Hyundai Motor India Ltd IPO, the largest in India, entered the country’s primary market on Tuesday and will be open till Thursday. 

The price band is fixed at Rs 1,865 to Rs 1,960 apiece and the minimum lot size is seven shares.

ALSO READ: Hyundai Motor India IPO alert: Dates, price band, minimum lot size and all you need to know

The bidding for the IPO sized at Rs 27,870.16 crore began at 10 am on Tuesday. The shares are expected to be allocated on October 18.

Should you apply for Hyundai Motor India IPO?

Most analysts have recommended that investors can “apply for long term” considering the auto-maker’s strong financial performance in the past coupled with diverse product offerings.

However, the grey market premium (GMP) of the Hyundai Motor India has dipped around 89 per cent from its previous high of Rs 570 and it stood at Rs 60 as of Tuesday, according to reports.

Another factor to consider is that the IPO is a complete Offer for Sale (OFS) of 14.2 crore shares by the parent company in South Korea. This means the Indian arm will not get any proceeds from the IPO and hence it would not bring in fresh capital for growth.

GREENERY in your home can help improve the air quality, not to mention your mood.

But if you have splashed out on indoor plants, the last thing you want is for them to then wither and die.

7

Here’s how to keep your shrubs flourishing . . . 

PERK UP: Tea and coffee gives us a boost — but it can also revive greenery.

Nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus are among the nutrients in old coffee grounds that can help plants to grow while tannic acid in tea leaves also has benefits.

Adding these occasionally to soil can act as a fertiliser but it’s best to do this in moderation — just a couple of spoonfuls of grounds or leaves every couple of months or so is enough.

WASTE NOT: You can also use other kitchen scraps to nourish soil. Elise Harlock, brand manager at florist Prestige Flowers, said: “Banana skins are a fantastic, simple way to enrich your soil.

They decompose quickly and provide essential nutrients.

“Or try crushing leftover eggshells and sprinkle them around your plants. They are rich in calcium, which is vital for plant cell walls.”

POT LUCK: It may be easier to keep your plant in the pot it came in, but if it is too small it could cause issues.

You ideally need a pot that gives its roots room to grow.

Ikea has a really lovely range of plant pots with prices starting from just £1.50.

HOT TIPS: Try to keep your plants in a place where there are no big fluctuations in temperature.

So avoid putting them near to any radiators where it can get hot, or windows where it can get very chilly at night.

WATER TIGHT: Try to strike a balance between under or over-watering your plant.

A pot with drainage can help to avoid drowning your greenery with too much water.

You can also help nutrient absorption and boost plant health by dissolving a teaspoon of Epsom salts in one litre of water and using it on plants once a month, Elise says.

• All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability

Deal of the day

7

SPOOK your neighbours with this “family” of inflatable pumpkins, which make the perfect Halloween decoration.

It costs less than 1p an hour to run and is down from £50 to £35 at Homebase.

SAVE: £15

Cheap treat

7

SWEETEN up breakfast time with a bowl of Inventure S’mores cereal, featuring chocolate, marshmallow and crunchy crackers, £2.50, from Morrisons.

What’s new?

POUNDLAND has released a new rewards programme through its new app Poundland Perks.

Customers can snap up more than 100 offers through the scheme, plus earn points, which can be exchanged for digital reward vouchers.

Top swap

7

7

Advertisement

STAY toasty with The North Face 100 glacier zip fleece, £75, from John Lewis.

Or keep the chills away and save a few pounds into the bargain with Lidl’s Rocktrail fleece jacket, £7.99, in stores now.

SAVE: £67.01

Little helper

Advertisement

VAMP up your lunchtime with Ginsters’ limited-edition spicy sausage and red pepper pasty, £1.25, from Sainsbury’s with a Nectar card or £1.95 without.

Shop & save

7

YOUR morning cuppa will be even better out of this flamingo mug, which is down from £5 to £3.50 at Flying Tiger.

