The day’s slide came despite Rs 888-crore net buying by foreign funds and another Rs 3,235-crore net buying by domestic institutions, BSE data showed. Early on Friday, Brent crude had hit a nearly six-month high at $114 per barrel. As a result, the rupee also weakened and inched closer to the 95-to-a-dollar mark again and closed at 94.93.

At $43 billion, RBI’s net dollar purchase hits new high
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/at-43-billion-rbis-net-dollar-purchase-hits-new-high/articleshow/135155568.cms

India’s foreign exchange reserves fell by $5.01 billion to $721.02 billion in the week ended Oct 16, down $64.7 billion from their all-time high of $785.71 billion in the week ended Sept 4, as pressure on the rupee continued. Foreign currency assets, the largest component of reserves, declined by $5.76 billion during the latest week. The fall was partly offset by a $706 million increase in the value of gold reserves.

India seventh most targeted by cyberattacks: MS executive Nicholas Butts
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/india-seventh-most-targeted-by-cyberattacks-ms-executive-nicholas-butts/articleshow/135155567.cms

Butts cited Storm 3168, also called Jadepuffer, which he described as a China-based ransomware operation using AI agents against customers worldwide. He also pointed to Russian and Chinese state-sponsored actors deploying agents for espionage, including a group Microsoft tracks as Storm 0940. AI was also lowering the barriers for smaller criminal operations, he said.

From fuel price hikes to cost-of-living concerns, US consumer sentiment nears record low
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/international-business/from-fuel-price-hikes-to-cost-of-living-concerns-us-consumer-sentiment-nears-record-low/articleshow/135164123.cms

US consumer sentiment has declined slightly as rising prices related to the Middle East conflict affect households' financial views. The Consumer Sentiment Index fell marginally to 48.0 in October, approaching a record low. Independents reported significantly weaker sentiment while Democrats and Republicans showed improvements. Inflation expectations rose, suggesting concerns about future price increases among consumers. The Federal Reserve is expected to maintain current interest rates during their upcoming meeting.

Kotak Mahindra Bank Q2 results: Consolidated net profit jumps 26% to Rs 5,645 crore
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/kotak-mahindra-bank-q2-results-consolidated-net-profit-jumps-26-to-rs-5645-crore-margins-narrow/articleshow/135172680.cms

Kotak Mahindra Bank reported an impressive 26% growth in its consolidated net profit for the September quarter of FY27. Standalone profit surged by 29%, reaching Rs 4,212 crore. The bank's asset quality improved, as evidenced by the notable decrease in gross non-performing assets. Moreover, the net interest income increased by 16%, with a robust capital adequacy ratio of 21.9%. Nevertheless, the net interest margin dipped to 4.

IDFC First Bank Q2 profit nearly triples to Rs 1,045 crore; loan assets rise 30%
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/idfc-first-bank-q2-profit-nearly-triples-to-rs-1045-crore-loan-assets-rise-30/articleshow/135175146.cms

In Q2 FY27, IDFC First Bank showcased an impressive profit surge of 196.5 percent year-on-year, reaching Rs 1,045 crore. The bank's robust core operating performance is highlighted by a 21 percent rise in net interest income. Additionally, total loan assets expanded by 30.1 percent, showcasing substantial business growth. With gross non-performing assets reduced to 1.32 percent, management credits this achievement to effective deposit strategies and anticipated liquidity advantages.

US Fed expected to hold rates as inflation, energy costs weigh ahead of midterms
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/international-business/us-fed-expected-to-hold-rates-as-inflation-energy-costs-weigh-ahead-of-midterms/articleshow/135181691.cms

The US Federal Reserve is expected to keep interest rates unchanged in its upcoming meeting next week. Analysts suggest this decision comes despite ongoing inflation pressures and looming midterm elections. The Federal Reserve has struggled to meet its long-term inflation target due to rising prices affecting multiple sectors. Heightened energy costs after global conflicts are contributing significantly to inflation pressures.