Core Viewpoint - The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is expected to maintain the core components of the flexible inflation targeting (FIT) framework, as most economists believe that targeting headline inflation against core inflation with a 2-6 percent retail inflation target has been beneficial for the economy [1] Inflation Tolerance Band - The 2-6 percent inflation tolerance band, introduced in 2016, was already considered low, and it may be reassessed in the next 5-10 years as inflation forecasts improve [2] Policy Clarity - Economists recommend continuing with headline CPI inflation, emphasizing that food inflation, despite being supply-side driven, cannot be ignored due to its correlation with inflation expectations. A 4 percent inflation target is deemed optimal, and narrowing the 2-6 percent band could lead to unnecessarily restrictive monetary policy [3] - The headline target should be retained as it reflects the combined impact of food and core inflation on consumers, particularly for low and middle-income households, where food spending constitutes a significant portion of expenses [4] Continuation of Existing FIT - Continuing with the existing FIT is seen as a logical choice, as it has helped anchor inflation expectations, stabilize core inflation, and guide the policy rate trajectory towards its lower bound [5] Focus on Headline Inflation - The RBI should focus on the headline inflation number rather than sub-components, as controlling overall inflation is essential for central banks. The concept of core inflation should primarily serve to understand inflation dynamics [6] - The current FIT has effectively served India, with inflation generally conforming to the target band and reduced volatility historically. Inflation expectations have remained anchored to the 4 percent target, contributing to lower capital costs in the economy [6]

Developments in Venezuela are unlikely to immediately impact India's oil supplies or prices, as Venezuelan crude has been largely absent from global markets due to US sanctions. While bilateral engagement has weakened, experts suggest India could diversify its sources if Venezuelan oil re-enters the market, potentially offering a sentimental impact on emerging market currencies.To begin with, the US-led sanctions on Venezuela have meant that oil flowing into the global markets, including India, has come dow ...

Pricing and Discounts - The iPhone 17 Pro Max is currently priced at Rs 1,38,490, reduced from the launch price of Rs 1,49,900, offering a discount of Rs 11,410 [1][9] - An additional Rs 4,000 instant discount is available for buyers using select bank cards, bringing the effective price down to Rs 1,34,490 [1][9] Display and Design - The device features a 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen with a resolution of 2868x1320 pixels and a pixel density of 460ppi [4][9] - It supports ProMotion technology with adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz and a peak outdoor brightness of 3,000 nits, protected by Apple's Ceramic Shield 2 for durability [5][9] Performance - The iPhone 17 Pro Max is powered by Apple's 3nm six-core A19 Pro chip, featuring a 6-core GPU and a 16-core Neural Engine [6][9] - It offers storage options of 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB, and operates on iOS 26 for enhanced performance [6][9] Camera Capabilities - The device includes a triple 48MP rear camera setup with a Fusion wide-angle lens, an Ultra Wide lens with macro capability, and a Fusion Telephoto lens with 8x optical zoom and up to 40x digital zoom [7][9] - Video recording capabilities include 4K Dolby Vision at 120 fps, and the front camera is an 18MP Centre Stage camera with autofocus and Retina Flash [7][9] Battery and Charging - The built-in lithium-ion battery supports up to 37 hours of video playback and fast charging capabilities, achieving 50% charge in 20 minutes with a 40W adapter [8][9] - It also supports 25W MagSafe wireless charging [8][9] Additional Features - Key features include a customizable Action Button, dedicated Camera Controls, IP68 water and dust resistance, and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity [9]

Group 1 - Nifty Bank index opened at 59,675, showing a gap-up from the previous close of 59,582, and is currently trading at 59,700, up 0.2% [1] - The advance/decline ratio is 10/4, indicating a bullish sentiment in the market [1] - Bank of Baroda and IndusInd Bank are among the top gainers, with increases of 1.8% and 0.9% respectively, while IDFC First Bank and Yes Bank are the top losers, down 0.6% and nearly 0.5% [1] Group 2 - Nifty PSU Bank has increased by 0.7%, outperforming the Nifty Private Bank, which is trading flat [2] - The January expiry Nifty Bank futures opened higher at 59,920 compared to the previous close of 59,884, currently trading at 59,950, up 0.1% [3] - The Nifty Bank index has rebounded from strong support, suggesting a resumption of the rally after a brief correction [3] Group 3 - Expectations are for Nifty Bank futures to surpass 60,000 and reach 60,400 in the coming sessions, with support levels identified at 59,800 and 59,500 [4] - A trade strategy is proposed to buy Nifty Bank futures at 59,950, with an initial stop loss at 59,750, and to book profits at 60,400 [5] - Supports and resistances are outlined, with supports at 59,800 and 59,500, and resistances at 60,400 and 60,650 [5]

