Latest Stock Market News

The dollar weakened against its major peers with euro among the outperformers. The yen climbed to the strongest level against the greenback since September. Treasuries dropped and equity-index futures for the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq 100 retreated. Japanese stocks fell at the open.

Gold prices surged to a record high as the dollar weakened and trade war tensions escalated, fueling recession concerns and driving investors towards the safe-haven asset. The U.S. is considering tariffs on critical mineral imports, further straining global trade relations. Despite rising prices, physical gold demand remained subdued in India, while premiums held steady in China.

Oil prices experienced a roughly 1% decrease on Monday as the United States and Iran initiated discussions to establish a framework for a potential nuclear agreement, easing concerns about supply disruptions from the Middle Eastern producer. Simultaneously, tensions remain high as Russia and Ukraine exchanged accusations of violating the Easter ceasefire, further complicating the geopolitical landscape.

China s benchmark lending rates remained steady for the sixth consecutive month, aligning with market predictions. The one-year loan prime rate (LPR) is holding at 3.45%, while the five-year LPR remains at 3.95%. A recent poll indicated that the majority of market participants anticipated no changes to either rate.

Asian equities and U.S. stock futures declined amid anxieties over tariffs and President Trump s criticism of the Federal Reserve, boosting gold prices to a record high. Trump s attacks on Fed Chair Jerome Powell raised concerns about the central bank s independence. Markets were already tense due to geopolitical issues, and the potential political interference added uncertainty.

The Q4 earnings season gains momentum with Mahindra Logistics and Tata Investment among 16 companies reporting. A muted quarter is expected for corporate India, with Nifty earnings growth projected at just 2% YoY. Experts anticipate continued weakness from previous quarters, potentially leading to only 5% YoY earnings growth for Nifty in FY25.

When the closing price falls below the VWAP, it signifies that the closing price is lower than the average price at which it was traded throughout the day, with the average being weighted by trading volume.

Hyundai Motor India shares are set for increased trading activity as the lock-in period for a substantial portion of its equity, valued at nearly $10 billion, ends. This unlocks approximately 62% of the company s outstanding shares. While a sell-off isn t guaranteed, analysts predict a potential 21% upside, with a consensus Buy recommendation.

Hemendra M Kothari highlights the diminished appeal of ADRs and GDRs due to the Indian market s strength. Experts foresee substantial Nifty growth, potentially doubling in a decade, driven by India s economic expansion. Despite global tariff concerns, optimism prevails, with projected growth of 7.5-8%. Kothari recalls the computerization of the stock exchange and the rise of online trading.