Export Value Declines, India's Trade Deficit Increases

India's merchandise trade deficit in August widened to $29.65 billion, surpassing the expectations of economists. The increase in the deficit was primarily due to a decline in merchandise exports, which were impacted by rising shipping costs and a decrease in global demand. In August, India's merchandise exports dropped to $34.71 billion from $38.28 billion in the previous year, while imports rose to $64.36 billion. This is in contrast to July 2024, when exports stood at $33.98 billion and imports at $57.48 billion. Indian Commerce Minister Sunil Barthwal acknowledged that exports are facing significant challenges amidst the current global situation. The widening trade deficit highlights the struggles India is experiencing in balancing its trade and sustaining its export growth.
https://internasional.kontan.co.id/news/nilai-ekspor-menurun-defisit-perdagangan-india-makin-naik
 

Microsoft Re-Launches Share Buyback Budget
Microsoft Corp has announced a 10% increase in its quarterly dividend and a new $60 billion share buyback programme, the largest in three years. The software company's shareholders will now receive a quarterly dividend of 83 cents per share, up from 75 cents. The buyback programme has no expiry date and replaces the previously announced 2021 programme. Despite the size of the buyback, it represents less than 2% of Microsoft's market value. Microsoft's shares have risen 31% in the past year, giving the company a market value of $3.2 trillion. The company typically spreads its share purchases over several years, with around $17 billion spent in the fiscal year ending in June. Microsoft shares were up 1.3% in premarket trading following the announcement.

https://internasional.kontan.co.id/news/microsoft-kembali-luncurkan-anggaran-buyback-saham