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Tamanna Kapil Mehta, 24, and other young investors started investing in mutual funds and stocks after the Covid-19 pandemic. They sought to build wealth and savings amidst salary cuts and job losses. However, many faced market downturns since September 2024. Work-from-home contributed to the rise in young, first-time participants in equity markets.

Brokers want the capital markets regulator to reconsider proposed limits on futures and options positions. They warn these limits could reduce trading volumes and liquidity. Brokers suggest combining proposed limits into a single cap and raising it. They also seek fair position limits for proprietary traders and urge reconsideration of how open interest is calculated.

As gold prices hit record highs due to central banks and ETFs buying at unparalleled levels, the yellow metal has doubled in value over the last 30 months. Amidst global trade disruptions and economic uncertainties, gold continues to be perceived as the safest asset, with heavy institutional demand expected to persist throughout 2025.

Overseas institutional flows into Indian bonds have surged to their highest in almost a decade this financial year. India s inclusion in major international sovereign debt indices and strong fiscal discipline have attracted significant foreign investment. Expectations of rate cuts and stabilization of the rupee have further bolstered investor confidence and increased interest in Indian bonds.

Nifty gained 6% in March, led by banking and financial stocks. Key market drivers this week include Trump tariffs, US market trends, auto sales, FII/DII activity, technical factors, rupee movement, crude oil prices, and corporate actions. Support is at 23,400, with resistance at 23,850.

US President Donald Trump s expected reciprocal tariffs on April 2 could impact Indian markets, especially sectors like pharma, electronics, textiles, and autos. While IT and domestic-focused sectors may remain resilient, tariff hikes could pressure exports and stock prices. Experts suggest potential beneficiaries in energy, defense, and select agri-importers.

Foreign portfolio investors continued to be net sellers of Indian equities in March for the third consecutive month. However, strong buying in the latter half of the month significantly mitigated the outflow. Domestic funds followed a contrasting trend, reducing their net equity investments towards the month s end.

Gold prices near Rs 90,000 per 10 gm have led to a drop in Gudi Padwa jewellery sales, despite strong demand for gold coins as investments. Pune-based PNG Jewellers report equal demand in coins and jewellery, expecting a 30-35% value growth due to higher prices. Global trade tensions and potential Fed rate cuts are boosting gold s appeal.

Desco Infratech s shares are set to debut on the BSE SME platform on Tuesday. The company s current GMP is approximately Rs 5, indicating a 3% premium over the issue price.

Investors should keep their return expectations in check, warns Sandeep Bagla, CEO of TRUST Mutual Fund. He emphasizes that record highs will only be achieved when there is greater clarity on sustained earnings growth. In a market driven by optimism, Bagla urges investors to focus on fundamentals rather than short-term rallies.