Tag: Investment

Finance

Kotak Mutual Fund Launches Kotak Services Fund to Tap India’s Expanding Services Economy

Swara Bodke

Written by Intern Swara Bodke || Team Allycaral

Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Company Ltd. has announced the launch of the Kotak Services Fund, an open-ended equity scheme following the services theme. The New Fund Offer (NFO) opens on February 4, 2026, and closes on February 18, 2026, providing investors an opportunity to participate in India’s fast-growing services sector, which contributes nearly 55 per cent to the country’s Gross Value Added (GVA) and employs about 31.5 per cent of the workforce.
India’s services economy spans a wide range of sectors including consumer services, telecom, healthcare, logistics, financial services, information technology, power, and oil and gas, many of which are scaling rapidly and unlocking multiple structural growth drivers for long-term investors.
The Kotak Services Fund seeks to capture this opportunity through a disciplined investment approach anchored in Growth at Reasonable Price (GARP) and a bottom-up Business-Management-Value (BMV) framework. The fund will invest across market capitalisations, focusing on quality businesses with strong cash flows, scalable business models, and long-term compounding potential.


Commenting on the launch, Mr. Nilesh Shah, Managing Director, Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Company Ltd., said India’s services economy is undergoing a structural transformation driven by rising incomes, increased digital adoption, and expanding urbanisation. He added that these forces are reshaping consumption patterns and access to essential services, and the fund aims to capture evolving opportunities within the services ecosystem to deliver long-term value to investors.
Mr. Rohit Tandon, Fund Manager for the Kotak Services Fund, said the services theme offers a blend of stability and growth across consumption-driven and export-driven segments. He noted that the sector presents a compelling combination of resilience and scalability, and the fund’s portfolio construction will focus on companies capable of sustaining margins, upgrading business models, and deploying capital prudently for long-term wealth creation.
The fund is being launched at a time when service-oriented enterprises are redefining how households, businesses, and institutions operate. With evolving customer expectations and advancements in service delivery models, the sector continues to witness strong growth driven by specialisation, technology-enabled processes, and operational efficiency.
The NFO offers a minimum investment of ₹1,000 and in multiples thereafter during the offer period. The scheme is suitable for investors seeking long-term capital appreciation through a diversified portfolio of companies engaged in service-oriented businesses, as per the product suitability disclosures.

Business

Virat Kohli’s One8 Merges with Agilitas Sports in Global-Scale Sportswear Ambition

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In a major development in India’s sports and lifestyle business ecosystem, Virat Kohli’s sportswear label One8 has officially merged with Agilitas Sports, marking a strategic transformation into a fully integrated, high-performance sportswear platform with global aspirations.

Agilitas Sports, founded by former Puma India executives, aims to build an end-to-end sportswear powerhouse — from product design to manufacturing to retailing. The addition of One8 strengthens its brand portfolio and leverages Kohli’s iconic influence in the sports and lifestyle market.

As part of the merger, Virat Kohli has invested ₹40 crore, securing a mid-single-digit minority stake in the combined entity. This move further expands his diverse investment portfolio across sectors like beverages, nutrition, gaming, fitness, and hospitality.

One8, which began as Kohli’s athleisure line, has grown into one of India’s most successful celebrity-driven lifestyle brands, spanning apparel, fragrances, grooming products, footwear, cafés, and more.

The merger signals a shift toward building a global Indian sportswear brand capable of competing with international giants in performance gear, footwear innovation, and sustainable manufacturing.

Industry insiders view the move as a strong message: Indian athletes are not just endorsers — they’re now becoming co-creators and strategic investors reshaping the sportswear landscape.

Business

HSBC Report Says Indians Need ₹3.5 Crore for Comfortable Retirement

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A recent report by HSBC has highlighted a striking financial milestone for Indians: to retire comfortably, an individual may need to save an estimated ₹3.5 crore.

This figure factors in increasing life expectancy, escalating healthcare expenses, rising inflation, and the growing need for a financially secure post-retirement life. The report underscores the urgency of early and consistent savings, especially for India’s large youth population, many of whom are yet to begin financial planning.

India’s financial landscape is rapidly evolving — traditional safety nets like pensions are becoming rarer in the private sector, and dependence on children for retirement support is no longer a given. As lifestyles change and the cost of living rises, the demand for independent financial preparedness is greater than ever.

The HSBC report suggests adopting a mix of savings, long-term investments, and pension planning tools to build a secure future. It also advises consulting financial advisors to evaluate personal needs based on income, lifestyle, and life goals.

