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BRICS-backed bank plans first Indian rupee-denominated bond by end-March

BRICS-backed bank plans first Indian rupee-denominated bond by end-March

BRICS-backed bank plans first Indian rupee-denominated bond by end-March

In a significant move towards enhancing the international presence of BRICS currencies, the New Development Bank (NDB), established by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, plans to issue its debut rupee-denominated bond in the domestic Indian market by March 2026.. This initiative aims to raise between $400 million and $500 million through 3- to 5-year bonds.

Strategic Objectives
The NDB’s decision to issue rupee-denominated bonds aligns with its strategy to increase local currency lending among BRICS nations. The bank aims to provide 30% of its financial commitments in member countries’ national currencies by 2026. This move is also part of broader efforts to promote the international use of BRICS currencies and reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar in global trade and finance. The planned issuance comes after previous fundraising efforts in Chinese yuan and South African rand. The NDB is in advanced discussions with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for final approvals, although it remains unclear if full government consent has been secured.

Market Conditions and Currency Dynamics
As of May 2025, the Indian rupee was trading at approximately 85.27 per U.S. dollar, reflecting a modest strengthening against the greenback. This favorable exchange rate could enhance the appeal of rupee-denominated bonds to international investors, potentially leading to increased demand and favorable pricing for the upcoming NDB issuance.

Potential Impact on Indian Financial Markets
The NDB’s debut rupee bond is expected to boost liquidity and investor interest in India’s bond market. Similar instruments from institutions like the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation (IFC) have historically seen strong investor interest, indicating a positive reception for such offerings. Additionally, the issuance aligns with the Reserve Bank of India’s efforts to manage liquidity in the banking system. In February 2025, the RBI announced a $10 billion three-year dollar/rupee swap auction to address ongoing cash shortages, infusing approximately 870 billion rupees into the system. The NDB’s bond issuance could complement these efforts by providing an alternative investment avenue and contributing to overall market stability.

Investor Considerations
Investors should monitor the NDB’s bond issuance closely, as it represents a novel opportunity in the Indian fixed-income market. Key factors to consider include:
* Credit Rating: The NDB’s creditworthiness will influence the bond’s risk profile and yield expectations. Investors should assess the bank’s financial health and historical performance.
* Currency Risk: While the bond will be denominated in Indian rupees, the NDB’s international backing may mitigate some currency risk. However, fluctuations in the rupee’s value against other currencies could impact returns.
* Market Demand: The level of investor interest in the NDB’s bond will affect its pricing and yield. A strong demand could lead to favorable terms for the bank and investors alike.
* Regulatory Approvals: Final approval from the RBI and the Indian government is crucial for the issuance. Delays or changes in regulatory conditions could impact the timeline and structure of the bond.

Conclusion
The NDB’s plan to issue its first Indian rupee-denominated bond marks a significant step in promoting the international use of BRICS currencies and diversifying investment opportunities in India’s financial markets. While the initiative holds promise for enhancing liquidity and investor interest, potential investors should carefully evaluate the associated risks and monitor developments related to regulatory approvals and market conditions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Balanced Portfolio in a Volatile Era: How to Allocate in Late 2025

Balanced Portfolio in a Volatile Era: How to Allocate in Late 2025

Balanced Portfolio in a Volatile Era: How to Allocate in Late 2025

Balanced Portfolio in a Volatile Era: How to Allocate in Late 2025

By late 2025, investors are walking a tightrope. Global headwinds—ranging from U.S. inflation pressures and trade policy surprises to slowing industrial demand—persist. Domestically, India continues to grow robustly (IMF 2025 growth forecast ~6.7 %), but fiscal pressures and capital flow volatility complicate the picture. In this environment, a “balanced” portfolio is no longer a passive blend of stocks and bonds; it must be dynamically calibrated to changing risk premia and macro signals.
The following discussion outlines a suggested allocation framework, weighs the roles of each asset class, and offers tactical tilts, while taking into account recent data and trends.

Macroeconomic and capital flow backdrop
1. Growth, inflation, and monetary policy: India’s growth trajectory remains one of the strongest among large economies. As of mid-2025, the first quarter of FY 2026 showed strong momentum across consumption, construction, services, and even rural segments. Inflation has eased from previous peaks, aided by softening food prices and stabilized commodity inputs. The RBI’s policy stance has turned cautiously accommodative: a 50 basis point cut in June 2025 brought the repo rate to around 5.5 %, with market expectations for at least one more cut, depending on inflation trends.
2. Foreign flows, yield spreads, and bond inclusion: One key structural force is foreign portfolio inflows (FPIs). In 2025 so far, India has seen mixed flows in equities, but bond markets have attracted increasing interest. For instance, in May 2025, FPIs poured approximately ₹20,996 crore into Indian corporate bonds — a record monthly inflow in recent memory . Additionally, inclusion of Indian sovereign bonds into global bond indices (e.g., FTSE) is anticipated to unlock further inflows. The yield gap between Indian and U.S. 10-year sovereigns has narrowed to around 204 basis points in mid-2025, making Indian yields relatively less attractive if U.S. yields firm.
Still, on the equity side, analysts at Standard Chartered note that domestic institutional flows (SIPs, mutual funds) remain a tailwind, offsetting weak foreign positioning in equities as of mid-2025.

Core allocation: equities, bonds, gold, alternatives
Below is a suggested allocation for a moderately aggressive investor in late 2025. The exact weights should depend on risk tolerance, investment horizon, and liquidity needs:
* Equities: 35–45 %
* Fixed Income / Bonds: 30–40 %
* Gold / Precious Metals: 5–10 %
* Alternatives / Real Assets / Cash buffer: 5–10 %

Why equities still deserve a place
Despite volatility and foreign outflows, equities offer growth leverage. With India’s macro growth forecasts strong and domestic investor flows steady, equities remain an essential engine for long-term returns. Within equities, preference should tilt toward large-cap, high-quality names with resilient balance sheets: these are more likely to weather earnings disappointments. Mid and small caps may offer upside but carry magnified downside risk.

