Benchmark indices reeled under selling pressure for the seventh straight session Friday as pharma, metal, auto and banking stocks led losses amid sustained foreign fund outflows and muted earnings season.

However, emergence of buying in power, energy and PSU stocks in the last one hour of the session and covering-up of short positions by speculators wiped off most losses.

The 30-share Sensex after slumping 365 points to hit a low of 35,510.97 intra-day, recouped most of the lost ground on fag-end buying, and finally settled with a modest fall of 67.27 points, or 0.19 per cent down at 35,808.95.

The index has now lost a lost over 1,165 points in seven sessions.

The broader NSE Nifty, after shuttling between 10,620.40 and 10,785.75, settled at 10,724.40 points, down by 21.65 points, or 0.20 per cent.

On a weekly basis, the BSE index dropped 737.53 points, or over 2 per cent; while NSE Nifty fell 219.20 points, or 2 per cent.

Top losers include Sun Pharma, Tata Steel, Vedanta, Hero MotoCorp, Bajaj Finance, SBI, Axis Bank, HDFC and Maruti, falling up to 3.94 per cent.

On the other hand, NTPC, PowerGrid, ONGC, RIL, L&amp;T, Bharti Airtel, Tata Motors and Coal India were among the gainers, rising up to 4.13 per cent.

A weak trend at other Asian bourses, tracking overnight losses at the US markets after US retail sales recorded its biggest drop since 2009, raising fresh doubts about the strength of the US economy, also weighed on market sentiment, brokers said.

Besides, investors remained cautious ahead of the outcome of the ongoing trade talks between the US and China.

Meanwhile, on a net basis, foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) sold shares worth Rs 250.23 crore, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought shares worth Rs 1,225.24 crore on Thursday, provisional data showed.

Rising global crude prices dented the rupee, which depreciated by another 28 paise to 71.44 against the dollar intra-day.

The Brent crude futures, the international benchmark, advanced to USD 65.10 per barrel, their highest level in nearly three months.&nbsp;

Benchmark indices reeled under selling pressure for the seventh straight session Friday as pharma, metal, auto and banking stocks led losses amid sustained foreign fund outflows and muted earnings season.

Benchmark indices reeled under selling pressure for the seventh straight session Friday as pharma, metal, auto and banking stocks led losses amid sustained foreign fund outflows and muted earnings season. However, emergence of buying in power, energy and PSU stocks in the last one hour of the session and covering-up of short positions by speculators wiped off most losses. The 30-share Sensex after slumping 365 points to hit a low of 35,510.97 intra-day, recouped most of the lost ground on fag-end buying, and finally settled with a modest fall of 67.27 points, or 0.19 per cent down at 35,808.95. The index has now lost a lost over 1,165 points in seven sessions. The broader NSE Nifty, after shuttling between 10,620.40 and 10,785.75, settled at 10,724.40 points, down by 21.65 points, or 0.20 per cent. On a weekly basis, the BSE index dropped 737.53 points, or over 2 per cent; while NSE Nifty fell 219.20 points, or 2 per cent. Top losers include Sun Pharma, Tata Steel, Vedanta, Hero MotoCorp, Bajaj Finance, SBI, Axis Bank, HDFC and Maruti, falling up to 3.94 per cent. On the other hand, NTPC, PowerGrid, ONGC, RIL, L&T, Bharti Airtel, Tata Motors and Coal India were among the gainers, rising up to 4.13 per cent. A weak trend at other Asian bourses, tracking overnight losses at the US markets after US retail sales recorded its biggest drop since 2009, raising fresh doubts about the strength of the US economy, also weighed on market sentiment, brokers said. Besides, investors remained cautious ahead of the outcome of the ongoing trade talks between the US and China. Meanwhile, on a net basis, foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) sold shares worth Rs 250.23 crore, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought shares worth Rs 1,225.24 crore on Thursday, provisional data showed. Rising global crude prices dented the rupee, which depreciated by another 28 paise to 71.44 against the dollar intra-day. The Brent crude futures, the international benchmark, advanced to USD 65.10 per barrel, their highest level in nearly three months.

Sensex ends 67 points lower; pharma, metal stocks crack

Global unemployment levels fell one per cent&nbsp;to a steady 5 per cent in 2018, the lowest figures since the economic crisis that wreaked havoc on labour markets, the International Labour Organization (ILO), said in a report published Wednesday.&nbsp;

The "World Employment and Social Outlook Trends 2019" report said unemployment rates were anticipated to fall further to 4.9 per cent this year, which is expected to hold steady into 2020 despite the fact that the number of jobless in real terms is estimated to rise from 172 million to 174 million in that time as the labour market expands.&nbsp;

The ILO, a United Nations agency that this year marked its centenary, lamented the fact it had taken nine years to recover from the shock of the 2007-08 global financial crisis. Between 2008-09, as the fallout of the near total collapse of major markets took hold, the unemployment rate jumped from 5 to 5.6 per cent.&nbsp;

Damian Grimshaw, the ILO's head of the investigation, told EFE that while the number of jobs was generally increasing worldwide, the quality of those jobs was not necessarily improving.&nbsp;

Gender continued to present a real issue.

"The much lower labour force participation of women, which stood at 48 per cent, compared with 75 per cent for men, means that around three in five of the 3.5 billion people in the global labour force were men," the report said.&nbsp;

"After a period of rapid improvement that lasted until 2003, subsequent progress on closing the gender gap in participation rates had stalled," the report added.&nbsp;

Moreover, 2 billion of the 3.3 billion people in the global labour market worked in informal employment which put their economic security at risk, according to figures in 2016.&nbsp;

"The poor quality of many jobs also manifests itself in the fact that, in 2018, more than one-quarter of workers in low- and middle-income countries were living in extreme or moderate poverty," the report said.&nbsp;

"Being in employment does not always guarantee a decent living. Many workers find themselves having to take up unattractive jobs that tend to be informal and are characterized by low pay and little or no access to social protection and rights at work," it added.&nbsp;

ILO said that in-work poverty rates in middle-income countries had declined in recent years, however.&nbsp;

Global unemployment among young people (between 15-24) stood at 11.8 per cent, higher than other age brackets.&nbsp;

The organization expressed its alarm at the high level of young people not in employment, education or training (NEET).&nbsp;

In 2018, 30 per cent of women in the youth age bracket and 13 per cent of men were classified as NEET.&nbsp;

"In line with a stable aggregate unemployment rate, the outlook for men, women and young people with regard to opportunities on the job market is also very stable," the report said.&nbsp;

"This means that neither the above-mentioned gender disparities nor the labour market challenges faced by young people are expected to abate in the coming year."&nbsp;

It said the youth participation in the labour market had been declining steadily for the last 25 years, although highlighted that one factor for this was that more young people were entering further education.

