CREDIT QUALITY
How the 2025 rate cycle could redefine fixed income strategies
After maintaining a tight monetary policy stance for nearly two years to contain inflation, the Reserve Bank of India has begun easing rates in 2025 as price pressures moderate and growth momentum stabilizes.
ICICI Bank Q2 net profit up 5% to Rs 12,359 cr on lower provisions, beats estimates
ICICI Bank's net profit rose 5.2% to Rs 12,359 crore in Q2, exceeding market expectations due to lower provisions. Despite a predicted marginal rise in credit cost, the bank anticipates better loan growth in the second half of the fiscal year, supported by government initiatives.
AU, Jana, Ujjivan report lower Q2 net profit, on higher expenses, credit cost
Small finance banks faced profitability pressures in the second quarter due to higher credit costs and expenses. AU Small Finance Bank saw a dip in net profit, while Ujjivan and Jana reported significant drops. Lenders expressed confidence in improving credit quality from unsecured business in the coming quarter.
Two regional banks rattle Wall Street - is credit among customers weakening? Jamie Dimon raises alarm
Wall Street credit worries Jamie Dimon warning: Wall Street faces growing worries over credit after Zions and Western Alliance reported loan losses. This has led to a market sell-off. JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon warned of more problems hidden in the US economy. Jefferies also faces exposure from a collapsed auto parts supplier. Investors are watching for wider credit stress.
Small finance banks see profit squeeze in Q2 as credit costs, expenses rise; hope for growth uptick
Small finance banks reported lower profits this quarter. Higher credit costs and expenses impacted their earnings. AU Small Finance Bank, Jana, and Ujjivan all saw their net interest margins contract. Despite these challenges, the banks expressed confidence in improving credit quality from unsecured lending in the coming months. Loan books showed growth, with a focus on secured assets.
ICICI Bank Q2 Preview: Profit growth seen up to 8.5% YoY; NII may rise 10% as NIMs contract. 9 things to watch
ICICI Bank is expected to post up to 8.5% YoY profit growth in Q2, supported by steady loan and deposit momentum. However, margin compression and lower treasury gains may weigh on sequential performance, as per estimates from Nomura, Emkay, Axis Securities, and YES Securities.
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Will First Brands and Tricolor bankruptcy spell the beginning of a wider crisis in the US financial sector?
U.S. financial sector has been jolted by shocking developments pertaining auto parts supplier First Brands and car dealership Tricolor, and Zions Bancorporation and Western Alliance.
HDFC Bank Q2 results preview: PAT may grow up to 9% YoY, NII to rise up to 6% amid margin squeeze. 9 metrics to track
HDFC Bank is set to announce its Q2 earnings on October 18. Analysts predict a modest profit growth of up to 9% year-on-year. Net Interest Income is expected to rise between 3% and 6%. Margins could face pressure due to rising funding costs. Investors will watch for management commentary on deposit growth and future margin trends.
Nirmala Sitharaman urges banks to increase agricultural credit to meet rural India's demands
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has directed rural banks to boost agricultural credit. She emphasized focusing on new rural economic opportunities and supporting Farmer-Producer Organisations. Sitharaman also called for improved operations and technology adoption to strengthen financial health.
NCVET’s role in India’s skilling reforms: From fragmentation to integration
India's skilling landscape is being transformed by NCVET. This body is unifying vocational training, linking it with general education. NCVET ensures quality and accountability, preparing learners for future jobs. Efforts are underway to scale up initiatives, integrate new technologies, and improve the social perception of skills. This aims to make India a global skill hub.
Nifty Bank hits fresh all-time high. Is this the start of Diwali dhamaka?
Nifty Bank hit an all-time high of 57,651.30 on Friday, rallying around 10,000 points from its March 2025 lows and surpassing its previous peak of 57,628.40. Led by HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and Axis Bank, the 12-stock index gained 229 points in the morning session. So far in 2025, Nifty Bank has outperformed the broader Nifty, rising over 13%.
IIFL Finance shares in focus as Fitch revises outlook to positive
IIFL Finance shares are expected to be in focus after Fitch Ratings revised the company’s long-term outlook to positive from stable, citing expectations of stronger fundamentals and stabilised asset quality. The revision follows the lifting of RBI restrictions on its gold loan business, signalling a steady recovery and improving credit profile.
Lock in stability before rate cuts: Jiraaf’s Saurav Ghosh on why AAA bonds deserve a place in every portfolio
Investors are eyeing AAA-rated corporate bonds for stable returns as India's interest rates stabilize. These bonds offer high credit quality and predictable income, outperforming fixed deposits. Experts suggest 2025 could be a key year for fixed-income investments. Investors should check credit ratings, issuer track records, and tax implications before investing. Platforms registered under SEBI's framework ensure secure transactions.
Asian shares dip after credit woes hit Wall Street
Asian shares declined Friday as US bank bad loans and credit market concerns dampened investor sentiment. Gold and silver hit record highs amid US economic fears and US-China tensions. The Bank of Japan signaled continued tightening, while the White House is set to ease auto tariffs.
