natural second half being better than first half, that should play out. So, consumption should recover on its own given the festive seasons and the wedding season comes through in the second half of the year.

On balance, ICRA said it expects the operating profit margin (OPM) for India Inc to improve in the coming quarters.

In November 2024, Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) invested significantly in India's primary market through IPOs, while selling in the secondary market slowed down compared to October. FPIs' strong primary market engagement results from a surge in IPO activity, with 79 mainboard IPOs raising nearly Rs 1.4 lakh crore so far in 2024.

The cost pressures have emerged as the top concern for Indian companies, as 91 per cent companies are planning to reduce their tax and finance budgets, reflecting the impact of financial strain on corporate operations, said EY report.

Despite the Q2 slowdown, a recovery is anticipated in H2FY25 with the government capital expenditure, robust festive demand, and stabilizing commodity prices are expected to support earnings growth.

Embedded finance means where financial services can exponentially expand customer reach by directly integrating within everyday consumer platforms, open digital networks and supply chains.

The KPMG CEO Outlook, marking its tenth year globally, found that 66 percent of banking CEOs are optimistic about the growth prospects for the banking and capital markets industry over the next three years.

Indian companies, excluding oil and gas, reported solid double-digit profit growth for the seventh consecutive quarter, although the pace of expansion slowed. While banks and finance companies performed well, overall earnings were subdued due to a higher base effect and rising interest costs.

Deloitte's study reveals that AI agents surpass GenAI in business automation, handling complex tasks effectively. Unlike LLMs with limited task comprehension, AI agents leverage tools and memory for intricate processes, enhancing productivity and program delivery.

The Q2FY25 earnings season has raised investor concerns, with 44% of companies missing Profit After Tax (PAT) expectations, reflecting slowing urban demand and rising costs across key sectors like FMCG, retail, and banking.