It warned, however, that the increasing number of inactive people in this sense in comparison to the number of active people in the labour market could pose future challenges on how the market is organized.&nbsp;

On a pessimistic note, the ILO said it had registered around 114 million children aged between 5-14 involved in the global labour market, 73 million of whom were working in hazardous conditions, according to data from 2016.&nbsp;

"Worldwide, this translates into an incidence of child labour of almost one in 10 children – a truly alarming statistic," is said.&nbsp;

Although those figures were dropping year-on-year, the drop was not consistent with the United Nations' program to eliminate child labour and exploitation by 2025.

Global unemployment levels fell one per cent to a steady 5 per cent in 2018, the lowest figures since the economic crisis that wreaked havoc on labour markets, the International Labour Organization (ILO), said in a report published Wednesday.

Global unemployment levels fell one per cent to a steady 5 per cent in 2018, the lowest figures since the economic crisis that wreaked havoc on labour markets, the International Labour Organization (ILO), said in a report published Wednesday. The "World Employment and Social Outlook Trends 2019" report said unemployment rates were anticipated to fall further to 4.9 per cent this year, which is expected to hold steady into 2020 despite the fact that the number of jobless in real terms is estimated to rise from 172 million to 174 million in that time as the labour market expands. The ILO, a United Nations agency that this year marked its centenary, lamented the fact it had taken nine years to recover from the shock of the 2007-08 global financial crisis. Between 2008-09, as the fallout of the near total collapse of major markets took hold, the unemployment rate jumped from 5 to 5.6 per cent. Damian Grimshaw, the ILO's head of the investigation, told EFE that while the number of jobs was generally increasing worldwide, the quality of those jobs was not necessarily improving. Gender continued to present a real issue. "The much lower labour force participation of women, which stood at 48 per cent, compared with 75 per cent for men, means that around three in five of the 3.5 billion people in the global labour force were men," the report said. "After a period of rapid improvement that lasted until 2003, subsequent progress on closing the gender gap in participation rates had stalled," the report added. Moreover, 2 billion of the 3.3 billion people in the global labour market worked in informal employment which put their economic security at risk, according to figures in 2016. "The poor quality of many jobs also manifests itself in the fact that, in 2018, more than one-quarter of workers in low- and middle-income countries were living in extreme or moderate poverty," the report said. "Being in employment does not always guarantee a decent living. Many workers find themselves having to take up unattractive jobs that tend to be informal and are characterized by low pay and little or no access to social protection and rights at work," it added. ILO said that in-work poverty rates in middle-income countries had declined in recent years, however. Global unemployment among young people (between 15-24) stood at 11.8 per cent, higher than other age brackets. The organization expressed its alarm at the high level of young people not in employment, education or training (NEET). In 2018, 30 per cent of women in the youth age bracket and 13 per cent of men were classified as NEET. "In line with a stable aggregate unemployment rate, the outlook for men, women and young people with regard to opportunities on the job market is also very stable," the report said. "This means that neither the above-mentioned gender disparities nor the labour market challenges faced by young people are expected to abate in the coming year." It said the youth participation in the labour market had been declining steadily for the last 25 years, although highlighted that one factor for this was that more young people were entering further education. It warned, however, that the increasing number of inactive people in this sense in comparison to the number of active people in the labour market could pose future challenges on how the market is organized. On a pessimistic note, the ILO said it had registered around 114 million children aged between 5-14 involved in the global labour market, 73 million of whom were working in hazardous conditions, according to data from 2016. "Worldwide, this translates into an incidence of child labour of almost one in 10 children – a truly alarming statistic," is said. Although those figures were dropping year-on-year, the drop was not consistent with the United Nations' program to eliminate child labour and exploitation by 2025.

Global unemployment rate low but gender gap, low pay still haunts: ILO

The rupee appreciated by 19 paise to 70.98 against the US dollar in opening trade Monday, driven by the weakening of the greenback in overseas markets and easing crude prices.

The<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/rupee-rises-10-paise-against-us-dollar-in-early-trade-192624"> rupee opened</a> strong at 70.99 at the interbank forex market then gained further ground and touched 70.98 amid easing crude prices, displaying gains of 19 paise against the greenback over its last close.

 
The rupee Friday weakened by 10 paise to close at 71.17 against the US dollar.

Forex dealers said, easing crude oil prices and selling of the American currency by exporters supported the rupee, while a lower opening in the domestic equity market restricted the uptrend.

Brent crude, the global benchmark, was trading lower at per 61.36 barrel lower by 0.45 per cent.

Meanwhile, the benchmark BSE Sensex was trading lower by 180.02 points, or 0.50 per cent to quote at 35,845.52 while the NSE Nifty was trading at 10,719.85, down 60.70 points, or 0.56 per cent.

Forex traders said, fresh foreign fund inflows also supported the rupee up move.

Foreign funds purchased shares worth Rs 689.28 crore from the capital markets on a net basis, while domestic institutional investors sold shares worth Rs 147.35 crore Friday, provisional data showed.

The rupee appreciated by 19 paise to 70.98 against the US dollar in opening trade Monday, driven by the weakening of the greenback in overseas markets and easing crude prices.

The rupee appreciated by 19 paise to 70.98 against the US dollar in opening trade Monday, driven by the weakening of the greenback in overseas markets and easing crude prices. The rupee opened strong at 70.99 at the interbank forex market then gained further ground and touched 70.98 amid easing crude prices, displaying gains of 19 paise against the greenback over its last close. The rupee Friday weakened by 10 paise to close at 71.17 against the US dollar. Forex dealers said, easing crude oil prices and selling of the American currency by exporters supported the rupee, while a lower opening in the domestic equity market restricted the uptrend. Brent crude, the global benchmark, was trading lower at per 61.36 barrel lower by 0.45 per cent. Meanwhile, the benchmark BSE Sensex was trading lower by 180.02 points, or 0.50 per cent to quote at 35,845.52 while the NSE Nifty was trading at 10,719.85, down 60.70 points, or 0.56 per cent. Forex traders said, fresh foreign fund inflows also supported the rupee up move. Foreign funds purchased shares worth Rs 689.28 crore from the capital markets on a net basis, while domestic institutional investors sold shares worth Rs 147.35 crore Friday, provisional data showed.

Rupee opens 19 paise higher at 70.98 against US dollar

The BSE benchmark Sensex and NSE Nifty Friday started on a volatile note tracking heavy selling on pharma and banking counters amid weakening rupee.

