The New Income Tax Bill 2025 was tabled in the Lok Sabha after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed complete Income Tax exemption

The past two weeks have been a rollercoaster ride for global stock markets, with U.S. equities experiencing sharp fluctuations.

The benchmark indices’ bearish streak is now on the verge of breaking a 23-year record

The last fortnight proved challenging not only for the Indian markets but also for the global markets, with the latest trigger being the release of strong US’ jobs data.

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.

The last fortnight proved to be one of the most challenging periods for the Indian markets, with benchmarks experiencing a sharp five-day losing streak, plunging nearly 6 per cent.

The U.S. economic reports last month also impacted market sentiment.

The U.S. dollar ended the week down at 100.4, with expectations growing for further interest rate cuts from the Federal Reserve.

The market enjoyed a six-session winning streak

Following a remarkable 13-day winning streak

Despite talks of a longawaited market correction, the markets surprised everyone with a record 13-day winning streak

In a remarkable turn of events, the Indian stock market staged a significant recovery from August 5-16, 2024,

Even though the domestic markets witnessed a sharp decline on budget day due to significant changes in the capital gains tax framework

Commodity markets experienced selling pressure in the last fortnight, driven by uncertainties surrounding the upcoming U.S. presidential elections, concerns about the Chinese economy, and increased agricultural production in Brazil.

In the past fortnight saw a shift in market leadership toward small-cap and value stocks.

The Indian benchmark indices experienced modest gains over the past fortnight, following a robust rally, amid uncertainties surrounding Q1FY25 performance and anticipation of the Union Budget.

In the past fortnight, the dollar was strong above 105, supported by Fed Chair Jerome Powell's dovish comments and tensions in the Middle East.

Two important indicators of U.S. economic growth are the ISM reports on manufacturing and services.

The Indian benchmark indices sustained their robust uptrend, consistently hitting new all-time highs over the past fortnight.

Following a tumultuous fortnight, the Indian benchmark indices have stabilised, trading within a narrow range and posting modest gains.

Over the past fortnight, Indian headline indices experienced significant volatility.

Most of the frontline U.S equity indices showed mixed performance over the past fortnight

The US dollar exhibited volatility, ranging between 104.8 and 105.7, reflecting mixed signals regarding the US economy alongside predominantly hawkish remarks from Fed officials.

The past fortnight reflected a subdued trading environment, largely influenced by a light and unsurprising economic calendar.

The Indian benchmark indices, which faced fluctuations during the first half of the last fortnight, were notably dragged down in the second half due to heightened volatility amid the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, low voter turnout, and uncertainties about the outcome.

The Indian equity market experienced a whirlwind of ups and downs throughout the second half of April 2024.

The primary catalyst for the market's decline was the release of the much-anticipated Consumer Price Index (CPI) data.

Oil prices continued their upward trajectory in the past fortnight, reaching their highest levels since October 2021.

The domestic market experienced a period of volatile trading sessions over the last two weeks, predominantly characterised by upward momentum.

During the past fortnight, major indices of the U.S. equity markets showed positive momentum, closing a quarter marked by strong gains.

Gold and global equities surged to record levels as the first quarter of 2024 concluded positively. This rise was primarily due to central banks' commitments to potential rate cuts

The BSE Mid-Cap and BSE Small-Cap indices, with gains of 2.80 per cent and 2.75 per cent, respectively, outperformed the main indices

The preceding fortnight proved to be exceptionally challenging for the broader markets, which had enjoyed a strong rally over the past year.

An intriguing development has unfolded with the USD 8.5 billion merger between Reliance Industries’ arm Viacom 18 and The Walt Disney Company’s Star India.

Brent crude futures saw a modest decline of 13 cents to USD 81.91 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude dropped 11 cents to USD 78.04 a barrel. 

The Bank of Japan maintained its supportive monetary policy stance. Governor Kazuo Ueda indicated it was premature to declare the 2 per cent inflation target sustainably achieved, emphasising the importance of wage growth alongside price increases before considering policy changes. 