SAVE: £1.50

Hot right now

VIRGIN Media O2 customers can get up to a third off train travel with a £10 railcard until November 9. The rail-card is usually £30.

PLAY NOW TO WIN £200

7

JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle.

Every month we’re giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers – whether you’re saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered.

Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket.

The more codes you enter, the more tickets you’ll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!

A FAMILY in the UK who have spent hundreds of nights holidaying in their caravan have revealed one of their favourite campsites to visit in the autumn.

Known as The Caravanning Mummy, travel expert Rachel often shares her best advice on her social media.

6

6

Advertisement

The mum-of-two purchased her caravan back in 2019, spending the school holidays and weekends exploring the UK with her family in their Bailey Of Bristol Phoenix 650 caravan.

They’ve been on 56 caravan holidays over the last five years – but there is one campsite they have visited for the last for three October half-term holidays.

Talking exclusively to Sun Online Travel, the travel content creator named Longleat Club Campsite as the best place for families to spend the winter half-term.

She told Sun Online Travel: “The site I would 100 per cent recommend is the Longleat Club Campsite, it’s a Caravan and Motorhome Club Site.

“The site is a bit of a hidden gem.”

“You might get a bit wet and rainy staying in Wiltshire over the half-term.

“But the beauty of this break is you can stay on a caravan club site right next to Longleat Safari Park, which means you can be car-free for your entire stay.

“We’ve spent the last three October half-term holidays staying in Longleat, no matter the weather.”

Located within the grounds of Longleat (the first safari park to open outside of Africa), families have praised the campsite because it’s within walking distance of the safari park.

And Rachel isn’t the only holidaymaker who has praised the campsite, with others raving about the site in online reviews.

One person wrote: “Brilliant site with lots nearby and easy access to Longleat. It’s an ideal base, especially if you have kids.”

Another added: “The facilities were spotless and the wardens very friendly. We could even hear the seals from out pitch.”

A third person wrote: “An absolutely fabulous campsite with beautiful surroundings.”

Other facilities on-site include a family washroom, a TV room, dishwashing area, accessible showers and Wi-Fi.

Stays at Longleat Club Campsite start from £18.70 per night, making it ideal for Brits on a budget.

There are other attractions in the grounds of Longleat too including it’s own miniature railway that will celebrate it’s 60th anniversary next year.

Taking around 12 minutes, the train takes passengers around the park’s woodlands and lake, where you might even spot sealions.

6

6

There is also the huge hedge maze, not only the largest in the UK but one of the longest in the world.

Made up of 16,000 yew trees, it can take as long as 90 minutes to explore – depending on your skill level.

Otherwise there is the huge Adventure Castle playground, with zip wires, climbing frames, slides and a medieval fortress.

Visit in the summer and there is even a splash pad to get wet in.

If you’re there with younger guests, there is the Little Explorer’s Garden, with a new play area for under fives.

And adults can make a trip to Longleat House, a 16th-century stately home first opened to the public in 1949.

Visitors can go on a guided tour of Longleat House exploring hundreds of paintings, tapestries, hand-painted Chinese wallpaper and ornate ceilings that were inspired by Venetian Palaces.

Entry into Longleat House costs £29.95 per person.

Away from Longleat, there are plenty of other activities and attractions to keep holidaymakers entertained.

An iconic attraction is the Westbury White Horse – a white chalk drawing etched into the side of a hill.

Once thought to be one of 13 white horse drawings around the UK, only eight remain to this day, with the most recent one added in 1999 to mark the millennium.

Another Wiltshire haunt that’s perfect for Halloween is Avebury, home to 100 huge standing rocks dubbed the Avebury Henge.

The stones are both older and larger than Stonehenge, and date back to between 2850 BC and 2200 BC.

It’s free to visit, and visitors can even touch the stones at the historic site too – something that isn’t allowed at Stonehenge.

