Inflation Worries Loom Large

Domestic headline equity indices Nifty 50 and Sensex ended the fortnight on a strong note, registering gains of 8.98 per cent and 9.50 per cent, respectively, on account of easing crude oil prices, improving global cues and only a 25 basis points hike in interest rates by the US Federal Reserve. BSE Mid-Cap and Small-Cap indices climbed by ~7.80 per cent each, relatively lagging the broader markets. Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently held productive talks in New Delhi, during which both the leaders discussed ways to boost economic and cultural ties.