The fixed-income anchor
In a volatile environment, bonds provide income, stability, and ballast. With yields in India’s sovereign and high-grade corporate space still attractive relative to many developed markets, they serve as a viable diversifier. Analysts advocate strategic overweight on medium-to-long duration sovereigns and top-tier corporate bonds in 2025. Given expected foreign participation, bond liquidity is likely to improve. That said, duration risk must be managed, especially if global rates rise unexpectedly.

Gold as a hedge
Gold has regained appeal as a hedge against inflation, U.S. dollar risk, and geopolitical shocks. Between mid and late 2025, safe haven demand and volatility in developed markets have driven gold prices higher. Allocating 5–10 % to gold or gold-linked instruments helps cushion equity drawdowns. It is prudent to phase allocations (e.g. staggered buys) to mitigate timing risk, especially since gold’s upward move has already been sharp.

Alternatives, real assets, and cash
A modest allocation to alternatives (e.g., real estate, infrastructure, private credit) can offer further diversification and inflation-proofing. Meanwhile, holding a small cash buffer is useful to opportunistically deploy when volatility dips. For shorter-term liquidity needs or tactical flexibility, short-term debt, government securities, or ultra-short bond funds are suitable.

Tactical adjustments & risk tilts
* Dynamic rebalancing: Given volatility and reversals, systematic rebalancing (e.g. quarterly or semiannual) helps lock in gains and prevent drift into overexposure. Rebalances should be disciplined and driven by realignment to target bands.
* Momentum overlay or momentum filters in equities: Within the equity allocation, deploying a momentum filter or trend analysis to tilt toward sectors gaining investor interest (for example, financials when credit easing, or industrials when capex revives) can improve return/risk. However, this must be tempered by valuation discipline to avoid chasing fads.
* Yield curve positioning in bonds: Rather than blanket duration exposure, investors can adopt barbelled or laddered bond allocations: some allocation in shorter maturities to protect against a rising rate regime, and some allocation in longer maturities to capture yield premium. Moreover, in credit markets, favor bonds with strong credit metrics and manageable refinancing risk.
* Hedging and downside insurance: Using derivatives (e.g. index put options) or overlay strategies (e.g. volatility strategies, tail risk funds) can protect against sharp downside shocks. For large portfolios, judicious hedge costs are worth the premium in unstable regimes.

Caveats, constraints, and scenario risks
* Valuation overhangs: Equity valuations, especially in mid and small caps, look lofty relative to objective benchmarks, which increases downside risk if growth or earnings disappoint.
* Foreign outflows & rate shocks: A firming U.S. interest rate cycle or adverse global shock (e.g. trade war escalation) could reverse capital flows, compressing both equities and bond prices.
* Fiscal stress and debt dynamics: India’s general government debt is projected at ~80.4 % of GDP in FY 26, placing pressure on fiscal flex.
* Policy surprises: Sudden policy changes (tax reforms, regulatory shifts) or adverse central bank guidance globally can upset positioning.

Implementation: sample profile for moderate investor
* Equities (40 %): 60 % large caps, 30 % core growth names, 10 % high-conviction midcaps
* Bonds (35 %): mix of 4–10 year sovereigns (20 %), AAA / AA corporate bonds (10 %), floating-rate bonds (5 %)
* Gold (7 %): gradual phased investment over several months
* Alternatives & cash (18 %): 10 % in real assets / infrastructure, 8 % cash or liquid debt instruments
As market conditions evolve, the weights can flex within bands (for instance, equities 35–45 %, bonds 30–40 %), but core discipline and risk controls remain central.

Conclusion
In late 2025’s volatile environment — shaped by global uncertainty, trade tensions, and shifting capital flows — a balanced portfolio cannot be static. It must combine strategic allocations with dynamic tilts and active risk management. Equities retain their role for growth, bonds offer income and ballast, gold provides insurance, and alternative and cash buffers grant optionality. With disciplined rebalancing, selective momentum overlays, and sensitivity to macro inflections, investors can navigate this era with steadier footing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Vanguard cuts ETF fees in Europe: what it means for passive investing globally

Vanguard cuts ETF fees in Europe: what it means for passive investing globally

Vanguard cuts ETF fees in Europe: what it means for passive investing globally

Vanguard cuts ETF fees in Europe: what it means for passive investing globally

On 30 September 2025 Vanguard announced fee reductions across six Europe-domiciled equity ETFs, effective 7 October 2025. The cuts reduce ongoing charges (OCFs) by roughly 2–5 basis points on flagship products — including the Vanguard FTSE All-World UCITS ETF, whose unhedged share class falls from 0.22% to 0.19% — and apply to ETFs that collectively manage about $59 billion in assets. Industry estimates put the direct annual saving for investors from this round of cuts at roughly $18–19 million.

Why Vanguard is cutting fees now
The move is not isolated: Vanguard has been trimming fees across its European ETF range through 2025 (13 fee cuts so far this year across equity and fixed-income ETFs). Fee compression reflects intensifying competition from large ETF providers, continued scale economies, and pressure from low-cost digital platforms that make price a primary battleground for market share. Vanguard’s global scale (managing over $10–11 trillion AUM) allows modest margin compression to be offset by asset growth and platform expansion.

The mechanics — what changed and how big the cuts are
The affected ETFs span global, regional and thematic exposures (All-World, North America, Japan, Germany, Emerging Markets and certain ESG/regional variants). Cuts are small in absolute terms — measured in basis points — but meaningful for long-term compounding: a 3 bps reduction on a broad equity ETF translates to noticeable fee savings over multi-decade horizons for large portfolios. Vanguard says the changes will make its European lineup among the lowest-cost on average, with some equity funds now at OCFs near 0.14% across the broader product set.

