Earnings Reports - A total of 184 firms are scheduled to announce their earnings report for the third quarter (Q3FY26), including notable companies such as Zydus Lifesciences, Aurobindo Pharma, and Pfizer [1] - Other companies expected to declare their Q3 results include Happiest Minds Technologies, Route Mobile, and Kaveri Seed Company [2] State Bank of India (SBI) Performance - SBI reported a net profit of ₹21,028 crore for Q3FY26, marking a 24.5% year-on-year increase, attributed to strong growth in non-interest income and steady net interest income [3][4] - The bank's net interest income grew by 9% annually to ₹45,190 crore, with advances expanding by over 15% year-on-year to ₹46.83 trillion [4] - Non-interest income surged by 66% year-on-year to ₹18,359 crore, primarily driven by higher fee income [4] Net Interest Margin (NIM) - SBI's domestic net interest margin improved by 3 basis points to 3.12% at the end of Q3FY26, compared to 3.09% in the previous quarter and 3.15% in the same period last year [5] - The bank anticipates its NIM to remain above 3% in the future [5] Market Overview - Indian equity benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, are expected to open strongly, supported by positive global cues and optimism surrounding the India–US Interim Trade Agreement [6] - Market sentiment improved following a joint statement from India and the US outlining the framework for the Interim Trade Agreement, which is seen as a precursor to a comprehensive Bilateral Trade Agreement [7] - US President Donald Trump lifted a 25% tariff on Indian goods, enhancing market optimism [8] Asian Market Performance - Early indicators suggest a firm start for domestic equities, with GIFT Nifty trading at 25,938.5, up 241 points or 0.94% [9] - Asian markets are also experiencing gains, particularly in Japan, where the Nikkei 225 surged by 4.5% [9]

Trade Deal Impact - India's benchmark Nifty 50 stock index rose 5% following the announcement of a trade deal between New Delhi and Washington, which includes a significant reduction in U.S. tariffs on Indian exports [1] - U.S. President Donald Trump announced a reduction of reciprocal tariffs on India from 25% to 18%, while India will eliminate its tariff and non-tariff barriers against U.S. products [1][2] Tariff Changes - The U.S. previously imposed tariffs of up to 50% on India, including a 25% levy on Russian oil purchases, which has now been reduced to 18% [2] - India has agreed to cease purchasing Russian oil and increase imports from the U.S. as part of the trade agreement [2] Economic Outlook - Modi stated that "made in India" products will now face reduced tariffs of 18% in the U.S., supporting the U.S. president's efforts for global peace and prosperity [3] - The lack of an explicit trade deal had previously created a disconnect between India's strong macroeconomic indicators and the underperformance of various asset classes, according to Citi Research [3] - The tariff reduction is viewed as significantly better than market expectations and, when combined with the recent India-EU trade agreement, could provide substantial external growth stimulus for the Indian economy in 2026 [4]

Group 1 - Tariffs on imported goods from South Korea, including autos, pharmaceuticals, and lumber, are increasing to 25% due to the lack of legislative action on the trade agreement with the U.S. [2]

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. and Taiwan have established a trade agreement focused on semiconductor manufacturing, with significant investments and tariff adjustments aimed at enhancing chip production in the U.S. Group 1: Investment and Production Capacity - Taiwanese chip and technology companies will invest at least $250 billion in production capacity in the U.S. [1] - The Taiwanese government will guarantee $250 billion in credit for these companies [1] Group 2: Tariff Adjustments - The U.S. will reduce reciprocal tariffs on Taiwan from 20% to 15% [2] - There will be zero reciprocal tariffs on generic pharmaceuticals, their ingredients, aircraft components, and some natural resources [2] Group 3: Specific Company Developments - Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) has acquired land in Arizona and is expected to expand its operations there as part of the agreement [2][3] - Taiwanese companies building new chip fabs in the U.S. will be able to import up to 2.5 times the amount of capacity they are constructing without incurring tariffs during the construction phase [3] Group 4: Additional Tariff Exemptions - Taiwanese auto parts, lumber, and related products will also be exempt from tariffs exceeding 15% under the Section 232 framework [4]

What the US wants from Canada on trade https://t.co/pEvob56BCg ...

Brazil President Lula urged the EU to finalize a massive trade agreement with South American nations, telling still-hesitant leaders that the deal won’t happen on his watch if it doesn’t get done now. https://t.co/pdbmt2jT8o ...

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said her government is not ready to sign a massive trade agreement with South American countries this week https://t.co/TODYsJTHug ...

Emmanuel Macron’s push to delay a key EU vote on the Mercosur trade agreement risks derailing the pact altogether https://t.co/BY0tc3r5jJ ...

Trade Agreement Negotiations - India and the European Union trade agreement negotiations are unlikely to be finalized by the end of the year [1] - Key issues like steel and automobiles are hindering the progress of the trade talks [1]

Indonesia expects to conclude a trade agreement with the US by the end of the year as pressure builds on both sides to iron out disagreements that threaten to unravel their ties https://t.co/LCTLnVJbV9 ...