Business
Building material prices hit record high | The Express Tribune
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RAWALPINDI:
New federal and provincial taxes, along with continuous increases in electricity, gas and transportation costs, have led to an unprecedented rise in the prices of all building materials.
In the market, top-quality bricks are now priced at Rs25,000 per thousand, prompting contractors to rely more heavily on old bricks.
A bag of cement is available at Rs1,350, steel at Rs255,000 per ton, gravel at Rs3,500 per trolley, sand at Rs3,000 per trolley, masonry labour at Rs2,500 per day, and general labour at Rs1,500 per day.
Prices of cement plaster, standard marble, plumbing materials and electrical supplies have also increased by up to 30 per cent. The upward trend in building material prices continues.
Contractors say building material costs have seen record increases over the past two years.
Contractor Haji Sultan Mahmood said that three to four years ago, a four-marla double-storey house could be completed for Rs7.5 to 8 million, but the estimated cost has now crossed Rs10 million.
Due to this, contractors have shifted from constructing four- and five-marla houses to building two-, two-and-a-half- and three-marla units for sale. Five-marla plots are now divided into two units of two-and-a-half marla each, with double-storey houses built on them.
New Delhi: India’s capital market infrastructure sector, comprising brokers, stock exchanges, depositories and registry and transfer agents (RTAs), generated revenues of over Rs 700 billion in FY25, a report has said.
The report from global brokerage Jefferies said the growth in revenues was due to rise in market volumes and increasing investor participation. The sector’s outlook will be shaped by faster growth in select segments, diversification into adjacent businesses and resilience to regulatory change, it added.
The brokerage projects mutual fund assets under management to grow at a 16 per cent compound annual rate over FY26–FY28, with mutual fund AUM projected to rise from Rs 67 trillion in FY25 to Rs 103 trillion by FY28.
Cash market average daily turnover (ADTO) is projected to grow 15 per cent and F&O premium ADTO will rise 12 per cent, reflecting moderation in derivatives activity after recent regulatory changes, the report forecasted.
The brokerage expects the number of demat accounts to increase from 192 million in FY25 to 304 million by FY28, and mutual fund folios to climb from 235 million to 377 million.
Brokers accounted for nearly Rs 500 billion of FY25 revenues and exchanges about Rs 200 billion, with depositories and registry and transfer agents contributing to the rest.
Brokers and exchanges are expected to grow faster than other capital market infrastructure segments, it added.
The stock exchanges’ growth will come from rising traction in index options, estimated to grow to around 35 per cent share of options market by FY28.
Brokers’ growth will come from expansion across products including margin trading facilities, commodities, bonds and wealth management, the report noted.
Younger investors are driving incremental participation, with those below 30 years constituting about 40 per cent of the base in FY25.
Analysts noted that the market is likely heading for a year-end rally. The rupee’s sharp reversal and FIIs’ cash market purchases can accelerate this rally, as they lead to short covering, pushing benchmark indices higher.