Global shocks no worry, India stays investors’ darling: S&P Global Ratings President Yann Le Pallec
India's economy is poised for strong growth, with S&P Global Ratings projecting expansion around 6.5% this year and 7% in the next two. The nation is seen as resilient to global trade shocks and geopolitical risks. Global investors view India as an attractive destination for stable, long-term growth opportunities. This outlook supports India's economic trajectory.
Fitch upgrades outlook on IIFL Finance to positive
Fitch Ratings has upgraded IIFL Finance's outlook to positive from stable, affirming its 'B+' senior secured debt rating. The agency anticipates improvements in the company's credit profile over the next two years, including asset quality and funding diversity, following the lifting of RBI restrictions on gold loans.
India among top countries as international students rate New Zealand a top study abroad destination
International students in New Zealand reported high satisfaction with their study experience, with 87% giving a positive rating. This positive feedback coincides with a 16% increase in international student enrolments between January and April 2025. Students valued people, education quality, and living experience, with significant improvements noted in visa processes and perception of value for money.
Learn With ETMarkets: Why blue-chip corporate bonds are gaining popularity in 2025
In 2025, AAA and blue-chip corporate bonds are gaining popularity as investors seek stable, predictable returns that outperform fixed deposits. High credit quality, attractive yields, low volatility, and improved liquidity make them a preferred choice for portfolio diversification and capital preservation amid moderating interest rates.
Goldman Sachs is betting big on bank stocks. Here are 4 reasons why
Goldman Sachs is bullish on Indian bank stocks, citing easing financial conditions, low earnings expectations, improving profitability, and attractive valuations. The brokerage expects Nifty Bank to outperform the broader market, with banks and NBFCs offering up to 30% upside.
Axis Bank shares surge 4% despite weak Q2 results. Should you buy or sell now?
Axis Bank shares rose 4% despite a 26% year-on-year drop in net profit to Rs 5,090 crore for Q2 FY26. Net interest income saw a marginal 2% increase, while fee income grew 10%. Asset quality showed sequential improvement, though gross slippages rose.
HDB Financial Services shares in focus as Q2 PAT sees 2% YoY growth
HDB Financial Services reported a modest 2% profit rise for Q2FY26, driven by strong net interest income growth. However, asset quality saw a slight dip with rising NPAs and increased credit costs. Morgan Stanley maintained an 'Equalweight' rating, revising its target price, citing mixed performance and valuation concerns.
Continuous cheque clearing hits roadblocks, customers face long waits
A new cheque clearing system, intended for same-day clearance, is facing significant delays and rejections due to initial technical glitches and poor image quality. Customers report cheques taking over a week to clear, disrupting business finances. While the National Payments Corporation of India states most issues are resolved, some customers are still experiencing prolonged waits for their funds.
Paytm set to ride credit boom, Axis Capital upgrades to buy call
Paytm upgraded to ‘Buy’ by Axis Capital as credit-linked payments, stabilising merchant revenue, and tight cost control drive growth; FY27–28 EBITDA estimates raised 33–46%, with a Rs 1,500 price target implying 20% upside amid robust digital finance expansion.
NPCI confirms smooth operation of RBI’s real-time cheque clearing system
The Reserve Bank of India's new T+0 cheque clearing system is now stable. Initial problems encountered during the transition have been resolved. The National Payments Corporation of India is working with banks to address any remaining issues. This ensures same-day credit for presented cheques. The system was launched on October 4.
HDB Financial Q2 results today: Shares in consolidation mode after listing. Should you buy?
HDB Financial Services shares are in focus today. The company will announce its September-quarter results. The stock has slipped since its market debut. Investors are cautious due to sector pressures. Analysts expect loan growth and modest margin expansion. Credit costs are anticipated to rise. The company's performance and asset quality will be closely watched.
Wells Fargo tops profit estimates, raises return target after asset cap lifted
Wells Fargo on Tuesday beat Wall Street estimates for third-quarter profit and raised its closely watched profitability target after regulators removed an asset cap imposed on the bank, paving the way for it to pursue growth.
Axis Bank Q2 preview: Profit seen falling 19% YoY as margin and cost pressures persist
Axis Bank is expected to report a 19% YoY drop in Q2 PAT, pressured by margin compression, higher deposit costs, and elevated operating expenses. While loan growth remains steady, asset quality concerns and elevated credit costs could keep earnings subdued, with a gradual recovery anticipated.
Corporate debt investing in 2025: Why AAA bonds are still a top pick, Vishal Goenka decodes
In 2025, AAA-rated corporate bonds remain a top investment choice for stability and predictable returns in a volatile market. Vishal Goenka highlights their low default risk, moderate yields, and appeal in a stabilizing interest rate environment, emphasizing due diligence before investing.
Tata Capital aims to double loan book in 3 yrs, cut credit costs to sub-1 pc soon
Tata Capital aims to double its loan book within three years, projecting credit costs below 1%. The non-bank lender, which recently listed on the stock exchange, is confident in its growth strategy, particularly in the SME sector. The company anticipates leveraging India's economic momentum to expand its market share.
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