Italian fashion group Prada said on Wednesday sales had recovered sharply in Asia since June after the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic triggered

Sharp sales recovery in Asia | Luxury group hit by store closures | WION

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Indonesia's 2021 fiscal deficit seen expanding to 5.2% of GDP

The domestic stock markets ticked lower on Monday amid weak global cues and the buzz of a lockdown extension beyond April 14.

S&amp;P BSE Sensex fell over 500 points after opening in the red, the 50-stock Nifty too followed the same path falling below the 9,000 mark.

Meanwhile, Oil prices rallied after top producers agreed to slash output and shore up coronavirus-ravaged energy markets, but some analysts were concerned the cuts did not go far enough.

US benchmark West Texas Intermediate was up 7.7 percent at $24.52 a barrel in Asian trade while Brent crude, the international benchmark, put on 5.0 percent to $33.08 a barrel.&nbsp;

OPEC producers dominated by Saudi Arabia and allies led by Russia met via videoconference for an hour Sunday in a last effort to cement a deal struck early Friday.&nbsp;

The domestic stock markets ticked lower on Monday amid weak global cues and the buzz of a lockdown extension beyond April 14. S&P BSE Sensex fell over 500 points after opening in the red, the 50-stock Nifty too followed the same path falling below the 9,000 mark.

The domestic stock markets ticked lower on Monday amid weak global cues and the buzz of a lockdown extension beyond April 14. S&P BSE Sensex fell over 500 points after opening in the red, the 50-stock Nifty too followed the same path falling below the 9,000 mark. Meanwhile, Oil prices rallied after top producers agreed to slash output and shore up coronavirus-ravaged energy markets, but some analysts were concerned the cuts did not go far enough. US benchmark West Texas Intermediate was up 7.7 percent at $24.52 a barrel in Asian trade while Brent crude, the international benchmark, put on 5.0 percent to $33.08 a barrel. OPEC producers dominated by Saudi Arabia and allies led by Russia met via videoconference for an hour Sunday in a last effort to cement a deal struck early Friday.

Sensex slips 500 points, Nifty below 9000

How coronavirus outbreak is affecting daily lives of Iranians

Stock markets around the world recorded major losses. Meanwhile, leading producers of oil have kicked off a price war. This report tells you all you need to know about the turmoil in the global markets.

Gravitas: Decoding the slump in global markets

Growth in China's services sector slowed for a second straight month in January, a traditionally busy sales season, hitting a three-month low as companies cut prices and new orders dipped, a private sector survey showed on Wednesday.

The Caixin/Markit services purchasing managers' index (PMI) slowed to 51.8 last month from 52.5 in December, but was still higher than an 8-month low hit in October.

The slowdown in growth suggests the services sector, which accounts for more than half of the economy, faces persistent challenges despite a flurry of stimulus and a U.S.-China trade "Phase 1" deal. The reading is also unlikely to reflect the early impact of the coronavirus crisis that flared in late January, which could weigh heavily on growth.

"China's economic recovery was not strong enough due to limited improvement in demand, and some companies didn't replenish inventories," Zhong Zhengsheng, director of macroeconomic analysis at CEBM Group, wrote in a note accompanying the Caixin PMI release.

<h6><img alt="pppp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="71b0b06c-a917-4d4c-83a3-036be40625f3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29_54.jpg" /> 
People sit on the steps outside a luxury hotel on Chang'an Avenue, near Tiananmen Square in Beijing, China May 16, 2019 | Reuters</h6>

The index has stayed above the 50-point margin that separates growth from contraction on a monthly basis since late 2005. Beijing has been counting on a strong services sector to cushion a prolonged slowdown in manufacturing and investment and create jobs for workers laid-off in other areas.

Economic growth has cooled to near 30-year lows amid sluggish demand at home and abroad.

The cooling trend in the private sector survey, which focuses more on small, export-oriented companies, contrasts with the official non-manufacturing PMI, which showed the sector's activity quickened in January.

Services companies reported a smaller rise in the volume of new work in January and continued to face higher fuel and labour costs. Demand softened at home, while new orders from overseas picked up modestly from the previous month.

The pace of job creation almost stalled, with the employment sub-index hitting the lowest level in 16 months. Meanwhile, firms had to lower their selling prices for the second time, squeezing companies' profit margins.

But their expectations regarding the one-year outlook for business activity improved notably in the month, as the "Phase 1" trade deal with the United States eased some of the pressure on exporters.

However, a coronavirus outbreak that has abruptly limited the movement of millions of people and forced the closures of restaurants, malls, and movie theatres across the country during the week-long Lunar New Year holiday, is likely to further darken the outlook for China's slowing economy.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-china-to-account-for-nearly-35-of-global-gdp-in-2060-study-278393">&nbsp;India, China to account for nearly 35% of global GDP in 2060: Study</a>

Analysts have noted the deepening coronavirus crisis, which is expected to be as much as two or three times worse than the SARS outbreak, will potentially add to industry headaches.

"As during the SARS episode, we expect consumption and travel to take the hardest hit," Analysts at Oxford Economics said in a note.

"But we also expect that there will be significant disruption to other economic activities, though to a lesser degree than the impact on consumption."

Analysts like CEBM Group's Zhong have urged policymakers to take swift action to cushion to hit to growth from the virus.

"As the current pneumonia epidemic is putting pressure on the economy, policymakers need to make efforts to ensure no major disruptions to improving business confidence," he said.

Caixin's composite manufacturing and services PMI, also released on Wednesday, slowed to 51.9 in January from 52.6 in December.

Growth in China's services sector slowed for a second straight month in January, a traditionally busy sales season, hitting a three-month low as companies cut prices and new orders dipped, a private sector survey showed on Wednesday.

Growth in China's services sector slowed for a second straight month in January, a traditionally busy sales season, hitting a three-month low as companies cut prices and new orders dipped, a private sector survey showed on Wednesday. The Caixin/Markit services purchasing managers' index (PMI) slowed to 51.8 last month from 52.5 in December, but was still higher than an 8-month low hit in October. The slowdown in growth suggests the services sector, which accounts for more than half of the economy, faces persistent challenges despite a flurry of stimulus and a U.S.-China trade "Phase 1" deal. The reading is also unlikely to reflect the early impact of the coronavirus crisis that flared in late January, which could weigh heavily on growth. "China's economic recovery was not strong enough due to limited improvement in demand, and some companies didn't replenish inventories," Zhong Zhengsheng, director of macroeconomic analysis at CEBM Group, wrote in a note accompanying the Caixin PMI release. People sit on the steps outside a luxury hotel on Chang'an Avenue, near Tiananmen Square in Beijing, China May 16, 2019 | Reuters The index has stayed above the 50-point margin that separates growth from contraction on a monthly basis since late 2005. Beijing has been counting on a strong services sector to cushion a prolonged slowdown in manufacturing and investment and create jobs for workers laid-off in other areas. Economic growth has cooled to near 30-year lows amid sluggish demand at home and abroad. The cooling trend in the private sector survey, which focuses more on small, export-oriented companies, contrasts with the official non-manufacturing PMI, which showed the sector's activity quickened in January. Services companies reported a smaller rise in the volume of new work in January and continued to face higher fuel and labour costs. Demand softened at home, while new orders from overseas picked up modestly from the previous month. The pace of job creation almost stalled, with the employment sub-index hitting the lowest level in 16 months. Meanwhile, firms had to lower their selling prices for the second time, squeezing companies' profit margins. But their expectations regarding the one-year outlook for business activity improved notably in the month, as the "Phase 1" trade deal with the United States eased some of the pressure on exporters. However, a coronavirus outbreak that has abruptly limited the movement of millions of people and forced the closures of restaurants, malls, and movie theatres across the country during the week-long Lunar New Year holiday, is likely to further darken the outlook for China's slowing economy. Also read: India, China to account for nearly 35% of global GDP in 2060: Study Analysts have noted the deepening coronavirus crisis, which is expected to be as much as two or three times worse than the SARS outbreak, will potentially add to industry headaches. "As during the SARS episode, we expect consumption and travel to take the hardest hit," Analysts at Oxford Economics said in a note. "But we also expect that there will be significant disruption to other economic activities, though to a lesser degree than the impact on consumption." Analysts like CEBM Group's Zhong have urged policymakers to take swift action to cushion to hit to growth from the virus. "As the current pneumonia epidemic is putting pressure on the economy, policymakers need to make efforts to ensure no major disruptions to improving business confidence," he said. Caixin's composite manufacturing and services PMI, also released on Wednesday, slowed to 51.9 in January from 52.6 in December.

China's services sector growth hits three-month low in January

A new coronavirus that has killed 170 people in China and spread to over a dozen other countries has roiled global commodity markets, raising fears of weaker demand and disrupting raw material supply chains in the world's most populous country.

