Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Ltd reported a sharp 73 percent year-on-year decline in FY25 net profit to ₹756 crore, with revenue down nine percent to ₹8,456 crore. Management attributed the drop to sluggish rural consumption and rising packaging expenses, along with price rationalization moves by competitors. Operating margins contracted significantly despite cost-control initiatives. Analysts said higher input prices and intensifying market discounting pressured profitability across the non-alcoholic beverages segment. The company plans to invest in logistics automation and distribution expansion to restore volume growth in FY26 as urban demand stays relatively stable.

The Shanghai Composite Index climbed to its highest level in ten years, lifted by a rally in semiconductor and artificial-intelligence companies. Investor sentiment strengthened after China’s Communist Party pledged deeper support for domestic technology independence during its latest plenum session. Chipmakers and AI firms led gains, with daily turnover surpassing ¥1.3 trillion. Market strategists said Beijing’s policy push to reduce reliance on imported tech is fueling sustainable valuation expansion. Analysts foresee continued institutional buying amid improved liquidity and expectations of stimulus in strategic industries.