During the initial week of the fortnight, domestic indices experienced fluctuations, mostly marked by declines, signalling a lack of investor confidence.

In the past fortnight, the focus was on the Federal Reserve, as the market closely monitored the prospects of future monetary policy decisions

The complex dynamics of economic signals, central bank strategies, and geopolitical developments are expected to keep commodity investors vigilant, steering through a period of uncertainty in the coming weeks. 

The power and metal sectors have experienced robust gains, thanks to the sectoral boost provided in the budget

In the first month of 2024, markets have exhibited a rather muted and somewhat volatile performance, despite experiencing an uptick. This trend isn't entirely unexpected, given the robust rally seen in the final weeks of 2023, during which the S&P 500 surged more than 15 per cent from late October to December.

In the past fortnight, the U.S Dollar Index showed erratic movements, swinging between ups and downs as investors anticipated hints of U.S. inflation easing.

Over the last fortnight, Indian benchmark indices have experienced a roller-coaster ride, driven by factors such as quarterly earnings announcements, a rally in the IT sector, and substantial selling by foreign institutional investors (FIIs).

The first trading week of 2024 witnessed a decline in stocks, accompanied by an increase in interest rates, putting an end to the nine-week winning streak of the S&P 500. Given the significant upward surge over the past few months, it is understandable that the markets are now pausing for a breath.

In an impressive turnaround, foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) infused ₹1.7 lakh crore into the Indian equity markets in 2023, buoyed by their trust in the country’s resilient economic fundamentals amidst a challenging global scenario.

The Indian frontline indices have sustained their strong upward momentum, although the pace was slower compared to last fortnight.

The Indian benchmark indices witnessed an unbroken upward trend, as both BSE Sensex and Nifty 50 surpassed historic milestones of 70,000 and 21,000 levels.

Historically, the stock market has shown positive performance following Thanksgiving. In the last three decades, December has typically yielded an average return of approximately 1 per cent in US equities, and the market has experienced post-holiday gains in about 75 per cent of cases. 

Looking ahead, the intricacies of diverse economic data from the US, combined with the nuanced details in the FOMC meeting minutes, add complexity to forecasting the commodity market movements.

After experiencing notable declines over the last few weeks, Indian benchmark indices finally gained ground and continued to demonstrate resilience on the sectoral front.

The US markets marked the culmination of significant third-quarter corporate earnings releases, with specific technology-focused firms exceeding expectations.

The Indian benchmark indices have gained ground so far this month after a selloff in the second half of last month due to FPIs pulling out around Rs 20,000 crore from the Indian market on the back of a sharp rise in US Treasury yields and an uncertain economic environment.

For the second consecutive week, the primary US stock indices concluded with losses, with market confidence dazed by a combination of inconsistent corporate earnings releases and worries surrounding elevated interest rates

Indian frontline indices faced a substantial decline over the last fortnight,

At the onset of the fortnight, Indian frontline indices exhibited a subdued performance as investors held their breath in anticipation of the Reserve Bank of India’s forthcoming monetary policy decision.

The final week of the September quarter brought about a tumultuous journey for the financial markets, as sentiments were impacted by expectations of a prolonged period of high interest rates.

As cricket fever grips India, several undefeated teams have yet to face any significant challenges.

Indian benchmark indices, following an impressive 11-session rally in the first half of September 2023 that marked their longest consecutive gains since 2007,

The US dollar surged to a six-month high, hitting 105.43, fueled by enduring inflation concerns within the United States.

The eagerly awaited August consumer price index (CPI) data indicated progress in the Federal Reserve's battle against inflation.

The Indian frontline indices have been on an unbroken winning streak, achieving their lengthiest sprint of consecutive gains since 2007 and boasting an impressive run of 11 straight sessions with notable gains.