After opening marginally higher, the 30-share index turned negative and was trading 79.53 points, or 0.22 per cent, lower at 36,294.55 in early trade. Similarly, the NSE Nifty slipped 16.25 points, or 0.15 per cent, to 10,888.95.

On Thursday, the Sensex settled 52.79 points, or 0.15 per cent, higher at 36,374.08; and the broader NSE Nifty inched up 14.90 points, or 0.14 per cent, to 10,905.20.

In morning session on Friday, Sun Pharma was the biggest loser on Sensex, cracking up to 10 per cent.

Other losers were Yes Bank, Bharti Airtel, HUL, Axis Bank, M&amp;M, Coal India, Asian Paints, Tata Motors and TCS, shedding up to 1.49 per cent.

ONGC, PowerGrid, RIL, Vedanta and Maruti were the top gainers, rising up to 1 per cent.

On a net basis, foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) purchased shares worth Rs 842.13 crore Thursday, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) were net sellers to the tune of Rs 727.46 crore, provisional data available with BSE showed.

According to analysts, global trade tensions and risk of recession will cast cloud over the sentiment; while lack of major triggers in the domestic market could steer a range bound movement in the near term.

The rupee, meanwhile, depreciated 18 paise against the US dollar to 71.21.

The benchmark Brent crude futures rose 0.88 per cent to $61.72 per barrel.

Elsewhere in Asia, Hong Kong's Hang Seng was up 0.94 per cent, Shanghai Composite Index was trading 0.79 per cent higher, Kospi rose 0.55 per cent in early trade and Japan's Nikkei rallied 1.26 per cent.

On Wall Street, Dow Jones Industrial Average ended 0.67 per cent higher at 24,370.10 points on Thursday.

The BSE benchmark Sensex and NSE Nifty Friday started on a volatile note tracking heavy selling on pharma and banking counters amid weakening rupee. After opening marginally higher, the 30-share index turned negative and was trading 79.

The BSE benchmark Sensex and NSE Nifty Friday started on a volatile note tracking heavy selling on pharma and banking counters amid weakening rupee. After opening marginally higher, the 30-share index turned negative and was trading 79.53 points, or 0.22 per cent, lower at 36,294.55 in early trade. Similarly, the NSE Nifty slipped 16.25 points, or 0.15 per cent, to 10,888.95. On Thursday, the Sensex settled 52.79 points, or 0.15 per cent, higher at 36,374.08; and the broader NSE Nifty inched up 14.90 points, or 0.14 per cent, to 10,905.20. In morning session on Friday, Sun Pharma was the biggest loser on Sensex, cracking up to 10 per cent. Other losers were Yes Bank, Bharti Airtel, HUL, Axis Bank, M&M, Coal India, Asian Paints, Tata Motors and TCS, shedding up to 1.49 per cent. ONGC, PowerGrid, RIL, Vedanta and Maruti were the top gainers, rising up to 1 per cent. On a net basis, foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) purchased shares worth Rs 842.13 crore Thursday, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) were net sellers to the tune of Rs 727.46 crore, provisional data available with BSE showed. According to analysts, global trade tensions and risk of recession will cast cloud over the sentiment; while lack of major triggers in the domestic market could steer a range bound movement in the near term. The rupee, meanwhile, depreciated 18 paise against the US dollar to 71.21. The benchmark Brent crude futures rose 0.88 per cent to $61.72 per barrel. Elsewhere in Asia, Hong Kong's Hang Seng was up 0.94 per cent, Shanghai Composite Index was trading 0.79 per cent higher, Kospi rose 0.55 per cent in early trade and Japan's Nikkei rallied 1.26 per cent. On Wall Street, Dow Jones Industrial Average ended 0.67 per cent higher at 24,370.10 points on Thursday.

Sensex, Nifty start on volatile note amid weakening rupee

The domestic stock market on Tuesday opened on a flat note with BSE Sensex and Nifty registering minor increase in opening trade.&nbsp;

Sensex opened at 36,161.80 from its previous close of 36,068.33 on Monday. At around 9.25 am, Sensex traded at 36,003.51, up by 64.82 points.

Nifty opened at 10,881.70 after Monday's closing at 10,862.55. It rose marginally, by around 20 points, in morning trade.

Snapping their three-session rising streak, market benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty ended the last trading session of 2018 with marginal losses amid mixed cues from global markets.&nbsp;

The 30-share BSE index fell 8.39 points, or 0.02 per cent, to finish at 36,068.33; while the broader NSE Nifty edged lower by 2.65 points, or 0.02 per cent, to 10,862.55.

The Indian rupee Monday signed off the last trading session of 2018 with 18 paise gains at 69.77 per dollar but clocked a 9.23 per cent fall during the year after witnessing its one of the tumultuous years in the recent past.

(With inputs PTI)

The domestic stock market on Tuesday opened on a flat note with BSE Sensex and Nifty registering minor increase in opening trade. Sensex opened at 36,161.80 from its previous close of 36,068.

The domestic stock market on Tuesday opened on a flat note with BSE Sensex and Nifty registering minor increase in opening trade. Sensex opened at 36,161.80 from its previous close of 36,068.33 on Monday. At around 9.25 am, Sensex traded at 36,003.51, up by 64.82 points. Nifty opened at 10,881.70 after Monday's closing at 10,862.55. It rose marginally, by around 20 points, in morning trade. Snapping their three-session rising streak, market benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty ended the last trading session of 2018 with marginal losses amid mixed cues from global markets. The 30-share BSE index fell 8.39 points, or 0.02 per cent, to finish at 36,068.33; while the broader NSE Nifty edged lower by 2.65 points, or 0.02 per cent, to 10,862.55. The Indian rupee Monday signed off the last trading session of 2018 with 18 paise gains at 69.77 per dollar but clocked a 9.23 per cent fall during the year after witnessing its one of the tumultuous years in the recent past. (With inputs PTI)

Markets open on flat note; Sensex, Nifty record marginal gains in early trade 

Wall Street closed higher in the final session of 2018 on Monday, but the year proved to be the worst for US stocks since the financial crisis a decade ago.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 1.2 per cent to close the year at 23,327.46 -- which meant a loss of 5.6 per cent from 2017.

The broad-based S&amp;P 500 advanced 0.9 per cent in the session to 2,506.85, a loss of 6.2 per cent for the year.

The tech-rich Nasdaq Composite Index advanced 0.8 per cent to end at 6,635.28 a decline of 3.9 per cent for 2018.

Wall Street closed higher in the final session of 2018 on Monday, but the year proved to be the worst for US stocks since the financial crisis a decade ago. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 1.

