The BSE benchmark tanked 2,199.77 points or 2.66 per cent during the week, as investor sentiment was rattled by a series of domestic and global developments, PTI reported.“A sharp hike in H-1B visa fees triggered heavy selling in technology stocks, while the Indian rupee slipped to a record low against the US dollar, adding to market pressure. Further, the imposition of 100 per cent tariffs on branded and patented pharmaceutical imports to the US dampened sentiment across sectors, weighing heavily on market ...

Market Valuation Decline - The combined market valuation of the top-10 most valued firms decreased by ₹2,99,661.36 crore last week, reflecting a bearish trend in equities [1] - The BSE benchmark index fell by 2,199.77 points or 2.66 percent during the same period [1] Impact on Major Firms - Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) experienced the largest market valuation drop of ₹97,597.91 crore, bringing its total valuation to ₹10,49,281.56 crore [2] - Reliance Industries' valuation decreased by ₹40,462.09 crore, resulting in a total valuation of ₹18,64,436.42 crore [3] - Infosys lost ₹38,095.78 crore, with its market valuation now at ₹6,01,805.25 crore [3] - HDFC Bank's market capitalization fell by ₹33,032.97 crore to ₹14,51,783.29 crore [3] - ICICI Bank's valuation declined by ₹29,646.78 crore, bringing it to ₹9,72,007.68 crore [3] Additional Valuation Changes - Bharti Airtel's valuation dropped by ₹26,030.11 crore to ₹10,92,922.53 crore [4] - Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) saw a decrease of ₹13,693.62 crore, resulting in a valuation of ₹5,51,919.30 crore [4] - Hindustan Unilever's market capitalization fell by ₹11,278.04 crore to ₹5,89,947.12 crore [4] - Bajaj Finance's valuation declined by ₹4,977.99 crore to ₹6,12,914.73 crore [4] - State Bank of India's market valuation dipped by ₹4,846.07 crore to ₹7,91,063.93 crore [4] Ranking of Valued Firms - Reliance Industries remains the most valued firm, followed by HDFC Bank, Bharti Airtel, TCS, ICICI Bank, State Bank of India, Bajaj Finance, Infosys, Hindustan Unilever, and LIC [5]

Market Overview - The BSE benchmark index fell by 2,199.77 points or 2.66% last week, primarily due to a sharp increase in H-1B visa fees, which led to significant unwinding in technology stocks and pressured the Indian rupee to a record low against the US dollar [1][2]. Impact on Technology Sector - Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) experienced the largest market valuation drop among the top firms, losing Rs 97,597.91 crore, bringing its valuation down to Rs 10,49,281.56 crore [2][6]. - The overall sentiment in the technology sector was negatively impacted by the H-1B visa fee hike, contributing to the bearish trend in equities [1][2]. Pharmaceutical Sector - The imposition of 100% tariffs on branded and patented pharmaceutical imports to the US has dampened market sentiment, affecting multiple sectors and weighing heavily on market confidence [2]. Valuation Changes of Major Firms - Reliance Industries saw its market valuation decrease by Rs 40,462.09 crore to Rs 18,64,436.42 crore [5]. - Infosys lost Rs 38,095.78 crore, with its valuation standing at Rs 6,01,805.25 crore [6]. - HDFC Bank's market capitalisation fell by Rs 33,032.97 crore to Rs 14,51,783.29 crore, while ICICI Bank's valuation dropped by Rs 29,646.78 crore to Rs 9,72,007.68 crore [6][7]. - Bharti Airtel's valuation decreased by Rs 26,030.11 crore to Rs 10,92,922.53 crore, and LIC's valuation diminished by Rs 13,693.62 crore to Rs 5,51,919.30 crore [6][7]. - Hindustan Unilever's market capitalisation dropped by Rs 11,278.04 crore to Rs 5,89,947.12 crore, and Bajaj Finance declined by Rs 4,977.99 crore to Rs 6,12,914.73 crore [6][7]. - The market valuation of State Bank of India dipped by Rs 4,846.07 crore to Rs 7,91,063.93 crore [6][7]. Overall Market Capitalisation - The combined market valuation of the top-10 most valued firms eroded by Rs 2,99,661.36 crore last week, reflecting the overall bearish trend in the market [2][6].

