Gold prices dropped on Friday after reaching record highs. Investors took profits as geopolitical tensions eased, reducing gold's safe-haven appeal. Despite the dip, gold is set for its second consecutive weekly gain. Silver also saw a decline after hitting an all-time high. Analysts suggest gold could still reach $5,000 this year, with corrections expected.
The dollar strengthened Friday as President Trump's comments suggested economic adviser Kevin Hassett is unlikely to chair the Federal Reserve, boosting political credibility. Meanwhile, Japan warned of currency intervention as the yen weakened significantly against the dollar, with some Bank of Japan policymakers considering earlier rate hikes to combat inflation.
Investors await Union Budget 2026-27 amid global and domestic headwinds, assessing whether fiscal prudence, tax relief and growth measures can align bond and equity interests, revive FPI inflows, support earnings, and sustain Indias macro stability through disciplined deficits and reforms.
In the latest quarter, Reliance Industries reported a notable increase in profits, driven primarily by robust performances in their telecom and refining sectors. However, challenges in retail and upstream oil and gas segments put pressure on margins. On a positive note, Jio experienced remarkable growth in its digital services and home broadband offerings.
Indian markets saw a mixed close on Friday. Major US indices ended flat for the week as earnings season began. Healthcare stocks declined, while chipmakers saw gains. Banks reported solid results, but concerns over interest rate caps pressured financial shares. Investors are now looking ahead to more earnings reports next week.
Investors anticipate a strong corporate earnings season to sustain the U.S. stock market rally amidst policy proposals and geopolitical tensions. Key companies like Netflix, J&J, and Intel are set to release Q4 results, with expectations high for earnings growth in 2026. The market is also watching for Supreme Court rulings on tariffs and Fed independence.
The mother of one of Elon Musks children is suing his AI company, saying its Grok chatbot allowed users to generate sexually exploitive deepfake images of her that have caused her humiliation and emotional distress.
