The Japanese yen weakened against the US dollar on Friday. Investors are watching for possible intervention to support the yen. The dollar saw a slight gain against the euro amid low trading volumes. Japan's government proposed record spending for the next fiscal year. Core consumer inflation in Tokyo slowed but remained above the Bank of Japan's target.
Oil prices dropped significantly on Friday. Investors are concerned about a global oil surplus next year. Talks between Ukraine's President Zelenskiy and U.S. President Trump could impact oil prices. A peace deal might lift sanctions on Russia's oil sector. U.S. actions regarding Venezuelan oil are seen as having minimal global impact. The market remains focused on the growing oil surplus.
Indian markets mirrored global trends as major U.S. stock indexes neared record highs, buoyed by anticipated Federal Reserve rate cuts and a weaker dollar. Precious metals like silver and gold surged to all-time peaks amid geopolitical tensions. Investors are keenly watching for Fed policy shifts and a new chair nomination, while oil prices dipped on supply glut fears.
Indian markets saw a flat close on Friday after a strong rally. Investors are watching for the Santa Claus rally, a seasonal trend. This year has been volatile with tariff concerns and geopolitical tensions. Major indexes are set for double-digit gains. Experts advise preparing for continued volatility. Nvidia and Target saw stock movements.
Investors are pouring money into climate-friendly assets despite policy rollbacks, pushing global green bond issuance to records as AI-driven power demand boosts renewables, grids and clean-energy stocks worldwide.
India's markets are consolidating into duopolies, with two dominant players controlling nearly 90% of sectors like aviation, food delivery, and digital payments. This concentration, exemplified by IndiGo and Air India, shifts incentives from customer service to market management, potentially harming consumers and innovation. The government is now intervening to foster new competition.
Indias banking sector is recalibrating as asset quality improves and growth turns selective. PSU banks are regaining MSME and home loan share, unsecured lending is moderating, and secured retail drives stability. Analysts favour execution-led lenders like ICICI Bank and AU Small Finance Bank.
Indias real estate sector stayed resilient in 2025, led by premium housing and strong office demand. Whitelands Sudeep Bhatt says 2026 will see higher institutional inflows, rising REIT and fractional ownership adoption, focus on ESG assets, infrastructure-led growth corridors, and improving rental yields.
Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong said a former customer service agent was arrested in India for involvement in a major data breach. Hackers bribed support staff to access user data, sought a $20 million ransom, and the incident could cost Coinbase up to $400 million.
US stocks are poised for a strong finish to 2025, nearing record highs. Despite recent tech sector jitters, the S&P 500 is on an impressive streak. Investors are keenly awaiting Fed minutes for clues on interest rate cuts and President Trump's Fed chair nomination, anticipating further market movements.