A new coronavirus that has killed 170 people in China and spread to over a dozen other countries has roiled global commodity markets, raising fears of weaker demand and disrupting raw material supply chains in the world's most populous country. All but around 100 of the nearly 8,000 cases so far identified have been in mainland China, but the virus has caused global alarm because it is still too early to know how dangerous it is and how easily it spreads among people. The World Health Organisation will meet on Thursday to decide whether its rapid spread amounts to a global health emergency. Commodity Markets impacted the most Oil prices slumped to 3-month lows this week in response to the widening spread of the virus in China, the world's top oil importer, prompting OPEC to look to extend current oil output cuts until at least June from March, as well as consider deeper cuts if oil demand is badly hit. China is the second-largest oil refiner and a critical growth engine for the global economy, so any material contraction in Chinese economic activity is expected to have far-reaching repercussions across several industries. The aviation sector was a high-profile coronavirus casualty, with scores of flights to and from China cancelled this week. Jet fuel prices and production margins in Asia slumped in response, hurting refiners and fuel exporters. Greatly reduced mobility within China also hit gasoline demand, with Asia's benchmark gasoline price falling the most in four years on Tuesday. Also Read: Barclays sees $2 per barrel impact to oil prices as virus fears threaten demand Other commodity markets affected Palm oil prices slumped as much as 10% on Tuesday as traders reacted to the widening shutdowns of offices, malls, and factories within China. Palm oil is used mainly in food courts and by catering companies in China, the second-largest palm importer behind India, so reduced consumption is expected over the near to medium term. Base metals have also taken a hit as manufacturing plants and factories take protracted Lunar New Year breaks while they assess the fallout from the virus. Toyota Motor Corp and other firms announced extended plant shutdowns. Industrial bellwether copper fell to near a fourth-month on Thursday and was set for an 11th straight session of losses on fears of an economic slowdown in the world's top metals consumer. Commodities futures exchanges have also remained shut longer than planned due to the virus, with the Shanghai Futures Exchange (ShFE) and Dalian Commodity Exchange (DCE) announcing extended closures. Gold has won some support during a time of uncertainty, hitting a three-week high early in the week, and analysts expect the precious metal to remain bid while worries about the virus persist.

Coronavirus in China impacts global commodity market

India's financial markets are feeling the heat of the excalating tensions between the US and Iran. Both the sensex and the nifty down nearly 1.5%. #IndianMarkets #US #Iran #IndiaMarkets

Indian markets extended losses,Sensex,Nifty fall over 1.5%

Domestic Stock Markets indices Sensex and Nifty on Monday turned volatile and traded lower, tracking global equities.

Earlier in the day, Sensex hit a new record high of 41,185.03 points.&nbsp;

At 9:17 am, the Sensex was up 117.03 points, or 0.29%, at 41,126.74. Nifty too was trading higher by 35.80 points to 12,122.50.

The NSE Nifty 50 Index settled 0.27% lower at 12,053.95, while the S&amp;P BSE Sensex index closed down 0.17% at 40,938.72.

Shares of Reliance Industries weakened 0.75%, while ITC fell almost 2%.

The Nifty Metal index inched 1.4% lower and was the worst-performing sector.

IT stocks were among the few gainers, with the Nifty IT index closing nearly 1% higher.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Domestic Stock Markets indices Sensex and Nifty on Monday turned volatile and traded lower, tracking global equities. Earlier in the day, Sensex hit a new record high of 41,185.

Domestic Stock Markets indices Sensex and Nifty on Monday turned volatile and traded lower, tracking global equities. Earlier in the day, Sensex hit a new record high of 41,185.03 points. At 9:17 am, the Sensex was up 117.03 points, or 0.29%, at 41,126.74. Nifty too was trading higher by 35.80 points to 12,122.50. The NSE Nifty 50 Index settled 0.27% lower at 12,053.95, while the S&P BSE Sensex index closed down 0.17% at 40,938.72. Shares of Reliance Industries weakened 0.75%, while ITC fell almost 2%. The Nifty Metal index inched 1.4% lower and was the worst-performing sector. IT stocks were among the few gainers, with the Nifty IT index closing nearly 1% higher. (With inputs from Reuters)

Sensex ends 70 points lower, Nifty at 12,060

Domestic Stock Markets indices on Monday erased early gains to trade marginally higher in the first hour of trade.

At 2 PM Sensex was trading 76.94 points higher at 41,086.65 and Nifty traded 7.75 points lower at 12,094.70.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, Sensex hit a new record high of 41,185.03 points.&nbsp;

At 9:17 am, the Sensex was up 117.03 points, or 0.29%, at 41,126.74. Nifty too was trading higher by 35.80 points to 12,122.50.

Among stocks, those which lost were Adani Ports, Sun Pharma, IndianOil Corporation, JSW Steel and Yes Bank. However, IT stocks were up with HCL Technologies gaining by 1.4 per cent to Rs 550.80 per share. Tech Mahindra ticked up by 1.2 per cent and Tata Consultancy Services by 0.9 per cent.

Meanwhile, Asian shares moved higher as investors welcomed a trade agreement between Beijing and Washington over the weekend.&nbsp;

But the enthusiasm was capped by lingering scepticism about ongoing relations between China and the United States.&nbsp;

Still, that helped push the MSCI's broadest index of Asia Pacific shares outside Japan up by 0.27 per cent while shares in Taiwan and South Korea added about 0.1 per cent.&nbsp;

But Japan's Nikkei 225 succumbed to profit-taking, easing by 0.14 per cent after surging 2.55 per cent to a 14-month closing high on Friday.

The phase one agreement suspended a threatened round of US tariffs on a 160 billion dollar list of Chinese imports that were scheduled to take effect on Sunday.&nbsp;

The United States also agreed to halve the tariff rate to 7.5 per cent on 120 billion dollars worth of Chinese goods.

(With inputs from ANI)

Domestic Stock Markets indices on Monday erased early gains to trade marginally higher in the first hour of trade. At 2 PM Sensex was trading 76.94 points higher at 41,086.

Domestic Stock Markets indices on Monday erased early gains to trade marginally higher in the first hour of trade. At 2 PM Sensex was trading 76.94 points higher at 41,086.65 and Nifty traded 7.75 points lower at 12,094.70. Earlier in the day, Sensex hit a new record high of 41,185.03 points. At 9:17 am, the Sensex was up 117.03 points, or 0.29%, at 41,126.74. Nifty too was trading higher by 35.80 points to 12,122.50. Among stocks, those which lost were Adani Ports, Sun Pharma, IndianOil Corporation, JSW Steel and Yes Bank. However, IT stocks were up with HCL Technologies gaining by 1.4 per cent to Rs 550.80 per share. Tech Mahindra ticked up by 1.2 per cent and Tata Consultancy Services by 0.9 per cent. Meanwhile, Asian shares moved higher as investors welcomed a trade agreement between Beijing and Washington over the weekend. But the enthusiasm was capped by lingering scepticism about ongoing relations between China and the United States. Still, that helped push the MSCI's broadest index of Asia Pacific shares outside Japan up by 0.27 per cent while shares in Taiwan and South Korea added about 0.1 per cent. But Japan's Nikkei 225 succumbed to profit-taking, easing by 0.14 per cent after surging 2.55 per cent to a 14-month closing high on Friday. The phase one agreement suspended a threatened round of US tariffs on a 160 billion dollar list of Chinese imports that were scheduled to take effect on Sunday. The United States also agreed to halve the tariff rate to 7.5 per cent on 120 billion dollars worth of Chinese goods. (With inputs from ANI)

Markets: Sensex up 76.94 points, Nifty holds 12,094.70 in the afternoon session

Know how the market performed on 5th November 2019. Watch this segment to get all updates related to stocks and shares.

Migrant risk their lives to enter EU

Asian markets mostly rose Tuesday after Wall Street finished a volatile quarter on a positive note, while China began a week-long break to celebrate the 70th birthday of the People's Republic.

Following Wall Street's lead, Tokyo climbed 0.7 per cent, helped by a drop in the yen and as investors shrugged off a Japanese survey that showed business confidence continued falling.

Buyer sentiment got a boost from comments from the Trump administration denying the likelihood of potential new US restrictions on Chinese investment, analysts said.

"<a href="Global Markets: Asian shares, Yuan off to calm start; focus on China">US stocks rebounded and the dollar topped 108 yen</a>" in a positive development for Japanese exporters, Seiichi Suzuki, senior market analyst at Tokai Tokyo Research Institute, told AFP.

Taipei and Singapore both jumped 1.0 per cent and gains were also seen in Wellington and Seoul. Manila and Bangkok were both down by around half a per cent while Jakarta was flat.

Investors are looking ahead to the resumption of talks between Beijing and Washington this month, said Quincy Krosby, chief market strategist of Prudential Financial.

The talks are "clearly a positive for the markets because the effect it has on the world economy is paramount going into the last quarter", Krosby said.

Markets in China and Hong Kong were closed for a public holiday as anniversary celebrations were underway in Beijing but with mass protests planned in the southern financial hub.

Sydney rose 0.3 per cent ahead of a central bank meeting, with a rate cut predicted by a Bloomberg survey of economists.

Oil prices had fallen sharply Monday following reports that Saudi Arabia restored oil production more quickly than expected following attacks on infrastructure.

The retreat in prices also came after remarks by Saudi leader Mohammed bin Salman endorsing a non-military solution for a longstanding conflict with Iran, which Saudi Arabia has blamed for the recent oilfield attacks.

He told a "60 minutes" war would be catastrophic for global growth.

"Oil supplies will be disrupted and oil prices will jump to unimaginably high numbers that we haven't seen in our lifetimes," the prince said.

On Tuesday Brent crude was still down but West Texas Intermediate rose 0.5 per cent.

Asian markets mostly rose Tuesday after Wall Street finished a volatile quarter on a positive note, while China began a week-long break to celebrate the 70th birthday of the People's Republic.

