NFO: Kotak Mutual Fund Launches CRISIL-IBX AAA Bond Financial Services Index – Dec 2026 Fund – Direct Plan

Kotak Mahindra Mutual Fund has introduced a new target maturity debt index fund, the Kotak CRISIL-IBX AAA Bond Financial Services Index – Dec 2026 Fund (Direct Plan). This fund aims to provide returns in line with the CRISIL-IBX AAA Financial Services Index – Dec 2026, which comprises AAA-rated bonds from the financial services sector.

Fund Details

The New Fund Offer (NFO) opens on January 31, 2025, and closes on February 10, 2025. The fund is an open-ended target maturity index fund, allowing investors to enter and exit at their convenience. The minimum initial investment amount is ₹100, with no limit on subsequent investments with Moderate risk.

This fund is managed by Abhishek Bisen and the benchmark index for this scheme is the CRISIL-IBX AAA Financial Services Index – Dec 2026. The Registrar & Transfer Agent for this scheme is Computer Age Management Services Ltd. (CAMS).

Investment Strategy

The fund follows a passive investment strategy, meaning it does not actively trade bonds but instead replicates the CRISIL-IBX AAA Financial Services Index – Dec 2026. The focus is on AAA-rated debt instruments from the financial services sector that mature close to December 2026.

By adopting a buy-and-hold approach, the fund minimizes portfolio turnover, reducing transaction costs and ensuring stability. The open-ended nature allows investors flexibility in entering or exiting the scheme while still benefiting from the defined maturity period.

Why Consider This Fund?

For investors looking for a low-risk, predictable investment option, this fund provides a structured approach to fixed-income investing. Since all securities in the portfolio are AAA-rated, credit risk remains minimal, making it a considerable choice for conservative investors.

Additionally, there are no entry or exit loads, making sure that investors can participate in the fund without incurring additional costs. The maturity date in December 2026 provides a clear investment timeline, allowing investors to plan their financial goals accordingly.

Who Should Invest?

This fund is suitable for investors who prefer stability over speculation and want exposure to a high-quality debt portfolio with a fixed maturity. It could be for those planning short- to medium-term financial goals and seeking returns with minimal monitoring.

With its open-ended structure, low costs, and high-rated securities, this fund serves as a flexible fixed-income investment option for those prioritizing safety and predictability in their portfolios.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Mutual Fund investments are subject to market risks, read all scheme-related documents carefully.

NFO Alert: Edelweiss Mutual Fund Launches Consumption Fund

Edelweiss Asset Management Limited has launched the Edelweiss Consumption Fund, an open-ended equity scheme that focuses on investing in companies within consumption and allied sectors. The fund aims to generate long-term capital appreciation, though there is no guarantee of achieving this objective.

This New Fund Offer (NFO) is available in two plans consisting of Edelweiss Consumption Fund – Regular (G) and Edelweiss Consumption Fund – Direct (G)

NFO Timeline and Investment Requirements

 

              Metrics Details
Open Date January 31, 2025
Close Date February 14, 2025
Allotment Date March 3, 2025
Minimum Investment ₹100
Incremental Investment ₹100
NAV at Launch ₹10

Both Regular and Direct plans follow a growth-oriented approach and fall under the Equity – Diversified category.

Risk and Benchmark

The fund is classified as Very High Risk, as per SEBI’s riskometer, meaning it is subject to volatility and market fluctuations. It is benchmarked against the S&P BSE 500 India TR INR, which tracks 500 companies across multiple industries in the country.

Fund Manager and Investment Strategy

Managed by Dhruv Bhatia, the fund will primarily invest in equity and equity-related securities in the consumption sector. This includes businesses in FMCG, retail, automobiles, e-commerce, and discretionary spending industries. The strategy focuses on companies benefiting from rising incomes, trends and evolving consumer preferences.

