St. Louis Fed President Alberto Musalem stated that the US central bank should not cut interest rates further unless the job market weakens or inflation drops. He believes the current policy rate is neutral, with the economy poised for above-trend growth.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi highlighted export benefits from a weaker yen, contrasting with Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama's intervention threats. While Takaichi sees opportunities for industries like food and automobiles, the yen's decline fuels inflation and prompts central bank rate hike signals. Investor concerns over Japan's finances are evident as bond yields hit record highs.
Indian stock markets anticipate a positive opening today. Investors await the federal budget presentation for insights into government spending and support for export sectors. The budget aims to balance growth initiatives with fiscal discipline. Expectations are for measures to boost domestic manufacturing and rural demand. This could provide a much-needed boost to equities after a challenging start to the year.
ITC's market value has dropped significantly following a recent tax hike on cigarettes. Investors are now looking to the upcoming Budget for clarity on future taxation. While the core business shows resilience, near-term pressure on volumes and margins is expected. The company's diversified operations offer a buffer against these challenges.
Indian stock markets approach the Union Budget 2026 with caution, facing a fragile footing and weak sentiment. Analysts anticipate a low-key budget, emphasizing fiscal discipline, continuity in capital gains taxation, and visible capital expenditure to steady nerves and maintain market engagement.
Budget week inflates option premiums due to market uncertainty, with Nifty ATM straddles consistently opening high. While volatility rises pre-Budget, an "IV Crush" consistently deflates premiums post-speech. Defined-risk strategies like Iron Flies and Condors proved most successful, limiting losses during extreme moves.
Foreign investors have withdrawn billions from Indian stocks. Markets eagerly await Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's Budget today. The government is considering tax relief for foreign portfolio investors. Broader reforms to attract capital are also anticipated. The Budget's focus will be on boosting earnings growth and offering tax incentives to encourage foreign investment back into India.
Sebi chief Tuhin Kanta Pandey urged financial sector stakeholders to prioritize professional conscience over mere technical compliance, emphasizing that ethical substance, not just rules, prevents corporate failures. He highlighted that areas like valuations and ESG disclosures require judgment, making technical compliance insufficient and underscoring the crucial role of chartered accountants as custodians of trust.
India's hospitality sector is attracting significant, low-profile investment, with approximately $2 billion flowing into operational hotel properties. Investors, including institutions and family offices, are prioritizing early cash flows and reduced risk, leading to a seller's market for quality assets. Recent deals span diverse locations and hotel sizes, highlighting a robust trend in the industry.
