Indian Markets Surge: Zero Tariffs on US Goods?

SEBI Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey has issued a strong warning against market manipulation, stating it will not be tolerated. At a Mumbai event, he discussed ongoing investigations into SME IPOs and pump-and-dump schemes, emphasizing that wrongdoing will be dealt with harshly. Pandey acknowledged that while regulations are essential, they cannot solve every issue, as greed remains a persistent problem. He reassured investors that SEBI is vigilant and will take necessary actions against manipulators to protect the market integrity.

The S&P 500 and Nasdaq closed lower as investors were anxious about the escalating Iran-Israel conflict. While the S&P 500 faced a weekly drop, the Nasdaq had a slight gain. The uncertainty in the market was influenced by the U.S. considering potential involvement in the conflict, with President Trump expected to make a decision soon. Tech stocks struggled, particularly Nvidia, while Kroger's shares surged after a positive sales forecast. The stock market experienced higher trading volumes due to a quarterly "triple-witching" event, reflecting investors' cautious sentiment.

Oil prices are set to rise for the third consecutive week, driven by ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran. Despite a slight drop on Friday, Brent crude futures remain up 3.9% for the week. Events such as missile strikes and bombings have heightened concerns about supply disruptions, especially through the crucial Strait of Hormuz. Analysts note that high tanker rates and geopolitical risks keep markets on edge. With no signs of de-escalation, the potential for further price increases looms, reflecting the impact of global conflicts on oil supply chains.

The rise of generative AI is rapidly transforming smartphone usage, with companies like OpenAI and Adobe leading the charge. OpenAI has integrated its ChatGPT into WhatsApp, enabling users to generate images seamlessly using detailed prompts. Adobe's Firefly app is now available on mobile, featuring tools for video and image generation, and access to various third-party models to enhance creativity. With subscriptions starting at ₹499 per month, these innovations provide a unique opportunity for Indian creators to explore advanced AI tools, making content creation more accessible than ever.

Aamir Khan returns to the screen with "Sitaare Zameen Par," but the film had a slow start, earning ₹11 crore on opening day. Despite a heartfelt storyline and a talented cast of newcomers, it didn't surpass his previous release, "Laal Singh Chadha." Directed by RS Prasanna, this spiritual sequel to "Taare Zameen Par" offers laughter and emotional moments, making it a worthwhile watch in theaters. Fans are curious to see how it performs in the coming days, as it aims to capture the hearts of audiences like its predecessor did.

Infosys founder NR Narayana Murthy has embraced AI, particularly ChatGPT, to enhance his productivity. What once took him 25-30 hours to draft speeches now takes only five. Introduced to the tool by his son, Murthy believes AI is an augmentative force that can streamline tasks like coding. He draws parallels between AI's rise and the introduction of computers in banking, which initially faced resistance but ultimately boosted productivity. Murthy's insights highlight the importance of asking the right questions to maximize AI's potential in the tech industry.

As geopolitical tensions rise with U.S. military actions in Iran, gold and silver prices are expected to soar. In India, gold has shown remarkable growth, increasing 1,200% over 20 years, while silver has risen by 668.84%. Currently, gold prices are around ₹99,310 per 10 grams, and silver is approximately ₹1,06,275 per kg. Investors see these precious metals as safe options amid market volatility. Be aware that local jewelers may add extra charges, affecting the final price. Check your city's gold and silver rates today!

As the conflict between Israel and Iran intensifies, the U.S. has joined the fray by targeting three of Iran's nuclear sites, including Fordow and Natanz. President Trump announced the successful military operation, calling it a historic moment. Meanwhile, Iran's leadership warned of a stronger response if attacks continue, vowing not to abandon its nuclear ambitions. Israeli strikes have reportedly eliminated key Iranian military figures. Amid these tensions, Turkey's President Erdogan has offered to mediate the conflict, highlighting the ongoing risk of escalation in the region.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average ended the trading session with slight gains, rising by 0.08% to close at 42,206.82. Throughout the day, it reached a peak of 42,432.19 and dipped to a low of 42,096.32. This modest increase of 35.16 points reflects a yearly change of 7.84%, which translates to an overall rise of 3,067.05 points. Investors are keeping a close eye on these fluctuations, as they can indicate broader economic trends and market sentiment.