Exit Load, Redemption & Other Details

  • Exit Load: 1% if units are redeemed or switched out within a specified timeframe.
  • Redemption/Repurchase: Available as per the scheme rules.
  • NAV Calculation: Daily
  • Fund House: Edelweiss Mutual Fund

Both Regular and Direct plans of the Edelweiss Consumption Fund provide exposure to India’s consumption sector. However, Direct plans generally have lower expense ratios compared to Regular plans, as they bypass distributor commissions.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Mutual Fund investments are subject to market risks, read all scheme-related documents carefully.

Gold and Silver Prices on January 30, 2025: Check Rates in Your City

On Thursday, January 30, 2025, gold prices were trading higher as of 1:49 PM. In the international market, spot gold rose by 0.63%, reaching $2,770.51 per ounce.

In India, gold prices have increased by ₹390 across major metro cities. In Mumbai, 24-carat gold is priced at ₹8,096 per gram and ₹80,960 per 10 grams, while 22-carat gold costs ₹7,421 per gram.

In Delhi, 22-carat gold is priced at ₹74,085 per 10 grams, while 24-carat gold is trading at ₹80,820 per 10 grams, an increase of ₹390.

Gold Prices Across Major Indian Cities (₹ per 10 grams)

Here is a detailed breakdown of gold prices as of January 30, 2025:

City 24 Carat Gold (per 10gm in ₹) 22 Carat Gold (per 10gm in ₹)
Chennai 81,200 74,433
Hyderabad 81,090 74,333
Delhi 80,820 74,085
Mumbai 80,960 74,213
Bangalore 81,030 74,278

 

Silver Prices in India on January 30, 2025

Spot silver prices have increased by 1.02%, reaching $31.03 per ounce as of 1:55 PM.

Silver Prices Across Major Indian Cities (₹ per KG)

City Silver Rate in ₹/KG 
Mumbai 92,900
Delhi 92,740
Kolkata 92,830
Chennai 93,170

Key Takeaways

  • Gold Prices: Both 22-carat and 24-carat gold have increased by ₹390 across major metro cities in India.
  • Silver Prices: Spot silver prices have increased by over 1% on January 30, 2025.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Granules India Secures EU GMP Certification for Unit V Facility

Granules India Limited has announced that its Unit V facility, located in Anakapally, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, has been awarded the European Union Good Manufacturing Practice (EU GMP) certificate. This certification marks a significant milestone in the company’s compliance with international pharmaceutical manufacturing standards.

Regulatory Approval from EU Authorities

The certification was granted following an audit conducted in November 2024 by the National Centre for Public Health and Pharmacy, Hungary. The EU GMP certification is a crucial regulatory requirement for exporting pharmaceutical products to European markets, ensuring that the facility meets stringent quality and safety standards.

Scope of Unit V Operations

The Unit V facility plays a key role in the company’s manufacturing capabilities, focusing on the production of both Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and Finished Dosages (FDs). The facility is involved in manufacturing formulations for oncology and non-oncology products, broadening the company’s product portfolio in critical therapeutic areas.

Strategic Importance of EU GMP Certification

Securing an EU GMP certificate enhances Granules India’s ability to supply pharmaceutical products to European markets, demonstrating its commitment to global regulatory compliance. This certification may help the company strengthen its presence in regulated markets and explore new business opportunities in the EU pharmaceutical sector.

Financial Performance of Granules 

Granules India stated in a regulatory filing that its consolidated profit after tax decreased by 6% year-on-year to ₹118 crore for the third quarter ended 31 December 2024.

The company had reported a profit after tax of ₹126 crore during the October-December quarter of the previous financial year.

Revenue from operations declined to ₹1,138 crore in the third quarter, compared to ₹1,156 crore in the corresponding period last year.