Earlier this year, Rachel revealed her favourite place for a UK break in her caravan, with a quintessential seaside town bagging the top spot.

Meanwhile, these are the top-rated holiday parks with on-site waterparks and pools.

6

6

The U.S. housing market is grappling with significant challenges, as existing home sales in September plunged to a 14-year low. High mortgage rates and escalating home prices are causing many potential buyers to remain on the sidelines, waiting for more favorable conditions before making a purchase. This situation not only affects individuals looking to buy homes but also has broader implications for the economy as a whole.

Key Highlights

In September, U.S. existing home sales fell by 1.0%, resulting in a seasonally adjusted annual sales rate of 3.84 million units—the lowest level since October 2010. This decline fell short of economists’ expectations, which had forecasted a steady rate of 3.86 million units. Adding to the challenge, home prices have surged, climbing 3% year-over-year to a median of $404,500.

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) reported that first-time homebuyers now represent only 26% of the market, significantly lower than the 40% threshold typically needed for a healthy recovery in the housing sector. This decline in first-time buyers is particularly concerning, as they are often viewed as the backbone of a robust real estate market.

Declining Sales Amidst Rising Rates

The 1.0% decline in home sales reflects a broader trend, with sales down 3.5% compared to the same time last year. The ongoing increase in mortgage rates, which surged earlier this year, has left many prospective buyers hesitant. Although there was a brief dip in rates following the Federal Reserve’s interest rate cut last month, recent strong economic indicators, including rising retail sales and robust job growth, have prompted a resurgence in rates.

Lawrence Yun, NAR Chief Economist, emphasized that the uncertainty surrounding the upcoming U.S. presidential election on November 5 is also likely contributing to buyer hesitation. While there is no concrete evidence linking the election to immediate buyer decisions, significant financial commitments like purchasing a home are often postponed during politically uncertain times. This added layer of uncertainty can lead to more cautious behavior among potential buyers, ultimately impacting the overall housing market.

Related: Trump’s Proposed Tax Plan: Income Tax Exemptions and Economic Impact

Housing Inventory and Prices

Despite the sluggish demand, housing inventory saw a 1.5% increase in September, bringing the total inventory to 1.39 million units—the highest level since October 2020. This increase marks a 23% rise compared to a year ago, providing consumers with more options in a constrained market. However, even with this increase in inventory, home prices remain elevated, with the median home price rising 3.0% year-over-year.

At the current sales rate, it would take 4.3 months to sell the existing home inventory, an increase from 3.4 months a year ago. This inventory level is approaching the four-to-seven-month range that is generally considered healthy for maintaining a balance between supply and demand in the housing market. A balanced market is crucial for ensuring that both buyers and sellers can engage in transactions without extreme pressure on pricing.

Market Trends

September saw homes on the market for an average of 28 days, compared to 21 days the previous year. This increase suggests that homes are taking longer to sell, which may indicate that buyers are being more selective due to high prices and interest rates. First-time buyers represented only 26% of total purchases, a slight drop from 27% the previous year. This decline is troubling, as a healthy housing market typically relies on a steady influx of first-time buyers to stimulate demand.

On the flip side, all-cash transactions made up 30% of sales, a small increase from 29% last year. This trend suggests that wealthier buyers are more capable of navigating the current market conditions, which is further alienating entry-level buyers who may need financing options. Meanwhile, distressed sales continue to be low at just 2%, indicating that homeowners are generally in a stable position and not forced to sell at discounted prices.

Outlook for Potential Buyers

The outlook for the housing market remains challenging as high mortgage rates and elevated home prices continue to discourage buyer enthusiasm. For potential buyers, navigating the current landscape requires a strategic approach. Here are some key considerations:

1. Patience is Key
For buyers hoping for a dip in mortgage rates, patience may be necessary. Many analysts predict that rates will stabilize in the coming months, providing opportunities for those willing to wait.

