High-Scoring Cricket Expected at Wankhede Stadium

HDB Financial made a strong debut on the National Stock Exchange, with shares rising nearly 14% to close at Rs 840.25. The company's market cap reached Rs 69,758.27 crore on its first day. The stock listed at a premium of 12.84% over its issue price of Rs 835. The IPO, which opened for subscription from June 25-27, was oversubscribed 16.69 times, indicating strong institutional interest. Analysts suggest that HDB Financial is well-positioned for growth in India's credit market, making it a suitable option for long-term investors.

Sandeep Bagla from TRUST Mutual Fund sees promising trends for the Indian economy, citing increased government spending and low-interest rates as key drivers for earnings growth. He is optimistic about the NBFC sector, expecting improved margins and reduced credit costs. While he acknowledges some volatility, he believes the worst is over, setting the stage for potential market recovery. However, he advises caution due to global uncertainties. Overall, sectors like healthcare and travel show growth potential, making them attractive investment choices.

In a historic vote, the U.S. Senate passed President Trump's $3.3 trillion 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act.' This legislation features permanent tax cuts, strict immigration measures, and significant cuts to Medicaid. With a $5 trillion debt ceiling increase, it raises concerns about national debt growing from $23 trillion to over $36 trillion. While the bill benefits high earners and seniors, critics warn it threatens food security and healthcare for millions. As it heads to the House for final approval, its impact will be felt across many sectors.

US President Donald Trump is optimistic about a new trade deal with India, promising lower tariffs and fairer competition. He believes India will be more open to trade, paving the way for beneficial agreements. As negotiations intensify ahead of the July 9 deadline, India is firm on agriculture and dairy issues. The Indian delegation is extending talks in Washington to finalize an interim trade agreement, as failure could lead to a hefty 26% tariff on Indian exports. The White House emphasizes India's strategic importance in the Indo-Pacific.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a significant five-nation tour from July 2 to 9, visiting Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia. This journey aims to strengthen India’s ties with key partners in Africa and Latin America, focusing on economic cooperation and cultural connections. Notably, PM Modi will be the first Indian Prime Minister to visit several of these nations in decades. His discussions will revolve around investment, energy, trade, and regional partnerships, enhancing India's role in the Global South.

Bhutan, a small Himalayan kingdom, is making waves in the crypto world with its impressive bitcoin stash worth $1.3 billion, nearly 40% of its GDP. Unlike other nations, Bhutan's crypto success stems from harnessing its hydropower for bitcoin mining, initiated in 2020. While the country has a reputation for happiness, it faces economic challenges post-pandemic. The government sees bitcoin as a valuable asset and a means to diversify its economy. Bhutan is poised to experiment further with cryptocurrency, integrating it into daily life for both residents and tourists.

The race for AI supremacy has sparked fierce competition among tech giants, with companies like Meta aggressively recruiting top researchers. Recently, Mark Zuckerberg lured at least eight leading OpenAI scientists to boost Meta's superintelligence unit. Meanwhile, the secretive startup Thinking Machines Lab, founded by ex-OpenAI CTO Mira Murati, is offering astonishing salaries, with some employees earning up to $500,000 annually. This talent war highlights the escalating stakes in the AI field, as organizations strive to attract the brightest minds to secure their future in this groundbreaking technology.

Max Healthcare and InterGlobe Aviation, the parent company of IndiGo, are likely to be added to the Nifty 50 index, according to Nuvama Research. Meanwhile, IndusInd Bank and Hero MotoCorp may be removed. The announcement is expected in August, with changes taking effect by September 29, 2025. Max Healthcare could attract significant investment, potentially over $400 million. Despite the negative sentiment around IndusInd Bank and Hero MotoCorp, substantial pressure isn't anticipated before the adjustments. Interestingly, Asia's oldest stock exchange, BSE, is unlikely to join the index anytime soon due to not meeting eligibility criteria.