On January 30, 2025, at 9:39 AM, Granules India shares traded at ₹554.15 per share on the NSE.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

AZAD Engineering Bags €90.1 Million Contract with Siemens Energy

AZAD Engineering Limited has announced a significant milestone by securing a long-term contract and price agreement with Siemens Energy Global GmbH & Co. KG. The agreement, valued at €90.1 million (₹811 crore), extends over a 6-year period and reinforces AZAD’s position as a trusted supplier of high-performance turbine components.

Scope of the Agreement

Under the terms of the agreement, AZAD Engineering will be responsible for manufacturing and supplying mission-critical components such as combustion commodities, cold blades, vanes, and precision machined parts & assemblies. These components play a vital role in advanced turbine systems, highlighting AZAD’s expertise in delivering high-quality engineering solutions for essential industries.

Key Highlights of the Contract

The contract between AZAD Engineering and Siemens Energy will run for 6-years, with an overall value of €90.1 million (₹811 crore). The agreement focuses on the supply of essential turbine components, strengthening AZAD’s global footprint. Notably, AZAD holds no stake in Siemens Energy, and the contract does not fall under related party transactions. This collaboration positions AZAD as a key supplier in the global energy sector, reinforcing its reputation in high-precision manufacturing and engineering.

A Boost for India’s Engineering Capabilities

This partnership is expected to enhance AZAD Engineering’s global presence, solidifying its role as a leading supplier of high-performance industrial components. The agreement underscores the growing capabilities of India’s precision engineering sector, demonstrating the country’s ability to cater to international clients with complex manufacturing requirements.

Strategic Significance of the Deal

The agreement marks an important step in AZAD Engineering’s expansion strategy, reinforcing its long-term relationship with Siemens Energy. It also highlights the company’s expertise in precision engineering, manufacturing excellence, and global competitiveness.

At 9:42 AM on January 30, 2025, Azad Engineering Ltd shares traded at ₹1,469.90 per share on the NSE.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

JK Cement Secures 250 MT Limestone Supply Agreement with GMDC

JK Cement Ltd has taken a strategic step towards reinforcing its market position by securing a long-term limestone supply agreement with Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation Ltd. (GMDC). This agreement follows JK Cement’s successful bid for a 250 million tonne (MT) limestone supply from GMDC’s Lakhpat Punrajpur Mines, situated in Kutch, Gujarat.

A Key Strategic Move for JK Cement

Limestone is a critical raw material in cement manufacturing, and securing a long-term supply provides stability and operational efficiency. By winning the GMDC tender, JK Cement has ensured a reliable high-quality limestone supply, which will support its manufacturing processes and long-term expansion strategy.

This agreement is particularly significant as it aids JK Cement’s consolidation in western India, strengthening its market presence in Gujarat and nearby regions.

JK Cement’s Planned Acquisition of Saifco Cements

JK Cement has announced its intention to acquire a 60% stake in Saifco Cements, marking its entry into Jammu & Kashmir’s cement market. The proposed acquisition, valued at ₹174 crore, includes Saifco’s integrated manufacturing facility located in Khunmoh, Srinagar.

Spanning 54 acres, the Saifco unit has a clinker production capacity of 0.26 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) and a grinding capacity of 0.42 MTPA. The company also holds captive limestone reserves covering 144.25 hectares, with total extractable reserves estimated at 129 million tonnes.

JK Cement has stated that this acquisition is expected to support its presence in the Jammu & Kashmir region, an area with ongoing infrastructure development activities.

Financial Performance Update

JK Cement Ltd reported a decline in consolidated net profits for Q3 of the financial year 2025. The company’s net profit fell by 33.2% to ₹190 crore during the October-December quarter, compared to ₹284 crore in the same period last year.

While total revenues remained largely unchanged, this was attributed to moderate improvement in realisations. The company’s total volumes increased by 13% quarter-on-quarter and 5% year-on-year, despite a subdued demand environment. Meanwhile, realisations rose to ₹4,757 per tonne, compared to ₹4,708 per tonne in the previous quarter.

