India

Gold and silver prices remained in focus as investors assessed a mix of global economic signals, currency movements, and inflation expectations. Precious metals continued to reflect cautious optimism, supported by demand for safe-haven assets amid uncertainty over interest rate trajectories and geopolitical developments. While short-term volatility persisted, underlying fundamentals pointed to sustained investor interest, particularly from hedgers and long-term allocators.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) contributions reached a historic high in 2025, surpassing Rs 3 trillion for the first time, underscoring the growing maturity and discipline of Indian retail investors. Despite intermittent market volatility and global uncertainties, investors continued to commit regular savings to mutual funds, reinforcing the long-term appeal of SIPs. The milestone reflects rising financial awareness, deeper penetration of mutual funds beyond metros, and confidence in India’s economic trajectory.

A sweeping transformation in India’s infrastructure has driven logistics expenses down to approximately 9 per cent of GDP, according to Nitin Gadkari. Once burdened with costs as high as 16%, the country now nears international benchmarks — comparable to logistics regimes in advanced and emerging markets. Underlying this shift are investments in expressways, freight corridors, and cleaner fuels, alongside streamlined transport regulations.

India’s white-collar employment landscape witnessed a sharp resurgence in November, marked by a 23% year-on-year jump in professional hiring. The momentum signals renewed confidence across key industries after months of cautious recruitment and subdued corporate sentiment. The uptick is driven largely by rising demand in banking, technology services, e-commerce, and manufacturing—sectors that have accelerated expansion plans amid improving economic indicators.

Safran, the French aerospace giant, has announced plans to establish a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility for its LEAP aircraft engines in India by 2026. The initiative aims to capture a growing market for commercial engine services in Asia, projected to become one of the fastest-growing aviation segments globally. With ambitions to generate €3 billion in revenue, Safran plans to leverage India’s strategic location, skilled workforce, and emerging aviation infrastructure to provide cost-efficient, high-quality engine support.