Stock Market 25 December 2025

EPFO announced new rules on December 24 allowing workers to withdraw 75% of their Provident Fund immediately after job loss, with the remaining 25% accessible only after 12 months of unemployment. Final pension withdrawals under EPS will now require a 36-month wait, up from two months. Partial withdrawals will need a minimum of 12 months’ service.

India’s Income Tax Department has paused refunds for many taxpayers after sending SMS and email alerts citing a “risk management process.” The CBDT said December 24 that the messages are advisory, part of its “NUDGE” campaign targeting potentially ineligible deduction and exemption claims. Taxpayers flagged are urged to review and correct their returns before the December 31 deadline.

The U.S. will impose a new tariff on a broad range of Chinese semiconductor products, starting at 0% on December 23, 2025, and rising to an unspecified rate on June 23, 2027. China’s foreign ministry condemned the move and warned of countermeasures. The tariff covers integrated circuits, discrete semiconductors, and related materials. The action adds to existing U.S. tariffs on Chinese chips.