Asian markets mostly rose Tuesday after Wall Street finished a volatile quarter on a positive note, while China began a week-long break to celebrate the 70th birthday of the People's Republic. Following Wall Street's lead, Tokyo climbed 0.7 per cent, helped by a drop in the yen and as investors shrugged off a Japanese survey that showed business confidence continued falling. Buyer sentiment got a boost from comments from the Trump administration denying the likelihood of potential new US restrictions on Chinese investment, analysts said. "US stocks rebounded and the dollar topped 108 yen" in a positive development for Japanese exporters, Seiichi Suzuki, senior market analyst at Tokai Tokyo Research Institute, told AFP. Taipei and Singapore both jumped 1.0 per cent and gains were also seen in Wellington and Seoul. Manila and Bangkok were both down by around half a per cent while Jakarta was flat. Investors are looking ahead to the resumption of talks between Beijing and Washington this month, said Quincy Krosby, chief market strategist of Prudential Financial. The talks are "clearly a positive for the markets because the effect it has on the world economy is paramount going into the last quarter", Krosby said. Markets in China and Hong Kong were closed for a public holiday as anniversary celebrations were underway in Beijing but with mass protests planned in the southern financial hub. Sydney rose 0.3 per cent ahead of a central bank meeting, with a rate cut predicted by a Bloomberg survey of economists. Oil prices had fallen sharply Monday following reports that Saudi Arabia restored oil production more quickly than expected following attacks on infrastructure. The retreat in prices also came after remarks by Saudi leader Mohammed bin Salman endorsing a non-military solution for a longstanding conflict with Iran, which Saudi Arabia has blamed for the recent oilfield attacks. He told a "60 minutes" war would be catastrophic for global growth. "Oil supplies will be disrupted and oil prices will jump to unimaginably high numbers that we haven't seen in our lifetimes," the prince said. On Tuesday Brent crude was still down but West Texas Intermediate rose 0.5 per cent.

Tokyo leads Asian market gains in holiday trade

Most Asian share markets slipped on Monday as investors waited for more clarity on the Sino-US trade talks after recent negotiations, while oil gained more than 1 per cent as Middle East tensions remained elevated.

Analysts said investor sentiment was fragile with civil unrest in Hong Kong, tensions in the Middle East and worries over whether the United States and China would sign a trade deal soon. Moves were further exaggerated by low volumes as Japanese markets were shut for a public holiday.

Chinese shares opened in the negative territory, with the blue-chip index down 1.5 per cent. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index was 0.8 per cent weaker after a weekend of sometimes violent protests that saw pro-democracy activists vandalise a railway station and shopping mall.

South Korea's Kospi was a touch weaker after disappointing trade data while Australian and New Zealand shares bucked the trend and were both about 0.3% higher.

That left MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan down 0.3 per cent&nbsp;at 509.94 points. It is still up more than 3 per cent&nbsp;so far in September.

"There are real concerns about the impact on economies from the trade dispute," said Michael McCarthy, Sydney-based strategist at CMC Markets. "People are probably getting an idea that this will be a long negotiation. And the longer it lingers the more impact it will have economically", he added.

E-mini futures for US S&amp;P 500 and the Dow, however, climbed nearly 0.4 per cent each.

Over the weekend, the US&nbsp;Trade Representative's office issued a brief statement characterising the two days of talks with China as "productive." It added that a principal-level trade meeting in Washington would take place in October, as previously planned.

China's Commerce Ministry, in a brief statement, described the talks as "constructive", and said they had also had a good discussion on "detailed arrangements" for the high-level talks in October.

Additionally, the United States removed tariffs from more than 400 Chinese products in response to requests from US companies.

Despite the improved tone, markets still remain unconvinced about the possibility of deal soon.

Investors were rattled by news on Friday that Chinese officials unexpectedly cancelled a visit to US&nbsp;farms this week following their two days of negotiations in Washington.

One Shanghai-based analyst at Tebon Securities said the cancellation had hit investor sentiment and could be a major drag on Chinese A-shares in the near-term.

News that five Yemeni civilians were killed in airstrikes by the Saudi-led coalition further soured investor appetite.

Oil Shock

Mideast tensions and worries about oil supplies helped Brent crude futures jump 1 per cent, or 64 cents, to $64.92 a barrel, while U.S. crude futures rose 0.98 per cent, or 57 cents, to $58.66 a barrel.

The Pentagon has ordered additional troops to be deployed in the Gulf region to strengthen Saudi Arabia's air and missile defences following an attack on Saudi oil facilities.

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Sunday the additional troops are for "deterrence and defence" and Washington aimed to avoid war with Iran.

Markets will closely watch September manufacturing activity surveys due from the United States and European Union later in the day for any signs of a rebound.

Action in currency markets was muted.

The dollar gained 0.14 per cent against the safe-haven Japanese Yen to 107.69 after easing 0.5 per cent last week. The risk-sensitive Australian dollar was up 0.24 per cent&nbsp;at $0.6780.

The euro was a shade higher as was the British pound. That left the dollar index slightly weaker at 98.449.

With risk appetite waning, spot gold pared early losses to be flat at $1,516.39 an ounce.

Most Asian share markets slipped on Monday as investors waited for more clarity on the Sino-US trade talks after recent negotiations, while oil gained more than 1 per cent as Middle East tensions remained elevated.

Most Asian share markets slipped on Monday as investors waited for more clarity on the Sino-US trade talks after recent negotiations, while oil gained more than 1 per cent as Middle East tensions remained elevated. Analysts said investor sentiment was fragile with civil unrest in Hong Kong, tensions in the Middle East and worries over whether the United States and China would sign a trade deal soon. Moves were further exaggerated by low volumes as Japanese markets were shut for a public holiday. Chinese shares opened in the negative territory, with the blue-chip index down 1.5 per cent. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index was 0.8 per cent weaker after a weekend of sometimes violent protests that saw pro-democracy activists vandalise a railway station and shopping mall. South Korea's Kospi was a touch weaker after disappointing trade data while Australian and New Zealand shares bucked the trend and were both about 0.3% higher. That left MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan down 0.3 per cent at 509.94 points. It is still up more than 3 per cent so far in September. "There are real concerns about the impact on economies from the trade dispute," said Michael McCarthy, Sydney-based strategist at CMC Markets. "People are probably getting an idea that this will be a long negotiation. And the longer it lingers the more impact it will have economically", he added. E-mini futures for US S&P 500 and the Dow, however, climbed nearly 0.4 per cent each. Over the weekend, the US Trade Representative's office issued a brief statement characterising the two days of talks with China as "productive." It added that a principal-level trade meeting in Washington would take place in October, as previously planned. China's Commerce Ministry, in a brief statement, described the talks as "constructive", and said they had also had a good discussion on "detailed arrangements" for the high-level talks in October. Additionally, the United States removed tariffs from more than 400 Chinese products in response to requests from US companies. Despite the improved tone, markets still remain unconvinced about the possibility of deal soon. Investors were rattled by news on Friday that Chinese officials unexpectedly cancelled a visit to US farms this week following their two days of negotiations in Washington. One Shanghai-based analyst at Tebon Securities said the cancellation had hit investor sentiment and could be a major drag on Chinese A-shares in the near-term. News that five Yemeni civilians were killed in airstrikes by the Saudi-led coalition further soured investor appetite. Oil Shock Mideast tensions and worries about oil supplies helped Brent crude futures jump 1 per cent, or 64 cents, to $64.92 a barrel, while U.S. crude futures rose 0.98 per cent, or 57 cents, to $58.66 a barrel. The Pentagon has ordered additional troops to be deployed in the Gulf region to strengthen Saudi Arabia's air and missile defences following an attack on Saudi oil facilities. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Sunday the additional troops are for "deterrence and defence" and Washington aimed to avoid war with Iran. Markets will closely watch September manufacturing activity surveys due from the United States and European Union later in the day for any signs of a rebound. Action in currency markets was muted. The dollar gained 0.14 per cent against the safe-haven Japanese Yen to 107.69 after easing 0.5 per cent last week. The risk-sensitive Australian dollar was up 0.24 per cent at $0.6780. The euro was a shade higher as was the British pound. That left the dollar index slightly weaker at 98.449. With risk appetite waning, spot gold pared early losses to be flat at $1,516.39 an ounce.

Asian markets slip amidst US-China trade war

Two Of The Largest Banks On The Wall Street Are Trying To Measure The Impact Of Trump's Tweets On Bond Yields!

Gravitas: From Covfefe to Volfefe: Tweeting Trump Impacts Markets

Indian markets end in red, Nifty ends below 10,950. Watch this video to know more.

Indian markets end in red, Nifty ends below 10,950

Argentine President Mauricio Macri vowed to win a second term despite a surprisingly strong performance by the opposition in the primary election that set off a shockwave through markets, crashing the peso currency and sending stocks and bonds tumbling.

Argentina: Economic crisis follows poll results

Asian shares slid to 6-1/2-month lows on Monday and the yuan plunged as a rapid escalation in the Sino-US trade war drove nervous investors to safe-havens such as the yen, bonds and gold.

US President Donald Trump abruptly decided on Thursday to slap 10% tariffs on $300 billion in Chinese imports, stunning markets and ending a month-long trade truce. China vowed on Friday to fight back.

In response, China's yuan weakened beyond the key 7-per-dollar threshold in a move that threatens to lead to massive capital outflows.

"We could see a more prolonged period of risk aversion," analysts at Singapore-based TD Securities wrote in a note.

"We think the latest development reiterates our view that trade will remain a lingering headwind for the economy and business investment in particular."

Asian shares sold off broadly with every single market posting steep losses.

Japan's Nikkei tumbled almost 2% to the lowest since early June, while Australian shares slipped about 1% to spend their fourth straight session in the red. South Korea's Kospi tumbled 1.2% to hit the lowest since December 2016.

That left MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan down 1.7% to 495.68, a level not seen since late January and marking the longest stretch of losses since October 2018.

In China, shares opened lower, with the blue-chip index skidding 1% while Hong Kong's Hang Seng index declined 2.2%.

E-Mini futures for the S&amp;P500 fell 1% in Asian trading.

Oil prices were also pulled down again on demand worries.

The grim mood followed declines on Wall Street on Friday with MSCI's gauge of world stocks posting its largest weekly loss of the year.

