After two quiet holiday-shortened weeks, markets are bracing for an action-packed period ahead, where crucial economic data and policy cues will dominate the narrative.

The year 2024 may have concluded on a subdued note, but for investors, it was a period of remarkable achievements.

After a challenging fortnight that saw the Indian markets tumble by 4-5 per cent, the benchmarks staged a partial recovery at the start of the new year.

The anticipation of a new global era has intensified as countries adjust to shifting trade dynamics and geopolitical policies.

This unexpected revision unsettled markets, causing bond yields to rise and stock prices to tumble.

The recent fortnight was one of the most challenging periods for both markets and investors.

The past fortnight brought a wave of optimism for investors, as Indian markets staged a strong recovery, recouping a significant portion

The Indian markets experienced significant volatility over the past fortnight

Benchmarks remained range-bound with a downward tilt as FIIs persisted with their selling, accumulating a total of  ₹34,000 crore in outflows over the fortnight

The markets faced a five-day losing streak as foreign institutional investors (FIIs) persisted with heavy selling in Indian equities

Recent data releases from the U.S. have reinforced expectations for potential Federal Reserve rate cuts, lifting market sentiment in the past fortnight.

Two years ago, in October 2022, inflation was soaring above 8 per cent, the Federal Reserve was aggressively raising interest rates, and the S&P 500 had plunged 25 per cent from its peak. However, this challenging environment eventually gave way to a new bull market that persists till today.