Economy news

• Onion, oil or chicken: What made your thali costlier in July

  07-08-2026 18:10 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  In July, the prices for home-cooked thalis surged compared to the previous year, with vegetarian options increasing by four percent and non-vegetarian increasing by nine percent. The rise in costs was driven by expensive onions, vegetable oil, and LPG for vegetarian meals, while non-vegetarian thalis were notably affected by higher broiler chicken prices. Nevertheless, the decline in potato and tomato prices somewhat alleviated these overall increases.
  
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• More hirings than firings: Nomura report tests ‘ground zero’; says AI creating more jobs in India than cuts

  07-08-2026 17:41 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  According to the report by Nomura Holdings Inc, AI-driven recruitment continues to be more than job losses in the country. Given the country's vast workforce, India is experiencing the "largest absolute impact" of AI across layoffs, hiring freezes and recruitment.
  
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• Food for thought: Global food prices rise in July as cereals, sugar turn costly

  07-08-2026 17:27 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  In July, global food prices saw a notable rise, with cereals, vegetable oils, and sugar reflecting increased costs. Wheat and maize surged due to weather conditions and market apprehensions. Vegetable oils peaked since June 2022, bolstered by robust demand. Sugar prices also rebounded, driven by weather impacts and expectations around ethanol use. Conversely, meat and dairy prices faced a downturn during this period.
  
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• US stock market today: Wall Street rallies as 23,000 job cuts boost hopes of softer Fed policy

  07-08-2026 16:34 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  Large-cap technology companies provided much of the market's upward momentum, reflecting their significant influence on the broader indexes. Nvidia rose 1.3%, while Broadcom added 1.1%.
  
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• ‘No hire, no fire’: US employers unexpectedly cut 23,000 jobs - sharp reversal for labour market

  07-08-2026 16:20 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  The employment report released by the Labor Department on Friday signalled a sharp deterioration in the US labour market and dealt a political blow to President Donald Trump. Among the biggest job losses, local public schools shed 50,000 positions in July, while restaurants and bars eliminated 26,000 jobs and retailers cut 19,000.
  
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• Will you have to pay to use UPI? 7 FAQs on possible MDR and what it means for consumers answered

  07-08-2026 15:57 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  The government is expected to permit a Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) of between 0.25% and 0.4% on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000 made to businesses, while person-to-person payments are likely to remain outside the scope of the proposed levy. The proposal is not expected to affect routine purchases such as milk, vegetables, groceries or payments for auto-rickshaw and taxi services.
  
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• Younger, wider, diverse: How India's investor base is changing

  07-08-2026 12:08 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  India's investor community is witnessing remarkable transformation, with a younger demographic leading the growth. The median age of investors has notably declined, indicating an influx of fresh talent. Additionally, participation is extending beyond major metropolitan areas, while the growing number of female investors enhances gender diversity. This evolving landscape highlights a vibrant and inclusive financial market across the nation.
  
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• Why stock market's close is now an auction - explained

  07-08-2026 11:29 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  For over three decades, the closing price was the volume-weighted average (VWAP) of all trades between 3:00 pm and 3:30 pm. Nobody actually traded at that price. It was a calculation, not a transaction. For long-term investors, nothing changes. For index funds and traders, the closing routine is now different.
  
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• Gold price prediction: Buy on dips the right strategy for gold right now? Check August 7, 2026 outlook

  07-08-2026 10:02 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  MCX Gold October futures continue to trade with a positive bias as prices remain well supported above key moving averages despite witnessing intermittent profit booking. The overall trend remains constructive, with higher highs and higher lows indicating sustained buying interest.
  
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• Rupee slips to 95.28 against US dollar as oil, treasury yields remain elevated

  07-08-2026 07:06 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  On Friday, the Indian rupee experienced a decrease of six paise against the US dollar. Factors such as a robust dollar, escalating US Treasury yields, and elevated dollar demand from importers contributed to this decline. Additionally, rising global oil prices, combined with geopolitical tensions, are projected to impact the rupee further. The domestic market mirrored this trend, as foreign investors recorded net sales.
  
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• Will you have to pay to use UPI? FM Sitharaman clarifies who bears MDR

  07-08-2026 06:13 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  In a recent statement, Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized that UPI transaction charges will be applicable to merchants rather than customers. She explained that any Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) imposed would be instrumental in enhancing the digital payment ecosystem. Following the passage of an amendment bill in Parliament, a committee will investigate the adjustments to the zero-MDR policy for digital payments.
  
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• Oil prices rise 1% as Middle East conflict continues Hormuz shipping disruption

  07-08-2026 04:13 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  On Friday, oil prices experienced a modest rise amid shipping uncertainties in the Strait of Hormuz. Traders exhibit caution regarding transit through this critical route. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump hinted at a potential resolution to the ongoing conflict. Additionally, Iran and Oman are exploring new transit options for the waterway. As developments unfolded, market trends reversed previous declines.
  
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