Market News Today

After nearly seven decades, the Bairabi–Sairang Line finally connects Mizoram's capital, Aizawl, to India's rail grid. This infrastructure milestone overcomes challenging terrain, ending isolation and redrawing the region's economic and mobility map.

Gujarat High Court overturned a blocked Ahmedabad property transfer under the 1991 Disturbed Areas Act. It ordered reassessment based on free consent and fair market value, emphasizing procedural discipline for future transactions in notified zones.

Hafele launched new aluminium door systems for wardrobes/cabinetry in India, targeting modular interiors in metros/Tier II cities. This innovation offers durable, low-maintenance solutions in two formats, addressing demand for resilient, sustainable housing.

Pune's 105-acre Krisala Hiranandani Township in North Hinjawadi spotlights integrated urban development. Discussions focused on long-term planning, infrastructure, and sustainable growth, reflecting a shift in buyer preference towards self-contained neighbourhoods and attracting institutional capital.

Pune Metro Line 3 (23 km, Hinjewadi-Shivajinagar) expects a phased launch with partial services in April. Full operations await clearances. Last-mile connectivity and integration are crucial for easing IT corridor congestion and reducing emissions.

SM prices surged in Asia, reaching USD 980-990/mt (FOB Korea, +$35/mt; CFR China, +$40/mt) due to strong demand and firmer feedstock benzene (USD 775-785/mt, +$5/mt), despite weaker crude.

Sumitomo Seika Chemicals reported a decline in profit following an extraordinary loss linked to a product mischarge issue. Despite the setback, the company’s super absorbent polymers (SAP) segment recorded higher sales volumes in China during the first nine months of the fiscal year ended December 31. The update highlights operational challenges impacting earnings, even as demand recovery trends emerge in select downstream hygiene and polymer markets.

Solvay will further reduce soda ash production capacity at its Torrelavega plant in Spain due to continued challenging market conditions, impacting up to 77 jobs. Sodium bicarbonate operations at the site will remain unaffected. The company flagged sustained competitive pricing pressure through 2026, with weaker 2025 sales driven by lower soda ash volumes. Although recent results slightly beat consensus estimates, Solvay expects market headwinds to weigh on profitability into next year, signaling extended weakness in the European soda ash segment.

Mosaic Company reported earnings below expectations as deferred demand and higher raw material costs weighed on margins, though management signaled a potential turnaround in the spring season. Meanwhile, Westlake Corporation posted stronger-than-expected Q4 earnings supported by accelerated cost-cutting initiatives. However, Westlake’s sales declined 11% sequentially and year-on-year to $2.533 billion, reflecting softer pricing and lower volumes. The updates indicate persistent demand-side pressure across the chemicals value chain, even as operational efficiencies support select producers.

Pune faces early summer with low-to-mid 30s Celsius daytime temperatures and high humidity, impacting comfort, construction, and energy. Officials expect a brief dip before warming resumes by early March, highlighting the need for climate-responsive urban design.