US Stock Market: Split Fed signals tougher path for rate cuts under new leadership
Investors are recalibrating expectations as a U.S. Federal Reserve leadership change looms. Once anticipating rate cuts, markets now face uncertainty due to internal Fed divisions and rising energy prices. This shift suggests a prolonged period of higher rates, impacting investments and complicating the central bank’s inflation fight.
US Stock Market: US inflation jumps as war-driven fuel costs complicate Fed outlook
U.S. inflation surged in March, driven by rising gasoline prices amid the Iran conflict, with the PCE index recording its sharpest monthly gain in nearly two years. Elevated inflation and steady core pressures have reinforced expectations of prolonged higher interest rates, while real consumer spending growth showed signs of slowing.
Global Market: Christine Lagarde rejects stagflation fears despite rising risks
ECB President Christine Lagarde dismissed stagflation concerns in the euro zone, even as risks to growth and inflation rise. The central bank held rates steady and maintained modest growth projections. While inflation pressures persist and economic momentum weakens, the ECB said current conditions do not reflect historical stagflation dynamics.
Gold heads for weekly loss amid oil-driven inflation concerns
Gold prices held steady Friday, but a weekly dip was likely as soaring oil prices fueled inflation concerns, impacting interest rate expectations. Meanwhile, geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and a significant drop in India’s gold imports due to tax issues also played a role in the market’s movements.
Global Market: Asia shares find relief in tech resilience, oil off peak
Asian markets rebounded as tech stocks rallied on strong earnings, while Japan intervened to support the yen after its slide. Oil prices eased from four-year peaks amid geopolitical tensions, though Iran’s threats kept crude firm. Central banks signaled potential rate hikes, influencing currency movements.
Stock market holiday today: Are NSE, BSE and MCX open or closed on May 1 for Maharashtra Day and Labour Day? Check now
NSE Holidays 2026: Domestic stock exchanges NSE and BSE will be shut for trading on Friday due to Maharashtra Day holiday. There will be no trading on NCDEX, while MCX will resume trading in the evening session.
Yen trims gains against dollar after Japan’s intervention in markets
Japan’s currency, the yen, saw a slight dip against the dollar on Friday. However, it is set for its strongest weekly rise in over two months. This comes after Japanese officials stepped in to support the yen. Investors are watching closely for more action. Oil prices remain high due to threats against US positions.
Oil rises over $1 with no sign of Iran conflict ending
Oil prices climbed Friday as Iran conflict resolution efforts stalled, with Tehran blocking the Strait of Hormuz and the U.S. Navy restricting Iranian crude exports. Brent crude futures rose to $111.59 a barrel, and WTI futures reached $105.46, marking four consecutive months of gains. Tensions escalated with threats of “long and painful strikes” on U.S. […]
The rupee at record low will end India’s cheap-money era
Elevated energy import costs have pushed the Indian rupee to a record low, prompting urgent questions about Reserve Bank of India rate hikes. Despite a preference for a pause, the central bank may be forced to tighten monetary policy to defend the currency and combat accelerating capital exodus amid an energy crisis.
Metals, PSU banks drag markets down amid currency weakness and global uncertainty
Indian stocks and the rupee experienced a significant downturn on Thursday. Surging oil prices and rumors of potential military action against Iran impacted investor sentiment. Despite this, Indian markets saw their best April performance in 28 months. The Reserve Bank of India intervened to support the rupee. Markets will be closed on Friday for Maharashtra […]