E-comm

Forget the metros — it's Chandigarh that tops India's online shopping charts, with nearly 7 out of 10 households making purchases via the internet, according to an ET analysis of data released by the statistics ministry last week. Smaller states and Union Territories like Goa and Dadra & Nagar Haveli are not far behind, even outpacing Delhi. The term "online purchases" includes goods bought through e-commerce websites or mobile apps.

Indian equities closed flat on Monday as IT and metal losses outweighed optimism from strong GDP data. Market consolidation persists amid global tariff worries and geopolitical tensions. Analysts highlight domestic resilience led by institutional flows and select sectors.

Indian markets ended lower on Friday amid US tariff worries, dragging IT and auto stocks. Despite optimism around domestic GDP and FII inflows, Nifty showed weakness. Global cues remained mixed, while select stocks like BSE and Suzlon saw strong activity and interest.

The Nifty Realty index closed 0.66 per cent down at 949.35.

The Nifty Auto index closed 0.98 per cent down at 23325.6.

The NSE Nifty index closed 82.9 points down at 24750.7

The NSE Nifty index closed 82.9 points down at 24750.7

The Nifty Bank index closed 0.37 per cent up at 55749.7.

The Nifty Pharma index closed 0.68 per cent down at 21442.05.

Britannia Industries announced a 4% rise in Q4 consolidated net profit, reaching Rs 560 crore. Revenue from operations grew by 9% to Rs 4,432 crore. The company's board declared a final dividend of Rs 75 per equity share. However, profit after tax and topline experienced a sequential decline compared to the previous quarter.

Dabur India plans to streamline its product portfolio by discontinuing underperforming items. This move aims to free up capital for strategic investments. The company will focus on high-growth areas like e-commerce and quick commerce. Dabur intends to consolidate stockists and reduce costs in urban trade. They will also explore mergers and acquisitions in healthcare, wellness foods, and personal care.

Unicommerce is actively seeking acquisitions at reasonable valuations to enhance its e-commerce enablement platform and become a comprehensive 'one-stop-shop'. Following the Shipway acquisition, the company is exploring opportunities in emerging areas like omnichannel and quick commerce.

Quick commerce promises lightning-fast 10-minute deliveries, but often relies on 'Indian Stretchable Time' (IST) to manage expectations. Consumers find themselves waiting far longer than advertised, with delivery times stretching to 30 minutes or more. Ultimately, quick commerce risks becoming indistinguishable from regular e-commerce, retaining only the illusion of speed.

The United States is pushing India to open its e-commerce market to American giants like Amazon and Walmart. These talks are part of a broader trade deal covering sectors like food and automobiles. The US wants a level playing field, challenging India's regulations. India's rules favor local rivals. This comes amid US Vice President JD Vance's visit to India.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance urged India to reduce non-tariff barriers to facilitate a comprehensive trade agreement, emphasizing deepened economic and strategic cooperation. Vance highlighted the U.S. interest in expanding energy exports, assisting in offshore gas exploration, and enhancing defense collaboration with India. Both nations share strategic concerns in the Indo-Pacific region.

With Global business-to-consumer (B2C) e-commerce exports estimated to grow from USD 800 billion to USD 8 trillion by 2030, India's strengths in high-demand customized products, expanding seller base, and higher profit margins per unit of export place it in a prime position to benefit from this trend.

It is also looking at firms that can help improve customer experience as well as expand its range of products and services.