Investor impact — who benefits most
Direct beneficiaries are buy-and-hold investors and cost-sensitive savers: lower OCFs increase net returns, especially for passive allocations where active alpha is limited. Large institutional allocators and wealth platforms also benefit from improved net-of-fee performance when benchmarking across providers. For small retail savers, the relative advantage compounds: for example, on a ₹100,000 investment held 20 years, a few basis points of savings can translate into hundreds to thousands more rupees in final wealth, depending on market returns. The fee cuts also exert competitive pressure on peers (notably BlackRock and State Street) to match or undercut pricing on core exposures.

What this means for ETF providers and product strategy
Fee cuts tend to force rationalisation: higher-cost products must justify value through active management, smarter indexing, or bundled services (advice, tax optimisation, or factor tilts). Providers without Vanguard’s scale face margin pressure and may either narrow product ranges or seek growth from differentiated strategies (smart beta, active ETFs, or distribution partnerships). Larger managers may trade off lower fees for expanded investor flows — a classic scale-and-margin play.

Risks and unintended consequences
Ultra-low fees can compress profitability for smaller asset managers and reduce research budgets, potentially lowering product innovation over time. Fee wars also risk commoditising the industry: if all providers converge on near-zero pricing for core exposures, competition may shift to less transparent areas (leverage, derivatives, or complex wrappers) that carry different risk profiles. Finally, investors should beware of equating lowest fee with best fit; tracking error, liquidity, and tax efficiency still matter.

Practical takeaways for investors and advisers
* Re-compare total cost of ownership: OCF is only one input — bid-ask spreads, tracking error, and platform fees matter.
* For long-term core holdings, even small OCF reductions matter; consider switching only after checking transaction costs and tax implications.
* Use fee savings to improve diversification, not to chase incremental returns through leverage or frequent trading.
* Monitor whether peers respond: a follow-on price competition could further compress costs or force product consolidation.

Conclusion
Vanguard’s October 2025 fee cuts are another step in an ongoing secular trend: passive index products are becoming cheaper as scale and competition intensify. The immediate outcome is clearer value for long-term investors; the medium-term outcome is a re-shaping of provider economics and product mixes across the industry. For investors, the sensible response is pragmatic: welcome lower costs, but prioritise total cost and fit within long-term asset allocation rather than chasing headline OCF reductions alone.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Asia’s rise as a capital magnet: why investors are diversifying beyond the U.S.

Asia’s rise as a capital magnet: why investors are diversifying beyond the U.S.

Asia’s rise as a capital magnet: why investors are diversifying beyond the U.S.

Asia’s rise as a capital magnet: why investors are diversifying beyond the U.S.

At the Milken Institute Asia Summit in Singapore on October 1, 2025, Kevin Sneader, president of Goldman Sachs for Asia-Pacific (ex-Japan), said investors have channelled roughly $100 billion into Asia excluding China over the prior nine months as part of a diversification trend away from concentrated U.S. exposure. That shift does not imply an abrupt exit from U.S. markets but signals reweighting across global portfolios toward Asian equities, fixed income and private assets.

Why now? valuation, performance and policy differentials
There are three measurable, near-term drivers:
* Valuation gaps: The MSCI AC Asia ex-Japan index traded at a trailing price/earnings (P/E) of about 16.5 and forward P/E ~14.2 as of late September 2025, compared with the S&P 500’s forward P/E in the mid-20s (around 23–27 depending on source and date). That P/E discount makes Asia an attractive source of potential relative total-return upside for global allocators.
* Income and yield dispersion: Many Asian markets offer higher dividend yields and steeper credit spreads on corporate and sovereign debt than comparable U.S. instruments, increasing carry for yield-seeking investors in a world where central bank policy divergence remains important.
* Strategic re-positioning around resilience: Large investors and sovereign funds increasingly prioritise supply-chain resilience, near-shoring and regional diversification after recent geopolitical shocks. Institutional allocators — from private wealth to sovereigns — are rotating allocations to capture secular growth in Asian technology, healthcare and consumer sectors.

Where the money went — pockets of demand
Flows are not uniformly spread. Japan, Korea, Taiwan and selected Southeast Asian markets have been net beneficiaries, while China’s equity gains in 2025 were driven more by domestic participation than by outsized foreign inflows. Meanwhile, India has seen mixed signals: despite a robust IPO pipeline, foreign portfolio investors withdrew about $2.7 billion in September 2025 and roughly $17.6 billion year-to-date through September, reflecting tactical repositioning among global funds. This divergence highlights that “Asia” is heterogeneous — investors are favouring markets with clearer earnings momentum or more attractive relative valuations.

The investor case — returns, diversification and sector exposure
From a portfolio perspective, several quantitative arguments drive allocation changes:
* Expected excess return: If Asia ex-Japan’s forward P/E trades at ~14 and the U.S. at ~24, and if earnings re-rate modestly or grow faster, the relative return cushion is material.
* Diversification: Lower correlation between U.S. mega-cap AI winners and broader Asian cyclicals/consumer names reduces portfolio concentration risk, especially for multi-asset funds.
* Sector exposure: Asian allocations increase exposure to manufacturing, semiconductors, private healthcare and consumer discretionary segments that may offer higher secular growth rates than some mature U.S. sectors.
However, investors must weigh these against higher political, regulatory and liquidity risk in select markets. The OECD and IMF continue to warn that capital-flow volatility can spike with global risk aversion.

Risks and caveats
The inflow headline masks sizeable regional variation and risks. China remains a special case — much of its 2025 equity bounce was home-grown, and foreign mutual funds remain cautious. India is experiencing FPI withdrawals even as large IPOs (projected to raise several billion dollars into year-end) continue to attract domestic and retail demand. A sudden U.S. policy shock, a spike in global yields, or regional geopolitical events could reverse flows quickly. Multinational managers must therefore stress-test portfolios for currency swings, liquidity squeezes and regulatory shifts.

What this means for investors
Institutional and retail investors contemplating higher Asian weights should: tilt toward liquid, large-cap exposures or diversified ETFs to manage liquidity risk; use active managers for markets with higher regulatory complexity; hedge macro tail risks (currency and rate exposures); and
reassess country allocations quantitatively — not by headline flows alone. Importantly, diversified Asia allocations should be motivated by long-term structural factors (population, tech adoption, manufacturing re-shoring) rather than short-term momentum alone.

