As India’s investment landscape becomes increasingly attractive for overseas investors, more NRIs are allocating capital to equities, mutual funds, bonds and real estate.

However, each asset class comes with its own tax implications, and recent changes to capital gains rules and mutual fund taxation have made tax planning more important than ever.

From understanding residential status and leveraging Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs) to navigating TDS provisions and property transactions, investors need to be aware of the rules that can significantly impact their post-tax returns.

In this edition of ETMarkets Smart Talk, Ritu Shaktawat, Partner, Khaitan & Co., breaks down the tax treatment of various investment avenues and shares practical insights to help NRIs invest in India with greater confidence while staying compliant with evolving regulations. Edited Excerpts –

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Q) What are the key tax considerations NRIs should keep in mind before investing in India?

A) Before investing in India, NRIs should undertake a holistic review of the applicable tax and regulatory framework, including the following key considerations, to optimise their post-tax returns and ensure compliance with Indian laws.

1. Determining their residential status: Tax residential status of individuals is categorised into three categories: Non-resident (“NR”), Resident but not ordinarily resident (“RNOR”), and ordinarily resident (“ROR”) and it depends on physical presence in India on a year-on-year basis. The distinction is important as scope of income taxable in India differs for each category. Accordingly, NRIs investing in India or holding any India assets are advised to determine their residential status including for the years in which they expect returns from their India assets, as it forms the foundation for evaluating the taxability of their income and the overall tax implications of their investments in India.

2. Evaluating the applicable Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (“DTAA”): NRIs who are non-residents of India for tax purposes should review the applicable DTAAs, between India and their country of residence. The applicable DTAA may provide beneficial tax treatment for certain income streams earned from India such as interest, dividends, capital gains, subject to meeting the prescribed eligibility and documentation requirements.

3. Understanding the tax implications of the chosen asset class: The tax treatment varies significantly across investments such as equity shares, mutual funds, debt instruments, fixed deposits, and immovable property. Investors should evaluate the applicable tax rates, valuation norms, holding period requirements, exemptions and withholding tax implications before making an investment.4. Consider repatriation and FEMA (foreign exchange) requirements: Apart from tax considerations, NRIs should ensure that investments are made through the appropriate banking channels and in compliance with the applicable FEMA and RBI regulations to facilitate smooth repatriation of income and sale proceeds.
5. Maintain adequate documentation: Investors should preserve records relating to the acquisition date and cost, valuation reports (where applicable), tax paid or deducted at source (“TDS”), and DTAA related documentation, including a valid Tax Residency Certificate (“TRC”), to facilitate tax compliance and claim DTAA benefits, foreign tax credits, and minimise potential disputes with the tax authorities.
6. Review and meet tax compliance requirements: NRIs should assess their annual tax compliance obligations, including filing income-tax returns in India, reporting India-sourced income, claiming credit for TDS where applicable, withholding tax compliances (as may be applicable) and disclosing such income and taxes paid in India as well as in their country of residence, wherever required.

Q) Has the tax treatment of NRI investments changed significantly over the past few years?
A) While the fundamental principles governing the taxation of NRI investments have largely remained unchanged, the past few years have witnessed several legislative amendments aimed at rationalising the tax regime, simplifying compliance and addressing practical challenges faced by investors. Some of the key developments are as follows:

1. Changes to capital gains taxation: The Finance (No. 2) Act, 2024 rationalized the capital gains tax regime by revising tax rates and holding periods across various asset classes. The taxation of listed securities, mutual funds and immovable property has undergone significant changes, requiring NRIs to reassess the post-tax returns on their investments.

2. Taxation of debt and hybrid mutual funds: The tax regime for debt-oriented and certain hybrid mutual funds has been substantially modified, with specified mutual funds acquired on or after 1 April 2023, no longer enjoy the traditional long-term capital gains benefits.

Q) How can NRIs avoid common tax mistakes while investing in Indian financial assets?
A) NRIs can avoid common tax mistakes while investing in Indian financial assets by adopting a proactive approach to tax and regulatory compliance and investment monitoring. Some practical considerations include:

1. Don’t treat TDS as the final tax: TDS is only a collection mechanism and may not represent the final tax liability of the taxpayer. NRIs should assess whether in the tax returns to be filed in India any refund of taxes withheld should be claimed, any additional income should be reported, any DTAA benefits should be claimed etc.

