China is urging Nepal to join the International Organisation for Mediation (IOMed), launched in Hong Kong, to expand its influence in South Asia beyond Pakistan. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Nepali counterpart Arzu Rana Deuba, expressing hope for Nepal's early participation.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized the government's focus on promoting lower denomination currency and increasing digital transaction awareness. With the Rs 2000 note nearly out of circulation, efforts are underway to encourage digital transfers, highlighted by UPI's record 16.73 billion transactions in December 2024, reflecting India's move towards a cashless economy.
Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) have shown renewed confidence in Indian equities, becoming net buyers for the second consecutive month. May saw a net inflow of Rs 18,082 crore, following April's Rs 4,243 crore. This reversal follows heavy selling earlier in 2025, driven by global factors like a strong dollar. Improved macroeconomic indicators, slowing growth in the U.S.
Markets ended cautiously amid trade tensions. Nifty is consolidating, with key levels at 24,164-25,150. Bank Nifty eyes a breakout above 56,100. FII activity suggests caution. IT and Pharma stocks show strength. Reliance and HDFC Bank may breakout. Banking and Midcap IT are favored. Traders should navigate the June series with range-bound strategies and tight stop losses.
The NSE's March 2025 report reveals private Indian promoters still lead with a 32.5% stake in NSE-listed firms. However, domestic mutual funds have reached a record 10.4% share, fueled by SIP inflows. Retail investors are also expanding their footprint, reflecting a shift towards a more diversified ownership base in India Inc.
Markets ended the week on a cautious note, marking the second consecutive week of consolidation. This subdued performance came amid ongoing global trade tensions and anticipation surrounding domestic policy developments. The benchmark indices, the Sensex and the Nifty, witnessed notable volatility through the week, eventually closing lower as investors reacted to uncertainties over U.S. tariff developments. By the end of the week, the Nifty settled at 24,750.70, while the Sensex closed at 81,451.01.Despite the broader market consolidation, several smallcap stocks continued to rally sharply over the past month. Gains were seen across sectors such as capital goods, agri, chemicals, IT, and telecom. The top performers delivered monthly returns ranging between 35% and 57%, offering pockets of strength even in a rangebound market.