Wall Street closed higher in the final session of 2018 on Monday, but the year proved to be the worst for US stocks since the financial crisis a decade ago. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 1.2 per cent to close the year at 23,327.46 -- which meant a loss of 5.6 per cent from 2017. The broad-based S&P 500 advanced 0.9 per cent in the session to 2,506.85, a loss of 6.2 per cent for the year. The tech-rich Nasdaq Composite Index advanced 0.8 per cent to end at 6,635.28 a decline of 3.9 per cent for 2018.

US stocks gain in final session; 2018 sees biggest decline since 2008

Domestic equities benchmark BSE Sensex plunged over 350 points Wednesday as investors turned jittery over political uncertainty in the US and fears of a global economic slowdown amid heavy selloff by foreign investors.

The 30-share index slumped 360.95 points, or 1.02 per cent, to 35,109.20 in early trade. It had fallen 271.92 points, or 0.76 per cent, to 35,470.15 in the previous session Monday. The NSE Nifty too shed 112.30 points, or 1.05 per cent, to 10,551.20.

The losses on Dalal Street were led by metal, realty, banking, IT, pharma and auto stocks.

Top losers include Yes Bank, TCS, HUL, Kotak Bank, M&amp;M, Sun Pharma, Tata Motors, Infosys, Bajaj Auto, Tata Steel, Reliance, ICICI Bank and SBI, falling up to 3 per cent.

HDFC was the only gainer on Sensex, trading marginally higher than its previous close.

Financial markets were closed Tuesday on account of Christmas.

According to experts, investors are jittery over the political unpredictability in the US.

US President Donald Trump Tuesday ruled out an end to the partial government shutdown till the Congress approve funds for building a wall along the Mexican border to prevent entry of illegal immigrants.

Democrats and some Republicans have rejected Trump's demand for the US-Mexico border, following which on last week he refused to sign a wider spending bill, temporarily stripping funding from swaths of the government.

Global investors also took cues from Wall Street stocks which plunged for a fourth straight session Monday amid rising doubts over the US economy after Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin's efforts to reassure investors fell flat.

Markets were also unnerved by weekend news reports that US President Donald Trump was weighing whether to fire Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, accounts that Mnuchin said Trump had denied.

The rupee, meanwhile, gained against the US dollar, and was trading at 69.82 a dollar, up 0.46 per cent from its previous close.

Brent crude, the international benchmark, was down 0.43 per cent at USD 50.55 per barrel.&nbsp;

Stocks of aviation and oil marketing companies rose as crude prices fell. Spicejet and Jet Airways rose up to 2 per cent, while IOC and BPCL gained up to 1 per cent.

On a net basis, foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) sold shares worth Rs 577.10 crore Monday, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) were net buyers to the tune of Rs 186.14 crore, provisional data available with BSE showed.

Elsewhere in Asia, Hong Kong's Hang Seng was fell 0.40 per cent, Kospi dropped 1.57 per cent and Shanghai Composite Index shed 0.02 per cent; while Japan's Nikkei was up 0.65 per cent in early trade.

On Wall Street, the Dow Jones Industrial Average index cracked 653.17 points, or 2.91 per cent, to 21,792.20 on Monday.&nbsp;

Domestic equities benchmark BSE Sensex plunged over 350 points Wednesday as investors turned jittery over political uncertainty in the US and fears of a global economic slowdown amid heavy selloff by foreign investors.

Domestic equities benchmark BSE Sensex plunged over 350 points Wednesday as investors turned jittery over political uncertainty in the US and fears of a global economic slowdown amid heavy selloff by foreign investors. The 30-share index slumped 360.95 points, or 1.02 per cent, to 35,109.20 in early trade. It had fallen 271.92 points, or 0.76 per cent, to 35,470.15 in the previous session Monday. The NSE Nifty too shed 112.30 points, or 1.05 per cent, to 10,551.20. The losses on Dalal Street were led by metal, realty, banking, IT, pharma and auto stocks. Top losers include Yes Bank, TCS, HUL, Kotak Bank, M&M, Sun Pharma, Tata Motors, Infosys, Bajaj Auto, Tata Steel, Reliance, ICICI Bank and SBI, falling up to 3 per cent. HDFC was the only gainer on Sensex, trading marginally higher than its previous close. Financial markets were closed Tuesday on account of Christmas. According to experts, investors are jittery over the political unpredictability in the US. US President Donald Trump Tuesday ruled out an end to the partial government shutdown till the Congress approve funds for building a wall along the Mexican border to prevent entry of illegal immigrants. Democrats and some Republicans have rejected Trump's demand for the US-Mexico border, following which on last week he refused to sign a wider spending bill, temporarily stripping funding from swaths of the government. Global investors also took cues from Wall Street stocks which plunged for a fourth straight session Monday amid rising doubts over the US economy after Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin's efforts to reassure investors fell flat. Markets were also unnerved by weekend news reports that US President Donald Trump was weighing whether to fire Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, accounts that Mnuchin said Trump had denied. The rupee, meanwhile, gained against the US dollar, and was trading at 69.82 a dollar, up 0.46 per cent from its previous close. Brent crude, the international benchmark, was down 0.43 per cent at USD 50.55 per barrel. Stocks of aviation and oil marketing companies rose as crude prices fell. Spicejet and Jet Airways rose up to 2 per cent, while IOC and BPCL gained up to 1 per cent. On a net basis, foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) sold shares worth Rs 577.10 crore Monday, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) were net buyers to the tune of Rs 186.14 crore, provisional data available with BSE showed. Elsewhere in Asia, Hong Kong's Hang Seng was fell 0.40 per cent, Kospi dropped 1.57 per cent and Shanghai Composite Index shed 0.02 per cent; while Japan's Nikkei was up 0.65 per cent in early trade. On Wall Street, the Dow Jones Industrial Average index cracked 653.17 points, or 2.91 per cent, to 21,792.20 on Monday.

Sensex cracks over 350 points on global selloff; Nifty below 10,600

Benchmark equity indices witnessed heavy selloff Friday after investors booked profits in realty, banking, IT and auto bluechips amid weak signals from global markets.

The BSE Sensex plunged 689.60 points, or 1.89 per cent, to 35,742.07, while the NSE Nifty slipped 197.70 points, or 1.81 per cent, to 10,754&nbsp;as the possibility of a US&nbsp;government shutdown and further rate hikes by the Federal Reserve next year made investors jittery.

The 30-share index ended the week 527.93 points lower, while the broader Nifty lost 134 points.

The equity market witnessed selling ahead of the weekend, mainly due to fears of lower global economic growth in the coming year, said Joseph Thomas, Head Research- Emkay Wealth Management.

Concerns over the rupee also loomed over IT and tech stocks, analysts said.

