Business

Indian exporters anticipate recovering discounts offered on goods previously hit by a 50% US tariff. Following a court order, US importers will receive refunds, with buyers expected to pass them on to Indian sellers.

India’s life insurance sector saw a robust 15.7% growth in new business premiums for FY26, reaching Rs 4.6 lakh crore. While overall policy sales rose modestly, private players like SBI Life gained market share. The individual segment showed strong gains, with group insurance proving crucial for stabilizing some insurers’ portfolios.

President Trump expressed disappointment if his Fed nominee, Kevin Warsh, doesn’t immediately cut interest rates upon confirmation. Warsh, however, stressed his independence and commitment to fighting inflation, a priority given current economic pressures. Democrats questioned his past stances on rates, while Trump continues to advocate for lower borrowing costs, creating a potential conflict.

India and the United States are nearing a bilateral trade agreement, with negotiators meeting in Washington this week to finalize the first phase. Officials indicate only a few issues remain unresolved, building on a framework announced in February. This renewed push aims to enhance market access and secure preferential treatment for India.

Refining companies indicate they have sufficient supplies for the next month, but prices no longer reflect the discounted levels seen in the years following the Ukraine conflict. At the same time, the volume of crude available in transit is shrinking quickly.

India’s economy shows resilience amid Middle East crisis, with household spending largely unaffected by rising energy prices, though consumer confidence is slightly dipping. While manufacturing faces some impact, the services sector remains robust, and overall growth for Q4 FY26 is projected to remain strong, with limited downside risks.