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Global stocks experienced a slight downturn as U.S. Treasury yields increased following unexpectedly strong inflation data, which tempered expectations for aggressive Federal Reserve rate cuts. While the S&P 500 achieved a new closing high, the Dow and Nasdaq remained relatively unchanged. Investors are closely monitoring inflation signals amidst concerns about a slowing economy and potential stagflation.

Oil prices saw a slight increase, reaching one-week highs following President Trump s warning about potential consequences if Russia obstructs a Ukraine peace deal, raising supply concerns. Positive economic data from Japan, a major crude importer, also contributed to the upward momentum. However, prospects of sustained high U.S. interest rates curbed further price gains.

Gold prices edged lower on Friday and are poised for a weekly decline due to stronger-than-anticipated U.S. inflation data, which dampened expectations for a substantial 50 basis point U.S. interest rate cut in September. Investors are now awaiting insights from Fed Chair Jerome Powell at the Jackson Hole symposium next week. Elsewhere, other precious metals saw mixed movements.

Asian stocks were mixed Friday after better-than-expected Japanese growth and weak Chinese data, while oil slipped back ahead of a US-Russia summit on Ukraine.

Despite RBI s confidence in maintaining a 6.5% GDP growth for FY26 and projecting 6.6% for Q1 FY27, HSBC Mutual Fund s Shriram Ramanathan expresses caution. He acknowledges tailwinds from rural consumption and resilient services but notes concerns about urban discretionary spending and tepid private capex. Ramanathan emphasizes the need for policymakers to balance growth confidence with macro stability amid global uncertainties.

The “Tricolor Portfolio” approach aligns equity for growth, debt for stability, and hybrid funds for balance, creating a resilient, diversified investment strategy. This blend helps investors pursue long-term wealth creation while cushioning risks, adapting to market shifts, and achieving financial freedom.

The market rebounded after a six-week losing streak, fueled by strong domestic institutional investor inflows and benign inflation. Nifty50 Q1FY26 results met expectations, while global cues, including softer US inflation data, boosted sentiment. Axis Securities highlighted stock picks across large, mid, and small-cap segments, focusing on domestic consumption-led sectors, with a one-year investment horizon.

Bonds can provide stability, steady income, and diversification to shield portfolios from market volatility. With inflation easing and potential rate cuts ahead, locking in higher yields now can secure returns, reduce risk, and offer investors the financial freedom to pursue long-term goals.

Australian shares crossed the key 8,900 level for the first time on Friday, buoyed by gains in major banks as investors piled into financials despite stretched valuations on hopes that rate cuts would spur credit and economic growth.