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Small finance banks faced profitability pressures in the second quarter due to higher credit costs and expenses. AU Small Finance Bank saw a dip in net profit, while Ujjivan and Jana reported significant drops. Lenders expressed confidence in improving credit quality from unsecured business in the coming quarter.

Public sector banks Uco Bank, Central Bank of India, and Bank of India reported increased net profits in the September quarter, driven by higher interest income and reduced provisions. Despite a dip in net interest margins, all three banks saw loan growth outpace deposit growth, indicating a positive operational trend.

Arun Kumar, founder of Strides Group and OneSource, has secured ₹1,000 crore by pledging shares. This move refinances existing loans, extending maturities and simplifying repayments. The transaction aims to consolidate smaller borrowings into larger, long-term facilities. It reflects a broader effort to clean up the promoter s balance sheet and shows a decline in pledged shares, indicating deleveraging.

Gold prices have reached a new peak just before Dhanteras, affecting festive sales. Jewellers anticipate more lightweight jewellery purchases. Investment demand for gold and silver coins remains robust. Platinum is also gaining popularity among men for jewellery. Silver prices have softened due to increased supply, despite a global deficit. Geopolitical tensions and US economic factors are influencing gold prices.

On Friday, the Indian rupee took a dip, settling at 87.9750 against the dollar. Thanks to the Reserve Bank of India s timely intervention, the decline was cushioned. While the rupee enjoyed a commendable two-day uptrend, a surge in dollar demand coupled with global risk aversion dampened its gains.

Wall Street rushed to launch altcoin ETFs when crypto prices soared. Now, a sharp market crash has wiped out billions. Many altcoins have plunged, revealing their unstable nature. This situation raises concerns about investor protection as the SEC considers new ETF approvals. The volatile digital asset market remains a risky frontier.

Total reserves have come within touching distance of the record high in mid September at $702 billion, but consistently fell later.

Piramal Finance reported a two-fold increase in net profit to ₹327 crore, driven by a 28% rise in net interest income. Poonawalla Fincorp swung to a profit of ₹74 crore from a loss, with net interest income growing over 37%. Both companies saw significant growth in assets under management.

JSW Infrastructure will invest ₹4,000 crore in its port operations and ₹1,500 crore in its logistics arm in FY26. This spending will support both organic and inorganic growth. The company reported a profit after tax decline of 3.5% for the June quarter. Total revenue increased by 26% year-on-year.

Reliance Industries has announced strong financial results for the September quarter. The company s profit saw a significant 16% increase compared to the previous year. This growth was fueled by excellent performance across its key sectors, including oil-to-chemicals, telecom, and retail. Jio and Reliance Retail also posted impressive gains. The company is also making strides in its new energy initiatives.