The trade war between the world's two largest economies has already disrupted global supply chains and slowed economic growth.

The abrupt escalation capped a critical week for global markets after the US&nbsp;Federal Reserve delivered a widely anticipated interest rate cut and played down expectations of further easing.

However, investors were not buying Fed Chair Jerome Powell's claim that the 25-basis-point rate reduction was a mere "mid-cycle adjustment to policy".

Futures are now pricing in deeper cuts than before last week's Fed meeting. The terminal US rate is now seen at 1.22%, 93 basis points below the current effective rate.

TD is forecasting five more cuts from the Fed, amounting to 125 basis points of easing, over next year.

Expectations of further monetary policy easing sent the dollar skidding. It slipped to a seven-month trough of 105.78 against the Japanese yen while the dollar index against a basket of six major rivals inched lower to 97.91 after two straight days of losses.

The Australian dollar, a liquid proxy for emerging market assets, slipped to a fresh seven-month trough at $0.6748 after losing 1.6% last week.

The yen and the Swiss franc were boosted by safe-haven demand from the escalating trade tensions. Trump is also eyeing tariffs on the European Union but is yet to make any formal announcements.

The euro held firm after two days of gains against the dollar at $1.1119.

Sterling hovered near 2017 lows at $1.2159, pressured by concerns about Britain exiting the European Union without a deal in place. The pound has been whiplashed since late last month when Boris Johnson, a figurehead for the "leave" campaign in the 2016 Brexit referendum, became the country's prime minister.

Safe-haven assets have been in vogue with yields on benchmark 10-year Treasury notes at 1.7890%, their lowest since Trump's election in November 2016, from 1.8550% on Friday.

German 10-year government bond yields on Friday dropped to an all-time low of -0.502% and the country's entire government bond yield curve turning negative for the first time ever.

Spot gold firmed to $1,451.61, within striking distance of a recent high of $1,452.60.

Oil extended losses with US crude off 26 cents at 55.40 and Brent down 35 cents at $61.54.

Asian shares slid to 6-1/2-month lows on Monday and the yuan plunged as a rapid escalation in the Sino-US trade war drove nervous investors to safe-havens such as the yen, bonds and gold.

Asian shares slid to 6-1/2-month lows on Monday and the yuan plunged as a rapid escalation in the Sino-US trade war drove nervous investors to safe-havens such as the yen, bonds and gold. US President Donald Trump abruptly decided on Thursday to slap 10% tariffs on $300 billion in Chinese imports, stunning markets and ending a month-long trade truce. China vowed on Friday to fight back. In response, China's yuan weakened beyond the key 7-per-dollar threshold in a move that threatens to lead to massive capital outflows. "We could see a more prolonged period of risk aversion," analysts at Singapore-based TD Securities wrote in a note. "We think the latest development reiterates our view that trade will remain a lingering headwind for the economy and business investment in particular." Asian shares sold off broadly with every single market posting steep losses. Japan's Nikkei tumbled almost 2% to the lowest since early June, while Australian shares slipped about 1% to spend their fourth straight session in the red. South Korea's Kospi tumbled 1.2% to hit the lowest since December 2016. That left MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan down 1.7% to 495.68, a level not seen since late January and marking the longest stretch of losses since October 2018. In China, shares opened lower, with the blue-chip index skidding 1% while Hong Kong's Hang Seng index declined 2.2%. E-Mini futures for the S&P500 fell 1% in Asian trading. Oil prices were also pulled down again on demand worries. The grim mood followed declines on Wall Street on Friday with MSCI's gauge of world stocks posting its largest weekly loss of the year. The trade war between the world's two largest economies has already disrupted global supply chains and slowed economic growth. The abrupt escalation capped a critical week for global markets after the US Federal Reserve delivered a widely anticipated interest rate cut and played down expectations of further easing. However, investors were not buying Fed Chair Jerome Powell's claim that the 25-basis-point rate reduction was a mere "mid-cycle adjustment to policy". Futures are now pricing in deeper cuts than before last week's Fed meeting. The terminal US rate is now seen at 1.22%, 93 basis points below the current effective rate. TD is forecasting five more cuts from the Fed, amounting to 125 basis points of easing, over next year. Expectations of further monetary policy easing sent the dollar skidding. It slipped to a seven-month trough of 105.78 against the Japanese yen while the dollar index against a basket of six major rivals inched lower to 97.91 after two straight days of losses. The Australian dollar, a liquid proxy for emerging market assets, slipped to a fresh seven-month trough at $0.6748 after losing 1.6% last week. The yen and the Swiss franc were boosted by safe-haven demand from the escalating trade tensions. Trump is also eyeing tariffs on the European Union but is yet to make any formal announcements. The euro held firm after two days of gains against the dollar at $1.1119. Sterling hovered near 2017 lows at $1.2159, pressured by concerns about Britain exiting the European Union without a deal in place. The pound has been whiplashed since late last month when Boris Johnson, a figurehead for the "leave" campaign in the 2016 Brexit referendum, became the country's prime minister. Safe-haven assets have been in vogue with yields on benchmark 10-year Treasury notes at 1.7890%, their lowest since Trump's election in November 2016, from 1.8550% on Friday. German 10-year government bond yields on Friday dropped to an all-time low of -0.502% and the country's entire government bond yield curve turning negative for the first time ever. Spot gold firmed to $1,451.61, within striking distance of a recent high of $1,452.60. Oil extended losses with US crude off 26 cents at 55.40 and Brent down 35 cents at $61.54.

Asian stocks skid to 6-1/2-month lows as US-China trade row shakes markets

Domestic stock markets on Wednesday opened in red with BSE Sensex shedding around 28 points as compared to its previous of 38,730.82 points, recording 38,701.99 in morning trade. It made a quick recovery, touching a high of 38,854.85.&nbsp;

NSE Nifty, on the other hand, opened at 11,536.15 - down by over 19 points - as compared to its previous close of 11,555.90. It touched 11,593.70 in morning trade.&nbsp;

Equity benchmark indices ended flat after a volatile session on Tuesday with investors still trying to assess the impact of a proposed tax on super-rich and foreign portfolio investors. Traders also awaited corporate results for the April to June quarter of the current financial year for further cues.&nbsp;

The BSE S&amp;P Sensex opened at 38,754, dipped to a low of 38,436 and closed at 38,731, up 10 points from its previous close. The Nifty 50 closed 3 points higher at 11,556.

A day after a huge crash on Monday, the BSE Sensex extended its previous day's losses in early trade on Tuesday opening over 248 points down. It, however, recovered lost ground to remain 102 points down.

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

Domestic stock markets on Wednesday opened in red with BSE Sensex shedding around 28 points as compared to its previous of 38,730.82 points, recording 38,701.99 in morning trade.

Domestic stock markets on Wednesday opened in red with BSE Sensex shedding around 28 points as compared to its previous of 38,730.82 points, recording 38,701.99 in morning trade. It made a quick recovery, touching a high of 38,854.85. NSE Nifty, on the other hand, opened at 11,536.15 - down by over 19 points - as compared to its previous close of 11,555.90. It touched 11,593.70 in morning trade. Equity benchmark indices ended flat after a volatile session on Tuesday with investors still trying to assess the impact of a proposed tax on super-rich and foreign portfolio investors. Traders also awaited corporate results for the April to June quarter of the current financial year for further cues. The BSE S&P Sensex opened at 38,754, dipped to a low of 38,436 and closed at 38,731, up 10 points from its previous close. The Nifty 50 closed 3 points higher at 11,556. A day after a huge crash on Monday, the BSE Sensex extended its previous day's losses in early trade on Tuesday opening over 248 points down. It, however, recovered lost ground to remain 102 points down. (With inputs from ANI)

Markets open in red; Sensex sheds 28 points, makes quick recovery 

The gold rally continues. In India, on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), gold for delivery in August contracts traded higher by over 1% to ₹34,810 per 10 gram. The gold for delivery in October contracts, too, rose by over 1% to ₹35,020 per 10 gram.

India Watch: Global gold prices at 6-year highs

With early trends in Lok Sabha polls counting indicating&nbsp;NDA win, markets opened on a strong&nbsp;note on Thursday with Sensex and Nifty scaling record&nbsp;highs.

The benchmark BSE Sensex jumped over 600 points in early trade. In similar movement, the broader NSE Nifty rose to 11, 900. 
 
IndusInd Bank was the top percentage gainer on the Nifty, rising 5%, while State Bank of India Ltd climbed 3.2% higher.&nbsp;Index heavyweights Reliance Industries Ltd was 2% higher while Housing Development Finance Corp Ltd climbed 2.5%.&nbsp;Only one stock was trading lower on the Nifty.&nbsp;

Exit polls have predicted a massive and comfortable win for Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party in Lok Sabha polls 2019. The markets are expected to remain action-packed today.

Watch:&nbsp;Record high opening for Indian markets

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/lok-sabha-2019-results-record-high-opening-for-indian-markets-220794/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The BSE Sensex index rose by its biggest amount in one day since September 2013 on Monday after exit polls showed the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) party led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will retain power for a second consecutive term. 
&nbsp;

With early trends in Lok Sabha polls counting indicating NDA win, markets opened on a strong note on Thursday with Sensex and Nifty scaling record highs. The benchmark BSE Sensex jumped over 600 points in early trade.