Conclusion
The roughly $100 billion of inflows into Asia (ex-China) over nine months to October 1, 2025, marks a meaningful re-balancing by global investors seeking valuation advantage, yield, and strategic resilience. Yet the rotation is nuanced: country-level fundamentals, governance, liquidity and geopolitical risk will determine winners and losers. For disciplined investors, Asia’s re-emergence is a call to rethink global allocations with careful sizing, robust risk controls, and an eye on long-term secular growth trends.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Rupee Surge and the RBI Hold: What It Means for Indian Investors

Rupee Surge and the RBI Hold: What It Means for Indian Investors

Rupee Surge and the RBI Hold: What It Means for Indian Investors

Rupee Surge and the RBI Hold: What It Means for Indian Investors

On October 1, 2025 the Reserve Bank of India’s Monetary Policy Committee kept the policy repo rate unchanged at 5.50% and retained a neutral stance, while revising its real GDP forecast for fiscal 2025–26 upwards to 6.8% and trimming inflation projections. The decision was framed as a “dovish pause” that balanced upside growth revisions against still-benign inflation signals. The same day, the Indian rupee delivered its strongest simple daily gain in two weeks, closing around ₹88.69 per USD, as the U.S. dollar weakened amid geopolitical and US-political uncertainty. Indian equity indices also responded positively, with the BSE Sensex and Nifty 50 up roughly 0.9% on the day.

Why the RBI hold matters for markets
A central bank decision to pause (rather than hike) does more than freeze borrowing costs — it signals the path of future policy and affects risk appetite. By holding at 5.50% while revising growth upwards, the RBI has telegraphed that inflation is under enough control to allow a lenient stance if growth needs support. For investors this means:
* Equities: A neutral stance plus stronger growth forecasts typically supports higher earnings expectations for cyclical sectors (private consumption, banking, capital goods). The immediate market reaction — a near 1% rise in headline indices — reflects this linkage.
* Fixed income: Hints of future easing can pressure bond yields lower over time, but in the short run yields rose: India’s 10-year G-sec yield moved to the mid 6.5% area (around 6.52–6.59% on Oct 1), reflecting recent supply and global yield dynamics. That rise suggests spillovers from global rates and near-term liquidity rather than domestic policy surprise alone.
* FX: The rupee’s modest bounce was aided more by a softer U.S. dollar and potential RBI intervention than by a structural reversal. The central bank’s willingness to stabilise FX via state-bank dollar sales (if necessary) remains important given India’s open-economy exposures.

The rupee move — temporary reprieve or trend change?
The rupee’s ₹88.69 close on October 1 marked a technical recovery after a run of losses, but several factors argue caution before calling a structural reversal. First, India’s trade balance and dollar demand from importers and oil bills remain material; second, global dollar strength and yields set the backdrop for capital flows. ANZ and other banks flagged that a gradual depreciation remains a reasonable baseline absent large positive external shocks. Therefore, investors should treat the October 1 rally as a stabilising move, not definitive appreciation.

Sector and portfolio implications — practical takeaways
* Banks and financials: A neutral RBI stance plus growth upgrades typically favour loan growth and credit demand. Banking stocks often lead short-term rallies, but watch net interest margin (NIM) sensitivity to future rate cuts. If the RBI moves to ease later, NIM compression is a medium-term risk; however, higher loan volumes may offset some margin pressure.
* Exporters & IT services: Exporters benefit from a stable or weaker rupee. A sharper rupee depreciation supports reported rupee revenue for US-dollar earners; conversely, a strengthening rupee can compress margins. Given the RBI’s interventions and global dollar drivers, exporters should hedge near-term FX exposures selectively.
* Defensive consumer and domestic plays: Stronger growth forecasts support consumption themes—FMCG, retail and autos—but margin pressure from input inflation remains the watchpoint.
* Fixed income investors: With 10-year yields near 6.5–6.6%, investors must weigh duration risk versus yield pick-up. Shorter-dated government papers and dynamic bond funds offer ways to capture yields if the market expects eventual easing. Institutional investors should watch primary G-Sec supply calendars and CCIL indicative yields for yield curve shifts.

Risks and what to monitor next
Investors should track: RBI forward guidance — any explicit timing for cuts; inflation prints month-by-month to confirm the 2.6%/lower inflation trajectory the RBI signalled; external flows (FPI flows) and the US dollar index (which was ~97.6 on Oct 1) because global liquidity will dominate FX moves; and 10-year G-sec yields which set borrowing cost expectations for corporates. Market participants should prepare for volatility around US macro and political developments that have outsized short-term FX and rate implications.

Conclusion
The RBI’s October 1, 2025 hold with an upward GDP tweak provides a constructive backdrop for growth-oriented allocations in India, but the rupee’s bounce looks tactical rather than decisive. Prudent investors should overweight cyclicals and credit plays that benefit from growth if valuations permit; hedge significant FX exposure in export/import business models; and manage duration in fixed income, balancing attractive mid-6% yields against potential policy and supply shocks. The central bank bought markets a moment of clarity; the coming weeks of data and global sentiment will determine whether that clarity becomes a durable trend.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Activist Investors on Overdrive: The 2025 Surge in Corporate Campaigns

Activist Investors on Overdrive: The 2025 Surge in Corporate Campaigns

Activist Investors on Overdrive: The 2025 Surge in Corporate Campaigns

Activist Investors on Overdrive: The 2025 Surge in Corporate Campaigns

In the third quarter of 2025, activist investors launched 61 new campaigns globally — the busiest quarter on record — up from 36 campaigns in Q3 2024. Year-to-date through Q3, activists had mounted roughly 191 campaigns across 178 companies, and secured 98 board seats while precipitating about 25 CEO departures so far in 2025. The intensity of activity places 2025 on pace to challenge prior high-water marks in the post-2008 era. These figures come from Barclays’ tracking of global activism and Reuters reporting on the October 1, 2025 data release.