Business
Domestic stock market fund raising remains strong in FY26; 83 companies raise Rs 1.3 lakh crore till Nov: NSE report – The Times of India
Fund mobilisation in the domestic stock market remained strong in the current financial year, with 83 companies raising Rs 1.3 lakh crore as of November in FY26, according to a report released by the National Stock Exchange (NSE).The report highlighted that fund raising momentum stayed robust, supported by several marquee initial public offerings (IPOs) that made their debut during the period.NSE stated, “On the mainboard, 83 companies raised Rs 1.3 lakh crore, with 41 per cent from fresh equity and 59 per cent via OFS”.In fresh equity, a company creates and sells new shares to the public. All of the money raised from these new shares goes directly to the company itself, which then uses the funds to expand the business, finance new projects, or pay off debts. In contrast, an Offer for Sale (OFS) involves existing owners, such as the company’s founders or early investors, selling their already-held shares to new investors.The report further noted that these newly listed companies now command a combined market capitalisation of over Rs 10 lakh crore, indicating the scale and depth of recent listings in the domestic market. This growth also reflects the increasing ability of Indian capital markets to attract large issuances and support companies across sectors.Investor participation patterns also showed notable trends. Retail participation strengthened to 25 per cent, highlighting growing interest from individual investors in primary market offerings. At the same time, the share of qualified institutional buyers (QIBs) moderated, according to the report.The NSE report also pointed to continued momentum in the SME segment through the Emerge platform. During the period under review, 80 companies were listed on the Emerge platform, raising a total of Rs 3,911 crore. Notably, 95 per cent of this amount was raised through fresh equity, underscoring the platform’s role in providing growth capital to small and medium enterprises.In addition, the report said that recent regulatory measures have further strengthened India’s listing ecosystem. These include the reduction in the minimum public offering requirement, extension of timelines for achieving minimum public shareholding for large entities, streamlining of migration criteria for SME companies moving from the Emerge platform to the mainboard, and enhanced disclosure norms.Overall, the report concluded that robust fundraising activity, strong participation from retail investors, and supportive regulatory measures continue to reinforce the role of India’s capital markets in driving long-term growth and expansion.
Last Updated:
Gold and Silver Rates Today, December 22: In Mumbai, the price of 24-carat gold stands at Rs 1,34,270 per 10 grams, while 22k gold is available at Rs 1,23,090 per 10 grams.
Gold Rate Today, December 22.
Gold and Silver Rates Today, December 22: Gold prices rose on Monday, December 22. In Mumbai, the price of 24-carat gold stood at Rs 1,34,270 per 10 grams, while 22k gold was available at Rs 1,23,090 per 10 grams. These rates do not include GST and making charges. Silver was available at Rs 2,13,900 per kg in the spot market.
What Is The Price Of 22kt, 24kt Gold Rates Today In India Across Key Cities On December 22?
| City | 22K Gold (per 10gm) | 24K Gold (per 10gm) |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | Rs 1,23,240 | Rs 1,34,420 |
| Jaipur | Rs 1,23,240 | Rs 1,34,420 |
| Ahmedabad | Rs 1,23,140 | Rs 1,34,320 |
| Pune | Rs 1,23,090 | Rs 1,34,270 |
| Mumbai | Rs 1,23,090 | Rs 1,34,270 |
| Hyderabad | Rs 1,23,090 | Rs 1,34,270 |
| Chennai | Rs 1,23,090 | Rs 1,34,270 |
| Bengaluru | Rs 1,23,090 | Rs 1,34,270 |
| Kolkata | Rs 1,23,090 | Rs 1,34,270 |
Gold exports from Switzerland fell 15% month on month in November as shipments to India dropped to their lowest since February, Swiss customs data showed on Thursday.
Demand in India has been affected by a price rally which sent bullion to a record high of $4,381 per troy ounce in October. Spot prices are up 65% so far this year, heading for their biggest annual gain in 46 years, amid demand for safe-haven assets.
The Swiss data showed that gold exports to India fell to 2 metric tons in November from 26 tons in October, while supplies to China, another major bullion consumer, climbed to 12 tons from 2 tons.
Gold exports from Switzerland, the world’s biggest bullion refining and transit hub, to Britain, home to the world’s largest over-the-counter gold trading hub, jumped to 45 tons last month, the highest since June, from 9 tons as bullion kept coming back from US stocks.
What Factors Affect Gold Prices In India?
International market rates, import duties, taxes, and fluctuations in exchange rates primarily influence gold prices in India. Together, these factors determine the daily gold rates across the country.
In India, gold is deeply cultural and financial. It is a preferred investment option and is key to celebrations, particularly weddings and festivals.
With constantly changing market conditions, investors and traders monitor fluctuations closely. Staying updated is crucial for effectively navigating dynamic trends.
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December 22, 2025, 09:40 IST
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