Axis Bank is India’s third-largest private sector bank, offering a comprehensive range of financial services across multiple customer segments. Established in 1993 as UTI Bank and rebranded in 2007, the bank has grown into a significant financial institution with a robust national and international presence. The bank’s financial performance is marked by impressive growth. As of March 31, 2024, it has a balance sheet size of Rs. 14,77,209 crores. Over the past five years, the bank has demonstrated steady growth with approximately 13% increase in total assets and 15% growth in advances and deposits. Axis Bank has an extensive domestic network comprising over 5,100 branches and more than 15,000 ATMs and cash recyclers. Its presence spans across 2,033 cities and towns in India. Internationally, the bank maintains offices in strategic locations including Singapore, Dubai, Gift City, and has a subsidiary in London.

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Kotak Mahindra Bank Denies Involvement in IDBI Bank Disinvestment, Refutes Media Speculation – MSN

The Indian government’s plans to disinvest in IDBI Bank have been making headlines, with several banks and financial institutions being speculated as potential bidders. However, Kotak Mahindra Bank has come out to refute media reports suggesting its participation in the bidding process. In a statement, the bank clarified that it is not participating in the disinvestment process of IDBI Bank.

The government had announced its plans to sell a majority stake in IDBI Bank, which is currently owned by the state-owned Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) and the government. The move is part of the government’s broader strategy to consolidate and privatize state-owned banks. The disinvestment process is expected to attract significant interest from private sector banks and financial institutions, both domestic and international.

IDBI Bank is one of the largest public sector banks in India, with a network of over 1,800 branches and a significant presence in the corporate and retail banking segments. The bank has been struggling with high levels of non-performing assets (NPAs) and has been under pressure to improve its financial performance. The government’s decision to disinvest in the bank is seen as a move to bring in fresh capital and expertise to turn around the bank’s fortunes.

Kotak Mahindra Bank’s denial of participation in the bidding process has come as a surprise, given its reputation as one of the most aggressive and expansion-minded private sector banks in India. The bank has been actively looking to expand its presence in the Indian banking sector, and IDBI Bank’s disinvestment was seen as a potential opportunity for it to acquire a large and established bank.

Despite Kotak Mahindra Bank’s withdrawal, the disinvestment process is expected to attract significant interest from other bidders. Several other private sector banks, including Axis Bank, ICICI Bank, and HDFC Bank, are reportedly considering bidding for IDBI Bank. The government is expected to soon announce the names of the shortlisted bidders, and the disinvestment process is expected to be completed by the end of the fiscal year. The sale of IDBI Bank is expected to be a major milestone in the government’s efforts to consolidate and privatize the Indian banking sector.

Senior citizens can earn up to 8% interest rate on 5-year fixed deposits; compare the top FD rates offered by public, private, and small finance banks

For senior citizens seeking stable and fixed income, there are still attractive fixed deposit (FD) options available, despite many leading banks and small finance banks slashing their FD interest rates. Currently, a few banks offer FD rates of up to 8% on their five-year senior citizen FDs. The interest rates vary among public and private sector banks, as well as small finance banks, for FDs of the same duration.

Small finance banks offer the highest five-year FD interest rates for senior citizens, with Suryoday Small Finance Bank providing an 8% interest rate, followed by Jana Small Finance Bank at 7.77%, and Ujjivan Small Finance Bank at 7.7%. Other small finance banks, such as Utkarsh Small Finance Bank, Equitas Small Finance Bank, and AU Small Finance Bank, offer interest rates ranging from 7.5% to 7.25%.

Among private sector banks, IDFC Bank, Yes Bank, and SBM Bank India offer a 7.5% interest rate each on their five-year fixed deposits for senior citizens. Other private sector banks, such as DCB Bank, Axis Bank, and RBL Bank, offer interest rates ranging from 7.25% to 7.1%.

Public sector banks also offer competitive interest rates, with State Bank of India providing a 7.05% FD interest rate on its five-year senior citizen FD. Bank of Baroda offers a 6.9% rate, while Bank of India and Canara Bank offer a 6.75% rate each on their five-year FDs for senior citizens.