With early trends in Lok Sabha polls counting indicating NDA win, markets opened on a strong note on Thursday with Sensex and Nifty scaling record highs. The benchmark BSE Sensex jumped over 600 points in early trade. In similar movement, the broader NSE Nifty rose to 11, 900. IndusInd Bank was the top percentage gainer on the Nifty, rising 5%, while State Bank of India Ltd climbed 3.2% higher. Index heavyweights Reliance Industries Ltd was 2% higher while Housing Development Finance Corp Ltd climbed 2.5%. Only one stock was trading lower on the Nifty. Exit polls have predicted a massive and comfortable win for Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party in Lok Sabha polls 2019. The markets are expected to remain action-packed today. Watch: Record high opening for Indian markets The BSE Sensex index rose by its biggest amount in one day since September 2013 on Monday after exit polls showed the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) party led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will retain power for a second consecutive term.

Riding on early election trends, Sensex rises over 600 points; Nifty tops 11,900

The rupee appreciated by 26 paise to 69.40 against the US dollar in opening trade Thursday, as counting of votes for the seven-phase Lok Sabha elections began across the country.

The counting exercise is on in over 4,000 counting centres. Most of the exit polls have predicted that the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is on course to retain power for a second term.

The rupee opened strong at 69.45 at the interbank forex market, then gained further ground and touched 69.40, displaying gains of 26 paise over its last close.

The rupee had settled at 69.66 against the US dollar Wednesday.

Forex traders said, besides the Loka Sabha election outcome, easing crude prices and higher opening in domestic equities also supported the rupee.

Foreign fund outflows, however, dampened the sentiment of forex traders.

Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) were net sellers in the capital markets, pulling out Rs 965.02 crore Wednesday, according to provisional exchange data.

Brent crude futures, the global oil benchmark, eased 0.58 per cent to $70.58 per barrel.

Domestic bourses opened on a bullish note Thursday with both benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty hitting all-time highs.

The 30-share Sensex was trading at 39,722.15 points, up 611.94 points while Nifty was trading higher by 226.80 points at 11,964.70.

The rupee appreciated by 26 paise to 69.40 against the US dollar in opening trade Thursday, as counting of votes for the seven-phase Lok Sabha elections began across the country.

The rupee appreciated by 26 paise to 69.40 against the US dollar in opening trade Thursday, as counting of votes for the seven-phase Lok Sabha elections began across the country. The counting exercise is on in over 4,000 counting centres. Most of the exit polls have predicted that the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is on course to retain power for a second term. The rupee opened strong at 69.45 at the interbank forex market, then gained further ground and touched 69.40, displaying gains of 26 paise over its last close. The rupee had settled at 69.66 against the US dollar Wednesday. Forex traders said, besides the Loka Sabha election outcome, easing crude prices and higher opening in domestic equities also supported the rupee. Foreign fund outflows, however, dampened the sentiment of forex traders. Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) were net sellers in the capital markets, pulling out Rs 965.02 crore Wednesday, according to provisional exchange data. Brent crude futures, the global oil benchmark, eased 0.58 per cent to $70.58 per barrel. Domestic bourses opened on a bullish note Thursday with both benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty hitting all-time highs. The 30-share Sensex was trading at 39,722.15 points, up 611.94 points while Nifty was trading higher by 226.80 points at 11,964.70.

Rupee rises 26 paise as early trends show return of NDA

US stock futures fell and Asian shares held onto earlier-pared gains on Friday after US President Donald <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deeply-regret-us-tariffs-will-take-necessary-countermeasures-china-217426">Trump's tariff hike on $200 billion of Chinese goods </a>took effect, raising tensions between the world's two biggest economies despite ongoing talks.

E-mini futures for US&nbsp;S&amp;P500 slipped after the higher tariffs kicked in, and were last down 0.6% in choppy trade.

Chinese shares, even more volatile, dropped sharply when the tariffs took effect but then recovered, with the Shanghai composite index last 1.9 per cent higher.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan, which dropped more than 1 per cent early Friday, remained where they were when tariff increase kicked in, up 0.3%.

Japan's Nikkei was off 0.3 per cent.

European stock futures point to gain of 0.5-0.6 per cent in European stocks, which closed on Thursday before Trump's comments about receiving a "beautiful" letter from Chinese President Xi Jinping.

That stoked some optimism, helping US shares cut losses on Thursday.

With no action taken by the Trump administration to reverse the increase the duty rate to 25 per cent from the previous 10% by 0401 GMT, investors worried about further escalation in the trade war that has dogged the global economy for more than a year.

"Best case from here is we hold at 25%. But unless China blinks things can get far, far worse. This can escalate beyond tariffs. And beyond economics," Michael Every, Hong Kong-based head of Asia-Pacific markets research at Rabobank.

But the White House has said the two sides would resume negotiations on Friday morning in Washington after concluding the first of two days of talks on Thursday to try to rescue a trade deal close to collapsing.

That has encouraged some investors to cling to hopes that the US&nbsp;administration could revoke the new tariff hike once a deal is reached.

"The most likely outcome – to which we assign a probability of 70% – sees both sides concluding a deal, albeit at perhaps a slightly delayed timeframe," said Jack Siu, senior investment strategist at Credit Suisse in Hong Kong.

He predicted the market will remain volatile until a deal is eventually reached.

But Trump also threatened on Thursday to take steps to authorise new tariffs on $325 billion in Chinese imports.

Still, on the week, most markets were down on fears about Sino-US&nbsp;tensions.

The S&amp;P500 futures were down 3.0%, the Shanghai index down 6.3%, the Nikkei 4.5% and ex-Japan Asia MSCI 4.3%.

"Should tensions escalate significantly in coming days, we expect a pronounced market reaction. There is the potential for a 15%-plus correction in Chinese and emerging market (EM) stocks, and around 5-7% falls in global equities, in our opinion," analysts at Lombard Odier Investment Managers said in a note.

Rising geopolitical tensions are not helping.

North Korea fired what appeared to be two short-range missiles on Thursday in its second such test in less than a week and the United States said it had seized a North Korean cargo ship.

On Iran, Trump said he could not rule out a military confrontation after Tehran relaxed restrictions on its nuclear programme in response to U.S. sanctions imposed following Trump's withdrawal of the United States from the accord with a year ago.

The 10-year US Treasuries yield stood at 2.449 per cent near its lowest levels since late March.

It stood just about two basis points above the three-month bill yields, which stood at 2.424 per cent.

A fall in the 10-year yield below the shorter three-month yields would likely spark worries about the US&nbsp;economy, as in the past the phenomenon has signalled a recession.

In the currency market, the yen is favoured, with the dollar changing hands at 109.65 yen, having hit a three-month low of 109.47 on Thursday.

The euro firmed slightly to $1.1226 while the Chinese yuan perked at 6.837 per dollar having hit a four-month low of 6.8638 to the dollar the previous day.

MSCI's emerging market currency index also tumbled to a four-month low on Thursday.

Oil prices erased gains that were made after Trump's comments on Xi's letter raised hopes for a deal.

Brent was down 0.1% to $70.30 a barrel while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell 0.1% to $61.67.

Gold ticked up 0.2 per cent to $1,286.3 per ounce.​

US stock futures fell and Asian shares held onto earlier-pared gains on Friday after US President Donald Trump's tariff hike on $200 billion of Chinese goods took effect, raising tensions between the world's two biggest economies despite ongoing talks.

US stock futures fell and Asian shares held onto earlier-pared gains on Friday after US President Donald Trump's tariff hike on $200 billion of Chinese goods took effect, raising tensions between the world's two biggest economies despite ongoing talks. E-mini futures for US S&P500 slipped after the higher tariffs kicked in, and were last down 0.6% in choppy trade. Chinese shares, even more volatile, dropped sharply when the tariffs took effect but then recovered, with the Shanghai composite index last 1.9 per cent higher. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan, which dropped more than 1 per cent early Friday, remained where they were when tariff increase kicked in, up 0.3%. Japan's Nikkei was off 0.3 per cent. European stock futures point to gain of 0.5-0.6 per cent in European stocks, which closed on Thursday before Trump's comments about receiving a "beautiful" letter from Chinese President Xi Jinping. That stoked some optimism, helping US shares cut losses on Thursday. With no action taken by the Trump administration to reverse the increase the duty rate to 25 per cent from the previous 10% by 0401 GMT, investors worried about further escalation in the trade war that has dogged the global economy for more than a year. "Best case from here is we hold at 25%. But unless China blinks things can get far, far worse. This can escalate beyond tariffs. And beyond economics," Michael Every, Hong Kong-based head of Asia-Pacific markets research at Rabobank. But the White House has said the two sides would resume negotiations on Friday morning in Washington after concluding the first of two days of talks on Thursday to try to rescue a trade deal close to collapsing. That has encouraged some investors to cling to hopes that the US administration could revoke the new tariff hike once a deal is reached. "The most likely outcome – to which we assign a probability of 70% – sees both sides concluding a deal, albeit at perhaps a slightly delayed timeframe," said Jack Siu, senior investment strategist at Credit Suisse in Hong Kong. He predicted the market will remain volatile until a deal is eventually reached. But Trump also threatened on Thursday to take steps to authorise new tariffs on $325 billion in Chinese imports. Still, on the week, most markets were down on fears about Sino-US tensions. The S&P500 futures were down 3.0%, the Shanghai index down 6.3%, the Nikkei 4.5% and ex-Japan Asia MSCI 4.3%. "Should tensions escalate significantly in coming days, we expect a pronounced market reaction. There is the potential for a 15%-plus correction in Chinese and emerging market (EM) stocks, and around 5-7% falls in global equities, in our opinion," analysts at Lombard Odier Investment Managers said in a note. Rising geopolitical tensions are not helping. North Korea fired what appeared to be two short-range missiles on Thursday in its second such test in less than a week and the United States said it had seized a North Korean cargo ship. On Iran, Trump said he could not rule out a military confrontation after Tehran relaxed restrictions on its nuclear programme in response to U.S. sanctions imposed following Trump's withdrawal of the United States from the accord with a year ago. The 10-year US Treasuries yield stood at 2.449 per cent near its lowest levels since late March. It stood just about two basis points above the three-month bill yields, which stood at 2.424 per cent. A fall in the 10-year yield below the shorter three-month yields would likely spark worries about the US economy, as in the past the phenomenon has signalled a recession. In the currency market, the yen is favoured, with the dollar changing hands at 109.65 yen, having hit a three-month low of 109.47 on Thursday. The euro firmed slightly to $1.1226 while the Chinese yuan perked at 6.837 per dollar having hit a four-month low of 6.8638 to the dollar the previous day. MSCI's emerging market currency index also tumbled to a four-month low on Thursday. Oil prices erased gains that were made after Trump's comments on Xi's letter raised hopes for a deal. Brent was down 0.1% to $70.30 a barrel while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell 0.1% to $61.67. Gold ticked up 0.2 per cent to $1,286.3 per ounce.