Why activism accelerated in Q3 2025
Three structural and cyclical drivers explain the spike. First, market turbulence — amplified by geopolitical shocks and policy uncertainty in major economies — created valuation dislocations that activists exploit. Second, the persistence of concentrated passive ownership (index funds holding large passive stakes) means a relatively small active holder can exert outsized influence by mobilising the vote or pressuring management. Third, activists have broadened playbooks beyond outright buy-outs to include “vote-no” campaigns, settlement-first approaches and targeted director withholds, which can generate rapid concessions without protracted proxy fights. Legal and advisory firms (and activist vulnerability reports) note that these lighter-touch tactics have lowered the cost and friction of starting a campaign, encouraging more launches even in summer months historically regarded as quiet.

What activists are demanding — and winning
The objectives are increasingly diverse. A Barclays breakdown shows demands span operational resets (cost cuts, portfolio simplification), capital-allocation changes (buybacks, special dividends), M&A demands (sales, breakups or mergers), and boardroom reshuffles. High-profile examples in 2025 included Elliott Investment Management pressing strategic change at legacy industrial and consumer names, and campaigns pressuring companies such as PepsiCo and CSX. Activists have not only pushed for transactions — they have won governance outcomes: tens of board seats have been filled via settlements and proxy fights, and several CEOs have resigned under activist pressure. These wins reinforce the tactic’s credibility and encourage further campaigns.

Market and financial consequences
Activism influences short- and medium-term financial metrics. Targeted firms frequently re-rate: stock outperformance commonly follows settlement announcements or announced strategic reviews, while cost-cutting or divestiture commitments can raise forecasted free cash flow and improve return on capital metrics. Analysts tracking outcomes in 2025 show activists secured board representation on roughly 50–60% of settled campaigns and achieved near-term share-price uplifts in many cases. On the cost side, prolonged fights raise legal and advisory fees and can distract management from operations, potentially depressing near-term revenues or margins. Institutional investors assessing risk-reward therefore focus on valuation gaps (e.g., low EV/EBITDA vs peers), governance quality and balance-sheet flexibility when anticipating activist targets.

Governance implications and corporate responses
Boards are no longer passive. Many have become proactive, running strategic reviews earlier and refreshing governance structures to reduce vulnerability. Companies are adopting pre-emptive measures: improving shareholder engagement, tightening succession planning, laying out clearer capital-allocation frameworks, and using poison pills or staggered boards only as last resorts because aggressive defensive measures can inflame proxy advisers and index votes. Proxy season reviews in mid-2025 also documented an uptick in “vote-no” campaigns — a tactic that forces swift reputational pain without a full campaign — prompting boards to monitor share-owner sentiment more continuously rather than episodically.

Which sectors are most exposed?
Historically, sectors with complex capital structures, heavy asset bases, underperforming cash generation, or perceived portfolio complexity (energy, industrials, consumer conglomerates, and certain tech hardware firms) attract activists. In 2025, energy and industrial names featured prominently as activists hunted simplification and value extraction, while consumer staples and logistics targets appeared where margin recovery or M&A opportunities were evident. Regions vary: the U.S. continued to lead in absolute campaigns, but cross-border US activists targeting European and Asian companies surged, leveraging valuation gaps abroad.

How investors should respond
For long-term investors, activism is a double-edged sword: it can unlock shareholder value through disciplined capital allocation, but can also induce short-term volatility and distract management. Practical steps include: (1) monitoring corporate governance indicators and activist vulnerability scores; (2) assessing balance-sheet flexibility and free cash flow conversion as predictors of activist interest; (3) engaging with management and boards early if issues arise; and (4) being selective about participating in campaigns — weighing expected incremental value versus execution risk and costs. Advisers and pension funds increasingly demand transparent outcomes metrics (e.g., ROIC improvement targets) when siding with or resisting activist proposals.

Conclusion
The record 61 campaigns in Q3 2025 mark an inflection point: activists are not only more numerous but also more tactically sophisticated. Their growing success in winning board seats and strategic concessions is reshaping corporate governance norms and forcing companies to be proactive on strategy and shareholder engagement. For markets, the activism surge amplifies the premium on disciplined capital allocation and clear strategic narratives — and it makes governance due diligence a central part of investment analysis in the modern era.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Sector Spotlight: Defence & Aerospace in India — A Growing Investment Theme

Sector Spotlight: Defence & Aerospace in India — A Growing Investment Theme

Sector Spotlight: Defence & Aerospace in India — A Growing Investment Theme

Sector Spotlight: Defence & Aerospace in India — A Growing Investment Theme

India’s defence production reached an all-time high of ₹1.51 lakh crore in FY 2024–25 and defence exports rose to ₹23,622 crore (about US$2.76 billion), a 12.04% increase over FY 2023–24. These headline figures reflect a structural shift: domestic production is expanding rapidly and export orientation is rising. Private-sector firms now account for a growing share of production and exports, with the private sector contributing roughly ₹15,233 crore of FY25’s export total (≈64.5% of exports). The export-to-production ratio makes the point: ₹23,622 crore in exports against ₹1.51 lakh crore production implies exports are already ~15.6% of output, signalling a meaningful pivot from a pure domestic market to international customers. (Calculation: 23,622 / 151,000 ≈ 0.156 ≈ 15.6%.)

Tata’s helicopter push — a concrete example of capability building
A recent, high-visibility step is the Airbus–Tata initiative: Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) will establish India’s first private-sector helicopter final assembly line (FAL) for the Airbus H125 at Vemagal, Karnataka. The facility is intended to produce “Made in India” H125 helicopters with the first delivery targeted for early 2027, and Airbus/Tata plan to make these helicopters available for export across the South Asian region. This is emblematic: multinational OEMs are now embedding India into their global supply chains via local private partners. That facility matters for investors for three reasons: it demonstrates transfer of production technology and higher value-added assembly work being done in India; the prospect of recurring revenue through local MRO (maintenance, repair & overhaul) and spares; and an export angle that turns domestic capex into foreign-currency earning streams.