2. DTAA benefits: Where eligible, NRIs should furnish the prescribed documentation, including a valid TRC and Form 41 (erstwhile Form 10F), before the payment is due to ensure correct treaty withholding rate is applied and avoid unnecessary refund claims.

3. Plan the timing of exits: The timing of a transfer or redemption can significantly influence the tax liability, particularly where the applicable tax rate depends on the period of holding of the asset.

4. Mode of investment: Prior to investments in India, various investment modes should be evaluated in detail including tax costs of holding and disposing the investment.]

Q) How do Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs) help NRIs, and how should investors make the most of them?
A) DTAAs entered by India aim to eliminate double taxation of the same income through mechanisms such as foreign tax credit or exemptions. DTAAs also provide concessional withholding rates on certain income streams such as interest, rent, capital gains, dividends, and royalties. NRIs can rely on DTAA benefits for their India sourced income during the years they are non-residents of India.

To make the most of DTAAs, NRIs should evaluate the applicable DTAAs before structuring their investments, not only at the time of receiving income or making an exit. The tax treatment of dividends, capital gains on equity shares, mutual funds, and other income can differ significantly across different DTAAs which may materially affect the post tax returns.

To claim DTAA benefits, investors must obtain a TRC issued by the jurisdiction of tax residence, quote PAN, electronically file Form 41 relating to residency. If the applicable DTAA has any specific condition those should also be fulfilled.

Q) How are short-term and long-term capital gains taxed for NRIs investing in Indian equities and mutual funds?
A) As per the domestic tax laws, capital gains arising on the transfer of Indian securities are taxable in India, at the applicable tax rates depending on the nature of the asset and the period of holding as provided below:

Q) How are equity, debt, and hybrid mutual funds taxed for NRIs?
A) For an equity oriented mutual fund (i.e., funds having more than 65% of their investments in equity shares of domestic companies), see comments above.

For Specified mutual funds (i.e funds having more than 65% of their investments in debt and money market instruments) acquired after 1 April 2023, any gains arising on transfer, redemption or maturity are deemed be short term capital gains and are taxable in the hands of the investors as per the applicable slab rate.

For hybrid mutual funds, the taxation depends on the composition of their underlying portfolio, particularly the proportion of investments in equity and debt.

Hybrid funds with > 65% equity are treated as equity-oriented mutual funds whereas funds with less than 65% of equity exposure are treated as specified mutual funds and taxed accordingly.

NRIs residing in jursidictions such as (Oman, Qatar, Singapore etc.), may be eligible to claim DTAA benefits on capital gains arising from transfer or redemption of mutual fund units as such gains may fall within the residuary clause of “Capital Gains” article, which allocates taxing rights exclusively to the country of residence of the taxpayer.

Since these jurisdictions generally do not levy capital gains tax, such gains may effectively remain tax free, subject to satisfaction of the applicable treaty conditions.]

Q) How are interest income and capital gains from bonds taxed for NRIs?
A) Interest income: Interest earned by NRIs on bonds is generally taxable in India and is ordinarily subject TDS. The applicable TDS rate may vary from 10% to applicable slab rates depending on the nature of the bond, and would be subject to the applicable Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) benefits where eligible.

Capital gains: The tax treatment on transfer or redemption of bonds varies depending on the nature of the bond. Capital gains arising on the redemption of Sovereign Gold Bonds (“SGBs”) on maturity (i.e., after the 8-year tenure) are exempt from tax. Additionally, any transfer of tax-free bonds issued by the Government are exempt from capital gains tax.]

Q) What are the tax implications of buying and selling property in India as an NRI?
A) On Purchase of property in India by an NRI

Where an NRI purchases an immovable property in India from a resident seller, the NRI is required to deduct TDS at 1% of the sale consideration, provided the sale consideration or stamp duty value, whichever is higher exceeds INR 50 lakh.

Where an NRI purchases an immovable property from a non-resident seller, the buyer will be required to deduct the tax payable by the seller at source and should obtain necessary declarations from the seller in this regard.

On sale of property in India by an NRI

The tax implications for an NRI selling a property in India depends on whether the asset is classified as a short-term capital asset or a long-term capital asset. Any property sold within 24 months of acquisition is treated as a short-term capital asset and the gains are taxable as short term capital gains at the applicable slab rates.