Benchmark indices <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sensex-falls-100-points-in-early-hours-amid-us-government-shutdown-tension-185589">opened on a choppy note Friday on negative global cues </a>amid fears of a potential US government shutdown and rising tension between the US and China.

After falling over 100 points in the opening session, the 30-share Sensex was trading 14.82 points or 0.04 per cent, higher at 36,416.85. The index had finished 52.66 points, or 0.14 per cent, lower at 36,431.67 Thursday.

The NSE Nifty, too, was trading 2.25 points, or 0.02 per cent, lower at 10,949.45.

Domestic and other Asian stocks followed Wall Street that fell sharply after US President Donald Trump's demand for border wall funds pushed the federal government closer to a shutdown.

The White House said Trump will not travel to Florida Friday for the Christmas holiday if the government is shutting down. More than 8,00,000 federal workers will be facing furloughs or forced to work without pay if a resolution is not reached before funding expires at midnight Friday.

Meanwhile, China accused the US of fabricating facts after the US Justice Department indicted two hackers tied to Chinese security services who allegedly targeted companies and agencies in a dozen countries, adding fuel to the rift between the two countries, experts said.

Benchmark equity indices witnessed heavy selloff Friday after investors booked profits in realty, banking, IT and auto bluechips amid weak signals from global markets.

Benchmark equity indices witnessed heavy selloff Friday after investors booked profits in realty, banking, IT and auto bluechips amid weak signals from global markets. The BSE Sensex plunged 689.60 points, or 1.89 per cent, to 35,742.07, while the NSE Nifty slipped 197.70 points, or 1.81 per cent, to 10,754 as the possibility of a US government shutdown and further rate hikes by the Federal Reserve next year made investors jittery. The 30-share index ended the week 527.93 points lower, while the broader Nifty lost 134 points. The equity market witnessed selling ahead of the weekend, mainly due to fears of lower global economic growth in the coming year, said Joseph Thomas, Head Research- Emkay Wealth Management. Concerns over the rupee also loomed over IT and tech stocks, analysts said. Benchmark indices opened on a choppy note Friday on negative global cues amid fears of a potential US government shutdown and rising tension between the US and China. After falling over 100 points in the opening session, the 30-share Sensex was trading 14.82 points or 0.04 per cent, higher at 36,416.85. The index had finished 52.66 points, or 0.14 per cent, lower at 36,431.67 Thursday. The NSE Nifty, too, was trading 2.25 points, or 0.02 per cent, lower at 10,949.45. Domestic and other Asian stocks followed Wall Street that fell sharply after US President Donald Trump's demand for border wall funds pushed the federal government closer to a shutdown. The White House said Trump will not travel to Florida Friday for the Christmas holiday if the government is shutting down. More than 8,00,000 federal workers will be facing furloughs or forced to work without pay if a resolution is not reached before funding expires at midnight Friday. Meanwhile, China accused the US of fabricating facts after the US Justice Department indicted two hackers tied to Chinese security services who allegedly targeted companies and agencies in a dozen countries, adding fuel to the rift between the two countries, experts said.

Sensex plunges nearly 700 points amid fears of US government shutdown

Markets on Tuesday ended on a positive note with BSE Sensex rising 77.01 points to close at 36,347.08. Nifty gained 20.35 points to end at 10,908.70.&nbsp;

In early trade on Tuesday morning, Sensex dropped 141 points and broke its five-day winning streak.&nbsp;

The 30-share index dropped 140.51 points, or 0.40 per cent, to 36,129.56 points in opening trade. The gauge had rallied over 1,310 points in the previous five sessions, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

The NSE Nifty too fell 47.50 points, or 0.44 per cent, to 10,840.85.

Brokers said, the decline in benchmark indices was on account of a weak trend in Asian markets amid sharp losses at the Wall Street, as investors continued to fear the weakening of global growth. Besides, profit-booking in recent gainers also dampened investor sentiment here.

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Markets on Tuesday ended on a positive note with BSE Sensex rising 77.01 points to close at 36,347.08. Nifty gained 20.35 points to end at 10,908.70. In early trade on Tuesday morning, Sensex dropped 141 points and broke its five-day winning streak.

Markets on Tuesday ended on a positive note with BSE Sensex rising 77.01 points to close at 36,347.08. Nifty gained 20.35 points to end at 10,908.70. In early trade on Tuesday morning, Sensex dropped 141 points and broke its five-day winning streak. The 30-share index dropped 140.51 points, or 0.40 per cent, to 36,129.56 points in opening trade. The gauge had rallied over 1,310 points in the previous five sessions, news agency PTI reported. The NSE Nifty too fell 47.50 points, or 0.44 per cent, to 10,840.85. Brokers said, the decline in benchmark indices was on account of a weak trend in Asian markets amid sharp losses at the Wall Street, as investors continued to fear the weakening of global growth. Besides, profit-booking in recent gainers also dampened investor sentiment here. (With inputs from PTI)

Markets close in green, Sensex rises 77 points 

Domestic market on Friday ended on a positive note with BSE Sensex closing at 35,962.93, up by 33.29 points from its previous close. Nifty, on the other hand, went up by 13.90 points to end at 10,805.45.

Benchmark equity indices Friday opened on a cautious note amid negative signals from other Asian markets, and mixed macro cues like weakening rupee and easing crude prices, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

Breaking its three-day winning streak, the 30-share index turned choppy on Friday and was trading 25.93 points, or 0.07 per cent, lower at 35,903.71.

The NSE Nifty saw similar movement, shedding 5.55 points, 0.05 per cent, to 10,786.00.

The Sensex Thursday climbed 150.57 points, or 0.42 per cent, to end at 35,929.64, while the broader NSE Nifty rose 53.95 points, or 0.50 per cent, to 10,791.55.

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp;

Domestic market on Friday ended on a positive note with BSE Sensex closing at 35,962.93, up by 33.29 points from its previous close. Nifty, on the other hand, went up by 13.

Domestic market on Friday ended on a positive note with BSE Sensex closing at 35,962.93, up by 33.29 points from its previous close. Nifty, on the other hand, went up by 13.90 points to end at 10,805.45. Benchmark equity indices Friday opened on a cautious note amid negative signals from other Asian markets, and mixed macro cues like weakening rupee and easing crude prices, news agency PTI reported. Breaking its three-day winning streak, the 30-share index turned choppy on Friday and was trading 25.93 points, or 0.07 per cent, lower at 35,903.71. The NSE Nifty saw similar movement, shedding 5.55 points, 0.05 per cent, to 10,786.00. The Sensex Thursday climbed 150.57 points, or 0.42 per cent, to end at 35,929.64, while the broader NSE Nifty rose 53.95 points, or 0.50 per cent, to 10,791.55. (With inputs from PTI)

Sensex rises over 30 points at closing, Nifty settles at 10,805.45

Indian markets on Tuesday regained the losses incurred during the day and ended higher.

