After one of the most challenging 12-15 months for equity investors, markets enter 2026 with a very different setup. Valuations, once the biggest concern, have corrected sharply as earnings moved up but prices failed to keep pace. India is no longer the most expensive market, while policy tailwinds - tax cuts, repo rate reductions, GST rationalization and easing global liquidity - are now in place. Lower oil prices and rate cuts by global central banks further strengthen the macro backdrop. However, persistent selling pressure, rupee volatility and heavy IPO activity have capped upside momentum. The key question now is whether markets can absorb past excesses and transition into a more stable phase. With fundraising peaking and liquidity conditions improving, 2026 could mark a shift from pain to potential.
Gold and silver have surged to record highs, raising questions about what lies ahead for investors. While equities have faced pressure from fund flows shifting toward precious metals, the outlook for gold and silver remains nuanced. Gold continues to act as a store of value amid global uncertainty, central bank buying and declining trust in fiat currencies. Silver, on the other hand, behaves more like an industrial metal, driven by emerging use cases and tighter demand-supply dynamics. However, sharp price spikes often attract financial investors, increasing volatility, especially in silver. With broader metals like copper and aluminium also gaining traction, the key question is whether precious metals consolidate or extend gains into 2026. Investors may need to balance conviction with caution as the cycle evolves.
The United States has announced a major overhaul of the H-1B visa programme, scrapping the random lottery system in favour of a framework that prioritises higher-skilled and higher-paid foreign workers. The move, effective February 27 next year for the FY2027 cap season, is aimed at protecting American wages and curbing misuse of low-wage filings. For India — the largest source of H-1B professionals — the shift could reduce opportunities for routine roles while improving prospects for specialised, high-salary talent. The change comes alongside a court ruling upholding a proposed $100,000 fee on new H-1B applications, dealing a setback to U.S. tech companies and outsourcing firms. Indian IT majors and consultancies may now need to reassess wage structures and hiring strategies to remain competitive in the U.S. talent market.
What does it really take to keep cinema halls relevant — and profitable — in the age of OTT? In Episode 4 of the Business Today Exclusive Podcast, PVR INOX Managing Director Ajay Bijli joins Karishma Asoodani for a deep dive into the business of the big screen. From the evolution of single-screen theatres to luxury multiplexes, the conversation unpacks ticket pricing, footfall challenges, content risks, debt reduction, and the impact of the PVR-INOX merger. Ajay Bijli also explains why the theatrical experience continues to matter in India’s rapidly evolving entertainment economy. Don’t forget to like, share, comment, and subscribe for more exclusive business conversations.
The Indian government is set to overhaul its methodology for measuring key economic indicators like GDP, inflation, and industrial production from February 2026, incorporating the informal economy and e-commerce data. Chief Economic Advisor Anant Nageshwaran addressed the frequent criticism of the current data, stating, 'It is only when the GDP growth numbers surprise on the upside, we hear all these concerns being raised.' The new framework will adopt the 'double deflation' method for a more precise assessment of real-term value. This major policy shift, which has been in development for over two years, follows concerns raised by global bodies like the IMF. The government will also release back-series data for the past three financial years to allow for better comparison once the new system is implemented with the advance estimates in early 2026.
In an interview on Business Today Television, Prateek Agarwal, MD & CEO of Motilal Oswal Asset Management, shared an optimistic outlook for Indian equities in 2026 after a challenging 2025 marked by valuation corrections and pain in mid/small caps. He highlighted positives like significant valuation resets (India no longer the most expensive market), tax/GST/rate cuts, global easing, lower oil prices, and rupee depreciation boosting margins. Agarwal expects improved broad-market performance as rupee stabilizes, with tailwinds for growth themes like EVs, renewables, electronics manufacturing, and luxury. He advises focusing on high-growth leaders rather than cap categories, anticipates broader participation (e.g., metals, banks/NBFCs), and sees higher probability of positive outcomes. On gold/silver's strong 2025 run, he views gold as a store of value amid uncertainty and silver as industrial-driven, expecting possible consolidation before further gains.
