Indian stock markets closed at record highs on Monday (3), buoyed by increased investor confidence in the domestic economy and in line with rises across Asia.
Analysts said traders were betting on economic reforms following the Indian government's recent massive victory in a key state election, while the indices were also being lifted by recent rallies in some international equities.
"The Uttar Pradesh election is a factor and demonetisation is behind us. Most importantly GST (goods and services tax) will get approved in July and that's positive," said Rahul Shah, an equities analyst at Motiwal Oswal Securities.
"But it's not just India. There's a global effect. All these things together is why the markets are touching new highs. Economically I don't see any major challenges which might spoil the party right now," he added.
The Bombay Stock Exchange's (BSE) benchmark Sensex index rose 0.98 per cent, or 289.72 points, to end the day at 29,910.22. That surpassed its previous closing high of 29,681.88 set in January 2015.
Meanwhile, the Nifty on India's National Stock Exchange (NSE) closed above the 9,200-point mark for the first time ever.
Last week the lower house of parliament passed bills paving the way for a landmark tax reform that will transform the world's fastest growing economy into a common market.
The GST law, which the government is aiming to launch by July 1, will replace a decades-old patchwork of federal and state taxes.
It is one of the biggest economic reforms of the business-friendly government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which came to power in 2014 pledging to transformIndia's economy.
The landslide victory in the most populous state of Uttar Pradesh last month was seen as a major vote of confidence in the prime minister's plans, including his shock decision to withdraw all high-value banknotes from circulation last year.
The win is also expected to make it easier for his government to pass legislation in parliament.
Japanese and Hong Kong stocks closed up Monday after European stock markets ended last week higher.
Euro Garages, Red Contract Solutions, and CSG FM amongst worst offenders
New Fair Work Agency to launch April 2026 with enhanced enforcement powers
National Living Wage increased to £12.21 per hour for workers aged 21 and over
Wage violations enforced
The government has named and shamed nearly 500 employers across the UK for failing to pay the National Minimum Wage, forcing them to repay £6 million to 42,000 workers and imposing fines totalling £10.2 million in what officials described as the biggest enforcement action in a generation.
The enforcement action, announced on Friday, sees employers hit with fines totalling £10.2 million for short-changing their staff. The list includes well-known high street brands alongside smaller businesses across various sectors, from petrol stations to nurseries.
Euro Garages Limited topped the list, failing to pay £824,383 to 3,317 workers, while Red Contract Solutions underpaid 11,631 workers by more than £650,000. Other prominent names include Mitchells & Butlers, Cineworld Cinemas, and William Hill. Business Secretary Peter Kyle noted "Every worker deserves a fair day's pay for a fair day's work, and this government will not tolerate rogue employers who short-change their staff." He added that the Plan to Make Work Pay ensures a level playing field where all businesses pay what they owe.
Workers' rights boost
The crackdown comes as the Government introduces what it calls the biggest upgrade to workers' rights in a generation. From April 2026, a new Fair Work Agency will be established with enhanced powers to tackle employers underpaying workers and failing to pay holiday and sick pay. Employment Rights Minister Kate Dearden pointed that, "This government is taking direct action to ensure workers get every penny they've earned, and to put an end to bad businesses undercutting good ones."
Workers who suspect they're being underpaid can check their pay at gov.uk/checkyourpay or contact HMRC's pay and work rights helpline. The naming rounds are designed to deter future violations whilst protecting legitimate businesses from unfair competition. National Living Wage rates increased to £12.21 per hour in April 2025 for workers aged 21 and over.
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