US stocks slip after tariff hike, Chinese stocks dip but recover later

Equity benchmarks ended on a negative note after a volatile session Thursday as investor sentiment remained on the back foot amid lacklustre macroeconomic data and mixed overseas cues.

Auto stocks skidded following weak April sales numbers, while IT counters tumbled as the rupee strengthened above the 70 per dollar mark.

The BSE Sensex settled 50.12 points, or 0.13 per cent, lower at 38,981.43. During the day, the index swung over 300 points, hitting an intra-day low of 38,882.99 and a high of 39,189.95.

In similar movement, the broader NSE Nifty slipped 23.40 points, or 0.20 per cent, to close at 11,724.75. It also saw an intra-day movement of 89.75 points.

Globally, stock markets struggled after the US Federal Reserve decided to keep its benchmark interest rate unchanged amid mixed signals about the direction of the American economy.

Meanwhile, India's manufacturing sector performance eased to an eight-month low in April as new business growth moderated, curbed by the elections and a challenging economic environment, PMI data showed.

In the Sensex pack, Tata Motors was the biggest loser, shedding 3.29 per cent, followed by ICICI Bank, IndusInd Bank, Infosys, HCL Tech, Axis Bank, TCS, HUL, Asian Paints, Sun Pharma, SBI, Tata Steel and NTPC, which dropped up to 3.23 per cent.

On the other hand, Yes Bank was the top gainer, rebounding 3.45 per cent.&nbsp;

PowerGrid, HDFC, HDFC Bank, Hero MotoCorp, Bajaj Auto, Bharti Airtel, Bajaj Finance, Kotak Bank, RIL, L&amp;T, Vedanta, ITC, ONGC and Maruti too ended in the green, rising up to 1.88 per cent.

"As we enter the final stages of the 2019 general elections, one can expect the volatility in the market to remain high. Q4 FY19 earnings so far have been lacklustre, slowdown in sectors such as consumption and auto has hurt investor sentiments.

"Rising oil prices continue to be a threat to the domestic markets. However, due to the ongoing general elections the government has kept domestic oil prices stable and has not undertaken any steep hikes," said Hemang Jani, Head - Advisory, Sharekhan by BNP Paribas.

Sectorally, BSE IT, teck, consumer durables, bankex and auto indices ended in the red, falling up to 1.84 per cent.

The broader BSE Midcap and Smallcap gauges closed in line with the benchmarks, shedding up to 0.61 per cent.

Elsewhere in Asia, Korea's Kospi and Hong Kong's Hang Seng ended in the green, while other major bourses in China and Japan were shut.

European equites started off on a mixed note.

The rupee, meanwhile, appreciated 10 paise to 69.45 against the US dollar intra-day.

Global benchmark Brent crude was trading 1.25 per cent lower at USD 71.28 per barrel.&nbsp;

Equity benchmarks ended on a negative note after a volatile session Thursday as investor sentiment remained on the back foot amid lacklustre macroeconomic data and mixed overseas cues.

Equity benchmarks ended on a negative note after a volatile session Thursday as investor sentiment remained on the back foot amid lacklustre macroeconomic data and mixed overseas cues. Auto stocks skidded following weak April sales numbers, while IT counters tumbled as the rupee strengthened above the 70 per dollar mark. The BSE Sensex settled 50.12 points, or 0.13 per cent, lower at 38,981.43. During the day, the index swung over 300 points, hitting an intra-day low of 38,882.99 and a high of 39,189.95. In similar movement, the broader NSE Nifty slipped 23.40 points, or 0.20 per cent, to close at 11,724.75. It also saw an intra-day movement of 89.75 points. Globally, stock markets struggled after the US Federal Reserve decided to keep its benchmark interest rate unchanged amid mixed signals about the direction of the American economy. Meanwhile, India's manufacturing sector performance eased to an eight-month low in April as new business growth moderated, curbed by the elections and a challenging economic environment, PMI data showed. In the Sensex pack, Tata Motors was the biggest loser, shedding 3.29 per cent, followed by ICICI Bank, IndusInd Bank, Infosys, HCL Tech, Axis Bank, TCS, HUL, Asian Paints, Sun Pharma, SBI, Tata Steel and NTPC, which dropped up to 3.23 per cent. On the other hand, Yes Bank was the top gainer, rebounding 3.45 per cent. PowerGrid, HDFC, HDFC Bank, Hero MotoCorp, Bajaj Auto, Bharti Airtel, Bajaj Finance, Kotak Bank, RIL, L&T, Vedanta, ITC, ONGC and Maruti too ended in the green, rising up to 1.88 per cent. "As we enter the final stages of the 2019 general elections, one can expect the volatility in the market to remain high. Q4 FY19 earnings so far have been lacklustre, slowdown in sectors such as consumption and auto has hurt investor sentiments. "Rising oil prices continue to be a threat to the domestic markets. However, due to the ongoing general elections the government has kept domestic oil prices stable and has not undertaken any steep hikes," said Hemang Jani, Head - Advisory, Sharekhan by BNP Paribas. Sectorally, BSE IT, teck, consumer durables, bankex and auto indices ended in the red, falling up to 1.84 per cent. The broader BSE Midcap and Smallcap gauges closed in line with the benchmarks, shedding up to 0.61 per cent. Elsewhere in Asia, Korea's Kospi and Hong Kong's Hang Seng ended in the green, while other major bourses in China and Japan were shut. European equites started off on a mixed note. The rupee, meanwhile, appreciated 10 paise to 69.45 against the US dollar intra-day. Global benchmark Brent crude was trading 1.25 per cent lower at USD 71.28 per barrel.

Markets end modestly lower on macro data, global cues

Domestic stock markets on Tuesday ended in red with BSE Sensex falling by 36 points at 39,032 while the NSE Nifty dropped by 6 points to close at 11,748.

In early trade today, Sensex plunged over 150 points to slip below the 39,000-mark amid capital outflows by foreign funds and mixed global cues.

However, a strengthening rupee and global crude oil prices restricted further losses in equity markets, brokers said.

The 30-share index dropped 154.60 points, or 0.40 per cent, to 38,912.73 in early morning trade, after touching a high of 39,068.67.

Similarly, the NSE Nifty declined by 19.75 points, or 0.44 per cent, to 11,703.30.

On Friday, the Sensex closed 336.47 points higher at 39,067.33. The NSE Nifty too ended 112.85 points up at 11,754.65.

Domestic equity markets were closed Monday due to elections in Mumbai.

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp;

Domestic stock markets on Tuesday ended in red with BSE Sensex falling by 36 points at 39,032 while the NSE Nifty dropped by 6 points to close at 11,748. In early trade today, Sensex plunged over 150 points to slip below the 39,000-mark amid capital outflows by foreign funds and mixed global cues.

Domestic stock markets on Tuesday ended in red with BSE Sensex falling by 36 points at 39,032 while the NSE Nifty dropped by 6 points to close at 11,748. In early trade today, Sensex plunged over 150 points to slip below the 39,000-mark amid capital outflows by foreign funds and mixed global cues. However, a strengthening rupee and global crude oil prices restricted further losses in equity markets, brokers said. The 30-share index dropped 154.60 points, or 0.40 per cent, to 38,912.73 in early morning trade, after touching a high of 39,068.67. Similarly, the NSE Nifty declined by 19.75 points, or 0.44 per cent, to 11,703.30. On Friday, the Sensex closed 336.47 points higher at 39,067.33. The NSE Nifty too ended 112.85 points up at 11,754.65. Domestic equity markets were closed Monday due to elections in Mumbai. (With inputs from PTI)

Markets end in red; Sensex falls 36 points, Nifty closes above 11,700

Domestic stock markets on Friday opened on a positive note with BSE Sensex rising for the ninth straight session. Sensex rose over 119 points in early trade Friday led by gains in banking, metal and auto stocks amid sustained foreign fund inflow.

NSE Nifty, on the other hand, hovered above 11,500-mark at 11,549.20 in opening trade today. It previously closed at 11,521.05 on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Sensex on Wednesday continued its upward journey for the eighth consecutive session and ended marginally higher following gains in Infosys, HDFC twins and L&amp;T amid uninterrupted capital inflows by foreign funds.

The 30-share index began the session on a firm note at 38,433.86 and hit the session's high of 38,489.81 on steady inflow of buying by foreign funds as well as retail investors, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

The broader NSE Nifty, however, ended 11.35 points, or 0.10 per cent, lower at 11,521.05 after shuttling between 11,556.10 and 11,503.10 during the session on expiry of March series derivative contracts.

Markets remained closed on Thursday on account of the festival of Holi. 
&nbsp;

Domestic stock markets on Friday opened on a positive note with BSE Sensex rising for the ninth straight session. Sensex rose over 119 points in early trade Friday led by gains in banking, metal and auto stocks amid sustained foreign fund inflow.

