Groww has surpassed Zerodha in active user count, capturing a significant market share by targeting first-time investors and underserved cities. Despite this user base advantage, Zerodha maintains a lead in profitability and revenue per user. Both platforms face headwinds from regulatory scrutiny on derivatives trading and increased competition.
Bitcoin has erased its summer rally, dropping over 20% from last months record and falling below $100,000 for the first time since June. A steep wave of October liquidations drained bullish positions, leaving traders sidelined and futures open interest depressed. Ether and altcoins also tumbled sharply, with many tokens down over 50% this year, as Bitcoin underperforms equities and loses its hedge appeal.
America and China have agreed to ease their trade war. Presidents Trump and Xi Jinping met to lower tariffs on Chinese goods by ten percent. They also reached an agreement on rare earth supplies. China will buy American soybeans. A deal for TikTok's US operations is expected soon. This marks a new phase in their economic standoff.
The US has intensified its campaign against drug trafficking in the eastern Pacific, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announcing a deadly strike on a drug boat, bringing the death toll to at least 66. An aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, is now heading to the Caribbean as part of this expanded military presence.
Indian markets have pulled back over 2% from record highs due to trade deal uncertainty and fading rate cut hopes. Analysts see this as healthy consolidation within an uptrend, with key support at 25,400-25,600. Investors are advised to buy quality stocks on dips, with fresh longs considered above 26,100.
Japan's Nikkei share average plunged 4% on Wednesday, its worst session in seven months, mirroring Wall Street's sharp overnight declines. High-flying technology stocks like SoftBank Group and Advantest led the fall, though analysts suggest it's a reaction to recent gains rather than a market exit. Nintendo, however, jumped on an improved sales forecast.
Global markets are experiencing a risk-off sentiment. The Japanese yen and U.S. dollar are in demand. Asian stock markets saw significant drops. The Australian and New Zealand dollars weakened considerably. Sterling also declined. Investors are closely watching U.S. economic data and Federal Reserve policy.
Oil prices dropped on Wednesday. Global markets saw a broad selloff. Concerns about economic and fuel demand growth grew. A stronger U.S. dollar also impacted prices. U.S. crude stockpiles reportedly increased. These factors contributed to the decline in oil prices. OPEC+ agreed to a modest output increase for December.
Indian investors, take note: US stocks plunged Tuesday as banking titans warned of a potential market drawdown, fueled by stretched valuations and AI boom exuberance. Major indexes saw significant drops, with tech shares leading the decline. Concerns over high valuations and profit-taking are mounting, prompting a cautious outlook.