For long-term capital gains, the applicable tax rates depend on the date of acquisition

• If acquired prior to 23 July 2024: Effective tax rate of 23.92% (including surcharge and cess) with indexation or an effective tax rate of 14.95% (including surcharge and cess) without indexation, whichever is more beneficial
• If acquired post 23 July 2024: Effective tax rate of 14.95% (including surcharge and cess) without indexation.

Immovable property transactions are subject to minimum valuation requirements which should be complied with to avoid taxes payable by the buyer and seller on a deeming basis.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views, and opinions given by experts are their own. These do not represent the views of the Economic Times)

British counter-terrorism police have taken over the investigation into the suspected murder of former UK lawmaker Ann Widdecombe, officials announced Monday, after new information and evidence emerged in what had initially been treated as a standard homicide case with no apparent political motive.

UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood confirmed the shift in the investigation Monday, saying counter-terrorism police were now leading the case “following new information and evidence.” Police had previously said there was nothing to suggest Widdecombe’s killing was an act of terrorism or politically motivated. Laurence Taylor, head of National Counter Terrorism Policing, said the investigation remained in an active, developing phase. “We now have new information and evidence that means Counter Terrorism Policing is now leading the investigation,” Taylor said. “We are pursuing multiple lines of enquiry to establish the motivation for this attack. Our priority is progressing this investigation quickly, with all the capabilities we have available to us. If anyone has any information, please share it with the police.” Taylor added, “We would like to thank local communities, the wider public and the media for their ongoing support and patience, and would ask them to continue to support us in the next stage of the investigation.”

Widdecombe, 78, was found dead last Thursday at her isolated rural home in Haytor, a village in Devon in southwest England. Police believe she was attacked around 12:30 p.m. the previous day, Wednesday, with concerns first raised after she failed to appear for a scheduled television interview that afternoon. Her body was discovered the following morning.

The investigation initially moved through Devon and Cornwall Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team. An unnamed 26-year-old man was arrested Friday in connection with the killing but was later released and is no longer considered a suspect, according to a statement from Devon and Cornwall Police. On Saturday, police arrested a second suspect, a 28-year-old man from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, hundreds of miles from the crime scene, on suspicion of murder. According to a statement from Devon and Cornwall Police, the arrest was carried out on their behalf by Counter Terrorism Policing North East and South Yorkshire Police. At that stage, police said, “there is nothing to suggest that it was politically motivated.”

That assessment changed by Monday. Following the emergence of new information and evidence, Counter Terrorism Policing South East formally took over leadership of the investigation, with the man already in custody rearrested on suspicion of “commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.” In a statement, the counter-terrorism unit said it “will continue to work closely with colleagues from the Devon and Cornwall Police Major Crime Investigation Team and across the Counter Terrorism Policing network in an effort to establish the full circumstances of the incident which led to this murder investigation.” Police have not publicly disclosed the specific nature of the new evidence that prompted the shift, nor detailed a potential motive for the attack.

Widdecombe’s death and the subsequent investigation have sent shock waves through British politics, where she had remained a prominent and often outspoken public figure for decades. First elected to the House of Commons in 1987 representing Maidstone, Widdecombe served in Parliament until 2010, holding ministerial roles including prisons minister under Prime Minister John Major’s Conservative government during the 1990s. After leaving Parliament, she found renewed public fame as a contestant on British reality television programs including “Strictly Come Dancing” and “Celebrity Big Brother.”

Widdecombe later shifted her political affiliation, joining the Brexit Party and briefly serving as a member of the European Parliament from 2019 to 2020, ahead of the United Kingdom’s formal departure from the European Union. Most recently, she had aligned herself with Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party, serving as the party’s justice spokesperson since 2023 and appearing frequently in British media on the party’s behalf. Colleagues and friends described a contrast between her famously combative public political style and a warmer, more good-humored personal demeanor.

Throughout her decades in public life, Widdecombe was widely known for her pro-life advocacy and consistent voting record on abortion-related legislation. According to the advocacy group Right to Life UK, Widdecombe had “a strong and consistent pro-life voting record” and was “a leader in the public fight for protections for unborn babies at the beginning of life and the elderly and vulnerable towards the end of life.” The organization noted that as early as 1990, during a debate on the Abortion Act 1967, Widdecombe argued that abortion should not be treated as any other medical intervention and that existing legal protections for unborn babies should not be further eroded. In 2008, the group noted, she voted in favor of a series of amendments to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill, including a measure that would have lowered the abortion limit for procedures performed under Section 1(1)(a) of the Abortion Act to 12 weeks.

