banking system liquidity

Vivo has launched its flagship X300 Ultra and X300 FE smartphones in India, featuring Zeiss-tuned cameras and Android 16. Both devices promise extensive OS and security updates. The X300 Ultra, with a 6,600mAh battery and Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, starts at Rs 1,59,999, while the X300 FE is priced from Rs 79,999.

We have had time to prepare for the challenges we may face now with the conflict in West Asia. But we didn’t get our house in order. Hopefully, there is still time to do the heavy lifting and rise to PM’s appeals

Vivo has launched its flagship X300 Ultra and X300 FE smartphones in India, both featuring ZEISS-tuned cameras and running Android 16. The X300 Ultra starts at Rs 1,59,999, while the X300 FE is priced from Rs 79,999. Both devices promise extensive OS and security updates.

The Indian rupee is facing significant pressure, weakening against the US dollar due to soaring crude oil prices driven by Middle East geopolitical tensions and persistent foreign fund outflows. Despite India's robust economic growth, the currency's slide continues as the Reserve Bank of India intervenes to curb volatility rather than target a specific exchange rate.

India's foreign exchange reserves surged by $2.362 billion to $703.308 billion in the week ending April 17, following a previous gain of $3.825 billion. This increase, driven by rising foreign currency assets and gold reserves, marks a rebound after a decline caused by Middle East geopolitical tensions.

Global oil markets face turmoil due to the Iran-US conflict and Strait of Hormuz disruptions. India, heavily reliant on oil imports, feels the pinch through rising inflation and borrowing costs. The Reserve Bank of India monitors the situation, opting for stability over aggressive action. Households may experience a gradual tightening of budgets as costs rise and monetary easing is delayed.

Donating clothes seems eco-friendly, but vast amounts of low-quality fast fashion end up as waste in places like Chile's deserts and Indonesia's shorelines. While second-hand markets offer benefits, the sheer volume overwhelms reuse and recycling systems. True solutions lie in reducing production and extending garment life, not just donation bins.

Today is Akshaya Tritiya, an auspicious day in the Hindu calendars, believed to bring lasting prosperity and good fortune. Buying gold on this day is considered auspicious. Experts believe that returns on gold over the last few years reinforce its role as a long-term wealth preserver.

S&P Global in its latest report titled India's Strong Fundamentals Would Cushion The Blow Of An Oil Shock says India is equipped to handle some strain. The report assumes a base case scenario of oil prices at an average of $130 per barrel for 2026 and $100 in 2027.

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The UAE and Bahrain have inked a significant AED 20 billion currency swap deal, fostering deeper financial ties and economic cooperation. This five-year pact, formalised by their central bank governors, aims to boost local currency usage in trade and investment, enhancing regional financial integration and stability. Officials view this as a crucial step for economic growth and stronger partnerships.

Fundamentally, foreign exchange reserves tell us about a country’s ability to service its external debt. The more robust the cover, the better a country’s position of economic strength. So how strong is India placed in terms of foreign exchange reserves?

Apple's new iPhone 17e offers a compelling 'iPhone experience' without the premium price tag. Featuring the powerful A19 chip and iOS 26 with full Apple Intelligence, it promises smooth performance and reliable battery life. Despite a 60Hz display and single rear camera, its ₹64,900 starting price makes it an attractive option for many.

India's economy shows strength with robust domestic demand and positive high-frequency indicators. Auto sales and credit growth are up. GST collections remain steady. Manufacturing activity is improving. Labour markets are showing signs of strengthening. Corporate revenues are holding up. Financial flows are supportive. However, Middle East tensions create global uncertainty and a risk of stagflation.

Oracle is laying off at least 10,000 employees—potentially up to 30,000—as it struggles to manage the cash demands of a $300 billion cloud computing deal with OpenAI. The cuts, Oracle's largest-ever restructuring, span divisions including Oracle Health, Cloud, Sales, and NetSuite. With debt exceeding $100 billion and free cash flow deeply negative, the company is slashing its workforce to fund Larry Ellison's AI data centre ambitions.

Indian banks face a growing funding gap as credit expansion outpaces deposit growth. Lenders are turning to certificates of deposit, a wholesale funding source, to meet loan demand. This shift reflects changing household savings patterns and strong credit appetite across various sectors. Banks are also reallocating capital from government securities to support lending activities.

The Bombay High Court has upheld the Reserve Bank of India's 2022 amalgamation scheme for Punjab and Maharashtra Cooperative (PMC) Bank with Unity Small Finance Bank. The court ruled the move was in public interest, ensuring depositors receive their full principal and interest, a stark contrast to liquidation outcomes. This decision protects depositors and strengthens the banking system.

Richard Bookstaber, a financial analyst and former hedge fund and US Treasury insider who wrote A Demon of Our Own Design, the book that foreshadowed the 2008 financial crisis, warns that today’s financial system is even more fragile. Private credit, AI-driven tech, stock concentration, and geopolitical tensions form a tightly linked network where shocks spread quickly. Unlike past crises, risks now arise from the physical world, energy, semiconductors, and supply chains, beyond the reach of traditional financial tools.