Domestic stock markets on Friday opened on a positive note with BSE Sensex rising for the ninth straight session. Sensex rose over 119 points in early trade Friday led by gains in banking, metal and auto stocks amid sustained foreign fund inflow. NSE Nifty, on the other hand, hovered above 11,500-mark at 11,549.20 in opening trade today. It previously closed at 11,521.05 on Wednesday. Sensex on Wednesday continued its upward journey for the eighth consecutive session and ended marginally higher following gains in Infosys, HDFC twins and L&T amid uninterrupted capital inflows by foreign funds. The 30-share index began the session on a firm note at 38,433.86 and hit the session's high of 38,489.81 on steady inflow of buying by foreign funds as well as retail investors, news agency PTI reported. The broader NSE Nifty, however, ended 11.35 points, or 0.10 per cent, lower at 11,521.05 after shuttling between 11,556.10 and 11,503.10 during the session on expiry of March series derivative contracts. Markets remained closed on Thursday on account of the festival of Holi.

Markets open in green; Sensex rises over 100 points, Nifty goes beyond 11,500-mark

The BSE Sensex climbed 481.56 points to close at 37, 535 on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The Nifty meanwhile climbed 133.15 points to close at 11,301.&nbsp;

The Sensex closed at a six-month high on Monday, after the announcement of the dates for the general elections a day earlier on Sunday. &nbsp;

New reports Tuesday said strong global cues and uninterrupted buying by foreign investors were helping prop up the surge.&nbsp;

And that a stronger rupee was contributing to the positive market sentiments.&nbsp;

The BSE Sensex climbed 481.56 points to close at 37, 535 on Tuesday. The Nifty meanwhile climbed 133.15 points to close at 11,301. The Sensex closed at a six-month high on Monday, after the announcement of the dates for the general elections a day earlier on Sunday.

The BSE Sensex climbed 481.56 points to close at 37, 535 on Tuesday. The Nifty meanwhile climbed 133.15 points to close at 11,301. The Sensex closed at a six-month high on Monday, after the announcement of the dates for the general elections a day earlier on Sunday. New reports Tuesday said strong global cues and uninterrupted buying by foreign investors were helping prop up the surge. And that a stronger rupee was contributing to the positive market sentiments.

Sensex extends surge, climbs 481.5 points 

The BSE benchmark Sensex snapped its four-day rising streak Friday to end marginally lower on losses in IT and metal stocks as investors turned cautious amid weak overseas cues.

The 30-share index settled 53.99 points, or 0.15 per cent lower at 36,671.43, while the broader NSE Nifty slipped 22.80 points, or 0.21 per cent, to 11,035.40.

During the week, the Sensex gained 607.62 points or 1.68 per cent; and the Nifty advanced 171.9 points or 1.58 per cent.

Tata Motors was the biggest loser in the Sensex pack Friday, tumbling 3.99 per cent, followed by HCL Tech, Tata Steel, Vedanta, Infosys, ONGC, Asian Paints, Maruti and L&amp;T that shed up to 2.53 per cent.

NTPC was the top gainer, spurting 4.28 per cent.

Other winners were Bajaj Auto, Bajaj Finance, Sun Pharma, ITC, Hero MotoCorp, TCS, Yes Bank, HDFC, HDFC Bank and SBI, rising up to 1.38 per cent. 
Sectorally, the BSE metal index witnessed most losses, falling 1.57 per cent, followed by IT and tech.

Broader indices followed the benchmarks, with the BSE Midcap index and the small-cap gauge ending marginally lower.

Meanwhile, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) bought shares worth a net Rs 1,137.85 crore on Thursday, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) were net sellers to the tune of Rs 925.46 crore, provisional data available with BSE showed.

"The momentum in domestic market was capped due to the renewed concern in global economy. Moderation in GDP growth by ECB and weak export data from China impacted the global sentiment," said Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Financial Services.

"But Indian rupee strengthened supported by FII liquidity and benign oil prices, portraying the positive undercurrent in the domestic market," he added.

Global equities witnessed a selloff after the European Central Bank (ECB) slashed its forecast for economic growth and inflation in the 19-country euro zone.

The ECB now expects growth of 1.1 per cent this year, down from its earlier forecast for 1.7 per cent. Inflation is also expected to be lower at 1.2 per cent compared with 1.6 per cent forecast earlier.

Elsewhere in Asia, Hong Kong's Hang Seng cracked 1.91 per cent, Shanghai Composite Index plunged 4.40 per cent and Korea's Kospi fell 1.31 per cent. Japan's Nikkei ended 2.01 per cent lower.

In the Eurozone, Frankfurt's DAX was down 0.49 per cent, Paris CAC 40 shed 0.36 per cent, and London's FTSE fell 0.66 per cent in early deals.

Oil market benchmark Brent crude futures fell 1.63 per cent to $65.22 per barrel.

Meanwhile, the rupee appreciated 7 paise to 69.93 against the US dollar intra-day.&nbsp;

The BSE benchmark Sensex snapped its four-day rising streak Friday to end marginally lower on losses in IT and metal stocks as investors turned cautious amid weak overseas cues.

The BSE benchmark Sensex snapped its four-day rising streak Friday to end marginally lower on losses in IT and metal stocks as investors turned cautious amid weak overseas cues. The 30-share index settled 53.99 points, or 0.15 per cent lower at 36,671.43, while the broader NSE Nifty slipped 22.80 points, or 0.21 per cent, to 11,035.40. During the week, the Sensex gained 607.62 points or 1.68 per cent; and the Nifty advanced 171.9 points or 1.58 per cent. Tata Motors was the biggest loser in the Sensex pack Friday, tumbling 3.99 per cent, followed by HCL Tech, Tata Steel, Vedanta, Infosys, ONGC, Asian Paints, Maruti and L&T that shed up to 2.53 per cent. NTPC was the top gainer, spurting 4.28 per cent. Other winners were Bajaj Auto, Bajaj Finance, Sun Pharma, ITC, Hero MotoCorp, TCS, Yes Bank, HDFC, HDFC Bank and SBI, rising up to 1.38 per cent. Sectorally, the BSE metal index witnessed most losses, falling 1.57 per cent, followed by IT and tech. Broader indices followed the benchmarks, with the BSE Midcap index and the small-cap gauge ending marginally lower. Meanwhile, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) bought shares worth a net Rs 1,137.85 crore on Thursday, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) were net sellers to the tune of Rs 925.46 crore, provisional data available with BSE showed. "The momentum in domestic market was capped due to the renewed concern in global economy. Moderation in GDP growth by ECB and weak export data from China impacted the global sentiment," said Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Financial Services. "But Indian rupee strengthened supported by FII liquidity and benign oil prices, portraying the positive undercurrent in the domestic market," he added. Global equities witnessed a selloff after the European Central Bank (ECB) slashed its forecast for economic growth and inflation in the 19-country euro zone. The ECB now expects growth of 1.1 per cent this year, down from its earlier forecast for 1.7 per cent. Inflation is also expected to be lower at 1.2 per cent compared with 1.6 per cent forecast earlier. Elsewhere in Asia, Hong Kong's Hang Seng cracked 1.91 per cent, Shanghai Composite Index plunged 4.40 per cent and Korea's Kospi fell 1.31 per cent. Japan's Nikkei ended 2.01 per cent lower. In the Eurozone, Frankfurt's DAX was down 0.49 per cent, Paris CAC 40 shed 0.36 per cent, and London's FTSE fell 0.66 per cent in early deals. Oil market benchmark Brent crude futures fell 1.63 per cent to $65.22 per barrel. Meanwhile, the rupee appreciated 7 paise to 69.93 against the US dollar intra-day.

Markets snap 4-day winning streak on weak global cues

Indian shares ended higher on Thursday, with sentiment lifted by a strong rupee, amid hopes of a second term for the current government in the next elections.&nbsp;

The benchmark BSE Sensex closed up 0.24 per cent at 36,725.42, while the broader NSE Nifty ended 0.05 per cent higher at 11,058.20, with Larsen &amp; Toubro Ltd closing up 2.7 per cent.

Losses in Wipro Ltd, Indian Oil Corp and Zee Entertainment Enterprises capped the gains on the NSE index.

Indian shares ended higher on Thursday, with sentiment lifted by a strong rupee, amid hopes of a second term for the current government in the next elections. The benchmark BSE Sensex closed up 0.

Indian shares ended higher on Thursday, with sentiment lifted by a strong rupee, amid hopes of a second term for the current government in the next elections. The benchmark BSE Sensex closed up 0.24 per cent at 36,725.42, while the broader NSE Nifty ended 0.05 per cent higher at 11,058.20, with Larsen & Toubro Ltd closing up 2.7 per cent. Losses in Wipro Ltd, Indian Oil Corp and Zee Entertainment Enterprises capped the gains on the NSE index.

Sensex ends higher, Nifty closes over 11,000 mark

Domestic stock markets on Wednesday ended on a positive note with BSE Sensex jumping 193.56 points to close at 36,636.10. Nifty, on the other hand, gained 65.55 points to close at 11,053.00.&nbsp;

In opening trade earlier today, Indian bourses furthered gains with benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty adding 157 points and 53 points, respectively, on sustained buying mainly in stocks of finance, metal and capital goods sectors.

The BSE barometer Sensex opened positively at 36,544.86 and further consolidated its gains to trade at 36,599.69, climbing 157.15 points, or 0.49 per cent, over the previous close. It had gained nearly 379 points to close at 36,442 on Tuesday, news agency PTI reported.

The 30-share index gained nearly 575 points in the last two trading sessions.