The stock market regained composure towards the end of the session, with the Nifty closing 0.58 per cent higher at 10,549.15, while the benchmark Sensex ended 0.54 per cent firmer at 35,150.01, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

While BSE Sensex registered over 130 points, Nifty went up at 10,532.90 points, 44.45 points higher during the late-afternoon trade.

Around 2.20pm, the Sensex traded at 35,095.26, up by 135.54 points or 0.39 per cent from the previous close of 34,959.72 points.&nbsp;

BSE Sensex opened at 34,584.13 and witnessed a low 34,426.29 points.

The sudden resignation of Urjit Patel as the RBI governor had caused significant losses to markets in early trade today.

Early election trends also affected the domestic market which showed the Bharatiya Janata Party in a tight race with the Congress in the three out of five states.

Indian markets on Tuesday regained the losses incurred during the day and ended higher. The stock market regained composure towards the end of the session, with the Nifty closing 0.

Indian markets on Tuesday regained the losses incurred during the day and ended higher. The stock market regained composure towards the end of the session, with the Nifty closing 0.58 per cent higher at 10,549.15, while the benchmark Sensex ended 0.54 per cent firmer at 35,150.01, news agency Reuters reported. While BSE Sensex registered over 130 points, Nifty went up at 10,532.90 points, 44.45 points higher during the late-afternoon trade. Around 2.20pm, the Sensex traded at 35,095.26, up by 135.54 points or 0.39 per cent from the previous close of 34,959.72 points. BSE Sensex opened at 34,584.13 and witnessed a low 34,426.29 points. The sudden resignation of Urjit Patel as the RBI governor had caused significant losses to markets in early trade today. Early election trends also affected the domestic market which showed the Bharatiya Janata Party in a tight race with the Congress in the three out of five states.

Markets end in green, Sensex closes 0.54% firmer

Indian stock, bond and foreign exchange markets are all likely to open lower on Tuesday after the shock resignation of the head of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

RBI Governor Urjit Patel said in a brief statement he had resigned for "personal reasons". He has clashed with the government over the central bank's independence, worrying investors in Indian markets, who will want to know who replaces him and the effect on monetary policy.

"Markets certainly will be concerned unless there is further clarification that comes through tonight," said R. Sivakumar, head of fixed income at Axis Mutual Fund.

Patel's departure comes at a critical time for Indian investors, just before a series of state elections on Tuesday, where the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party led by Narendra Modi may lose ground.

The central banker's resignation on Monday evening came after the majority of markets in India were closed, but futures contracts, which track the performance of asset classes outside of market hours, suggested significant declines were likely on Tuesday morning.

Indian rupee forwards tracking the performance of the currency against the dollar posted their biggest daily slump in more than five years on Monday.

The one-month contract was last quoted at 72.78 per dollar compared to a spot market rate of 71.35 per cent dollar.

Exchange-traded funds tracking Indian stock markets and listed in Europe fell by more than 5 per cent, suggesting India's stock market, which closed down by around 2 per cent, might fall by more than 3 per cent at the open on Tuesday.

The Swiss-listed Lyxor MSCI India UCITS ETF fell 5.5 per cent. Similar funds listed in Germany and France were down by around 4.5 per cent.

A 3.5 per cent decline for the MSCI India International index would be its biggest drop for more than two years.

Longer-term, the government will need to be cautious of outflows from overseas investors, according to Ajay Bagga, a stock market expert.

"A lot of communication will be needed to foreign institutional investors to give them confidence," he said.

Yields on India's benchmark 10-year government bonds, which move inversely to prices, rose to a high of 7.59 per cent after hours, according to quotes from some fixed income brokers in London, a rise of 1.6 per cent.

Indian stock, bond and foreign exchange markets are all likely to open lower on Tuesday after the shock resignation of the head of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

Indian stock, bond and foreign exchange markets are all likely to open lower on Tuesday after the shock resignation of the head of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). RBI Governor Urjit Patel said in a brief statement he had resigned for "personal reasons". He has clashed with the government over the central bank's independence, worrying investors in Indian markets, who will want to know who replaces him and the effect on monetary policy. "Markets certainly will be concerned unless there is further clarification that comes through tonight," said R. Sivakumar, head of fixed income at Axis Mutual Fund. Patel's departure comes at a critical time for Indian investors, just before a series of state elections on Tuesday, where the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party led by Narendra Modi may lose ground. The central banker's resignation on Monday evening came after the majority of markets in India were closed, but futures contracts, which track the performance of asset classes outside of market hours, suggested significant declines were likely on Tuesday morning. Indian rupee forwards tracking the performance of the currency against the dollar posted their biggest daily slump in more than five years on Monday. The one-month contract was last quoted at 72.78 per dollar compared to a spot market rate of 71.35 per cent dollar. Exchange-traded funds tracking Indian stock markets and listed in Europe fell by more than 5 per cent, suggesting India's stock market, which closed down by around 2 per cent, might fall by more than 3 per cent at the open on Tuesday. The Swiss-listed Lyxor MSCI India UCITS ETF fell 5.5 per cent. Similar funds listed in Germany and France were down by around 4.5 per cent. A 3.5 per cent decline for the MSCI India International index would be its biggest drop for more than two years. Longer-term, the government will need to be cautious of outflows from overseas investors, according to Ajay Bagga, a stock market expert. "A lot of communication will be needed to foreign institutional investors to give them confidence," he said. Yields on India's benchmark 10-year government bonds, which move inversely to prices, rose to a high of 7.59 per cent after hours, according to quotes from some fixed income brokers in London, a rise of 1.6 per cent.

Markets likely to be rocked as RBI chief Urjit Patel quits

Asian markets fell Wednesday following a rout on Wall Street, as investors were bombarded by a "perfect storm" of problems that erased the positivity seen at the start of the week.

The glum mood overshadowed hints from Donald Trump at more time to resolve the China-US trade row, as well as soothing comments from China about their desire to push on with a weekend agreement between the world's top economies.

Trading floors are awash with uncertainty over the agreement Trump hammered out with Xi Jinping to much fanfare -- and an initial market rally -- in Buenos Aires, with little clarity emerging and the US president shifting his tone.

While he hailed the deal at first, on Tuesday he warned on Twitter "remember, I am a Tariff Man", adding "When people or countries come in to raid the great wealth of our Nation, I want them to pay for the privilege of doing so".