The company’s EBITDA was impacted primarily due to a muted topline, higher employee benefit costs, and increased freight expenses. Additionally, there was a significant reduction in inventory reversal, amounting to ₹41.15 crore, compared to ₹138.44 crore a year ago.

At 9:39 AM on January 30, 2025, JK Cement shares traded at ₹4,860.80 per share on the NSE.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Sagility India’s Strategic Acquisition of BroadPath: Expanding Market Presence and Capabilities

Sagility India Limited has announced its acquisition of BroadPath, a move set to bolster its position in the US healthcare payer sector. This acquisition is expected to expand Sagility’s client base, enhance service offerings, and drive financial synergies, solidifying its market leadership.

Sagility acquired BroadPath Healthcare Solutions for approximately ₹502 crore, a deal structured as a 100% cash transaction. BroadPath, a US-based healthcare services provider, reported an estimated turnover of $70 million in CY2024. 

Strengthening Market Presence

The acquisition will enable Sagility to serve six of the top 10 healthcare payers in the US. This not only increases the company’s market footprint but also strengthens existing relationships with major industry players.

Diversified Client Portfolio

With this acquisition, Sagility gains access to over 30 mid-market clients, including payers, third-party administrators, pharmacy benefit managers, and healthcare providers. This diversification is expected to offer cross-selling opportunities and broaden Sagility’s revenue streams.

Enhanced Service Offerings

BroadPath’s expertise in Medicare and Medicaid member acquisition and enrolment services will complement Sagility’s existing service portfolio. By integrating BroadPath’s strengths with Sagility’s multi-shore delivery model, the company aims to offer a comprehensive range of solutions across the payer value chain.

Financial Synergies and Growth

The acquisition is anticipated to be immediately accretive to Sagility’s earnings per share (EPS). With BroadPath generating revenues of approximately $70 million and acquired at less than 1x its enterprise value/revenue, Sagility expects to drive shareholder value through economies of scale and attractive cross-sell synergies.

Leveraging Bhive for Workforce Efficiency

BroadPath’s proprietary Bhive platform, a pioneering remote workforce management solution, has demonstrated success in optimising employee engagement and operational metrics. Sagility plans to integrate Bhive with its GenAI solutions to further enhance workforce productivity and operational efficiency.

Talent and Operational Expertise

With the addition of BroadPath’s 1,600-strong workforce and experienced market-facing team, Sagility aims to strengthen its sales, marketing, and account management capabilities. The acquired talent brings deep industry relationships that will be instrumental in further business growth.

At 9:37 AM on January 30, 2025, Sagility India shares traded at ₹47.73 per share on the NSE

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Onesource Pharma Receives USFDA EIR with VAI Classification

OneSource Specialty Pharma Limited has established itself as India’s foremost pure-play Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisation (CDMO) in the speciality pharmaceutical sector. The company offers a diverse portfolio of comprehensive solutions across cutting-edge technological platforms and therapeutic modalities.

USFDA EIR Milestone Achieved

In a pivotal achievement for India’s burgeoning speciality pharma industry, OneSource Specialty Pharma Limited has secured an Establishment Inspection Report (EIR) with a ‘Voluntary Action Indicated’ (VAI) status from the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) for its state-of-the-art BLD facility in Bangalore.

The accolade follows a meticulous inspection conducted from 14 to 22 November 2024. The VAI status indicates that although some observations were noted, they are unlikely to prompt further regulatory action, reaffirming OneSource’s stellar reputation for compliance and operational excellence.

Statement from the OneSource

Neeraj Sharma, CEO of OneSource, remarked, “We are delighted to have received the EIR with VAI classification from the USFDA for our BLD facility. This milestone reflects our unwavering dedication to upholding world-class quality standards and stringent regulatory compliance across every facet of our operations.

“Our BLD facility is among the exclusive few FDA-approved penicillin manufacturing sites worldwide, with a distinguished legacy of supplying to the US market. As a globally trusted speciality pharma CDMO, we remain committed to pushing the boundaries of quality and innovation.”

