Latest Stock Market News

Following a customs duty reduction and a fall in gold prices, investors were drawn to gold ETFs and funds. The budget announcement made long-term gold investments more tax-efficient, and with no new sovereign gold bond issues expected, experts recommended a 10% portfolio allocation. Gold remains a hedge against inflation and provides diversification.

Technical analysts noted a strong bounceback in Nifty, predicting further upward momentum. Stocks such as Vedanta and Hindustan Copper formed bullish setups. Investors are advised to focus on IT and FMCG sectors, while considering partial profits in pharma. Positive trends were also seen in metal and banking sectors.

Four European banks expected permission from their national regulators to continue trading with India’s Clearing Corporation despite an imminent deadline. Recent communications between Indian and European authorities indicated potential resolution to the regulatory dispute that started when ESMA de-recognised the Clearing Corporation in October 2022, impacting major bond and derivatives trading.

Oil prices fell in early Asian trading on Monday amid fears of lower demand from China. Brent crude and U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures both dropped by 0.2%. Investors are closely watching ceasefire talks in the Middle East, which could ease supply concerns.

In August, foreign investors sold Indian shares worth ₹21,201 crore, reversing inflows seen in July and June. The sell-off was influenced by global factors like the unwinding of the Yen carry trade, recession fears, and geopolitical tensions. Additionally, profit-booking after recent market gains contributed to the outflow.

Health insurers have raised premiums to counter high loss ratios, influenced by regulations and increased claims. Star Health and Lombard showed substantial premium hikes, while New India struggled with high loss ratios. With improved valuations, health insurance stocks seem more appealing, and the industry is expected to see significant growth in the coming years.

On Monday, Australian shares held steady, bolstered by financials and gold miners despite declines in other sectors. The S&P/ASX 200 index remained at 7,957.1 points. Strong U.S. retail sales reduced recession fears. Financial stocks advanced by 0.3%, and gold stocks saw notable gains, while top mining firms experienced minor losses.

South Korean stocks fell on Monday ahead of key monetary policy updates from the U.S. Federal Reserve and Bank of Korea. The KOSPI index dropped 0.44%, led by losses in major chipmakers such as Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix. Foreign investors sold shares worth 174.7 billion won, while certain e-commerce and biopharmaceutical stocks showed gains.

Asian stocks paused after their best week in nine months, bolstered by hopes of a U.S. recession being avoided and cooling inflation signaling potential interest rate cuts. Gold surpassed $2,500 an ounce, and the dollar dipped. Fed officials hinted at easing policies, driving S&P 500 futures up 0.2% and Nasdaq futures 0.3%.

Markets bounced back on Friday, gaining almost 1.5% amid positive global cues. Attention will be on Hindustan Zinc, Samvardhana Motherson, Mphasis, Uno Minda, and Polyplex Corp due to key updates like resignations, acquisitions, and new appointments. DCX Systems received notable orders of Rs 107 crore from domestic and overseas clients.