Home Secretary Mahmood said she planned to brief lawmakers directly in the House of Commons on Monday afternoon regarding the change in the investigation’s leadership and the latest developments in the case. As of Monday, police had not released the identity of the man in custody publicly, nor confirmed additional details about the specific charges he may ultimately face beyond the current suspicion of involvement in acts of terrorism.

The investigation remains active, with Counter Terrorism Policing South East continuing to coordinate closely with Devon and Cornwall Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team and the broader national Counter Terrorism Policing network as authorities work to establish the full circumstances surrounding Widdecombe’s death. Police have continued to appeal to the public for any information relevant to the case as the investigation moves into what officials have described as its next stage.

DUBAI — Emirates will operate about 16 percent fewer Airbus A380 flights this month compared with July last year, according to aviation data provider Cirium, but industry analysts and the airline say the reduction stems from an extensive cabin refurbishment program, routine maintenance and delays in Boeing 777X deliveries rather than any plan to retire the iconic double-decker aircraft.

The Dubai-based carrier, the world’s largest operator of the superjumbo with more than 100 A380s in its fleet, continues to invest heavily in the type. Emirates plans to deploy the A380 on the Delhi route starting Oct. 25, marking the aircraft’s return to that key Indian market and underscoring its long-term role in the airline’s network.

Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ deputy president and chief commercial officer, highlighted the carrier’s commitment to India and premium products. “We are pleased to introduce our highly anticipated A380 services to Delhi, a vital gateway in our network, from October,” he said. “Given the strong demand for travel to and from India, it is an honour to expand our A380 footprint in the country, with Delhi joining Mumbai and Bengaluru as our third A380 destination.”

The temporary dip in A380 operations this summer reflects practical fleet management challenges. Emirates is midway through a multi-billion-dollar program to modernize cabins across its widebody fleet, including the installation of premium economy seats on A380s. The work involves taking aircraft out of service for extended periods, reducing available flying days during the peak travel season.

Routine heavy maintenance checks further constrain availability. At times, a significant portion of the A380 fleet — reports indicate around 27 to 32 aircraft — has been grounded simultaneously for these upgrades and inspections. The airline has substituted Boeing 777-300ERs and other types on affected routes to maintain capacity where possible.

Boeing’s repeated delays to the 777X program have compounded the situation. Emirates holds one of the largest orders for the new widebody, with expectations it would gradually replace older 777s and complement the A380 fleet. With entry into service now pushed toward 2027 or later, Emirates must extend the life of existing aircraft, including through retrofits, to sustain its expansive route network.

The A380 schedule adjustments this July include full swaps to 777s on routes such as Glasgow, Osaka and Barcelona, along with frequency reductions on major trunks like London Heathrow. Some routes, including Copenhagen, Perth and Washington Dulles, are regaining A380 service after earlier pauses. These changes represent rebalancing rather than outright cuts, with overall capacity preserved through alternative aircraft.

Analysts emphasize that the A380 remains central to Emirates’ strategy for high-demand, high-yield routes. The aircraft’s large capacity and four-class configuration, including first, business, premium economy and economy cabins after retrofits, align with passenger preferences for comfort on long-haul flights. The upcoming Delhi deployment fits this pattern, adding premium seats on one of the carrier’s busiest India corridors amid strong travel demand.

Emirates operates to nine destinations in India with 167 weekly flights, connecting them to its global network via Dubai. The A380 introduction to Delhi will complement retrofitted Boeing 777 services on the route, ensuring premium economy availability across all daily flights. By the end of October, the premium economy product will reach six Indian cities: Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Kochi.

The refurbishment program extends beyond the A380. Emirates is upgrading interiors across 219 aircraft in a $5 billion-plus initiative that includes refreshed premium cabins and enhanced features. For the A380 specifically, high-density configurations are being adjusted, sometimes reducing total seats to prioritize premium yields on select routes while maintaining the aircraft’s signature onboard lounge and shower facilities that differentiate it from competitors.