Group 1 - Mr. Ahmed Al-Rashed has over 22 years of professional experience in governance, risk management, compliance, and cybersecurity [1] - He has held senior leadership positions in prominent organizations across banking, telecommunications, and financial sectors [1] - Currently serves as a Board Member and Secretary of the Board of Directors of Intilaaqah Solutions Company (Qiwa Finance) [2] Group 2 - Mr. Al-Rashed is a member of the Risk and Audit Committees of several companies, including National Finance Company and Rasid Fintech Payments Company [2] - He serves on the Risk Committee at NUPCO and the Audit Committee at the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) [2] - Holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from Al Yamamah University and has completed advanced executive programs from London Business School and the University of Oxford [3]

Core Viewpoint - The Indian rupee is experiencing its largest annual decline in three years, primarily due to record equity outflows and the absence of a trade deal with the U.S., which has hindered its recovery compared to other Asian currencies [1][13]. Group 1: Currency Performance - The rupee was quoted at 89.8650 per U.S. dollar, reflecting a 4.74% decline for the year, marking its worst performance since 2022 when it dropped nearly 10% [1][13]. - The currency has faced sustained depreciation pressure, falling to record lows and slipping past the 91 level at one point [1][13]. Group 2: Economic Factors - The performance of the rupee this year is largely attributed to capital flows, with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) adopting a more flexible approach to the exchange rate [2][13]. - India's balance of payments has slipped into a historical deficit of approximately $22 billion between April and November, indicating significant external economic strains [2][13]. Group 3: Trade and Investment Outlook - A potential trade deal with the U.S. could provide temporary relief, possibly lifting the rupee to around 88.50 by March, although underlying pressures are expected to return [5][13]. - Foreign investors withdrew a record $18 billion from Indian equities in 2025, contributing to the rupee's underperformance relative to its peers [8][13]. Group 4: RBI's Approach - Under the new leadership of Sanjay Malhotra, the RBI has become more tolerant of currency weakness, focusing on managing depreciation expectations rather than defending a specific exchange rate level [9][13]. - The RBI's interventions have aimed to counter speculative pressures, particularly evident when the rupee fell past the 91-per-dollar mark for the first time [9][13]. Group 5: Currency Valuation - The rupee's decline, alongside a rally in other currencies, suggests it is no longer overvalued, with India's trade-weighted real effective exchange rate dropping to 97.5 in November from 104.7 in January 2025 [10][13]. - A reading below 100 indicates that the rupee is undervalued, which may benefit exporters by cushioning their local currency earnings [11][13].

Core Viewpoint - The Indian rupee is experiencing its largest annual decline in three years, primarily due to record equity outflows and the absence of a U.S. trade deal, with recovery prospects linked to future trade agreements [1][3]. Currency Performance - The rupee is currently quoted at 89.8650 per U.S. dollar, reflecting a 4.74% decline for the year, marking its worst performance since 2022 when it fell nearly 10% [1]. - Throughout the year, the rupee has repeatedly hit record lows, surpassing the 91 level at one point, indicating sustained depreciation pressure [2]. Economic Context - India's balance of payments has slipped into a historical deficit of approximately $22 billion between April and November, highlighting external economic strains [3]. - A potential trade deal with the U.S. could provide temporary relief, possibly lifting the rupee to around 88.50 by March, although underlying pressures are expected to persist [3]. Capital Flows - The rupee's underperformance relative to peers is attributed to significant equity outflows and a slowdown in capital inflows, with foreign investors withdrawing a record $18 billion from Indian equities in 2025 [5]. - Prolonged negotiations with the U.S. have further complicated capital flow challenges, reducing predictability regarding India's trade outlook [5][6]. RBI's Approach - The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has adopted a more flexible approach to currency management under Governor Sanjay Malhotra, allowing for currency weakness while focusing on managing depreciation expectations [7]. - This shift became evident when the rupee fell past the 91-per-dollar mark, prompting heavy RBI intervention to manage speculative pressures without defending a specific exchange rate level [8]. Currency Valuation - India's trade-weighted real effective exchange rate has declined to 97.5 in November from 104.7 in January 2025, indicating that the rupee is now considered undervalued [9]. - A weaker Indian rupee may benefit local exporters by cushioning their currency earnings, providing some relief amid challenging economic conditions [10].