Overall, senior citizens have a range of options to choose from, with interest rates varying from 8% to 5.5% depending on the bank and the duration of the FD. It is essential for senior citizens to compare the interest rates and terms offered by different banks to make an informed decision that suits their financial needs. By choosing the right FD option, senior citizens can ensure a stable and fixed income, which can help them manage their expenses and maintain their standard of living.

Next week’s Q3 earnings calendar: BHEL, Indigo, Kotak Bank, BPCL, and Adani Green are among the top companies set to announce their financial results for 2026.

The third quarter (Q3) earnings season for the fiscal year 2026 is set to begin, with several prominent companies scheduled to declare their financial results next week. Some of the notable companies that will be announcing their Q3 earnings include BHEL, Indigo, Kotak Bank, BPCL, and Adani Green.

Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL): The state-owned engineering and manufacturing company is expected to report a significant improvement in its profitability due to a surge in demand for its products and services. Analysts are expecting BHEL to post a net profit of around ₹500-600 crore for the quarter ended December 2025.

InterGlobe Aviation (Indigo): The low-cost carrier is likely to report a strong set of numbers, driven by a recovery in air travel demand and an increase in passenger traffic. The company is expected to post a net profit of around ₹800-1,000 crore for the quarter.

Kotak Mahindra Bank: The private sector lender is expected to report a moderate growth in its net profit, driven by a rise in interest income and a stable asset quality. Analysts are expecting the bank to post a net profit of around ₹2,500-3,000 crore for the quarter.

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL): The state-owned oil refiner is likely to report a significant decline in its net profit due to a sharp fall in refining margins and a rise in crude oil prices. The company is expected to post a net profit of around ₹1,500-2,000 crore for the quarter.

Adani Green Energy: The renewable energy company is expected to report a strong set of numbers, driven by a rise in electricity generation and a stable operational performance. Analysts are expecting the company to post a net profit of around ₹200-300 crore for the quarter.

Other companies that are scheduled to declare their Q3 earnings next week include Larsen & Toubro, Axis Bank, and Tata Motors, among others. The Q3 earnings season is expected to be a crucial indicator of the overall health of the Indian economy, with investors and analysts closely watching the performance of these companies to gauge the trends and outlook for the future. The results will also provide insights into the impact of various macroeconomic factors, such as inflation, interest rates, and global economic trends, on the performance of these companies.

After a 5-year decline, state-run banks see a surge in employee numbers, while private banks experience a 0.9% workforce reduction

The Indian banking sector has seen a shift in employee counts, with public sector banks adding 13,179 employees to reach 9,70,437 in FY25, while private banks saw a 0.86% drop to 8,38,150 employees. State-run banks, which had earlier focused on consolidation and improving balance sheets, have now started to expand their headcount. The largest public sector bank, State Bank of India (SBI), added 3,930 employees to reach 2,36,226 in FY25. SBI plans to hire 18,000 more employees in FY26, including 13,500 clerical posts and 3,000 probationary officers.

The government’s consolidation efforts, which began in 2017 with the merger of five associate banks with SBI, have continued with the merger of 12 banks into four larger entities in 2020. There are talks of a third wave of mergers to reduce the total number of banks to four core anchors. Recently, SBI hired over 1,000 probationary officers and plans to continue hiring.

Among other public sector banks, Punjab National Bank added 397 employees to reach 1,02,746, while Central Bank of India saw a marginal uptick in employee count to 33,081. However, Bank of Baroda and Canara Bank saw a decline in employee count. In the private sector, ICICI Bank saw a significant decline of 7.13% in employee count to 1,30,957, while HDFC Bank added 994 employees to reach 2,14,521. Axis Bank added 121 employees to reach 1,04,453.

The overall headcount in the banking system rose to 18,08,587 from 17,87,566 in FY24. Foreign banks’ employee count stood at 28,041, while small finance banks had 1,77,797 employees, with AU Bank being the largest employer with 50,946. The payments banks had 6,958 employees. The banking sector’s employee count is expected to continue to evolve with the ongoing consolidation and technological advancements.

