India’s economic momentum strengthened steadily in December 2025, according to the newly launched Moneycontrol Eco Pulse Index, a high-frequency monthly indicator designed to track real-time economic activity. The Index stood at 53.4 in December, signalling stronger-than-average economic conditions compared to the previous month, as readings above 50 indicate expansion while those below suggest moderation.

As per a press release, the Moneycontrol Eco Pulse Index tracks over 30 high-frequency economic indicators on a monthly basis to provide early signals on the direction of economic growth. The December reading points to a gradual improvement in overall momentum, supported by a pick-up across several key indicators during the month.

The steady trend was visible in multiple data points. GST collections improved to 1.3 percent growth in December from 0.7 percent in November. Electricity demand returned to positive territory after witnessing contraction for two consecutive months. Automobile sales also showed improvement, with four-wheeler sales rising during the month, while non-food credit growth strengthened. Two-wheeler sales, often seen as a barometer of rural demand, were also higher compared to November.

However, the data showed some moderation in select consumption indicators. Growth in UPI transaction volumes slowed during the month, while Aviation Turbine Fuel consumption, a proxy for air travel and cargo movement, also tapered, indicating uneven trends across segments of the economy.

The Moneycontrol Eco Pulse is a composite index aimed at capturing India’s economic momentum on a monthly basis and offering early insights ahead of official GDP data. It combines a wide set of indicators spanning industrial activity, consumption, business confidence, transport and employment to present a comprehensive snapshot of economic conditions. By using a dynamic statistical framework, the Index filters out short-term volatility and extreme fluctuations to extract the underlying economic signal, aligning its methodology with global best practices followed by central banks and statistical agencies.

The methodology and framework of the Index have been vetted by an independent panel of economists and policy experts, including Laveesh Bhandari, Shubhashis Gangopadhyay, DK Srivastava and Amitendu Palit. The Index is also supported by a customised Economy Heat Map that tracks month-on-month changes across sectors, helping identify early turning points and emerging trends.

Commenting on the launch, Nalin Mehta, Managing Editor, Moneycontrol and Chief AI Officer – Editorial Operations, Network18, said the Eco Pulse aims to bridge the time gap between official statistics and fast-moving economic activity. He noted that the Index is designed to offer a transparent and robust early signal on whether economic momentum is strengthening or weakening, helping investors and policymakers make more informed decisions.

Industry experts have welcomed the initiative, describing it as timely and relevant in a fast-changing economic environment. Economists said the Index’s real-time, data-driven approach would be useful for policymakers, businesses, analysts and students seeking a clearer understanding of sectoral trends and overall economic direction.

Moneycontrol, which has over 1.2 million paying subscribers, will update the Eco Pulse Index regularly and use it as a core analytical tool across its macroeconomic coverage, offering readers an early, monthly assessment of India’s growth trajectory ahead of official GDP releases.