This approach allows Emirates to maximize revenue per flight even as it manages fleet constraints. The superjumbo’s operational costs are amortized over its long service life, and the investments in modern cabins help sustain its appeal against newer, more fuel-efficient twins like the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787.

Geopolitical factors have also played a role in recent A380 availability. Regional conflicts, including tensions involving Iran earlier this year, led to temporary groundings and route adjustments that affected widebody utilization. Emirates quickly rebuilt much of its schedule, demonstrating resilience, but such events highlight the complexities of operating a large international fleet.

Despite the current lighter July schedule, Emirates has no plans to retire the A380 fleet prematurely. The airline has consistently stated that the type will serve well into the 2030s, with ongoing maintenance and upgrades ensuring reliability. Airbus delivered the last A380 in 2021, and Emirates’ large existing fleet provides a stable platform without reliance on new production.

The A380’s return to additional routes this summer and fall, including Delhi, counters speculation of quiet retirement. Industry observers note that while the superjumbo’s production ended years ago, its capabilities remain unmatched for certain hub operations like Dubai’s, where high passenger volumes and connecting traffic justify the aircraft’s size.

Emirates’ broader fleet strategy involves balancing the A380 with newer types. The airline operates a significant number of Boeing 777-300ERs, many of which are also receiving premium economy retrofits. The delayed 777X will eventually allow for more efficient long-haul operations, but in the interim, the focus remains on optimizing the current mix.

Passengers on affected routes this month may notice more 777 deployments, which offer competitive comfort levels post-refurbishment but lack the A380’s distinctive two-deck experience. Emirates has communicated schedule changes to minimize disruption, with many flights maintaining similar timings.

Looking ahead, the airline’s investment in premium products signals confidence in premium leisure and business travel recovery. Premium economy, with its enhanced seating, dining and amenities, has proven popular, and expanding it across more routes including via A380s strengthens Emirates’ competitive position against rivals in the Gulf and beyond.

The July figures from Cirium provide a snapshot of transitional fleet dynamics rather than a long-term shift. As refurbishments progress through November and more aircraft return to service, A380 utilization is expected to normalize. The Delhi debut in October offers a concrete example of continued commitment to the type on high-profile routes.

Emirates’ A380 operations have defined its brand since the aircraft entered service with the carrier in 2008. The superjumbo’s onboard innovations, from the lounge to spacious cabins, have set benchmarks in international aviation. Sustaining that legacy through targeted investments amid supply chain and delivery challenges demonstrates the airline’s adaptive approach to fleet management.

As summer peaks and travel demand holds steady, the temporary adjustments ensure reliability while positioning the fleet for future growth. With strong India ties and global connectivity at its core, Emirates continues leveraging the A380 where it delivers the greatest value to passengers and the bottom line.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. shares rose 1.04% Monday, closing at 2,440 New Taiwan dollars, after the world’s largest contract chipmaker reported a 67.9% year-over-year surge in June sales, offering a strong preview of the artificial intelligence-driven demand expected to headline the company’s second-quarter earnings report later this week.

TSMC reported June revenue of NT$442.68 billion, up 6.2% from the previous month, in figures released Monday that had been delayed from their originally scheduled July 10 publication date due to a typhoon-related holiday. For the first half of 2026 overall, TSMC’s total revenue reached NT$2.4 trillion, or roughly $74.99 billion, representing a 35.6% increase compared with the same period in 2025, underscoring the sustained pace of demand for the company’s most advanced chip manufacturing capabilities.

Monday’s sales figures serve as a preview ahead of TSMC’s formal second-quarter earnings release, scheduled for Thursday, July 16, at 2 p.m. Eastern time. Investors and analysts widely regard TSMC’s monthly and quarterly results as a bellwether for the broader artificial intelligence industry, given the company’s role as the primary manufacturer of advanced chips for major technology companies including Nvidia, Apple, AMD and other leading semiconductor designers and hyperscale cloud providers. Because TSMC physically manufactures the chips its customers design, its revenue figures are widely viewed as a more direct real-time measure of actual AI hardware production than order announcements or forward guidance issued by chip designers themselves.

TSMC’s stock has already delivered a remarkable run heading into Thursday’s report. According to Zacks Investment Research, TSM shares surged 39.9% during the April-to-June quarter alone, driven by continued execution across several of the company’s key strategic initiatives, including the expansion of advanced chip packaging capacity, progress toward high-volume production of its next-generation 2-nanometer manufacturing process, ongoing global manufacturing expansion, and sustained demand for AI chips from leading hyperscale cloud providers and semiconductor designers.