Then, in another tweet he left open the door to an extension of the agreement's 90-day timeline to end the row.

On Wednesday, China's commerce ministry called the pact "successful" and said it "will start with the implementation of the specific matters in which consensus has been reached, the sooner the better", without providing more details.

Adding to the mounting risks are concerns about the US economy after the difference in yields on two- and 10-year bonds narrowed, suggesting traders are increasingly concerned about longer-term prospects.

The are fears of an "inversion" where short-term yields overtake long-term rates, which in the past has been the precursor to a recession.

Wall Street suffered a battering, with the Dow slipping 3.1 per cent, S&amp;P 500 3.2 per cent lower and Nasdaq 3.8 per cent off.

The selling continued into Asia, where Hong Kong plunged 1.6 per cent, Shanghai lost 0.8 per cent and Tokyo ended the morning 0.4 per cent down.

Pound's Brexit woes

Singapore shed 0.8 per cent and Seoul was 0.6 per cent off, while Wellington dived 1.3 per cent. Sydney shed 1.2 per cent after data showed the Australian economy grew at a slower pace than expected in July-September. The Australian dollar also sank more than one per cent.

The selling "has all the nasty hallmarks that traders typically call the perfect storm," said Stephen Innes, head of Asia-Pacific trade at OANDA. He said investors "are probably left feeling duped, tricked and maybe even snookered by some ill-advised backslapping comments post G20".

"While trade war is certainly the number one driver of global risk sentiment, the current meltdown is morphing into a Hydra with familiar points of irritation -- trade, (Federal Reserve), Brexit, Italy, global growth -- coming to a head," he added.

On currency markets the pound continued to struggle on concerns that Britain could be heading for the EU exit without a deal, which most observers fear could hammer the economy.

Sterling hit a 17-month low Tuesday after Prime Minister Theresa May suffered stunning defeats in parliament that highlighted the uphill fight she has in pushing through her controversial Brexit deal.

If she loses there are expectations she will face a no-confidence vote and possible defeat that could force early elections and leave the country in chaos.

Oil prices were also down more than one per cent after another jump in US inventories came as Saudi Arabia raised questions about the chances of an output cut at a meeting of OPEC and non-OPEC members at the weekend.

Energy Minister Khalid Al-Falih said it was "premature to say what will happen" in Vienna, days after Russian President Vladimir Putin had said the two major producers had agreed to a cap to support prices.

"We need to get together and listen to our colleagues, hear about their views on supply and demand and their projections of their own countries’ production," he said.

Crude had surged Monday and Tuesday after Putin's comments.

"It’s not a good price signal," Bob Yawger, director of futures at Mizuho Securities USA, told Bloomberg News. "Either demand is bad or all the talk about cutting production is just lip service."

Asian markets fell Wednesday following a rout on Wall Street, as investors were bombarded by a "perfect storm" of problems that erased the positivity seen at the start of the week.

Asian markets fell Wednesday following a rout on Wall Street, as investors were bombarded by a "perfect storm" of problems that erased the positivity seen at the start of the week. The glum mood overshadowed hints from Donald Trump at more time to resolve the China-US trade row, as well as soothing comments from China about their desire to push on with a weekend agreement between the world's top economies. Trading floors are awash with uncertainty over the agreement Trump hammered out with Xi Jinping to much fanfare -- and an initial market rally -- in Buenos Aires, with little clarity emerging and the US president shifting his tone. While he hailed the deal at first, on Tuesday he warned on Twitter "remember, I am a Tariff Man", adding "When people or countries come in to raid the great wealth of our Nation, I want them to pay for the privilege of doing so". Then, in another tweet he left open the door to an extension of the agreement's 90-day timeline to end the row. On Wednesday, China's commerce ministry called the pact "successful" and said it "will start with the implementation of the specific matters in which consensus has been reached, the sooner the better", without providing more details. Adding to the mounting risks are concerns about the US economy after the difference in yields on two- and 10-year bonds narrowed, suggesting traders are increasingly concerned about longer-term prospects. The are fears of an "inversion" where short-term yields overtake long-term rates, which in the past has been the precursor to a recession. Wall Street suffered a battering, with the Dow slipping 3.1 per cent, S&P 500 3.2 per cent lower and Nasdaq 3.8 per cent off. The selling continued into Asia, where Hong Kong plunged 1.6 per cent, Shanghai lost 0.8 per cent and Tokyo ended the morning 0.4 per cent down. Pound's Brexit woes Singapore shed 0.8 per cent and Seoul was 0.6 per cent off, while Wellington dived 1.3 per cent. Sydney shed 1.2 per cent after data showed the Australian economy grew at a slower pace than expected in July-September. The Australian dollar also sank more than one per cent. The selling "has all the nasty hallmarks that traders typically call the perfect storm," said Stephen Innes, head of Asia-Pacific trade at OANDA. He said investors "are probably left feeling duped, tricked and maybe even snookered by some ill-advised backslapping comments post G20". "While trade war is certainly the number one driver of global risk sentiment, the current meltdown is morphing into a Hydra with familiar points of irritation -- trade, (Federal Reserve), Brexit, Italy, global growth -- coming to a head," he added. On currency markets the pound continued to struggle on concerns that Britain could be heading for the EU exit without a deal, which most observers fear could hammer the economy. Sterling hit a 17-month low Tuesday after Prime Minister Theresa May suffered stunning defeats in parliament that highlighted the uphill fight she has in pushing through her controversial Brexit deal. If she loses there are expectations she will face a no-confidence vote and possible defeat that could force early elections and leave the country in chaos. Oil prices were also down more than one per cent after another jump in US inventories came as Saudi Arabia raised questions about the chances of an output cut at a meeting of OPEC and non-OPEC members at the weekend. Energy Minister Khalid Al-Falih said it was "premature to say what will happen" in Vienna, days after Russian President Vladimir Putin had said the two major producers had agreed to a cap to support prices. "We need to get together and listen to our colleagues, hear about their views on supply and demand and their projections of their own countries’ production," he said. Crude had surged Monday and Tuesday after Putin's comments. "It’s not a good price signal," Bob Yawger, director of futures at Mizuho Securities USA, told Bloomberg News. "Either demand is bad or all the talk about cutting production is just lip service."