Policy tailwinds — why private capacity is scaling fast
The policy architecture since DPrP/Make-in-India reforms and subsequent defence production policies has explicitly incentivised private participation, technology partnerships, and exports. Government measures include liberalised FDI limits in defence manufacturing, faster approvals for transfers of technology, and focused industrial corridors (e.g., Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor) that have attracted investment proposals exceeding ₹33,896 crore—evidence of concentrated capex commitments in manufacturing hubs. These policy moves lower barriers for players like Tata, Adani and others to scale production and invest in higher-value segments (airframes, avionics, helicopters). Public investment and clearer procurement roadmaps — together with predictable issuance of indigenisation lists and export targets — improve demand visibility. The Ministry of Defence and Invest India have set medium-term export targets (multi-year goals to increase defence exports to several times FY24 levels by the end of the decade), which encourages private capex with a market-access rationale.

Capital, margins and investment economics
From an investment lens, defence and aerospace manufacturing have these financial characteristics: high up-front capital expenditure (plant, tooling, certification), long inventory and receivable cycles (project timelines, government payment schedules), but attractive long-term margins once certification, ramp and aftermarket services are in place. Companies that capture assembly, spares and MRO chains can move from single-digit to mid-teens operating margins over time (company-specific, depending on product mix and localisation). Export contracts priced in USD also provide an FX hedge for rupee-based manufacturers when global demand is stable.
For investors, key ratios to watch are order-book to revenue (visibility), gross margin trajectory (localisation vs imported content), capex intensity (capex / sales) and free cash-flow conversion post-ramp. Defence firms with steady service revenues (MRO, training, spares) typically show stronger FCF conversion than pure systems integrators dependent on episodic contracts.

Export potential and global positioning
India’s aim to be a global defence supplier is supported by competitive labour costs, a maturing supplier base, and strategic pricing for markets in Asia, Africa and Latin America. Helicopters like the H125 — a versatile, proven platform — can open channels to civil and parapublic buyers (police, coast guard, EMS) in neighbouring markets. If TASL’s Karnataka FAL scales as planned, it can help create a local export hub for light helicopters — a product category with steady demand and recurring aftermarket revenue.

Risks and what investors should monitor
Key risks include payment and certification delays (government procurement cycles), dependence on imported critical subsystems (which affects margin potential), and geopolitical export controls that can limit market access for certain platforms. Investors should monitor order backlog transparency, localisation percentages (import content vs indigenised value), capex schedules, and government procurement guidelines (which materially affect demand timing).

Conclusion
India’s defence and aerospace sector has moved from policy promise to measurable scale: record production and export numbers, large greenfield investments in corridors, and concrete OEM-partner projects such as Tata’s H125 assembly line in Karnataka. For investors, the sector offers long-duration structural growth driven by policy support, export demand and private-sector scale-up — but it demands careful due diligence on order books, margins and execution timelines. The next few years will reveal which companies convert plant capex into sustainable free cash flow and export footprints; those that do are likely to outperform as India deepens its role as a global defence manufacturer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Safe Havens in 2025: Gold, Yen and Alternatives in a Volatile Year

Safe Havens in 2025: Gold, Yen and Alternatives in a Volatile Year

Safe Havens in 2025: Gold, Yen and Alternatives in a Volatile Year

Safe Havens in 2025: Gold, Yen and Alternatives in a Volatile Year

2025 has been an unusually intense year for so-called safe havens. Geopolitical tensions in multiple theatres, a U.S. government shutdown and fresh doubts about the path of Fed policy combined to weaken the U.S. dollar and raise recession-risk concerns. That mix has pushed traditionally defensive assets — most notably gold — into the spotlight as investors seek protection from policy uncertainty and market volatility. The U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) traded around 97.7 in early October, down from stronger levels earlier in the year, a move that made dollar-priced bullion more attractive to non-U.S. buyers.

Gold: record highs and the mechanics behind the rally
Gold has been the clearest beneficiary. Spot gold surged to record territory in late September and early October 2025, peaking near $3,895 an ounce on October 1, 2025 — a year-to-date gain commonly reported in the range of 40–47% depending on the reference date. The drivers are multi-fold: rising expectations of U.S. rate cuts, central bank purchases, ETF and retail demand, and safe-haven flows triggered by geopolitical risk. Analysts and major banks have revised target frameworks: some put a baseline of $3,700–$4,000 for end-2025 under a benign scenario and warn that stronger ETF inflows or continued dollar weakness could push prices higher. From a market-structure angle, global gold ETF assets and flows matter because paper demand translates into physical draw on inventories and bullion swaps. In 2025, gold ETF assets surged (reports show large cumulative inflows year-to-date), amplifying the price impact of incremental buying. That combination of cyclical flows (investors) and structural demand (central banks) underpinned the extraordinary run.

The yen and other currency havens: limited but real shelter
Currencies traditionally viewed as havens — the Japanese yen among them — have behaved differently this year. The yen has shown bouts of strength, trading in the mid-140s to upper-140s USD/JPY in late September–early October 2025, after earlier weakness. Yen moves are sensitive to cross-border flows and Japan’s own policy signals: a sudden risk-off episode can see safe-haven buying of the yen even against a backdrop of domestic monetary easing. Investors should note that currency havens are less pure than gold: their moves reflect rate differentials, central bank interventions and capital-flow technicals, so yen strength can be transient even during risk aversion.

Alternatives: sovereign bonds, silver and digital assets
Sovereign debt — especially U.S. Treasuries — remains a classic refuge. The U.S. 10-year Treasury yield traded near ~4.1% in early October, down from higher intrayear peaks as expectations for Fed easing rose; higher absolute yields, however, complicate the “safe” narrative because they also reflect inflation and fiscal dynamics. Lower yields typically support gold (via a lower opportunity cost of holding non-yielding bullion), but a simultaneous flight to Treasuries can coexist with a gold rally when risk sentiment swings sharply. Silver has outperformed even gold in 2025 percentage-wise, driven by both investor speculation and tight industrial supply conditions; the narrowing gold-silver ratio this year signals elevated industrial demand alongside pure store-of-value flows. Digital assets (notably Bitcoin) have intermittently shown correlation with gold during risk moves, attracting allocators who treat crypto as a complementary hedge, albeit with much higher volatility.

