Amidst global market volatility, BlackRock's Ben Powell highlights India's fixed-income market as promising due to easing inflation and the RBI's accommodative stance. He suggests Indian government bonds offer attractive yields compared to global counterparts. Powell also emphasizes gold's importance as a portfolio diversifier amidst geopolitical tensions and trade policy uncertainty.
New Zealand's Finance Minister Nicola Willis announced a significant cut to the central bank's operating budget, reducing it by roughly 25% to NZ$150 million annually for the next five years. This decision comes as the government aims to improve cost efficiency and return to a surplus, despite the Reserve Bank's increased responsibilities and staff growth in recent years.
Market expert Sunil Subramaniam advises a staggered investment approach over six months due to prevailing uncertainty, highlighting potential volatility and positive moves post-BTA signing. He emphasizes diversifying across sectors, anticipating benefits from positive domestic factors like tax giveaways, supportive RBI policies, and favorable monsoon forecasts. Subramaniam suggests focusing on consumer discretionary over FMCG for volume growth.
In the Nifty200 pack, nine stocks' close prices crossed above their 200 DMA (Daily Moving Averages) on April 15, according to stockedge.com's technical scan data. The 200-day DMA is used as a key indicator by traders for determining the overall trend in a particular stock. As long as the stock is priced above the 200-day SMA on the daily time frame, it is generally considered to be an overall uptrend. Take a look:
Despite sustained selling in Indian equities since October, foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) have continued to selectively accumulate stocks with strong fundamentals. In the JanuaryMarch quarter, nearly 30 stockslargely among the mid-cap and large-cap segmentswitnessed an increase in FPI holdings for the fourth straight quarter.This marks a clear shift in FPI behavior, from broad-based buying to selective stock picking, even as total net outflows from FPIs stood at Rs 1.25 lakh crore for FY25. The data, compiled by ET Bureau, underlines the conviction of foreign investors in the specific plays despite a bearish broader market stance:
Australian politicians received approximately A$245,000 in match tickets from major sporting leagues over two years, influencing them against a proposed online gambling advertising ban. Despite public support for the ban and a government report recommending it, Prime Minister Albanese delayed action, raising concerns about the impact of lobbying by vested interests.
Gary Shapley, an IRS agent critical of the Hunter Biden tax investigation, has been appointed as acting commissioner. This decision follows concerns about political influence within the IRS, including alleged pressure to assist in immigration enforcement. Shapley's appointment has sparked unease among some employees, while Trump's nominee for the permanent position awaits Senate confirmation.
Gold prices hit a record high on Wednesday. This surge happened because of a weaker dollar and trade war worries. Concerns about global economic growth also played a role. Investors are now waiting for U.S. retail sales data. This data will provide insights into the economy. ANZ has raised its gold price forecast for the year end.
After years of negotiation, countries reached a landmark accord at the WHO headquarters in Geneva to prevent future pandemic crises. The agreement aims to correct mistakes made during COVID-19, addressing issues like technology transfer for health products. Despite disagreements and the shadow of US foreign aid cuts, a consensus was reached, marking a significant step for global health security.
Former President Joe Biden criticized President Donald Trump's handling of Social Security, accusing him of undermining the program. Biden's remarks came during a speech at a conference in Chicago, marking his first major public appearance since leaving office.
