Latest Stock Market News

India’s markets remain range-bound as tariffs hit select sectors, though services exports stay resilient. Anurag Singh advises defensive positioning, cutting exposure to overheated themes like defence, EMS, and solar, while favouring consumption, private banks, and healthcare. Balanced portfolios with debt allocation are key as valuations remain stretched across equities.

HDFC Bank has doubled its equity base by allotting 767.7 crore bonus shares, increasing paid-up capital to Rs 1,535.40 crore. Shares experienced a brief dip following a block deal involving 1.56 million shares. The stock began trading ex-bonus, adjusting to the 1:1 ratio, reflecting management s confidence and aiming to enhance stock liquidity.

The National Stock Exchange (NSE) will hold a mock trading session this Saturday across various segments, including equities and derivatives. This exercise allows brokers to test their systems before a mandatory software migration on September 6. The session aims to identify potential glitches and strengthen market resilience. Participants must upgrade to NEAT+ version 7.8.

In June, the Reserve Bank of India sold $3.6 billion to curb the Indian rupee s depreciation. The rupee strengthened slightly, closing at 85.47 per dollar, a marginal gain from the month s start. July saw the real effective exchange rate (REER) remain steady at 98.35. A REER below 100 suggests the rupee is undervalued, potentially boosting India s export competitiveness.

Data shows outward remittances under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme fell in June. The Reserve Bank of India bulletin revealed an 8% month-on-month drop to $2.13 billion. However, investments in equity and debt abroad nearly doubled. Travel spending decreased to $1.2 billion. Overseas education expenditure also saw a slight dip to $138 million.

The S&P 500 and Dow reached record highs, fueled by strong AI demand despite Nvidia s slightly underwhelming forecast due to Sino-U.S. trade concerns. Investors interpreted Nvidia s revenue surge as confirmation of robust AI spending, boosting other AI stocks.

The dollar is poised for a 2% August drop against major currencies amid rising expectations of a Federal Reserve rate cut next month. President Trump s efforts to influence monetary policy, including a legal battle with Fed Governor Lisa Cook, have weighed on the dollar.

Gold prices are near a one-month high, buoyed by a weaker dollar and rising expectations of a U.S. Federal Reserve rate cut in September. Spot gold is holding steady at $3,413.80 per ounce, marking a 3.6% gain this month. Investors are keenly awaiting the U.S. Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Price Index for further clues on the Fed s rate path.

Oil prices experienced a slight dip on Friday, yet they are poised to conclude the week with gains. This movement is influenced by anticipated lower U.S. demand as the summer driving season concludes, coupled with uncertainties surrounding Russian oil supply following Ukrainian attacks. Investors are also wary of potential tighter sanctions against Russia and the impact of U.S.