Core Insights - The article discusses the highest fixed deposit (FD) interest rates offered by major banks in India, highlighting competitive rates for both general and senior citizens [5][6] Summary by Bank - **State Bank of India (SBI)**: Offers FD interest rates ranging from 3.05% to 6.60% for general citizens and 3.55% to 7.10% for senior citizens, with the highest rates available for a tenure of 444 days [5][6] - **HDFC Bank**: Provides FD interest rates between 2.75% and 6.60% for general citizens and 3.25% to 7.10% for senior citizens, with the highest rates applicable for a tenure of 18 months to less than 21 months [5][6] - **ICICI Bank**: Offers FD interest rates from 2.75% to 6.60% for general citizens and 3.25% to 7.10% for senior citizens, with the highest rates available for tenures of 2 years 1 day to 10 years [5][6] - **Punjab National Bank (PNB)**: Provides FD interest rates between 3.00% and 6.60% for general citizens and 3.50% to 7.10% for senior citizens, with the highest rates available for a tenure of 390 days [5][6] - **Bank of Baroda (BoB)**: Offers FD interest rates ranging from 3.50% to 6.60% for general citizens and 4.00% to 7.10% for senior citizens, with the highest rates applicable for a tenure of 444 days [5][6] Market Context - The article emphasizes that fixed deposits remain a reliable investment avenue for safe and assured returns, especially as investors monitor interest rate movements [5][6]

Core Insights - The festival season drives increased household spending, leading to a surge in personal loan applications to cover expenses related to celebrations, gifts, and travel [1][2]. Personal Loans Overview - Personal loans are a practical financial tool for managing festival expenses, offering quick approval and minimal paperwork [3]. - Interest rates for personal loans from leading financial institutions range from 10% to 16.5% per annum, with flexible repayment periods from 12 to 96 months [3][4]. Usage of Festival Loans - Personal loans can be utilized for various festival-related expenses, including shopping for apparel and jewelry, home renovations, family trips, and purchasing furniture and electronics [7]. Digital Convenience - The online application process for personal loans allows for instant approvals and disbursal within 24 hours, catering to the urgent financial needs during the festival season [5][6]. Smart Borrowing Tips - To maximize benefits from personal loans, borrowers should compare interest rates and processing charges, ensure EMIs do not exceed 40% of monthly income, and read the terms carefully [11].

Core Insights - The latest episode of The Bell2Bell Podcast features Moishe Gubin, Chairman and CEO of Strawberry Fields REIT Inc., focusing on the company's operations in the skilled nursing and healthcare property sectors [2][3]. Company Overview - Strawberry Fields REIT is a self-administered real estate investment trust that owns, acquires, and leases skilled nursing and healthcare-related properties, with a portfolio of 142 facilities and over 15,500 beds across 10 states [7]. Business Model - The company operates on a triple-net lease structure with 10-year leases and two five-year renewal options, with 93% of its assets being skilled nursing facilities [3][4]. - The leadership team has a strong operational background in nursing homes, allowing for strategic tenant evaluations and operational stability [4]. Financial Performance - Strawberry Fields REIT has maintained a consistent financial discipline, having collected 100% of its rents over the past 10 years without writing off any bad loans [5]. - The company distributes 45% to 50% of its earnings, reinvesting the remainder to grow asset value at an annual rate of 11% [5].