A 30-year-old Chinese fund manager, Xie Tianyuan, is shaking up the investment world by focusing on Gen Z favorites like Pop Mart, which makes the trendy Labubu dolls. His fund, Penghua Selected Return Flexible Allocation Mixed Fund, achieved an impressive 24% return this year, placing him in the top 3% of funds. Instead of traditional holdings, Xie prioritizes companies with innovative products and emotional connections to consumers. While his strategy is gaining traction, it faces challenges, such as recent regulatory concerns over surprise toys. Xie's approach highlights the importance of adapting to new consumer trends for investment success.

Billionaire Elon Musk has openly criticized U.S. President Donald Trump's tax-cut and spending bill, suggesting lawmakers who support it should feel ashamed. He believes their actions betray promises made during elections and threatens to campaign against them. Musk also called for the formation of a new political party, emphasizing the need for genuine concern for the public. His comments have strained his relationship with Trump, particularly after Musk's significant financial support for Trump's campaign. The controversy has impacted Tesla's stock, showing the interconnectedness of politics and business.

Bajaj Finserv AMC aims to revolutionize the mutual fund industry with innovative products and technology. Managing Director Ganesh Mohan emphasizes three key differentiators: synchronicity, unique products, and a strong tech focus. The company integrates WhatsApp for easy onboarding and investor services, allowing quick transactions through QR codes. They're also introducing salary-based SIPs for employees, making investing more accessible. Additionally, their Savings+ product offers better returns on idle funds, tackling the massive interest loss in savings accounts. Bajaj Finserv is committed to providing smarter investment solutions for all.

Apollo Hospitals' shares surged 4% to Rs 7,555 after announcing plans for a separate listing of its pharmacy and digital health businesses. This strategic move aims to create a new entity, NewCo, within 18-21 months, expected to generate Rs 25,000 crore in revenue by FY27. The demerger will include Apollo's telehealth services and integrate major pharmaceutical wholesaler Keimed Pvt Ltd, enhancing healthcare access across India. The restructuring allows shareholders to benefit from direct ownership in a leading pharmacy and digital health platform, promising improved value and growth potential.

Masayoshi Son, founder of SoftBank, is planning an ambitious trillion-dollar industrial complex in Arizona to boost AI and robotics manufacturing. Inspired by China’s Shenzhen, this project aims to bring high-tech jobs back to the US. Key players like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) may join, although details are still unclear. The initiative, known as “Project Crystal Land,” has potential tax incentives and could lead to multiple tech hubs across the US. Son is also looking at partnerships with companies like Samsung and investments in AI, aiming to accelerate technology development.

Geopolitical tensions, especially from conflicts in the Middle East, are reshaping the Indian job landscape. A report reveals that 63% of companies are freezing hiring or downsizing. Employees are feeling the pinch, with salary growth and bonuses affected, and many are experiencing increased workload pressure. In response, 55% of workers are upskilling or seeking new job opportunities to secure their future. As the workplace evolves rapidly, companies must adapt, while employees need to remain resilient and proactive in navigating these changes.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman urged tax officials to simplify the GST registration process using technology and risk-based approaches. During a recent conclave, she emphasized the importance of improving GST registration, refund processing, and resolving taxpayer grievances. Key achievements included reducing grievance resolution time to just nine days and processing 85% of refund claims on time. Sitharaman called for awareness campaigns to educate taxpayers about required documentation and stressed the need for well-staffed GST and customs centers. The fifth edition of the National Time Release Study showcased improvements in cargo release times, reflecting enhanced efficiency.

Indian stock markets, represented by Sensex and Nifty, are set to open positively after a recent dip. On June 30, Nifty fell below 25,500 amid selling pressures in several sectors, but support from PSU banks and IT helped it recover slightly. Global cues show mixed performances, with US equities rising on trade optimism while Asian markets remain cautious. Despite fluctuations, GIFT Nifty is indicating a stable start today. Investors are advised to stay informed as market dynamics evolve, especially with ongoing global trade discussions.

Amid tensions between Iran, Israel, and the US, Iran has suggested it might close the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil supply. This closure could affect India's energy security, as around 40% of its oil comes from the Middle East, particularly Iraq and Saudi Arabia. However, experts believe the impact may be limited since India also imports significant oil from Russia and other sources not reliant on this strait. A temporary closure could still disrupt oil markets and raise costs globally, but a long-term shutdown seems unlikely due to the economic repercussions for Iran itself.

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