In a year-end discussion on Business Today Television, Piyush Pandey, Senior VP-Equity Research at Centrum Broking, shared a positive outlook for India's IT sector in 2026 after two tough years.Q2 FY26 results showed sequential revenue growth, margin improvement, strong deal wins, and rising AI-related opportunities. Client spending is rebounding, especially in BFSI, aided by rupee depreciation and attractive valuations. Top large-cap picks: Infosys and TCS. Tier-2: LTIMindtree and Coforge. On telecom's duopoly, he favors Bharti Airtel (pricing power, ARPU growth, debt reduction) and Indus Towers (Vodafone relief trigger, reduced receivables). Vodafone Idea remains speculative; prefers Indus for indirect play. Overall, 2026 expected to be reasonably good for IT with improving fundamentals; Jio IPO likely by mid-year.
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Dr. Saurabh Garg, Secretary of MoSPI, discusses India's upcoming changes to GDP estimation, highlighting the use of real-time GST data to enhance state-level economic growth calculations. This updated methodology, set to launch with a new GDP series on February 27, 2026, will improve the measurement of the informal sector and inflation. Garg emphasizes the importance of base revisions due to changes in the economy and data sources like GST, e-Wahan, and PFMS. The shift will incorporate international methodological standards, improving the accuracy and credibility of India’s economic data. Workshops will help states strengthen their estimation capabilities.
In this special edition of "What's Hot" on Business Today Television, host Sakshi Batra discusses two major market stories as 2025 draws to a close. First, the muted listing of KSH International IPO, which debuted flat-to-discount at around ₹357-399 against the ₹384 issue price, weighed down by undersubscription that forced a reduced issue size. The spotlight then shifts to the historic rally in precious metals. Gold surged ~77% in 2025, while silver doubled investors' money with 130-140% returns, marking one of the strongest years for both in decades. Expert Navneet Damani from Motilal Oswal highlights geopolitical uncertainty, supply shortages, and financial flows as key drivers. For 2026, he remains cautiously optimistic: gold could hit ₹1.5-1.6 lakh and silver ₹2.5-2.6 lakh, but warns of sharp 7-10% corrections ahead. Advises profit-booking, staggered buying on dips, SIPs in ETFs, and maintaining 10-15% portfolio allocation to gold/silver for long-term diversification, avoiding jewellery due to high costs.
India has committed a reconstruction and assistance package worth US$450 million to Sri Lanka, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, underscoring New Delhi’s role as a first responder and closest neighbour. The package includes US$350 million in concessional lines of credit and US$100 million in grants, and is being finalised in close coordination with the Sri Lankan government. Assistance will focus on restoring damaged road, rail and bridge connectivity, rebuilding houses, strengthening health and education infrastructure, supporting agriculture, and improving disaster preparedness. India also highlighted its swift relief response under Operation Sagar Bandhu, with naval ships, aircraft and helicopters deployed immediately after Cyclone Ditwa made landfall, reinforcing India’s Neighbourhood First and Mahasagar policies.
LoP Rahul Gandhi has reignited his “vote chori” attack—this time from foreign soil. Speaking at an event in Berlin, Germany, Rahul alleged that elections in India are not free and fair, sparking a sharp political backlash. He reiterated that the Congress won polls in Telangana, Himachal Pradesh and Haryana, while maintaining that the Maharashtra election was unfair and that the broader electoral process in India remains compromised. The remarks triggered a fierce response from the BJP. Party president JP Nadda accused Rahul of criticising India abroad and skipping key Parliament sessions, while the BJP said he was spreading propaganda rather than acting as Leader of Opposition.
Shriram Finance has secured a massive ₹39,618 crore investment from Japan’s Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, which will acquire a 20% stake in the NBFC. Despite the landmark deal, Shriram Finance has made it clear that it has no plans to apply for a universal banking licence. Executive Vice Chairman Umesh Revankar says the company sees ample growth opportunities within its existing NBFC business.
Tension flared at the Thiruparankundram Hill shrine in Madurai during Karthigai Deepam celebrations, as protesters clashed with police after being stopped from lighting the traditional lamp at the ancient deepathoon. Citing court orders, demonstrators accused authorities of double standards, alleging that rituals and a chariot procession were allowed at the adjoining Sikandar Dargah while the Deepam was blocked. The standoff led to late-night drama, sparking a political war of words between the DMK government led by M. K. Stalin and the opposition NDA. The Madras High Court had earlier permitted the ritual, a decision later challenged by the state over law-and-order concerns.
#Podcast #Promo | From Popcorn To Profits | PVR’s Game Plan To Keep Cinema Halls Thriving Amid OTT The full episode will be released on December 23, 2025, at 7 PM on Business Today.