Core Insights - Vijay Sales has launched its Apple Days Sale, running from December 28 to January 4, 2026, offering discounts on a range of Apple products including iPhones, MacBooks, iPads, Apple Watches, and AirPods [10] Promotions and Discounts - Customers purchasing the iPhone 17 will receive MyVS Rewards loyalty points worth Rs 3,000, which can be redeemed for discounts on future in-store purchases [1][10] - The sale includes attractive deals on older iPhone models such as the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16E, and iPhone 15, along with discounts on MacBooks and Apple accessories [2][10] Special Offers - Demo and open units of select Apple devices will be available at special prices, with limited quantities offered on a first-come, first-served basis [3][10] - Instant discounts of up to Rs 10,000 are available for select bank cardholders during the sale, with specific offers for HDFC Bank, American Express, and HSBC Bank cardholders [8][10] Exchange and Loyalty Programs - An exchange bonus of up to Rs 10,000 is offered on purchases made at stores and online [9][10] - Shoppers can earn 0.75% MyVS loyalty points on purchases made across Vijay Sales' retail outlets and e-commerce platform [9][10]

Core Insights - Personal loans serve as a quick credit solution during financial emergencies, but borrowers may sometimes need to cancel them if the emergency is resolved or postponed [1] Cooling-Off Period - The cooling-off period for personal loans is a designated timeframe allowing borrowers to cancel the loan, typically ranging from 3 to 15 days post-disbursement [2][10] - This period is also referred to as the look-up period [2] Bank-Specific Policies - **ICICI Bank**: Offers a 15-day cooling-off period with no cancellation charges if canceled within this timeframe; however, processing fees are non-refundable. A cancellation fee of ₹2,500 applies after the cooling-off period [3] - **Kotak Bank**: Provides a cooling-off period of the transaction plus four days for digital loans, with no cancellation charges during this period. Post-cooling-off, charges are ₹1,000 + GST or 1% of the principal outstanding + GST, whichever is higher [4] - **IDFC FIRST Bank**: Has a 3-day cooling-off period with no cancellation charges if canceled within this timeframe [5] - **HDFC Bank**: Allows cancellation within the cooling-off period but charges interest from disbursement to cancellation date; processing fees and other charges are non-refundable [6] - **Tata Capital**: Offers a 3-day cooling-off period with no penalties for prepayment; post-period cancellation charges are 2% of the loan or ₹5,750, whichever is higher [7] - **SMFG India Credit**: Allows cancellation before the first EMI with a charge of ₹1,000 + GST [8] - **Hero Fincorp**: No cancellation charges for online cancellations, but processing fees are non-refundable [9] Cancellation Process - If a personal loan needs to be canceled, borrowers should check the cooling-off period and any applicable cancellation charges [10] - If the cooling-off period has expired, borrowers may negotiate with the bank/NBFC for a waiver of cancellation charges [11] - The cancellation process involves submitting a request form and repaying the loan amount, after which the bank will confirm the loan closure [12]

The number of High Net Worth Individuals (HNIs) in India is growing significantly, and the growth rate is expected to remain high in the foreseeable future. Financial services companies are launching various products to cater to the financial needs of the HNI category. Banks are also launching various financial products, including premium credit cards for HNIs and other affluent categories.RBL Bank has recently launched two premium credit cards, LUMIÈRE and NOVA, to help curate extraordinary experiences for ...