Emerging market funds are witnessing a wave of investment as global investors poured in $2.4 billion, marking the strongest inflows in 28 months. India attracted $678 million, showcasing its appeal among international investors. The iShares MSCI India ETF led the charge, reflecting the popularity of passive investment strategies. Despite these inflows, traditional active funds remain subdued. This trend mirrors previous patterns, with ETFs driving significant momentum in the market. As the landscape evolves, India continues to stand out as a key destination for foreign investments.

Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has admitted that India struck their key airbases during Operation Sindoor in response to a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam. The strikes, which surprised Pakistan as they were preparing to retaliate, have led to a shift in the narrative from previous denials by Pakistani officials. Dar revealed that within 45 minutes of the attacks, Saudi Prince Faisal reached out to discuss a potential dialogue with India, indicating a significant diplomatic moment. This acknowledgment sheds light on the complexities of the regional tensions and the need for dialogue.

Indian households are transforming their savings habits by increasingly investing in mutual funds, a trend accelerated by the pandemic. Uday Kotak, founder of Kotak Mahindra Bank, highlighted that mutual fund assets now represent 31% of total bank deposits, showcasing a major shift towards financial investments. While this growth reflects a rising interest in equity markets, Kotak cautioned investors to remain vigilant against potential market overheating. The positive trend in Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) indicates a strong commitment to long-term equity investments, with flows expected to continue amid supportive economic conditions.

In a heartfelt moment before the Test match at Headingley, India and England honored the victims of the Ahmedabad air disaster, where a tragic crash on June 12 claimed 274 lives. Both teams paid tribute with a minute of silence and black armbands, reflecting the profound sorrow felt across both nations. Indian vice-captain Rishabh Pant expressed the team's commitment to uplift the spirits of their country through their performance. This series marks a pivotal time for India as they transition in Test cricket with new leadership, aiming to bring joy back to their fans amidst the tragedy.

Jay Kothari from DSP Mutual Fund predicts that the US Federal Reserve will keep interest rates steady through 2025, but inflation surprises could shake equity markets. The upcoming Q1FY26 earnings season may reveal if tax reliefs and liquidity are reviving rural demand, while easing Middle East tensions could stabilize global supply chains. Despite limited direct trade with Iran and Israel, oil prices remain crucial for India. Kothari emphasizes a selective investment approach, especially in healthcare, amid ongoing earnings downgrades and geopolitical uncertainties.

Meta is transforming WhatsApp into a monetization platform after years of hesitation. With 1.5 billion users, the app will now feature ads in "Status" updates and offer subscription-based channels for businesses. This shift marks a significant change from WhatsApp's founders' initial aversion to ads. However, personal chats remain untouched, ensuring user privacy. Meta aims to enhance user experience by helping discover new channels while using limited data for ad customization. This move could increase Meta's revenue, especially after generating over $160 billion in ad revenue last year.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has urged tax officials to enhance the Goods and Services Tax (GST) registration process by leveraging technology and risk management. Speaking at a CBIC conclave, she emphasized the need for timely grievance redressal and improved processing of refunds. Highlights include a significant reduction in grievance resolution time and increased GST audit coverage. Sitharaman also called for better awareness campaigns for taxpayers on mandatory documentation and the establishment of dedicated helpdesks. These efforts aim to boost trust among taxpayers and streamline operations in customs and GST.

Gold prices have recently dropped in India due to rising geopolitical tensions and a tough stance from the U.S. Federal Reserve. Despite this, gold has shown remarkable growth over the past two decades, increasing by 1,200% from ₹7,638 in 2005 to over ₹1,00,000 in 2025. Silver prices have also remained high, staying above ₹1 lakh/kg for weeks. Experts suggest that both metals are safe investments amid market fluctuations. With prices varying across major cities, it's essential for buyers to be aware of potential additional costs from jewellers.

India’s cricket star Yashasvi Jaiswal praised his new Test captain Shubman Gill after their impressive 129-run partnership against England. Jaiswal, who scored 101 runs, admired Gill's calm demeanor as they built a solid foundation for India, ending Day 1 at 359/3. Jaiswal highlighted their enjoyable camaraderie and strategic discussions during their innings. Gill, remaining unbeaten on 127, marked his captaincy debut with poise, while both players reached significant career milestones. With Rishabh Pant also contributing, India looks set for a strong continuation on Day 2.