TSMC’s own guidance heading into Thursday’s report points to another quarter of substantial growth. During its first-quarter earnings announcement, management guided for second-quarter revenue in the range of $39 billion to $40.2 billion, representing roughly 10% sequential growth at the midpoint and approximately 32% growth compared with the same period a year earlier. The company projected second-quarter gross margin in a range of 65.5% to 67.5%, reflecting high factory utilization rates and ongoing cost-improvement initiatives, though management noted that figure would be partly offset by costs associated with ramping up newer overseas manufacturing facilities. TSMC has consistently described demand for AI-related chips as “extremely robust,” attributing continued strength in part to a broader industry shift from generative AI toward more computationally intensive agentic AI applications, a transition the company says is driving increased computing requirements across hyperscale data centers.

TSMC’s track record of exceeding Wall Street expectations has remained strong heading into this week’s report. According to Zacks, the company has beaten earnings estimates in each of its trailing four quarters, with an average positive earnings surprise of 8.34% over that stretch. In the first quarter of 2026, TSMC’s revenue rose approximately 41% year over year to $35.9 billion, according to the Motley Fool, with gross margin reaching 66.2% for the period, figures that management said reflected genuine pricing power built on the company’s technological leadership in advanced chip manufacturing.

Looking beyond the immediate quarterly results, analysts have identified several key areas they expect TSMC’s second-half 2026 guidance to address, including the company’s capital spending plans, demand trends across AI, high-performance computing and 5G applications, progress on expanding advanced packaging capacity, the ramp-up timeline for its new 2-nanometer, or N2, manufacturing process, and the trajectory of gross margins as overseas fabrication facilities continue scaling toward full production. TSMC has already raised its 2026 capital expenditure guidance this year, reflecting management’s continued confidence in sustained AI-related demand, according to TradingView.

Analysts broadly remain positive on TSMC’s outlook heading into Thursday’s report, though the stock’s dramatic rally over the trailing three months has raised the bar for what would be considered an unambiguous beat. According to Forbes, the average analyst estimate for TSMC’s full-year 2026 revenue stands at NT$5.2 trillion, reflecting continued confidence that AI-driven chip demand will remain elevated through the remainder of the year. Analysts have cautioned, however, that any signs the pace of AI infrastructure spending is beginning to moderate, even modestly, could weigh on sentiment given how much of the stock’s recent gains have already priced in continued acceleration.

TSMC’s position at the center of the global AI supply chain has also drawn attention to broader geopolitical risk factors surrounding the company, given its base of operations in Taiwan. According to Forbes, U.S. intelligence assessments reported in March indicated that China was not believed to be planning an invasion of Taiwan in 2027, though the report cautioned there remains no absolute guarantee regarding the island’s long-term security situation, a factor analysts continue to weigh alongside TSMC’s underlying business fundamentals when assessing the stock’s risk profile.

Some analysts have also flagged emerging competitive pressure facing TSMC’s dominant position in advanced chip manufacturing. A Motley Fool analysis published earlier this month noted that a potential new industry rival is seeking to undercut TSMC on pricing, a development investors will likely watch for further commentary on during Thursday’s earnings call, even as TSMC’s technological lead in the most advanced manufacturing processes has so far allowed it to maintain premium pricing and industry-leading margins relative to competitors.

For long-term investors, TSMC continues to be viewed by many analysts as one of the more direct and financially disciplined ways to gain exposure to the broader artificial intelligence infrastructure buildout, given the company’s demonstrated ability to balance current operational execution with substantial capacity investments aimed at future growth. Thursday’s earnings report is expected to serve as a key data point for assessing whether that AI-driven demand cycle continues to accelerate as expected, or whether early signs of moderation are beginning to emerge across the broader semiconductor industry heading into the second half of 2026.

This article was written by

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Australia’s benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index fell 36.7 points, or 0.42%, to 8,771.8 by midday Tuesday, extending a cautious start to the trading week as a sharp spike in oil prices and renewed geopolitical tensions in the Middle East weighed on investor sentiment across the region.