After public outrage over mining concerns in the Aravallis, the Centre has issued a clarification, insisting there will be no unrestricted mining. Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav says only a minuscule area could be considered, and that the move is aimed at curbing illegal mining through stricter definitions and compliance. However, environmentalists warn the real threat lies in a recent interpretation by the Supreme Court of India, which limits protection to hills rising over 100 metres. Critics fear this could strip nearly 90 per cent of the Aravalli Range of legal safeguards, endangering a vital ecological barrier for north India.
Speaking at an event at Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari stressed the need to cut imports and boost exports by developing indigenous, proven and economically viable technologies. He highlighted diversification of agriculture towards energy and alternative fuels as key to raising farmers’ incomes and reducing fossil fuel imports. Gadkari said surplus crops like rice, wheat and maize can power biofuels such as ethanol, biodiesel and green hydrogen, generating jobs and growth. Citing ethanol production from maize and bamboo, he said such initiatives have directly benefited farmers and strengthened India’s economy through innovation-driven, sustainable development.
A fresh political twist has emerged in the proposed India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement, with New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters opposing the deal. His party, New Zealand First Party, part of the ruling coalition, argues the FTA gives away too much on immigration while offering limited gains in sensitive sectors like dairy. At the same time, India has maintained a firm stand on protecting domestic agriculture, a position repeatedly articulated by Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal. The proposed pact includes a limited, quota-based agri action plan covering kiwis, premium honey and apples. As India advances its seventh FTA under the Modi government, political resistance in New Zealand could influence timelines and negotiations ahead.
Silver is stealing the spotlight after a historic rally with global prices hovering near $67 an ounce and expectations building for a move towards $75-$80. Experts believe the upside remains strong, driven by robust industrial demand, a tightening gold-silver ratio, and structural supply constraints. While volatility remains high - silver has always been a “chanchal” metal - market corrections are seen as opportunities rather than risks. The key message for investors: don’t fear the swings, invest systematically. The idea of SIP now extends beyond mutual funds to a “Silver Investment Plan,” encouraging steady monthly allocations to benefit from long-term compounding. For investors seeking returns, financial instruments make sense, while physical silver suits consumption needs. With ratios expected to compress further, silver’s long-term story remains compelling.
Just six days before Navi Mumbai Airport opens for commercial operations, India Today TV’s Marya Shakil talks to Jeet Adani, Director, Adani Airports Holdings — inside the airport itself — for an exclusive ‘Jab We Met’ conversation. Walking through the terminal and taking a ride around the facility, Jeet Adani speaks about the scale of the project, the team effort behind it, and why this is “just the first start” with multiple phases still to come. He explains how Navi Mumbai Airport becomes Mumbai’s biggest “growth unlock” — boosting global connectivity and building a transport ecosystem planned from day one, spanning rail, road, metro, water and future-ready mobility. The interview also tackles key concerns: ecology and mangroves, flood preparedness (including raising the site by 8 meters), and what sustainability looks like in practice — electrified equipment, a roadmap to 100% green energy, zero liquid discharge, and readiness for sustainable aviation fuel. Plus: a peek into the airport’s modern, experiential art; thoughts on leadership and family values; the passenger experience playbook; and why aviation needs resilience as India’s travel demand accelerates.
In this candid conversation on ‘Jab We Met’, Jeet Adani opens up about his relationship with his father, Gautam Adani, and the values that define the Adani family. Referring to a personal Instagram post, Jeet reflects on the one quality of his father he most wants to emulate—an indomitable spirit that refuses to give in to adversity. Speaking to Marya Shakil, Jeet also addresses the balance between being intensely private as a family while remaining constantly in the public eye. From the philosophy of “ghar–kaam–ghar wapas” to the simplicity that defines their personal lives, he shares how family and work blend seamlessly in the Adani household. A rare, thoughtful insight into legacy, resilience, and the quiet discipline behind one of India’s most talked-about business families—straight from Jeet Adani himself.
From Valuation Pain To Opportunity: Reading The 2026 Market Setup
Precious Metals After Record Highs: What Should Investors Expect?
U.S. Scraps H-1B Lottery, Shifts To Skill- And Salary-Based Visa Selection
#Podcast | #Episode04 | How PVR INOX Makes Cinema Profitable In OTT Era | MD Ajay Bijli Exclusive
Govt To Revamp GDP, Inflation, IIP Calculations With New Data Series From Feb 2026