Practical implications for investors and portfolio construction
* Hedging vs. speculation: Gold is principally a hedge against systemic risk and currency debasement; investors should size exposures according to portfolio objectives—typical tactical allocations range from 2–10% depending on risk tolerance. Use physical bullion, ETFs, or futures depending on custody, liquidity and tax considerations.
* Interest-rate sensitivity: Monitor real yields. Gold tends to rally when real yields fall (rate cuts or easing inflation expectations); conversely, rising real yields can cap gold’s upside. With the U.S. 10-year around 4.1%, the path of Fed policy is a central pivot for further moves.
* Currency exposure management: For exporters and multinational investors, currency hedges are essential. The yen can provide episodic shelter, but it is not a permanent safe haven if Japan’s policy or intervention changes.
* Liquidity and timing: Safe-haven assets can spike quickly and reverse. Active risk management and clear exit rules (stop-losses, profit-taking bands) protect investors from sharp mean reversions.

Conclusion
2025 has underscored that “safe haven” is a behavioural label as much as an asset class. Gold’s record run — supported by ETF flows, central bank buying and a softer dollar — has made it the year’s marquee haven. Currencies like the yen, sovereign bonds and even silver and cryptocurrencies can play supporting roles, but each comes with distinct drivers and tradeoffs. For investors, the lesson is pragmatic: maintain modest, well-documented allocations to trusted havens, actively monitor real yields and dollar dynamics, and treat any short-term surge as an opportunity to reassess—not to abandon—longer-term risk management frameworks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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How India’s Fiscal & Monetary Settings Are Shaping Investment Flows

How India’s Fiscal & Monetary Settings Are Shaping Investment Flows

How India’s Fiscal & Monetary Settings Are Shaping Investment Flows

How India’s Fiscal & Monetary Settings Are Shaping Investment Flows

On October 1, 2025 the Reserve Bank of India’s Monetary Policy Committee left the repo rate unchanged at 5.50% and described stance as neutral, while upgrading its FY26 GDP forecast to 6.8%. The policy note emphasised “policy space” to support growth if needed. On the fiscal side, the Union Budget 2025–26 set a fiscal-deficit target of 4.4% of GDP (budget estimate) after a Revised Estimate of 4.8% for FY24–25 — reflecting gradual fiscal consolidation ambitions. These headline numbers (repo 5.50%; GDP 6.8%; fiscal deficit 4.4–4.8% of GDP) are the starting point for investor reactions.

Direct transmission to bond markets and yields
Monetary calm — a pause or eventual easing — lowers the expected terminal rate and thus puts downward pressure on sovereign yields, all else equal. India’s 10-year G-sec yield traded around ~6.52% on October 1, 2025, after a brief oscillation driven by supply and global rate moves. Lower domestic policy rates or an explicit easing cycle typically compress short-end yields first; longer maturities respond to expectations for growth, inflation and fiscal financing needs. Because India’s fiscal path still implies sizeable market borrowing (net market borrowings remain a multi-lakh-crore exercise each year), the supply-side of debt can offset some rate easing, keeping the curve steeper than peers. Investors therefore watch the 10-year yield as the principal fulcrum for duration allocation.

Effects on equities — valuation and sectoral tilt
A neutral-to-dovish RBI alongside an upward GDP revision lifts the earnings-growth narrative: cyclical sectors (banks, consumer discretionary, capital goods) benefit from higher projected loan growth and consumption. Equity markets priced this in on Oct 1 with domestic indices rallying on the policy decision and bank-stock strength. But two caveats matter for equity investors: sustained outperformance requires earnings visibility — not just rate psychology — and foreign portfolio investor (FPI) activity can swamp domestic flows in the short term. Valuation multiples (P/E and EV/EBITDA) expand when real yields fall; hence, any durable multiple expansion depends on a credible path to lower real rates without fiscal slippage.

FPI flows: sensitivity to yield differentials and risk
Foreign investors trade across fixed income and equities based on relative reward-adjusted carry and near-term political or macro risk. September 2025 saw net FPI selling in equities (reports show continued net sales in September, though at a slower pace), driven by global risk-off and U.S. policy uncertainty. When India’s real yields are attractive — and global risk-on returns — FPIs buy; when global liquidity tightens or political/frictional risks rise, they exit. Hence the RBI’s communication (clarity on rate path) and the fiscal arithmetic (smaller-than-expected deficits) are both key to stabilising FPI flows. A credible glide-path on deficit reduction can reduce risk premia and entice long-duration foreign buyers of G-secs.

FX and the rupee: two-way pressure
Monetary policy and fiscal strategy combine to determine the rupee’s vulnerability to shocks. A dovish RBI may reduce carry attractiveness relative to the U.S., favouring rupee depreciation; but if dovishness is accompanied by stronger growth and narrowing fiscal deficits, that can offset depreciation pressures through improved capital inflows. On Oct 1, 2025 the rupee staged a technical rebound (closing near ₹88.69/USD) after the RBI pause and dollar softness, yet analysts still warn of gradual depreciation absent a durable improvement in the external current account or steady FPI inflows. In short, FX moves are the net outcome of yield differentials, external balances (oil/imports), and capital flow swings.

Interaction of fiscal policy with investor confidence
Fiscal consolidation commitments — moving fiscal deficit from 4.8% (RE 2024–25) toward 4.4% (BE 2025–26) — matter because investors price sovereign risk via both expected supply and macro credibility. A clear, multi-year plan to reduce deficits without choking growth reduces term premia and encourages long-term foreign holdings of government bonds and listed corporate paper. Conversely, fiscal slippage or unanticipated off-budget liabilities would raise required yields and depress both bond and equity valuations. Transparent issuance calendars and predictable bond supply are therefore as important as headline deficit numbers for market functioning.