2. Exploring Alternative Financing Options
First-time buyers should consider exploring alternative financing options, such as government-backed loans or adjustable-rate mortgages, which may offer lower initial rates.

3. Assessing Market Timing
With the housing market currently in flux, buyers may benefit from keeping a close eye on market trends. Understanding local market dynamics can help buyers make informed decisions about when to enter the market.

4. Utilizing Professional Guidance
Engaging with real estate professionals who are knowledgeable about current market conditions can provide valuable insights. These experts can help navigate the complexities of buying a home in a challenging environment.

Broader Economic Implications

The challenges facing the housing market extend beyond individual buyers and sellers; they also have broader implications for the U.S. economy. The housing market is a significant driver of economic activity, contributing to job creation, consumer spending, and overall economic growth.

As home sales decline, related sectors such as construction, home improvement, and consumer goods may also experience slowdowns. Additionally, a stagnant housing market can impact consumer confidence, as many individuals view homeownership as a key indicator of financial stability.

Related: 2025 Federal Income Tax Brackets: Key Changes and What They Mean for You

Thoughts

In summary, the U.S. housing market is currently facing significant headwinds, with high mortgage rates and rising home prices creating a challenging environment for potential buyers. While inventory levels are improving, they have yet to result in substantial price reductions. Until mortgage rates show a consistent decline, the market outlook appears cautious.

For consumers considering entering the housing market, the path forward may require strategic planning, flexibility, and a willingness to adapt to evolving conditions. As the market continues to adjust, opportunities may arise for those prepared to act when the timing is right.

With Noel Tata succeeding late half-brother and industrial icon Ratan Tata as Tata Trusts chairman, many are wondering how Tata Trusts is linked to Tata Group and Tata Sons.

Employing more than 10 lakh people, the total revenue of Tata Group companies in 2023-24 amounted to $165 billion. The 26 publicly listed Tata companies have a combined market valuation of $365 billion as on March 31, 2024, according to the company website.

ALSO READ: Who are Noel Tata’s children? Meet the next generation of Tatas who will lead the conglomerate in future

Tata Sons

Tata Sons Pvt Ltd is the principal holding company and promoter of the salt-to-software conglomerate, Tata Group, with stakes in all the group firms. The chairman of Tata Sons is usually appointed as the chairman of Tata Group. N. Chandrasekaran, the current chairman of Tata Sons and Tata Group, took over in January 2017 following the ouster of Cyrus Mistry.

ALSO READ: What was Ratan Tata’s net worth? Why industrialist evaded billionaire lists despite controlling an empire

Established in 1917 and registered in Mumbai, Tata Sons also owns the Tata trademarks registered in India and abroad. All firms using the Tata brand are signatories to Tata Sons’ Brand Equity & Business Promotion (BEBP) agreement, which makes it mandatory for these companies to adopt the Tata Code of Conduct and Tata Business Excellence Model.

Tata Trusts

Tata Trusts, the philanthropic arm endowed by Tata family members, owns 66 per cent equities in Tata Sons. The largest of these trusts are the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and Sir Ratan Tata Trust. They support education, health, art, culture and livelihood generation.

ALSO READ: Who is Aloo Mistry? Noel Tata’s wife is the daughter of business tycoon Pallonji Mistry

Another shareholder of Tata Sons is the Shapoorji Pallonji Group, which holds an 18.5 per cent stake in the company. In a bid to monetise a part of its stake and pay off its debts, the SP Group had in September asked the unlisted company to consider an IPO. However, Tata Sons has ruled out any plan to go public.

Tata Sons is currently registered as a non-banking finance company (NBFC). However, an RBI circular mandating all NBFC upper layer firms to be listed by September 2025 had raised speculations that Tata Sons is preparing of an IPO earlier this year. In order to avoid getting listed, Tata Sons sought clearance from RBI to surrender its NBFC registration and continue as an unregistered core investment company (CIC) and cleared its Rs 21,813 crore debts in March 2024.