THE WEEK IN HARD NUMBERS (June 15–20)

$4 bn bet: Jio Platforms filed its DRHP with the SEBI for a $4 bn IPO, setting up one of India’s biggest listings.

NSE returns: The long-delayed NSE IPO returned to focus as hopes of regulatory progress revived.

Reserves: India’s forex reserves fell $9.99 bn to $671.63 bn in the week ended June 12.

WPI: Wholesale inflation surged to 9.68% in May on energy shocks, though rate pressures remain contained.

Exports: Merchandise exports rose 18% y/y to $45.2 bn in May, showing resilient external demand.

Deficit: Imports remained elevated at $73.41 bn, leaving a $28.21 bn trade gap.

Record: India’s total exports hit a record $863 bn in FY25-26.

Trade pact: The India–UK trade deal will take effect on July 15, deepening bilateral commerce.

Jobs: On June 18, the World Bank approved $1.5 billion to support job-creating reforms in India.

Diplomacy opens:  On June 21,  the US, Iran and Pakistan launched 14-point talks in Switzerland on Iran’s nuclear programme and Lebanon.

Hormuz holds: Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains uninterrupted despite Iran’s closure claim.

Buybacks: SEBI restored open-market buybacks from August 1, with tighter governance norms.

Mkts waver: Equities rallied for 4 sessions before profit-taking; IT stocks on Friday slid after Accenture cut guidance.

The Big picture: Economics drives valuations; geopolitics drives sentiment. India must navigate both. Oil, trade and IPOs matter. But peace in the Middle East matters most.