The indices received a substantial boost thanks to a robust upswing in the metals, real estate, and power sectors, marking a resurgence following several lacklustre sessions subsequent to a previous rally. 

In the past fortnight, the S&P 500 retraced approximately 2 per cent, contributing to a nearly 5 per cent reduction in the stock market's performance for the month of August.

Amidst heavy selling by FIIs and a surge in retail inflation, the indices continued their decline with the sectors that previously attracted the highest foreign investments experiencing the most significant declines.

After making sizeable investments in the Indian market, which was the main driving force behind the robust rally, FIIs have now started to turn into net sellers after a long period of time

In the past fortnight, global equities continued their upward trajectory, contributing to the impressive gains seen in the first half of 2023.

Following the surge of optimism last week due to the prospects of a rate hike pause by the US Federal Reserve, the global commodity market adopted a slightly cautious approach amid mixed data and earnings results from the US.

With optimism brought on by the quarter earnings’ season, the Indian benchmark indices continued to climb and set new all-time highs in back-to-back trading sessions.

The first half of 2023 witnessed a series of noteworthy events in global equity markets. It encompassed a remarkable upswing in tech stocks, driven by the influence of artificial intelligence (AI).

Gold prices remained relatively stable in July as investors cautiously assessed U.S. inflation data to gauge the potential impact of interest rate hikes and the possibility of further policy tightening.

Indian headline indices are setting fresh highs in backto-back sessions, fuelled by optimism amid robust FII inflows and an expected solid earnings season.

The Indian benchmark indices have experienced frequent gains and losses over the past two weeks, making it feel like a roller-coaster ride.

India reclaimed its position as the fifth-largest stock market in the world as the domestic market strengthened as a result of the deal to raise the US debt ceiling and market valuation grew to USD 3.3 trillion.

For the first time in two years, the annual rise in consumer prices dropped to below 5 per cent in April, which can allow the Fed to take a break from rate hikes. While the bulk of the bear market may still be ahead of us, the economic downturn has already begun. 

Following an initial wave of optimism fueled by the impressive performance of tech giant Apple and a robust jobs report, a subsequent retreat occurred in most high-risk assets due to persistent macroeconomic challenges.

The BSE Sensex rose 673 points or 1.10 per cent to a five-month high of 62,027.90 at closing deals on Friday and continued to outperform other major Asian bourses, buoyed by advances from automotive and realty stocks.

The stock market saw mixed results as attention turned towards the busiest week of quarterly earnings reports for the season

The FOMC and ECB meetings will be closely watched as both are expected to announce a 25 bps rate hike. While gold prices may ease ahead of the FOMC, any indication of a dovish stance in comments could trigger an upside in gold prices

The Indian benchmark indices started the fortnight lower owing to a substantial decline in the information technology sector, primarily due to Infosys Ltd.

The Indian benchmark indices have exhibited a strong performance over the past two weeks, posting back-toback gains in each of the sessions.

Throughout the fortnight Indian benchmark indices experienced a mixed bag of gains and losses, but the last trading session of the financial year helped the indices soar high and record substantial gains for the period.

Significant gains in the power and utilities sectors helped indices start the fortnight on a much more optimistic note.

In the week ending March 3, markets were more erratic as a fresh batch of positive US economic statistics impacted risk appetites and investors grew more optimistic about stimulus announcements at China's National People's Congress.

After a positive start to the year, market volatility in major equity markets seems to have returned.

Significant recoveries in the real estate and power sectors, a turnaround in the direction of Adani Group stocks and relief from the banking sector gains contributed to the trimming of losses in domestic indices

This led the BSE Sensex and Nifty 50 to post 0.82 and 1.01 per cent gains for the fortnight, respectively.

The Indian benchmark indices gained in the initial sessions of the fortnight, powered by robust gains in information technology stocks, mirroring the strength in global technology equities.

After an optimistic start to the year driven by better inflation numbers in the US and other major economies, past fortnight investor sentiments seemed more mixed due to rising growth concerns