Latest Stock Market News

The U.S. economy took an $11 billion hit from the prolonged government shutdown, but officials remain optimistic about strong growth in 2026 as inflation eases, energy prices fall, and new tax and trade measures support demand. A temporary slowdown is expected in the near term, but improving housing data and policy actions point to a stronger year ahead.

Global markets are on edge ahead of the Federal Reserve s December meeting, with investor sentiment heavily influenced by mixed economic data and shifting interest rate expectations. A dovish comment from the New York Fed President briefly lifted equities, but concerns remain that rate cut expectations may outpace actual data, especially with key labor reports missing.

Indian markets may stay range-bound for the next six months as valuations remain stretched and earnings growth stays muted, says JM Financial’s Venkatesh Balasubramaniam. While FIIs continue selling, strong domestic flows are supporting indices. FY27 could deliver stronger earnings, led by banks and consumption. Investors are advised to stay selective and watch for more attractive valuations.

Indian government bonds saw a slight recovery on Monday. This followed a sharp reversal in the local currency, the Rupee, which had hit a record low. The Reserve Bank of India likely intervened to support the Rupee. Bond yields are closely watching the RBI s strategy on liquidity and yields. Economic growth data for the July-September quarter is also anticipated.

Fed officials are split after October’s rate cut, with some pushing for further easing due to labour-market weakness while others warn of renewed inflation risks. Upcoming data will decide whether rates are cut again or held steady.

Axis Securities remains constructive on real estate, backed by rising pre-sales, stronger balance sheets and premium housing momentum. Its top picks include Prestige Estates Projects and Signature Global, both beneficiaries of sustained demand recovery and aggressive expansion plans.

UBS has initiated coverage on Shaily Engineering Plastics with a Buy rating and a target price of Rs 4,000, citing strong growth prospects driven by its patented technology, upcoming GLP-1 generic launch, and improving utilisation across consumer and industrial segments. The brokerage expects robust earnings growth and market share gains supported by high entry barriers and favourable trade conditions.

Investors are turning cautious toward year-end as uncertainty over potential Federal Reserve rate cuts and stretched AI-related valuations weigh on markets. Recent volatility has returned, major indexes have pulled back from recent highs, and tech stocks are driving the decline. While December is historically strong, sentiment may remain subdued until clearer Fed guidance emerges.

Indian markets concluded the week on a positive note, extending their upward trend. The Nifty experienced a narrow trading range but closed with net gains. While volatility increased, the broader trend remains bullish, supported by strong technical indicators and positive sector rotation. Investors are advised to remain selectively optimistic, with key support and resistance levels identified for the upcoming week.

Indian IT major shares, including Infosys, Tech Mahindra, HCL Tech, and TCS rallied after US Federal Reserve official John Williams indicated that interest rates could fall “in the near term.” These remarks significantly boosted expectations for a December policy easing (rate cut) by the US Fed.