Daily News - Wednesday, 24 December 2025

Top 7 market trends that shaped India’s economy in 2025 (wion)

1. India as the fastest‑growing major economy: IMF projected growth of 6.7–6.9% this fiscal and 6.5–6.9% next fiscal. Supported by tax exemptions, accommodative monetary policy, GST reforms, and potential US trade deal.

2. Ultra‑low inflation & rate‑cut debate: Retail inflation hit a record low of 0.25% in Oct 2025, far below RBI’s 4% target. Sparked debate over deflation risks vs. growth support, with repo rate at 5.5%.

3. IPO boom despite flat indices: Between Oct 2024–Sep 2025, 86 IPOs raised ₹1.71 lakh crore, nearly double the prior year. IPOs outperformed Nifty by ~4x, driven by strong domestic liquidity.

4. Retail‑driven equity market resilience: Despite volatile foreign flows and modest Nifty gains (~4–6%), domestic investors kept markets buoyant. Rise in demat accounts, SIPs, and “buy‑the‑dip” mentality cushioned shocks.

5. Shift toward manufacturing & capex: Growth led by manufacturing, construction, and public infrastructure spending. Production‑linked incentive (PLI) schemes boosted electronics, autos, and renewables.

6. Services exports: IT and beyond: IT, consulting, BPM, and remote health/education exports offset merchandise trade challenges. Strong remittances and services surplus stabilized the current account.

7. RBI’s cautious neutral stance: Despite ultra‑low inflation, RBI held repo at 5.5%, keeping “dry powder” for uncertainty. Risks from US tariffs, visa fee hikes, and global volatility influenced caution.

India Launches Heaviest Satellite Ever to Powers World’s First Space‑Based Cellular Network (Hinduistan Times)

On December 24, 2025 at 8:55 am IST, ISRO’s heavy‑lift rocket LVM3‑M6 (Baahubali) lifted off from Sriharikota carrying the BlueBird Block‑2 satellite. The payload weighed 6,100 kg, making it the heaviest satellite ever placed into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) by ISRO. The mission was executed under a commercial agreement between NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL) and US‑based AST SpaceMobile (AST & Science LLC). BlueBird‑2 is designed to provide direct 4G/5G cellular broadband connectivity to smartphones worldwide, enabling voice, video, messaging, and data services. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh hailed the launch as a milestone in India’s space journey, showcasing ISRO’s growing global commercial prowess. This launch strengthens India’s role in the global space economy, boosts commercial revenues, and positions ISRO as a key player in next‑generation communication infrastructure for both India and the world.

India’s Retail Leasing Hits Record 9 Million Sq Ft in 2025 and projected to Cross 11 Million Sq Ft by 2026 (Business Standard)

Retail space leasing across India’s top 8 cities (Delhi‑NCR, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Pune, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad) rose 15% year‑on‑year, reaching ~9 million sq ft in 2025 compared to 7.8 million sq ft in 2024. Leasing in shopping malls jumped to 3.8 million sq ft, up from 2.5 million sq ft last year. High‑street leasing remained stable, inching up to 5.4 million sq ft from 5.3 million sq ft. After limited Grade‑A mall completions in 2024 (0.9 million sq ft), new deliveries in 2025 are projected at 4.3 million sq ft, marking the strongest supply since the pandemic. Rising consumer confidence, evolving experience‑led retail formats, and premiumisation trends (malls as lifestyle destinations anchored by premium brands) are fueling demand. Delhi‑NCR leads demand, driven by mixed‑use marquee spaces blending retail, F&B, entertainment, and workspaces. This surge signals India’s consumption‑led growth and strengthens its position as one of the world’s fastest‑growing retail real estate markets. For the global economy, it highlights India’s role as a major demand hub for international brands, reshaping supply chains and investment flows.

Japan Shifts Capital from China to India Amid Geopolitical Tensions: Japan’s $359 Billion M&A Boom is the Largest FDI in Indian Finance (livemint)

Japanese companies announced $359 billion (₹29.9 lakh crore) in outbound and domestic M&A deals in 2025, a 54% increase year‑on‑year. Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group invested $4.8 billion (₹40,000 crore) for a 20% stake in Shriram Finance Ltd, the largest foreign direct investment in Indian financial services. Mizuho Financial Group acquired a controlling stake in Avendus Capital, while Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group became the largest shareholder in Yes Bank Ltd. JFE Steel Corp. bought a 50% stake in Bhushan Power & Steel Ltd in partnership with JSW Steel. Japanese FDI into India rose from $1.5 billion (₹12,500 crore) in FY22 to $2.5 billion (₹20,800 crore) in FY25, showing two‑thirds growth over three years. Japan pledged $72 billion (₹6 lakh crore) investment over the next decade in AI, semiconductors, rare earths, and carbon credits, with 80% of Japanese firms surveyed planning expansion in India within 24 months.