Top FD Options for Seniors: Earn Up to 8% Interest Annually with These High-Yielding Fixed Deposits – View Complete List on Goodreturns

Best Fixed Deposits for Senior Citizens: Earn Up to 8% Annual Return

As a senior citizen, it’s essential to invest in a secure and stable financial instrument that provides a regular income stream. Fixed Deposits (FDs) are an excellent option, offering a fixed return on investment with minimal risk. Here’s a list of the best FDs for senior citizens, providing up to 8% annual return.

Top Banks Offering High-Return FDs for Senior Citizens

Several banks in India offer attractive interest rates on FDs for senior citizens. Some of the top banks include:

  1. Yes Bank: Offers 7.50% interest rate for 3-4 year tenure and 7.25% for 2-3 year tenure.
  2. IndusInd Bank: Provides 7.40% interest rate for 3-4 year tenure and 7.20% for 2-3 year tenure.
  3. Kotak Mahindra Bank: Offers 7.30% interest rate for 3-4 year tenure and 7.10% for 2-3 year tenure.
  4. HDFC Bank: Provides 7.25% interest rate for 3-4 year tenure and 7.00% for 2-3 year tenure.
  5. ICICI Bank: Offers 7.20% interest rate for 3-4 year tenure and 6.95% for 2-3 year tenure.

Other Banks Offering Attractive FD Rates

In addition to the above-mentioned banks, other financial institutions also offer competitive interest rates on FDs for senior citizens. These include:

  1. Bajaj Finance: Offers 8.00% interest rate for 3-4 year tenure.
  2. Mahindra Finance: Provides 7.80% interest rate for 3-4 year tenure.
  3. SBI: Offers 7.10% interest rate for 3-4 year tenure.
  4. Axis Bank: Provides 7.05% interest rate for 3-4 year tenure.

Key Benefits of FDs for Senior Citizens

Fixed Deposits offer several benefits for senior citizens, including:

  1. Guaranteed Returns: FDs provide a fixed return on investment, ensuring a regular income stream.
  2. Low Risk: FDs are a low-risk investment option, making them ideal for senior citizens.
  3. Flexibility: FDs offer flexible tenure options, allowing senior citizens to choose the investment period that suits their needs.
  4. Tax Benefits: Interest earned on FDs is taxable, but senior citizens can claim a deduction of up to Rs. 50,000 under Section 80TTB.

In conclusion, senior citizens can earn up to 8% annual return on their investments by opting for the best FDs offered by various banks and financial institutions. It’s essential to compare the interest rates and tenure options before making an investment decision.

Stock Market Updates for Axis Bank

Recent Updates

Among the prominent banks are SBI, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, ICICI Bank, Kotak Mahindra, and Bank of Baroda.

Several major Indian banks have announced changes to their fixed deposit (FD) interest rates, affecting customers who invest in these instruments. The changes vary by bank and tenure, but overall, they offer returns ranging from 5.9% to 6.95% for different terms.

State Bank of India (SBI), the country’s largest lender, has been offering 6.25% returns on FDs with a tenure of one year to less than two years, and 6.40% for two to less than three years. Senior citizens receive higher returns, with 6.75% on one-year to two-year FDs and 6.90% on two-year to less than three-year FDs. These changes took effect on December 15.

HDFC Bank, another major player, introduced new interest rates on December 17. The bank offers 6.25% for one-year tenures, 6.35% for 15 months to less than 18 months, and 6.45% for two years. Senior citizens are eligible for 6.75% on one-year tenures and 6.95% on two-year tenures.

Axis Bank also revised its FD interest rates, effective December 26. The bank now offers 6.25% for one-year tenures and 6.45% for two years. Senior citizens can earn 6.75% on one-year FDs and 6.95% on two-year FDs.

Canara Bank has also revised its interest rates, with a new rate of 5.9% for FDs with a maturity period of one year to 15 months. Senior citizens, however, can earn 6.40% for the same period.

These changes reflect the ongoing evolution of the Indian banking sector, with lenders adjusting their interest rates to stay competitive and respond to market conditions. Customers can take advantage of these revised rates to maximize their returns on fixed deposits, depending on their individual investment goals and preferences. It is essential for investors to review the updated interest rates and terms offered by each bank to make informed decisions about their investments.