The NSE gauge Nifty opened at 11,024.85 and rose to 11,040.85, gaining 53.40 points, or 0.49 per cent. The 50-scrip index had jumped 124 points to close at 10,987, PTI reported.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI) &nbsp;

Domestic stock markets on Wednesday ended on a positive note with BSE Sensex jumping 193.56 points to close at 36,636.10. Nifty, on the other hand, gained 65.55 points to close at 11,053.

Domestic stock markets on Wednesday ended on a positive note with BSE Sensex jumping 193.56 points to close at 36,636.10. Nifty, on the other hand, gained 65.55 points to close at 11,053.00. In opening trade earlier today, Indian bourses furthered gains with benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty adding 157 points and 53 points, respectively, on sustained buying mainly in stocks of finance, metal and capital goods sectors. The BSE barometer Sensex opened positively at 36,544.86 and further consolidated its gains to trade at 36,599.69, climbing 157.15 points, or 0.49 per cent, over the previous close. It had gained nearly 379 points to close at 36,442 on Tuesday, news agency PTI reported. The 30-share index gained nearly 575 points in the last two trading sessions. The NSE gauge Nifty opened at 11,024.85 and rose to 11,040.85, gaining 53.40 points, or 0.49 per cent. The 50-scrip index had jumped 124 points to close at 10,987, PTI reported. (With inputs from PTI)

Markets close in green; Sensex up by over 150 points, Nifty crosses 11,000 mark

The benchmark BSE Sensex surrendered early gains on Wednesday to end in the negative terrain by shedding 68 points on escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.

Investor sentiment took a beating after Pakistani fighter jets on Wednesday violated Indian air space in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch and Nowshera sectors, brokers said.

After rising nearly 400 points in early trade, the Sensex turned negative triggered by across-the-market selling by participants. The index finally settled 68.28 points, or 0.19%, lower at 35,905.43.

The gauge had lost 239.67 points on Tuesday.

The 50-share Nifty also fell 28.65 points, or 0.26%, to 10,806.65. Intra-day, it moved between 10,939.70 and 10,751.20.

The rupee depreciated 25 paise to 71.32 after touching a low of 71.49 against the dollar (intra-day), also hitting trading sentiments.

Fears that foreign institutional investors (FIIs), who have been pumping sizeable funds into the Indian bourses in the past few sessions, may slow down their activity, too cast a shadow over domestic equities, experts said.

Pakistan on Wednesday claimed that it shot down two Indian military aircraft over Pakistani air space and arrested one of the pilots.

Later in the day, India’s External Affairs Ministry said Pakistan has used its Air Force to target military installations in India in response to Indian counter-terrorism operations but their attempts were foiled successfully through one Indian pilot is “missing in action”.

The move came after the Indian Air Force on Tuesday struck Jaish-e-Mohammed’s (JeM) biggest camp in Pakistan in a major “preemptive” action, killing a large number of terrorists and trainers of the Pak-based terror group preparing to carry out suicide attacks in India.

Domestic institutional investors sold equities to the tune of ₹720.27 crore, while Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) bought shares worth a net ₹1,674.17 crore, provisional data showed.

The benchmark BSE Sensex surrendered early gains on Wednesday to end in the negative terrain by shedding 68 points on escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.

The benchmark BSE Sensex surrendered early gains on Wednesday to end in the negative terrain by shedding 68 points on escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. Investor sentiment took a beating after Pakistani fighter jets on Wednesday violated Indian air space in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch and Nowshera sectors, brokers said. After rising nearly 400 points in early trade, the Sensex turned negative triggered by across-the-market selling by participants. The index finally settled 68.28 points, or 0.19%, lower at 35,905.43. The gauge had lost 239.67 points on Tuesday. The 50-share Nifty also fell 28.65 points, or 0.26%, to 10,806.65. Intra-day, it moved between 10,939.70 and 10,751.20. The rupee depreciated 25 paise to 71.32 after touching a low of 71.49 against the dollar (intra-day), also hitting trading sentiments. Fears that foreign institutional investors (FIIs), who have been pumping sizeable funds into the Indian bourses in the past few sessions, may slow down their activity, too cast a shadow over domestic equities, experts said. Pakistan on Wednesday claimed that it shot down two Indian military aircraft over Pakistani air space and arrested one of the pilots. Later in the day, India’s External Affairs Ministry said Pakistan has used its Air Force to target military installations in India in response to Indian counter-terrorism operations but their attempts were foiled successfully through one Indian pilot is “missing in action”. The move came after the Indian Air Force on Tuesday struck Jaish-e-Mohammed’s (JeM) biggest camp in Pakistan in a major “preemptive” action, killing a large number of terrorists and trainers of the Pak-based terror group preparing to carry out suicide attacks in India. Domestic institutional investors sold equities to the tune of ₹720.27 crore, while Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) bought shares worth a net ₹1,674.17 crore, provisional data showed.

Market extends losses as India-Pakistan tension escalates

Benchmark indices started on a negative note Friday as investors turned cautious after the release of the minutes of RBI's last policy meet, in which governor Shaktikanta Das argued the need to look at growth concerns.

Besides, subdued cues from other Asian markets too weighed on investor sentiment here.

The BSE Sensex was trading 75.24 points, or 0.21 per cent, lower at 35,823.11. Similarly, the 50-share NSE Nifty fell 25.95 points, or 0.24 per cent, to 10,763.90.

In the previous session, the 30-share index settled 142.09 points, or 0.40 per cent higher at 35,898.35. The broader Nifty gained 54.40 points, or 0.51 per cent, to 10,789.85.

Top losers in the Sensex pack in morning trade include Kotak Bank, Tata Steel, L&amp;T, RIL, Axis Bank, NTPC, Tata Motors, HDFC Bank, HDFC and ITC, falling up to 3.39 per cent.

On the other hand, Yes Bank, Sun Pharma, Maruti, ONGC, Bajaj Auto, IndusInd Bank, ICICI Bank, M&amp;M, Bharti Airtel and SBI rose up to 1.63 per cent.

According to traders, investor sentiment turned weak after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Thursday released the minutes of its last monetary policy meet.

The central bank's Monetary Policy Committee has noted the "weakened growth momentum" amidst inflation cooling off to lower the key policy rates to create a "congenial environment" for growth as the reasons for the surprise rate cut earlier this month.

In his debut policy review as RBI governor Shaktikanta Das argued that there was a need to look at growth concerns.

Meanwhile, on a net basis, domestic institutional investors (DIIs) were net buyers to the tune of Rs 202.10 crore, and foreign institutional investors (FIIs) also bought shares worth a net of Rs 55.48 crore on Thursday, provisional data available with BSE showed.

Domestic investors also tracked weak cues from global markets, traders said.

Hong Kong's Hang Seng slipped 0.26 per cent, Kospi fell 0.28 per cent, and Japan's Nikkei shed 0.42 per cent; while Shanghai Composite Index was trading 0.03 per cent higher in early trade.

On Wall Street, Dow Jones Industrial Average ended 0.40 per cent lower at 25,850.63 points on Thursday.

The benchmark Brent crude futures fell 0.28 per cent to $66.88 per barrel.

The rupee, meanwhile, was trading almost flat at 71.23 against the US dollar in early session.&nbsp;

Benchmark indices started on a negative note Friday as investors turned cautious after the release of the minutes of RBI's last policy meet, in which governor Shaktikanta Das argued the need to look at growth concerns.

Benchmark indices started on a negative note Friday as investors turned cautious after the release of the minutes of RBI's last policy meet, in which governor Shaktikanta Das argued the need to look at growth concerns. Besides, subdued cues from other Asian markets too weighed on investor sentiment here. The BSE Sensex was trading 75.24 points, or 0.21 per cent, lower at 35,823.11. Similarly, the 50-share NSE Nifty fell 25.95 points, or 0.24 per cent, to 10,763.90. In the previous session, the 30-share index settled 142.09 points, or 0.40 per cent higher at 35,898.35. The broader Nifty gained 54.40 points, or 0.51 per cent, to 10,789.85. Top losers in the Sensex pack in morning trade include Kotak Bank, Tata Steel, L&T, RIL, Axis Bank, NTPC, Tata Motors, HDFC Bank, HDFC and ITC, falling up to 3.39 per cent. On the other hand, Yes Bank, Sun Pharma, Maruti, ONGC, Bajaj Auto, IndusInd Bank, ICICI Bank, M&M, Bharti Airtel and SBI rose up to 1.63 per cent. According to traders, investor sentiment turned weak after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Thursday released the minutes of its last monetary policy meet. The central bank's Monetary Policy Committee has noted the "weakened growth momentum" amidst inflation cooling off to lower the key policy rates to create a "congenial environment" for growth as the reasons for the surprise rate cut earlier this month. In his debut policy review as RBI governor Shaktikanta Das argued that there was a need to look at growth concerns. Meanwhile, on a net basis, domestic institutional investors (DIIs) were net buyers to the tune of Rs 202.10 crore, and foreign institutional investors (FIIs) also bought shares worth a net of Rs 55.48 crore on Thursday, provisional data available with BSE showed. Domestic investors also tracked weak cues from global markets, traders said. Hong Kong's Hang Seng slipped 0.26 per cent, Kospi fell 0.28 per cent, and Japan's Nikkei shed 0.42 per cent; while Shanghai Composite Index was trading 0.03 per cent higher in early trade. On Wall Street, Dow Jones Industrial Average ended 0.40 per cent lower at 25,850.63 points on Thursday. The benchmark Brent crude futures fell 0.28 per cent to $66.88 per barrel. The rupee, meanwhile, was trading almost flat at 71.23 against the US dollar in early session.

Markets start on tepid note as investors turn cautious over minutes of RBI's policy meet

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