A key Apple designer, Abidur Chowdhury, has departed the company. Chowdhury was instrumental in developing the iPhone Air and even featured in its launch video. His exit adds to recent changes within Apple's design team. Many long-term members have left since Jony Ive's departure. The design group now comprises new recruits and junior staff.
America's drug supply faces a serious threat from China's increasing control. A US commission warns that a quarter of generic drugs rely on Chinese ingredients. This dependency could lead to severe shortages and impact healthcare. China is also expanding its influence in innovative drug development. The US is exploring ways to reduce this reliance and bolster domestic manufacturing.
India's Q2 earnings season showed cautious optimism with decent results despite tariff concerns. Corporate capex revival and potential rate cuts are influencing investors, while autos, healthcare, and engineering sectors present attractive opportunities. The market is currently tactical, but sustained trends in healthcare, smaller banks, and autos suggest a potential shift towards broader market strength.
Bitcoin has fallen below ninety thousand dollars for the first time in seven months. This drop indicates a decline in investor willingness to take risks across financial markets. Doubts about future U.S. interest rate cuts and broader market jitters are impacting cryptocurrencies. Major crypto players and technology shares are also experiencing pressure. This trend could signal wider market movements.
Foreign institutional investors reduced stakes in several Indian defence stocks during the September quarter, citing valuation concerns and slower-than-expected order inflows. Despite this pullback, mutual funds showed increased buying interest, indicating a selective shift in investor preference within the sector.
Investors are reassessing portfolios for 2026. Real estate is a strategic, measured component. Property should be a satellite allocation, ideally 10-15% of a portfolio. REITs and managed structures will drive stable income. Equities lead wealth creation, fixed income provides stability. Real estate complements core financial strategies. Tier-2 cities offer superior income and growth opportunities.
Aviva India's CIO Balamurugan Shanmugam discusses market volatility driven by tariff uncertainties and offers insights into the earnings landscape post Q2. He highlights that while domestic investors remain active, Aviva is sidestepping the soaring IPO valuations, believing the secondary market presents better long-term opportunities.
