BL Exclusive. FM Sitharaman: If you profit from SGB secondary market, government deserves its share
In her first post-budget interview with businessline, the Finance Minister explained that Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) were designed for long-term investors.Those who subscribe at launch and hold till maturity will continue to get tax-free benefits, while secondary market buyers and original investors exiting before maturity will face capital gains tax. She also said the higher STT applies only to futures and options and is aimed at discouraging risky speculation and protecting small investors.
By Raghuvir Srinivasan & Shishir Sinha
India manufacturing PMI rises to 55.4 in January, signals sector rebound
India’s manufacturing sector improved in January, with the PMI rising to 55.4 from 55 in December, signalling expansion. The growth was led by stronger domestic demand, higher output and new orders, while export growth slowed. Input costs increased, but factory-gate price inflation eased. Despite the rebound, business confidence fell to a three-and-a-half-year low, with most firms expecting no change in output ahead.
By BL New Delhi Bureau
Markets rebound over 1% as investors shrug off budget-day selloff
Markets bounced back strongly on Monday. The Sensex jumped 943.52 points, or 1.17 per cent, to close at 81,666.46, while the Nifty gained 262.95 points, or 1.06 per cent, ending the day at 25,088.40. The rally was led by Power Grid, which surged 7.42 per cent, and most sectors finished in the green. Broader markets also moved higher, though overall market breadth stayed weak. Meanwhile, the rupee strengthened by 47 paise to 91.51 against the dollar, and Brent crude slipped over 4 per cent to $66.45 a barrel.
By Anupama Ghosh
Trump says he welcomes China, India investment in Venezuela oil
President Trump said he welcomes investment from China and India in Venezuela’s oil industry. He added that India will start buying Venezuelan oil instead of Iranian crude, and that a deal is already in the works. These remarks follow Venezuela’s recent changes to its oil policy, aimed at attracting foreign investors, and a US move to allow American companies to export and refine Venezuelan crude. Since Maduro’s ouster, most Venezuelan oil is now heading to the US, while shipments to China have dropped to zero amid a US naval crackdown.
By Bloomberg
Published on February 3, 2026