Today's Top Business News: January 18, 2026
Global and Indian markets are navigating a mix of domestic optimism surrounding Q3 earnings and external volatility from geopolitical tensions and US tariff threats. Here are the key headlines shaping the business world today:
Market Recap
Major stock indices closed the week mostly flat, with an eye on upcoming quarterly results and global political developments.
Indian Equities: The BSE Sensex rose by 187.64 points (0.23%) to close at 83,570.35on Friday, January 16, while the Nifty 50 gained 28.75 points (0.11%) to settle at 25,694.35. Strong performances in PSU banks and metal stocks offset profit-taking in pharma and auto sectors.
US Markets: US equities ended Friday on a slightly cautious note, with the S&P 500edging down slightly as Q4 2025 earnings season got underway.
FII Activity: Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) pulled out a significant ₹14,266 crorefrom Indian equities this week, reflecting caution amid global uncertainties.
Top Business Stories
New Labour Codes Impact Banks: New national labor codes are pushing up operating costs for private banks and insurers. Major lenders like ICICI Bank and Yes Bank have accounted for incremental impacts on their Q3 FY26 profit and loss statements due to required changes in employee benefits and salary structures.
CG Power Secures Major US Order: CG Power has secured its largest-ever order, a ₹900 crore contract for a data center project in the US, marking a significant entry into the global market.
DGCA Penalizes IndiGo: India's aviation safety regulator, the DGCA, has imposed a ₹22.2 crore penalty on IndiGo for extensive flight disruptions in December 2025, citing the overstretching of flight crew as a key factor.
Startup IPO Wave Ahead: India is poised for one of its largest startup IPO cycles in 2026, with companies like PhonePe, Zepto, and OYO preparing for public market debuts that could total nearly ₹50,000 crore.
Budget 2026 Expectations: With the Union Budget coming up on February 1 (a special Sunday trading day for stock exchanges), industries are calling for key reforms. The crypto industry, for example, is pushing for policy tweaks on VDA taxation to prevent capital outflow to foreign exchanges.
Global Economic Insight
At the World Economic Forum in Davos, experts discussed the massive energy demands of AI and the need for national energy security. In global politics, US President Trump has announced a 10% tariff on several European and NATO allies for opposing the US position on Greenland, adding to trade tensions.