AMD has secured a multi-year deal to supply artificial intelligence chips to OpenAI, a partnership potentially worth tens of billions annually. This agreement also grants OpenAI the option to acquire up to 10% of AMD. The pact highlights the immense demand for computing power in the AI race.

India’s housing market experienced a 3.1% demand surge in Q3, driven by buyers favoring smaller 1 and 2 BHK homes due to affordability concerns. This shift reversed a two-year decline. Despite a 4.5% drop in overall supply year-on-year, prices climbed, with Pune, Mumbai, and Greater Noida leading the surge. Under-construction properties commanded higher premiums.

India’s Unified Payment Interface (UPI) has expanded its reach overseas with its launch at Lulu Group stores in Qatar, following its introduction at Hamad International Airport. This integration aims to streamline and reduce costs for financial transactions between India and Qatar, benefiting both nations and the Indian diaspora in Qatar.

Stock market recommendations: Mirae Asset Sharekhan’s Somil Mehta recommends buying Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) and Bharat Forge. M&M is expected to resume its uptrend after completing a corrective pattern, with a target of Rs 3,720. Bharat Forge has broken out of a triangle pattern and is poised for an uptrend, aiming for Rs 1,335.

India’s IT services sector anticipates modest Q2 2025 results due to macroeconomic uncertainty and client caution. While Tier-I firms like Infosys and HCLTech show slight growth, mid-tier companies are set to outperform. Margins remain steady, but GenAI’s deflationary impact and vertical headwinds pose challenges.

Indians significantly increased spending on premium and big-ticket items like smartphones, large TVs, and washing machines this Navratri-Dussehra season. GST reductions made products more affordable, driving sales across categories, including mass apparel and footwear. Retailers reported strong year-on-year growth, with Navratri sales reaching a decade high.

RBI’s tokenization initiative has significantly reduced fraud and improved transaction success rates since 2022. Now, Visa is introducing its Payment Passkey, a biometric and cryptographic authentication alternative to OTPs, which has shown nearly 50% lower fraud rates. This move, supported by RBI’s flexible framework, positions India as a global leader in secure and innovative digital

AIIB chief economist Erik Berglof states US tariffs create unprecedented global uncertainty, surpassing Covid or GFC impacts. He notes China’s preparedness and leverage, while global supply chains remain robust, with “China plus one” benefiting nations like India. Berglof emphasizes India’s need for greater integration into Asian value chains, despite its domestic focus.

Japan’s Nikkei 225 surged over 4% to record highs after Sanae Takaichi’s election as LDP leader, with investors optimistic about her pro-market policies. The yen weakened amid expectations of higher public spending. Analysts noted Takaichi’s election, strong corporate sentiment, and a global oil rebound boosted confidence, though short-term corrections are possible.