The pullback followed a subdued open, with the index having been expected to start the session roughly 8 points, or 0.1%, lower based on overnight SPI futures, following a weak session on Wall Street. The move deepened as the morning progressed, driven primarily by a dramatic overnight surge in crude oil prices tied to escalating conflict between the United States and Iran. Brent crude jumped as much as 10.76% to around $83.31 a barrel overnight, a one-day move comparable in scale to the roughly 10.71% spike recorded during an earlier flare-up in the conflict, after President Donald Trump declared the United States would act as the “guardian” of the Strait of Hormuz and confirmed that U.S. forces would resume blockading traffic to and from Iranian ports beginning at 4 p.m. New York time on July 14.

The renewed spike in energy prices came on top of an already difficult run for Australian equities. Monday’s session saw the ASX 200 fight to finish in positive territory despite the ongoing volatility, following a stretch in which the index had snapped a four-session losing streak Friday, closing up 44 points, or 0.5%, at 8,806, driven by gains across mining, financial and industrial stocks as iron ore and copper prices strengthened. That recovery proved short-lived once fresh tensions in the Middle East resurfaced over the weekend.

Tuesday’s cautious tone extended across the region more broadly, with analysts pointing to a combination of factors weighing on sentiment beyond just oil prices. Rising bond yields, weaker global technology stocks and softer mining sentiment all contributed to the mixed outlook heading into the session, according to market commentary from Kalkine Media. Traders were also positioning ahead of a busy week of macroeconomic catalysts, including U.S. inflation data, testimony from Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh, and June trade performance alongside second-quarter GDP figures due from China, Australia’s largest trading partner. Locally, July business and consumer confidence readings are also scheduled for release later this week.

Mining stocks, typically a key driver of ASX 200 performance given the index’s heavy weighting toward resources companies, eased ahead of a wave of quarterly production updates expected from major producers this week. Sector heavyweights BHP Group and Rio Tinto both traded modestly lower, down 0.1% and 0.3% respectively, according to Trading Economics. Technology shares lagged more significantly, with Xero falling 4.5% and WiseTech Global dropping 2.1%, while gold miners also slipped, led by declines of 2.6% at Northern Star Resources and 1.6% at Evolution Mining.

The day’s most significant corporate news came from the gold mining sector, where Genesis Minerals announced it would acquire rival Vault Minerals in a cash-and-scrip transaction valuing Vault at approximately $5.6 billion, creating what the companies described as a top-three ASX-listed gold producer anchored in Western Australia’s Leonora-Laverton district. Under the terms of the scheme, Vault shareholders will receive 0.7629 new Genesis shares plus 47.5 cents in cash for each Vault share held, implying a value of $5.2741 per share at announcement, representing a 15.7% premium to Vault’s last closing price. Genesis shareholders will hold approximately 59.8% of the combined group, with Vault shareholders owning the remaining 40.2%. Vault’s board has unanimously recommended the scheme to shareholders in the absence of a superior competing proposal. The deal follows Vault’s earlier decision to terminate a previously agreed merger with Regis Resources, a move that triggered a break fee of approximately $50.7 million payable by Vault to Regis. The combined Genesis-Vault group would carry a pro forma market capitalization of roughly $12.6 billion, with annual production expected in a range of 600,000 to 700,000 ounces and mineral resources totaling 33.6 million ounces.

Elsewhere on the market, uranium-linked exchange-traded funds continued to reflect a broader pullback across that sector following a period of strong gains earlier in the year, with the Global X Uranium ETF down 5.2%, trading at its lowest level since early September 2025 and down 6.3% year-to-date. Separately, Voltaic Strategic Resources announced plans to raise fresh capital Tuesday through a placement of up to 2.97 million new shares.

The broader macro backdrop remains dominated by the rapidly evolving situation in the Middle East, where fighting between the United States and Iran has escalated sharply in recent days. Trump’s declaration that the U.S. would take on a formal “guardian” role over the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil shipping corridors, and would seek reimbursement for the cost of securing the waterway, has added a new layer of uncertainty for global energy markets already grappling with the conflict’s disruption to regional shipping routes.

The S&P/ASX 200, Australia’s benchmark share market index comprising the country’s 200 largest listed companies by float-adjusted market capitalization, has traded well below its all-time high of 9,198.6 points reached in February, settling closer to the 8,800 level through much of the middle of the year amid a mix of domestic and international headwinds. Over its more than 25-year history, the index has delivered a long-term annualized total return of roughly 8.2%, including dividends, a benchmark that has provided some longer-term context even as short-term volatility tied to geopolitical developments continues to dominate day-to-day sentiment.

