Here are the key India and global business stories making headlines today:

🇮🇳 1. Indian markets suffer fifth straight weekly loss

The Sensex and Nifty both ended lower on Friday, extending India’s losing streak to five weeks. Rising crude oil prices, Middle East tensions and higher US bond yields are weighing on investor sentiment. Nifty closed at 23,398.10, while Sensex finished at 74,781.76.

🛢️ 2. Oil crosses $100 as geopolitical tensions hit markets

Brent crude has moved above $100 a barrel, creating fresh concerns about inflation, corporate margins and interest rates. The disruption around the Strait of Hormuz is becoming a major factor for businesses and investors.

🏦 3. US rate hike expectations climb

US inflation and strong economic data are increasing expectations that the Federal Reserve could raise interest rates next week. Markets are reportedly pricing in close to a 90% probability of a hike.

📈 4. Wall Street rebounds

US stocks finished higher Friday as oil prices retreated. The S&P 500 gained, while technology-related companies performed strongly. Dell surged 12% and Hewlett Packard Enterprise jumped 12% following strong corporate results.

🏛️ 5. NSE IPO enters a crucial stage

The National Stock Exchange (NSE) has announced the price band for its planned ₹22,561-crore IPO, making the offering one of India’s biggest anticipated market events.

🤝 6. BRICS business discussions focus on trade and payments

Business and government leaders meeting in New Delhi are discussing practical cooperation among BRICS economies, including digital collaboration, investment, skills and cross-border payment mechanisms.

💰 7. India’s growth remains relatively strong

India’s economy grew 7.8% in Q1 FY2026-27, beating the RBI’s earlier 7% estimate. Economists say investment and capital formation are becoming increasingly important drivers of growth, although energy prices and global risks remain concerns.

🏢 8. India M&A activity rises

Corporate deal activity in India is showing momentum: Economic Times reports that M&A activity rose 6% in Q3 to $21.6 billion, with Reliance-related transactions contributing significantly.

🚗 9. Ashok Leyland plans major investment

Ashok Leyland is planning up to ₹5,000 crore of capital expenditure over three years, targeting EVs, ADAS and alternative propulsion technologies.

📊 What matters most for businesses today

Oil + interest rates + geopolitics are currently the three biggest variables.

For Indian companies, sustained crude above $100 could raise transportation and input costs and pressure margins. At the same time, higher global rates could make financing more expensive and reduce foreign investor appetite. India’s strong domestic growth provides an important counterbalance.

Today’s business takeaway: 📌 India’s underlying growth story remains strong, but businesses and investors are entering a more difficult environment because of expensive energy, currency pressure and global interest-rate uncertainty.