Strategic Financial Infusion

In a noteworthy financial development, OneSource Specialty Pharma Limited recently secured equity funding totalling ₹8,010 million (£75 million), achieving a valuation of $1.65 billion (£1.35 billion). The substantial capital injection is earmarked for debt reduction and the expansion of manufacturing capacities, further bolstering the company’s competitive edge in the dynamic CDMO sector.

This remarkable achievement cements OneSource’s position as a frontrunner in speciality pharmaceuticals and underscores its relentless pursuit of global leadership in the CDMO arena.

Share Price Performance 

At 3:30 PM today, Onesource Specialty Pharma Ltd. shares traded at ₹1,570.00 per share on the NSE.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

L&T Technology Services Wins $80 Mn Deal in Digital Engineering

L&T Technology Services (LTTS) has secured a multi-year $80 million contract with a US-based industrial products manufacturer. The agreement focuses on digital transformation by integrating technologies like connected products and digital thread solutions to boost the client’s product lifecycle management (PLM).

Centre of Excellence in India

As part of the deal, LTTS will set up a Centre of Excellence (CoE) in India. This facility will function as a global innovation hub. The focus will be on automation, AI-driven insights, and sustainability. LTTS stated that this initiative will help the client scale operations and expand its global presence in digital technologies.

Project Scope

The agreement focuses on product engineering, automation, and AI-powered insights to improve efficiency. LTTS stated that the initiative will help the client accelerate time-to-market for new products while integrating digital technologies into their operations. The company will apply its expertise in engineering and automation to support this transition.

Company Overview

LTTS is a subsidiary of Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and provides engineering and technology services across multiple industries. The company operates in over 25 countries and has expanded globally through acquisitions in San Jose (USA), Krakow (Poland), and Toulouse (France).

Market Reaction

Following the announcement, LTTS shares saw an increase of 4.54%, reaching an intraday high of ₹5,355 on January 29, 2025. By 1:28 PM, the stock was trading 2.80% higher at ₹5,265.85. Over the past month, LTTS shares have gained 12.20%, though they remain down 1.89% over the past year. Since its listing, the stock has risen 513.90%. 

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Union Mutual Fund Extends NFO Period for Short Duration Fund

Union Mutual Fund has extended the New Fund Offer (NFO) period for its Union Short Duration Fund- Direct Plan, giving investors an extra day to participate. Originally set to close on January 28, 2025, the NFO will now conclude on January 29, 2025.

Investment Objective and Strategy

The Union Short Duration Fund is an actively managed scheme that aims to offer reasonable returns with liquidity by investing in a mix of debt and money market instruments. The fund follows a balanced approach, prioritizing safety, liquidity, and returns to create an optimal portfolio.

Fund Details and Structure

  • Fund House: Union Mutual Fund
  • Fund Manager: Shrenuj Parekh (since January 15, 2025)
  • Category: Debt – Short Duration
  • Type: Open-ended
  • Benchmark: CRISIL Short Duration Debt A-II Index
  • Registrar & Transfer Agent: Computer Age Management Services Ltd.

Investment Requirements and Exit Load

Investors can start with a minimum investment of ₹1,000, with options available under Growth and IDCW plans. The fund has no lock-in period, providing flexibility for investors. However, an exit load of 1% will be applicable if the investment is redeemed within 15 days from the date of allotment.

Risk and Suitability

The Riskometer for the Union Short Duration Fund places it in the moderate risk category, making it suitable for investors seeking stable returns with relatively lower volatility than equity-based schemes. As a short-duration debt fund, it is to help investors navigate interest rate fluctuations while maintaining liquidity.

Final Thoughts

With the NFO extension, investors now have until today, January 29, 2025, to explore this opportunity..

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Mutual Fund investments are subject to market risks, read all scheme-related documents carefully.