Gold and silver posted historic gains in 2025, driven by Fed rate expectations, a softer dollar, geopolitical tensions, industrial demand, and supply deficits. In 2026, gold could test $5,000/oz and silver $100/oz, supported by central bank buying, robust industrial use, and INR weakness. Investors are advised to maintain disciplined allocations, balance physical and paper holdings, and avoid chasing short-term spikes.
The United Nations chief is alarmed by the US military action in Venezuela. President Nicolas Maduro and his wife have been captured. The UN Secretary General states this sets a dangerous precedent. He calls for respect for international law and dialogue in Venezuela. UN human rights chief also urges restraint and protection of people.
President Trump's decision to attack Venezuela, arrest its president, and temporarily run the country marks a significant shift from his past rhetoric on foreign entanglements. This aggressive military action, including "boots on the ground," raises concerns about prolonged U.S. involvement and potential domestic political backlash ahead of midterm elections.
The U.S. military operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and flew him out of the country early Saturday has also disrupted Caribbean travel at a busy travel time for the region.
Bajaj Finance reported a strong December-ended quarter with new loans booked jumping 15% year-on-year to 1.39 crore. The company's Assets Under Management (AUM) saw a significant 22% growth, reaching approximately Rs 4,85,900 crore. The customer franchise also expanded to 11.54 crore, indicating robust business expansion.
After delivering 10% returns in 2025, the Niftys outlook for 2026 looks more constructive, with the benchmark seen rising 13% to 29,731, according to Nilesh Jain, Head VP Equity Research at Centrum Broking. Improving macro indicators, stronger Q2 GDP growth, benign inflation and an end to corporate earnings downgrades underpin the positive view, he said, while identifying 10 fundamentally strong stocks offering potential upside of up to 36%.
Improving macro indicators, stronger Q2 GDP growth, benign inflation and an end to corporate earnings downgrades underpin the positive view, he said, while identifying 10 fundamentally strong stocks offering potential upside of up to 36%.
Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) continued their selling spree into 2026, offloading Indian equities worth Rs 7,608 crore in the first two trading sessions. This follows record outflows of Rs 1.66 lakh crore in 2025, driven by elevated valuations and the AI trade. Experts anticipate a turnaround in 2026, with improved fundamentals and GDP growth expected to attract net FII inflows.
