Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Indian stock markets close at record highs

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.

More For You

Bank of England

The announcement from the Bank of England followed Donald Trump’s announcement of a trade agreement with Britain.

Reuters

Bank of England cuts interest rate to 4.25 per cent

THE BANK OF ENGLAND on Thursday cut its key interest rate by a quarter point to 4.25 per cent, citing concerns over slowing economic growth due to US tariffs.

This was the central bank’s fourth interest rate cut in nine months and had been widely expected by markets. The move comes in contrast to the US Federal Reserve, which decided on Wednesday to keep borrowing costs unchanged.

Keep ReadingShow less
Keir-Starmer-Getty

'Our India trade deal ... is good for British jobs. The criticism on the double taxation is incoherent nonsense,' Starmer said. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images

Starmer rejects claims of favouring Indian workers in trade deal

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer on Wednesday dismissed criticism that the government had sold out British workers by offering tax exemptions to some Indian workers as part of the new free trade agreement with India. He called the claims “incoherent nonsense”.

The trade deal, announced on Tuesday, includes tariff reductions on British imports to India and allows some short-term Indian workers to be exempt from paying into Britain’s social security system for up to three years. The exemption is part of the Double Contributions Convention (DCC) and also applies to British workers in India.

Keep ReadingShow less
Direct flights will link Gatwick to Uganda

Lord Collins of Highbury and Nimisha Madhvani with other officials at the launch of the UK-Uganda Growth Dialogue in Kampala

Direct flights will link Gatwick to Uganda from May 18

LORD COLLINS of Highbury, the minister for Africa, concluded a two-day visit to Uganda last month, reaffirming the UK’s commitment to sustainable development, inclusive partnerships and mutual economic growth.

During the visit (April 3–4), the minister was welcomed by president Yoweri Museveni at State House.

Keep ReadingShow less
Brightsun Travel wins King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade

Staff at Brightsun Travel, which won the King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade

Brightsun Travel wins King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade

A LEADING UK-based travel service provider has won the King’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade, a prestigious business honour.

Brightsun Travel recorded high turnover in the past three years despite the challenging business climate and disruption in the aftermath of the pandemic

Keep ReadingShow less
FTA ‘will elevate India to be Britain’s most trusted partner’

Sir Keir Starmer and Narendra Modi during their meeting in November 2024

FTA ‘will elevate India to be Britain’s most trusted partner’

WHAT does the Free Trade Agreement (FTA), welcomed on Tuesday (6) by the British and Indian prime ministers, Sir Keir Starmer and Narendra Modi, mean for Eastern Eye readers?

The FTA certainly opens up many more opportunities for British Indian businessmen (and women).

Keep ReadingShow less