Practical takeaways for investors
* Fixed income investors should monitor the 10-year G-sec (≈6.5% range) and RBI guidance; favour short-to-intermediate duration if supply risks persist.
* Equity investors can tactically overweight cyclical sectors if growth revisions sustain; manage risk from potential FPI outflows and currency moves.
* Foreign investors will track fiscal consolidation credibility and real-yield differentials versus the U.S./EM peers before committing longer-duration capital.

Conclusion
India’s current policy mix — an RBI pause at 5.50%, an upgraded growth outlook (6.8%) and a fiscal-deficit glide-path toward ~4.4% — creates a constructive but nuanced backdrop for capital flows. Lower-for-longer policy expectations support equities and lower short-end yields, while fiscal credibility and global risk appetite will determine whether foreign investors return in meaningful size to bonds and stocks. For market participants, the interplay of central-bank signalling, budget execution, and external-flow dynamics will dictate asset allocation decisions in the quarters ahead.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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India’s year-end IPO blitz: risks, rewards and what to watch

India’s year-end IPO blitz: risks, rewards and what to watchIndia’s year-end IPO blitz: risks, rewards and what to watch

India’s year-end IPO blitz: risks, rewards and what to watch

India’s year-end IPO blitz: risks, rewards and what to watch

India’s primary-market calendar has come alive. Industry bankers and exchanges expect roughly $8 billion of new equity to hit the market in the final quarter of 2025, with a concentrated wave of large offerings scheduled for October and November. The pipeline is anchored by two marquee transactions: Tata Capital (price band ₹310–₹326; ~₹15,500–₹15,512 crore issue, the largest IPO of 2025) and LG Electronics India (price band ₹1,080–₹1,140; ~₹11,607 crore OFS), both opening in early October. The frenetic schedule would make Q4 2025 one of the busiest IPO quarters in recent memory.

The headline deals — size, pricing and implied valuations
Tata Capital set a price band of ₹310–₹326 (announced September 29, 2025), implying an offer that will raise roughly ₹15,500 crore and a post-issue valuation near ₹1.38 lakh crore. The deal combines fresh equity and promoter sales and aims to open to retail subscription in early October.
LG Electronics India fixed a price band of ₹1,080–₹1,140 and an offer-for-sale of ~10.18 crore shares (15% stake), valuing the listed entity at roughly ₹77,000–₹78,000 crore and raising about ₹11,600 crore if priced at the top. The IPO opens October 7, 2025, and is structured as an OFS by the Korean parent.

Financial context and valuation metrics investors should model
Looking beyond headline sizes matters. For LG Electronics India, FY24 financials show revenue ~₹21,352 crore and net profit ~₹1,511 crore (FY2024), which implies a trailing P/E near ~51x at a ~₹77,400 crore market cap — a premium that demands material future earnings growth or margin expansion to justify. Tata Capital, a diversified NBFC with FY25 earnings that rose materially (Livemint reports PAT ~₹3,655 crore for FY25), will face scrutiny on multiples vs. listed NBFC peers and on embedded credit cycle risks. Investors must therefore triangulate price band, trailing earnings and forward guidance rather than rely on headline demand alone.

Why the wave? demand drivers and market plumbing
Several forces are amplifying the window: heavy mutual fund inflows into Indian equities, strong retail participation in 2025 IPOs, and improved dealer / merchant banker confidence after a string of successful listings that delivered double-digit listing gains (2025 listings averaged meaningful first-day pops). Bankers also point to a tactical calendar: corporates prefer listing windows before year-end for index inclusion and to use positive sentiment to maximise pricing. Domestic liquidity, relatively benign global rates in recent months and active primary-market desks at brokerages have combined to create an IPO “sweet spot.”

Risks — concentration, valuations and liquidity strain
A cluster of large offers over a short window creates three principal risks. First, allocation crowding: retail and institutional pockets are finite; multiple large asks can lead to softer subscription for later deals. Second, rich pricing: several marquee names are seeking premium multiples (as seen with LG’s ~51x trailing P/E), raising the possibility of muted listing returns if growth disappoints. Third, liquidity and secondary pressure: large OFS segments (promoter exits) can introduce supply into the market after listing, weighing on near-term performance. Finally, macro shocks — e.g., an abrupt global risk-off, higher rates or domestic political noise — could quickly reverse investor sentiment.

Rewards — why long-term investors may still care
For long-term, selective investors, the wave presents opportunities: listed access to high-quality franchisees (large retail finance platforms, premium consumer brands, technology-enabled firms) at entry points that may still offer multi-year compound returns if execution holds. Some IPOs are strategic for sector allocation — financials (Tata Capital) for balance-sheet play, consumer durables (LG) for secular demand and distribution scaling. Institutional investors can secure meaningful allocations at anchor stages, while retail investors can use phased participation or SIP-style exposure via small lots to manage debut volatility.

What investors and advisers should watch
* Implied multiples vs. peers: compute trailing and forward P/E, P/B and RoA/RoE for each IPO.
* Use of proceeds/ OFS nature: is capital going into growth (fresh equity) or does it primarily monetise existing shareholders? OFS-heavy deals can signal immediate sellability.
* Anchor demand and subscription timing: strong anchor book builds often presage robust institutional support.
* Underlying business metrics: Net interest margin and asset quality for finance issuers; gross margins, channel economics and working-capital cycle for consumer names.
* Post-listing lock-ups and promoter intent: understand when sizeable promoter stakes might re-enter the market.

Conclusion
India’s projected $8 billion year-end IPO pipeline is a signal of market confidence and domestic investor capacity. Yet success will be measured deal by deal: pricing discipline, real earnings delivery and the market’s appetite for concentrated supply will determine whether October–December 2025 becomes a celebrated theme or a cautionary calendar. For disciplined investors, careful valuation work and staged participation will be the prudent path through the busiest IPO stretch in months.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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RBI raises loans-against-shares limit fivefold: will it meaningfully deepen market liquidity?