India’s IPO market set for record growth in 2025 too: Report
The initial public offering (IPO) market in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region demonstrated exceptional resilience in 2024, navigating challenges like high inflation and geopolitical tensions to deliver remarkable growth.
Gold under pressure from high US bond yields in holiday trading week
Gold prices decreased by 0.6% to $2,619.33 per ounce as elevated U.S. Treasury yields reduced bullion’s appeal during a lean holiday week. The market’s focus remains on President-elect Trump’s return and the potential influence of his inflationary policies on the Fed’s outlook for 2025.
Yen gains as some BOJ policymakers see rate hike soon
The Japanese yen strengthened against the dollar following hints of a potential rate hike by the Bank of Japan. The central bank also reduced its monthly bond purchases. Traders are cautious due to U.S. economic policies and inflation concerns. Japan’s Finance Minister reiterated concerns over the sliding yen, hinting at possible intervention to stabilize the […]
Stocks hit, dollar slips in illiquid year-end profit taking
U.S. stocks and the dollar saw slight declines due to profit-taking before the weekend, concluding a strong year. Major indexes and tech stocks experienced losses after a prior rally. The U.S. dollar still finished the year with significant gains. Gold prices dipped, while oil prices firmed. Bitcoin fell slightly.
European shares close out holiday-affected week higher on finance, healthcare boost
Europe’s STOXX 600 index gained 0.7%, marking its first weekly advance in three weeks. Healthcare and financial shares led the rise in a holiday-shortened week with low trading volumes. Key performances included advances in German, French, and British markets. Despite achieving all-time highs earlier, STOXX 600’s overall 2024 gain stands at 5.2%.
Wall St finishes down after sell-off at end of strong holiday-shortened week
Wall Street saw a broad-based sell-off Friday, ending the Dow’s five-session winning streak, with significant declines in tech and growth stocks. Higher U.S. Treasury yields and profit-taking contributed to the declines, affecting even top performers. Despite this, all three indexes posted weekly gains.
Rupee skids sharply before RBI applies the brakes
On Friday, the rupee experienced its steepest decline to date, reaching an all-time low of 85.53 against the US dollar, driven by domestic factors such as month-end dollar demand and limited RBI intervention. The local currency’s overvaluation and potential for further depreciation are highlighted.
Urban-rural consumption gap closes further in 2023-24
Consumption inequality between rural and urban India decreased in 2023-24, with notable increases in Monthly Per Capita Consumption Expenditure (MPCE) in both areas. Non-food items continued to dominate expenditures. Government support contributed to rural growth, and social welfare programmes impacted overall consumption patterns.