US dollar heads for first monthly gain since October
The U.S. dollar is poised for its first monthly gain since October, despite a midday retreat from earlier highs. Hotter-than-expected producer price data initially boosted the greenback, but traders squared positions ahead of month-end and the weekend. Geopolitical uncertainty and expectations of Fed rate cuts are also influencing currency movements.
Opportunities in smallcap and midcap stocks increasing: WhiteOak’s Trupti Agrawal
WhiteOak Capital’s Trupti Agrawal says stabilising earnings and normalised valuations have improved risk-reward in broader markets. Small and mid caps, after sharp corrections, offer selective alpha as fundamentals hold up. Private financials, consumer discretionary and healthcare remain promising from a bottom-up perspective.
Global stocks: Global stocks fall as investors mull AI disruptions, oil prices rise
Global stocks saw a dip on Friday. Concerns over AI’s impact and high tech valuations weighed on markets. Meanwhile, rising US-Iran tensions pushed oil prices higher. Sterling also experienced a fall following a Labour election defeat. Investors are closely watching these developments.
US Stocks: Trump Media considers spinning off Truth Social into public company, reports wider annual loss
Trump Media & Technology Group is exploring a significant move. The company plans to spin off its Truth Social platform. This will create a separate publicly traded entity. Discussions are underway with potential partners. This strategic shift aims to separate social media assets from a new fusion energy venture.
European shares close eighth month of gains on earnings lift; credit fears hit banks
European shares hit a record high, marking their longest monthly winning streak since 2012-2013, buoyed by positive corporate updates. However, heavyweight banks experienced a significant decline due to concerns over private credit markets and potential AI disruptions. Defensive sectors like healthcare and food and beverage saw gains as investors sought stability.
Anthropic hack puts IT stock pack on slide row in February; Nifty IT’s 19% fall worst since 2008 crisis
The Nifty IT index plunged 19.5% in February, its steepest monthly drop since 2008, as AI disruption fears and new tools from Anthropic triggered heavy selling. Tech stocks erased Rs 5.7 lakh crore in market value, with Coforge and LTIMindtree among the worst hit.
Oil prices rise more than 2% as US and Iran extend talks
Oil prices climbed on Friday as traders anticipated supply disruptions. Nuclear talks between the United States and Iran have yet to reach an agreement. Brent crude futures settled at $72.48 a barrel, and U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude finished at $67.02 a barrel. Both benchmarks are on track for weekly gains. Uncertainty prevails, with fear […]
Gold nears one-month high, set for seventh straight monthly rise
Gold surged to a near one-month high, nearing its seventh consecutive monthly gain. Geopolitical tensions, particularly concerning U.S.-Iran nuclear talks and potential military action, fueled a flight to safety. Lower U.S. Treasury yields further bolstered bullion’s appeal. Meanwhile, China’s gold imports saw a significant jump, indicating strong consumer demand.
Wall Street Week Ahead: AI disruption hangs over US markets as investors wary of risks
Artificial intelligence is creating uncertainty for the US stock market. Investors are watching closely for how this technology will change businesses. Key economic reports and company earnings are due soon. Experts are debating whether companies will benefit from AI or be replaced by it. This debate is causing market jitters.
Bad Memories of Another Day for Lenders as Bihar Moves to Regulate Microloans
Bihar’s new microfinance law could stall the sector’s rebound. The state assembly passed a bill regulating money lending, a move that may push up loan defaults, echoing issues seen in other states. Lenders are prioritizing borrower engagement to curb repayment delays, and the industry aims to reassure borrowers while safeguarding asset quality.