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- Mutual Funds Halt Gold ETF and FoF Inflows Ahead of Festive Season as Rupee Stays Under Pressure
17 mutual fund houses in India, including HDFC, Kotak and UTI, have suspended fresh gold investments in gold ETFs and gold fund of funds ahead of the Dussehra and Diwali season. The curbs cover bulk subscriptions, new SIP and STP registrations, and switch-ins, with details varying by fund house. Existing holdings are not frozen, and investors can keep redeeming gold ETF units while existing SIPs continue at the prevailing NAV. The fund houses gave no reason, though a fund executive told Reuters the decision followed discussions with SEBI, which has not confirmed it. Recent trade data shows gold imports fell to US$1.8bn in September from US$2.3bn in August, while the trade deficit widened to US$30.21bn.
- FMCG firms grapple with input cost inflation in Q2 , brace for margin pressure in H2
FMCG companies face sustained margin pressure in the second half of the fiscal year as input costs rise, and firms are weighing post-Diwali price hikes against the risk of hurting demand in mass-market and rural categories. Grant Thornton Bharat's Naveen Malpani said palm oil prices in rupee terms were about 21% higher year over year in September, and sugar about 18% higher despite an 8% monthly correction. Pre-results analyst estimates projected operating-margin compression of about 45 basis points across major consumer staples companies, with some estimates up to 150 basis points. Parle Products' Mayank Shah said companies were absorbing costs through efficiencies, fewer discounts and lower advertising, with price increases possibly coming after the festive season. Nestle India expects sugar and edible oils to stay elevated in the December quarter, while El Niño and an uneven monsoon add uncertainty for food prices and rural demand.
- FMCGs grapple with cost inflation in Q2 , brace for margin pressure in H2
- FMCG firms face input cost inflation in Q2 , brace for H2 margin pressure
FMCG companies may continue facing margin pressure in the second half of FY27 as input costs rose sharply in the September quarter. Palm oil prices were about 21% higher year-on-year in September and sugar about 18% higher, in rupee terms, while crude-linked derivatives and packaging materials also emerged as pressure points. Grant Thornton Bharat's Naveen Malpani said pre-results estimates projected operating-margin compression of roughly 45 basis points for major consumer staples companies, with some estimates showing declines of up to 150 basis points. Companies are absorbing part of the costs through efficiency gains, cost cuts, and reduced discounts and advertising, and may raise prices after the festive season, though a meaningful recovery depends on commodity prices easing. The main risk is that consumers trade down to cheaper brands or smaller packs.
- FMCG firms grapple with input cost inflation in Q2 , brace for margin pressure in H2
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