Core Insights - ixigo has launched the 'Grand Travel Fest' sale, offering significant discounts on flights and hotels to make festive travel more affordable for families and individuals [1][4] Discounts Offered - Travellers can receive up to 12% off on flights and hotels when using ICICI Bank Credit Cards and Credit Card EMI, while RBL Bank Credit Cards, BOBCARD, AU Bank Credit Cards, and IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Card EMI offer up to 15% off [2] - Specific discounts include: - ICICI Bank: 12% off - RBL Bank: 15% off - BOB Card: 15% off - AU Bank: 15% off [2] Validity of Offers - The promotional offers are valid until September 26, 2025, allowing ample time for travellers to book for upcoming festivals such as Dussehra and Diwali [3] Company Perspective - Aloke Bajpai, Group CEO of ixigo, emphasized the importance of festive travel for family gatherings and the company's commitment to making these journeys more affordable and convenient through exclusive bank partnerships [4] - The Grand Travel Fest aims to enhance the travel experience during India's peak travel season by providing savings and a variety of options for flights and hotels [4]

Core Insights - Banks and shadow banks are launching various offers to boost credit demand during the festive season, which has been relatively muted this year [2] - Lenders are reducing interest rates on loans for homes, vehicles, and personal use, while waiving processing fees and extending repayment tenures [2] Group 1: Offers and Discounts - Many banks have partnered with retailers and e-commerce companies to provide 'instant' EMI options, cashback deals, and discounts on purchases [3] - ICICI Bank is offering savings of up to ₹50,000 on transactions made through credit or debit cards, internet banking, and cardless EMI [4] - HDFC Bank is providing 'festive treats' with savings of up to ₹50,000 on various loans, including personal, business, and vehicle loans [5] - Axis Bank has launched 'Dil Se Open Celebrations' to offer discounts, cashback, and exclusive deals for upcoming festivals [6] Group 2: Specific Offers by Banks - State Bank of India is providing a 10% instant discount on credit card purchases made during Amazon's 'Great Indian Festival' sale [7] - Non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) are focusing on two-wheeler loans following a GST cut, targeting demand in Tier-II and Tier-III cities [8] - Shriram Finance plans to introduce schemes for gold, housing, and vehicle loans to capitalize on festival demand [9] - L&T Finance has announced three festival schemes for two-wheeler customers, including no-cost EMI and prompt payment rebates [10] Group 3: Market Trends - There is a noticeable increase in demand within the auto ecosystem, particularly for two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and passenger vehicles [9] - The overall sentiment indicates a steady underlying demand for credit, with expectations of increased borrowing across key segments due to GST rationalization [8]

Benchmark stock indices Sensex and Nifty closed lower for the third consecutive day on Tuesday in a volatile trade, dragged by selling in IT and blue-chip private banking shares and foreign fund outflows amid concerns over the steep hike in US H-1B visa fees.Photograph: Danish Siddiqui/ReutersAfter oscillating between gains and losses during the day, the 30-share BSE Sensex closed lower by 57.87 points or 0.07 per cent at 82,102.10.During the day, it hit a high of 82,370.38 and a low of 81,776.53, fluctuati ...

Core Insights - HSBC has launched the 'HSBC Rewards | Travel with Points' service, allowing credit cardholders to earn up to 12x reward points for travel bookings [4][18] - The service is accessible through HSBC India's website and mobile app, facilitated by Hopper Technology Solutions [4][18] - The program includes features such as best price guarantee, price drop protection, and free cancellation [12][13][14] HSBC Rewards | Travel with Points Service - The service enables credit cardholders to earn accelerated reward points for booking flights, hotels, and car rentals [4][5] - Different HSBC credit cards offer varying reward points for travel bookings, with the HSBC Prive and Premier cards providing the highest rates [6] - The maximum cap for accelerated reward points is set at 18,000 points per cardholder per calendar month, while base reward points remain uncapped [6] Redemption and Payment Options - Cardholders can redeem reward points for travel services at a 1:1 ratio for HSBC Prive and Premier cardholders [10] - Payment for travel bookings can be made entirely with reward points, partially with points and a credit card, or fully with a credit card to earn additional points [16] Benefits of the Service - The best price guarantee allows cardholders to receive a refund if they find a lower rate within 24 hours of booking [12] - Price drop protection refunds the difference if flight prices drop within 10 days after booking, up to a maximum of ₹1,500 [13] - Free cancellation is available up to 3 hours before the trip, ensuring flexibility for cardholders [14] Conclusion - The introduction of the 'HSBC Rewards | Travel with Points' platform enhances the value proposition for HSBC credit cardholders by offering significant rewards and flexible redemption options [18]