Desk note · industry · NBFCs / savers
Non-bank lender Sundaram Finance raised interest on several fixed deposit tenures on 15 October 2026, with revised rates including up to 8% on select terms starting 16 October, as savers hunt yield after recent rate moves elsewhere in the system.
On 15 October 2026, Sundaram Finance Limited told depositors it would raise interest rates across multiple fixed deposit maturities. The new grid takes effect from 16 October 2026. Announcements highlighted higher payouts on one-year and other popular tenures, with promotional tables showing returns up to about 8% on certain combinations of tenure and customer category. Sundaram is among the established non-bank finance companies that fund vehicle and equipment loans partly through retail fixed deposits.
When the Reserve Bank of India keeps policy rates elevated, banks and NBFCs compete for household savings. A mid-sized financier lifting deposit rates signals it wants stable liability funding before the festive credit season. Savers who ladder FDs can compare Sundaram’s grid with public-sector banks, small finance banks, and senior-citizen specials. Higher promised yield usually comes with issuer credit risk, so readers should weigh ratings and deposit insurance limits, which differ from bank deposits.
If you park cash in FDs, rerun your comparison spreadsheet this week; a 25–50 basis point gap compounds over a one-year lock-in. If you borrow from Sundaram for a vehicle loan, funding costs may eventually feed pricing, though loan rates move on their own schedule. Watch whether other NBFCs match the hike, RBI liquidity operations, and any change in the company’s credit rating outlook.
Trade policy / exports
Commerce minister Piyush Goyal said on 22 October 2026 that India’s proposed free-trade agreement with the European Union could become operational within four to five months after signing, with the deal expected to be inked before year-end during his visit to Germany.
Food delivery / quick commerce
Swiggy reported on 22 October 2026 that September-quarter revenue rose 36% to about ₹7,571 crore and the consolidated net loss narrowed to ₹922 crore, as food delivery posted record adjusted core profit of about ₹349 crore while quick-commerce Instamart lost about ₹764 crore at the segment level amid heavier discounting and 69 new dark stores.
Quick-service restaurants / consumers
KFC and Pizza Hut operator Sapphire Foods India said on 22 October 2026 that September-quarter consolidated restaurant sales rose 20% year on year to about ₹885 crore, with KFC India same-store sales up 14% and adjusted EBITDA margin expanding 100 basis points to 7.1% even as the listed stock remained far below its 52-week high.
RBI / government borrowing
On 22 October 2026, the Reserve Bank of India accepted no bids at the scheduled sale of short-dated government treasury bills, the first full cancellation in about seven months, as investors demanded higher yields amid a bond selloff, oil-linked inflation fears, and expectations of more rate hikes after October’s policy minutes.
For informational purposes only. Not investment advice. Verify with filings and a licensed adviser.