Whether you’re in your 20s, 30s, or beyond, the message is clear: retirement planning cannot wait. Your future self will thank you for the steps you take today.

Stay updated on financial trends and planning tips — only on allycaral.com.

Business

Silver Soars to All-Time High of ₹1.11 Lakh per Kg in India

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New Delhi, July 2025: In a significant development for investors and jewellers alike, silver prices in India have reached a record high of ₹1.11 lakh per kilogram, marking a historic milestone in the precious metals market.

The rally in silver is being fueled by a combination of strong global demand, investor shift toward safe-haven assets, and ongoing supply constraints. According to bullion traders, geopolitical uncertainties, inflation concerns, and increased industrial demand—especially from the green energy and electronics sectors—have added to silver’s bullish trend.

On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), silver futures surged past previous records in just a matter of days. Analysts say this momentum could continue if global uncertainties persist, particularly with silver being seen as a more affordable hedge against inflation compared to gold.

Silver’s industrial applications in solar panels, electric vehicles, and electronics have also pushed demand higher, particularly in fast-developing economies like India and China.

Why is Silver Rising Now?

  • Weakening of the US dollar: Making precious metals more attractive globally
  • Central bank policies: Investors are hedging against potential market volatility
  • Industrial use cases: Growing consumption of silver in renewable energy tech
  • Safe-haven demand: Global tensions are prompting a move toward tangible assets

Jewellers across India are reporting higher customer footfall, not necessarily for purchases, but to keep track of pricing trends. Many consumers are now re-evaluating wedding jewellery plans, and investors are considering silver as a key component in their diversified portfolios.

Experts, however, advise caution. “While silver’s fundamentals remain strong, such sharp rallies are often followed by corrections,” said market analyst Ramesh Shah of BullionTrade India.

For now, silver is shining brighter than ever—both literally and financially—as it cements its place as one of 2025’s hottest commodities.

Business

Silver Surges Past ₹1.09 Lakh per Kg on MCX – A Historic High

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Mumbai, June 19, 2025 – In a historic development for the precious metals market, silver prices on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) crossed the ₹1.09 lakh per kilogram mark for the first time ever, driven by strong global cues, safe-haven demand, and investor optimism in commodities.

The benchmark July futures contract of silver surged to ₹1,09,250/kg during early trade on Wednesday, setting a new all-time high on MCX. This unprecedented rally reflects a confluence of international market momentum, a weakening dollar, and persistent inflation concerns globally.

Why Is Silver Rallying?

Analysts attribute the sharp rise in silver prices to several key factors:

  • Global Market Tailwinds: International silver prices have been steadily rising amid geopolitical tensions, higher industrial demand, and expectations of interest rate cuts by central banks, particularly the U.S. Federal Reserve.
  • Safe-Haven Demand: With global economic uncertainty and volatile equity markets, investors are increasingly turning to silver and gold as hedges, contributing to upward pressure on prices.
  • Industrial Demand: Silver is a critical component in electronics, solar panels, and EV batteries. The clean energy transition continues to boost demand for the metal across manufacturing hubs.
  • Speculative Buying: In recent sessions, silver has witnessed renewed interest from retail and institutional investors alike, fueling speculative buying on MCX.

Gold Also on the Rise

The surge in silver comes alongside gains in gold, which is trading near record highs as well. MCX gold futures hovered above ₹72,000 per 10 grams, mirroring the broader bullish sentiment in the bullion market.

What It Means for Investors and Consumers

For investors, this rally reaffirms the long-standing position of silver as a valuable portfolio diversifier and inflation hedge. However, for industries reliant on silver, such as electronics and jewelry, rising input costs could lead to downstream price hikes.

Market experts advise caution, noting that while the trend is bullish, volatility could rise in the short term. Profit-booking and macroeconomic shifts could still affect prices in the coming weeks.

Quote:
“The ₹1.09 lakh mark is a psychological and technical milestone. Silver’s fundamentals remain strong, but short-term corrections can’t be ruled out,” said Anuj Mehta, a commodities strategist.

Outlook: Will the Rally Sustain?

As the global economy navigates a mix of inflationary pressures, rate decisions, and geopolitical dynamics, precious metals are likely to remain in focus. If current trends continue, silver may test higher levels in the coming months, with resistance seen around ₹1.12–1.15 lakh/kg, according to market analysts.

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