With oil prices remaining highly sensitive to further developments in the Strait of Hormuz standoff and a heavy slate of domestic and international economic data due later this week, investors are expected to remain focused on how quickly, or slowly, the situation in the Middle East evolves, along with any further signals from Federal Reserve officials and Chinese economic data that could shape sentiment across Australian equities in the sessions ahead.

ET Intelligence Group: SBI Funds Management, the country’s largest Asset Management Company (AMC) by assets under management, plans to raise ₹11,693 crore through an offer for sale. The promoter stake will fall to 88% after the IPO from 98%. SBIFM is expected to benefit from the increasing participation of households in the equity market and State bank of India’s extensive branch network across India. However, its business is exposed to volatility in financial markets. As such, the issue appears to be suitable for long-term investors with a higher risk tolerance.

Business

Incorporated in 1992, SBI Funds Management commands a 15.3% market share as of March 2026 based on mutual fund quarterly average assets under management (QAAUM) of ₹12.5 lakh crore.

It manages assets across mutual funds, portfolio management services (PMS), alternative investment funds, offshore funds as well as specialised investment funds, with total QAAUM of ₹29.46 lakh crore.

SBI MF is the market leader in systematic investment plans (SIPs), with 16.2 million live accounts, representing a 15rket share by count and 11.4% of industry inflows as of March 31, 2026. It is also India’s largest PMS provider with a 39.7% market share. The company operates in a tightly regulated industry. Any changes to mutual fund fees or commission structures may affect its financial performance.

FINANCIALS
Revenue from operations rose 28% annually to Rs 4,389 crore between FY24 and FY26 while net profit grew 22% annually to Rs 3,067 crore. Return on equity expanded to 43% in FY26 from 36% in FY24. It has the lowest operating expense ratio of 0.08% among the top 10 AMCs in India compared with 0.10-0.25% for peers.
VALUATION
Despite having the largest AUM, it has a lower share of equityoriented schemes. As a result, it has a lower market capitalisation-equity AUM ratio of 20% compared with 24% and 23% for ICICI Prudential AMC and Nippon Life AMC respectively. AMCs with a larger proportion of equity and equity-oriented schemes tend to earn higher revenue since these products carry higher management fees than debt, liquid and other non-equity funds. The IPO commands a priceearning (P/E) multiple of 38.2 compared with 47.7 for ICICI Prudential AMC, 41.1 for HDFC AMC and 50.9 for Nippon Life AMC.

ET Intelligence Group: HCL Technologies reported marginally better than anticipated financial performance for the June quarter where analysts had set lower expectations amid weaker sentiments towards the IT sector marred by delayed project executions and slower decision making by clients.

The country’s third largest software exporter reported higher new deals momentum during the quarter with a total contract value of $2.4 billion compared with $1.9 billion in the previous quarter and maintained that the order pipeline was strong and deal booking would improve further in the September quarter. However, this optimism did not reflect in its full year revenue and operating margin guidance which remained unchanged from the prior quarter at 1-4% revenue growth in constant currency with a margin band of 17.5-18.5%.

Similar to Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), it also announced an investment in the datacentre to help deliver full stack artificial intelligence (AI) related solutions. Barring an occasional spurt, the stock may remain range-bound until clarity on trend in discretionary client spending emerges.

The ₹3,500 crore capital expenditure on the datacentre project to create a 50 megawatt facility will be funded through a combination of debt and equity though more clarity is awaited. Last October, TCS, the country’s largest software exporter, became the first top tier Indian IT company to announce a datacentre investment estimated at around ₹55,000 crore to create one gigawatt facility.

At the time, HCLTech had no intentions to foray into such a venture. However, almost a year later, it has decided to build such capabilities citing a scarcity of datacentre capacity required for the compute or training stage of AI models. Such projects are likely to yield benefits in medium-to-long term and their success will depend upon effective customer engagements and agility to handle technological shifts.

For the June quarter, HCLTech’s revenue fell by 0.9% sequentially to $3,650 million while operating margin improved by 40 basis points to 16.9%. In rupee terms, revenue and net profit rose by 1.8% and 3% to ₹34,579 crore and ₹4,624 crore respectively.