📰 India Business Brief: Top Headlines for December 18, 2025

Economic Times

• The margin trading book reached a record high in November, though its growth rate slowed due to the underperformance of mid- and small-cap stocks.
• Asian stock markets experienced declines, mirroring losses in the US, with technology shares facing significant selling pressure amid growing concerns over AI company valuations.
• Gold and silver prices eased as investors engaged in profit-taking, influenced by a stronger US dollar and anticipation of key US inflation data.
• Zomato and Swiggy are significantly impacting the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) market, empowering local players while simultaneously squeezing margins and slowing growth for larger brands.
• Shares of Ola Electric, Vedanta, Akzo Nobel, Jio Financial, and NTPC are expected to be in focus today due to various company-specific news developments.

Business Standard

• Indian equity markets are anticipated to open on a lower note today, influenced by weak global cues and the weekly expiry of Sensex derivatives contracts.
• GIFT Nifty futures indicated a tepid start for the benchmark indices.
• SEBI implemented wide-ranging reforms, overhauling the Mutual Fund cost framework and stockbroking rules, while NSDL settled proceedings with SEBI for ₹15.6 crore.
• The United States views India as a crucial strategic partner for securing global supply chains in artificial intelligence and semiconductors.
• RRP Semiconductor Ltd., an Indian AI stock, witnessed an extraordinary 55,000% surge, raising concerns about a potential market bubble.
• Stocks such as HCLTech, Tata Motors, Paytm, and Cyient are among those to watch today. HCLTech notably secured a multi-year contract with ASN Bank for digital transformation.
• Paytm Payments Services received authorization from the Reserve Bank of India to operate as a payment service.

Mint

• Indian stock markets are projected to open flat to lower after three consecutive sessions of losses, influenced by cautious global market sentiment.
• Persistent concerns over the rupee's weakness, continued foreign capital outflows, and delays in the India-US trade agreement have contributed to the prevailing cautious sentiment.
• Foreign investors broke an eight-session selling streak, becoming net buyers of shares worth ₹11.72 billion on Wednesday.
• The Nifty 50 index is facing a hurdle at the 26,000 level, with near-term support identified around 25,750.
• SEBI approved measures aimed at promoting a transparent breakdown of costs charged by mutual funds.
• Market analysts recommended several stocks for intraday trading, including GRM Overseas, India Cements, Mahindra and Mahindra Financial Services, Avanti Feeds, and MM Forgings.
• Antony Waste Handling Cell secured two significant contracts valued at ₹13.3 billion from Mumbai's municipal corporation.
• Speciale Invest announced plans to launch a ₹1,600 crore growth fund dedicated to deeptech investments.

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Tags: Headlines Business News Economic Times Business Standard Mint Top News