Latest Stock Market News

Dhan, a trading platform, is negotiating with ChrysCapital for funding that may raise its valuation to over $1 billion. Other US investors have shown interest too. The funding round, between $100-150 million, will help Dhan diversify into other financial services. Finalization is expected within 30-45 days, making Dhan potentially the first unicorn of 2025.

Investors are closely watching the upcoming consumer price index report, which will provide insights into inflation trends. Concerns about tariffs and their inflationary impact may influence the Federal Reserve s decisions on interest rate cuts this year. Corporate earnings reports from major companies will also be a key focus.

U.S. stock indexes closed lower as President Trump announced upcoming reciprocal tariffs on multiple countries, following weak jobs data and consumer sentiment. The Dow fell 444.23 points, and all S&P 500 sectors traded lower. Strong earnings reports had offset a weak start earlier in the week. The Fed may delay interest rate cuts amid slowing job growth.

Wall Street ended sharply lower on Friday due to mixed U.S. payrolls data, weak consumer sentiment, and revived trade war concerns. Major U.S. indexes fell steeply after President Trump s announcement of new tariffs, while Treasury yields and the dollar rose amid the market turmoil and disappointing tech sector earnings.

Shares of Uber Technologies soared to a three-month high after billionaire Bill Ackman revealed a $2.3 billion stake. Ackman praised CEO Dara Khosrowshahi for transforming Uber into a profitable growth machine since 2017. Uber s fourth-quarter revenue jumped 20% to $11.96 billion, although adjusted net profit fell short of expectations, at 23 cents per share.

Affirm s shares surged by 19.5% following a strong holiday shopping season that resulted in a surprising quarterly profit and optimistic annual revenue forecast. Increased use of BNPL services contributed to a $10.1 billion rise in gross merchandise volume, exceeding analysts expectations. The company s revenue also grew significantly, and it projected higher-than-expected fiscal 2025 revenue.

UK stocks dipped on Friday as tariff uncertainties and weaker-than-expected US jobs growth impacted investor sentiment. The FTSE 100 fell by 0.3%, easing from a record high set on Thursday. Despite the Bank of England s recent rate cut, economic growth forecasts have been halved, with inflation projected to nearly double the 2% target this year.

Oil prices rose on Friday as new sanctions were imposed on Iran s crude exports, but they fell over the week due to concerns over U.S. President Trump s trade war with China and potential new tariffs on other countries. Brent crude finished at $74.66, while WTI settled at $71.00 a barrel.

Gold prices rise, marking six weeks of gains, due to increasing U.S.-China trade tensions. Spot gold reaches a record high, while experts cite uncertainty around Trump s tariff policies. Factors like China s gold holdings growth and a new investment program contribute to the surge. A mixed U.S. job report influences the Federal Reserve s rate decisions.

The US dollar climbed after January s slower job growth report, with the unemployment rate dropping to 4.0%. Comments from President Trump about impending reciprocal tariffs also supported the currency. Meanwhile, investor concerns about global trade resurfaced, impacting other currencies such as the British pound and the yen.