Asian markets track Wall St rout as confusion, uncertainty reign

Pakistan's stock market fell 3 per cent on Monday after the central bank hiked its policy interest rate by 150 basis points to 10 per cent on Friday and sharply cut its economic growth forecast.&nbsp;

The benchmark 100-share index of the Pakistan Stock Exchange was down 1,217.05 points by 11.02 am (0602 GMT), trading at 39,278.98 points.&nbsp;

On Friday, the central bank said economic growth will ease to "slightly above 4 per cent" in the year to end of June 2019, a reduction from the previous forecast, made in September, of 5 per cent. The economy grew 5.8 per cent, the highest rate in more than a decade in the last fiscal year, which ended on June 30.&nbsp;

Pakistan's stock market fell 3 per cent on Monday after the central bank hiked its policy interest rate by 150 basis points to 10 per cent on Friday and sharply cut its economic growth forecast.

Pakistan's stock market fell 3 per cent on Monday after the central bank hiked its policy interest rate by 150 basis points to 10 per cent on Friday and sharply cut its economic growth forecast. The benchmark 100-share index of the Pakistan Stock Exchange was down 1,217.05 points by 11.02 am (0602 GMT), trading at 39,278.98 points. On Friday, the central bank said economic growth will ease to "slightly above 4 per cent" in the year to end of June 2019, a reduction from the previous forecast, made in September, of 5 per cent. The economy grew 5.8 per cent, the highest rate in more than a decade in the last fiscal year, which ended on June 30.

Pakistani stocks fall 3% after rate hike, growth forecast lowered

Share markets ticked slightly lower in early Asian trade on Friday as investors await a closely watched meeting between the Chinese and US&nbsp;presidents in Argentina this weekend for signs of a trade war detente.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was down 0.1 per cent. In Japan, the Nikkei was up 0.2 per cent.

The mostly muted market moves followed a mixed day on Wall Street, where stocks swung between losses and gains to ultimately end lower, amid conflicting signals on the outlook for trade talks.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.11 per cent, to 25,338.84, the S&amp;P 500 lost 0.22 per cent to 2,737.8 and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 0.25 per cent to 7,273.08 at Thursday's close.

US&nbsp;stock market futures pointed to more weakness on Friday, with S&amp;P e-mini futures ticking down 0.14 per cent to 2,740.5.

Investors are waiting for a meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US&nbsp;President Donald Trump, at which the leaders are expected to discuss the countries'&nbsp;bruising trade war.

Adding to apprehension ahead of the weekend meeting were comments from a US&nbsp;official, who said White House trade adviser Peter Navarro, who has advocated a tougher trade stance with China, would attend.

Mixed signals from Washington about the prospects for a rapprochement with China on trade have led many investors to sit on the sidelines.

"Rather than jump at headlines, the market has taken a laid-back approach and prices are treading water until we see the outcome," analysts at National Australia Bank said in a morning note.

Defying the subdued mood, Australian shares were 1.1 per cent weaker, dragged lower by maker Coca-Cola Amatil Ltd , which fell 12.1 per cent on a weak outlook for 2019.

"They billed it as another transformational year, which fund managers think means profit growth is not going to be that good," said William O'Loughlin, investment analyst at Rivkin Securities in Sydney.

Global investors also remain hesitant to shift positions significantly as they seek clarity on Federal Reserve policy direction.&nbsp;

Minutes of the latest Fed policy meeting showed that almost all officials agreed another interest rate increase was "likely to be warranted fairly soon," but opened debate on when to pause further hikes and how to relay those plans to the public.

The minutes follow comments from Federal Chairman Jerome Powell earlier this week that some took as indicating a dovish shift.

The yield on two-year US&nbsp;Treasury notes , seen as sensitive to expectations of higher Fed fund rates, was at 2.8066 per cent on Friday, down from a US&nbsp;close of 2.813 per cent.

Benchmark 10-year Treasury notes yielded 3.0261 per cent, compared with a US&nbsp;close of 3.035 per cent on Thursday.&nbsp;

The dollar dropped 0.08 per cent against the yen to 113.38 , while the euro was flat at $1.1391.

In commodities markets, US&nbsp;crude prices retreated after rising on news that Russia is increasingly convinced it needs to reduce oil output along with the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). OPEC and its allies are meeting in Vienna on Dec. 6-7.

US&nbsp;crude dipped 0.1 per cent at $51.41 a barrel.&nbsp;

Spot gold rose 0.06 per cent to $1,224.38 per ounce.

Share markets ticked slightly lower in early Asian trade on Friday as investors await a closely watched meeting between the Chinese and US presidents in Argentina this weekend for signs of a trade war detente.

Share markets ticked slightly lower in early Asian trade on Friday as investors await a closely watched meeting between the Chinese and US presidents in Argentina this weekend for signs of a trade war detente. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was down 0.1 per cent. In Japan, the Nikkei was up 0.2 per cent. The mostly muted market moves followed a mixed day on Wall Street, where stocks swung between losses and gains to ultimately end lower, amid conflicting signals on the outlook for trade talks. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.11 per cent, to 25,338.84, the S&P 500 lost 0.22 per cent to 2,737.8 and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 0.25 per cent to 7,273.08 at Thursday's close. US stock market futures pointed to more weakness on Friday, with S&P e-mini futures ticking down 0.14 per cent to 2,740.5. Investors are waiting for a meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump, at which the leaders are expected to discuss the countries' bruising trade war. Adding to apprehension ahead of the weekend meeting were comments from a US official, who said White House trade adviser Peter Navarro, who has advocated a tougher trade stance with China, would attend. Mixed signals from Washington about the prospects for a rapprochement with China on trade have led many investors to sit on the sidelines. "Rather than jump at headlines, the market has taken a laid-back approach and prices are treading water until we see the outcome," analysts at National Australia Bank said in a morning note. Defying the subdued mood, Australian shares were 1.1 per cent weaker, dragged lower by maker Coca-Cola Amatil Ltd , which fell 12.1 per cent on a weak outlook for 2019. "They billed it as another transformational year, which fund managers think means profit growth is not going to be that good," said William O'Loughlin, investment analyst at Rivkin Securities in Sydney. Global investors also remain hesitant to shift positions significantly as they seek clarity on Federal Reserve policy direction. Minutes of the latest Fed policy meeting showed that almost all officials agreed another interest rate increase was "likely to be warranted fairly soon," but opened debate on when to pause further hikes and how to relay those plans to the public. The minutes follow comments from Federal Chairman Jerome Powell earlier this week that some took as indicating a dovish shift. The yield on two-year US Treasury notes , seen as sensitive to expectations of higher Fed fund rates, was at 2.8066 per cent on Friday, down from a US close of 2.813 per cent. Benchmark 10-year Treasury notes yielded 3.0261 per cent, compared with a US close of 3.035 per cent on Thursday. The dollar dropped 0.08 per cent against the yen to 113.38 , while the euro was flat at $1.1391. In commodities markets, US crude prices retreated after rising on news that Russia is increasingly convinced it needs to reduce oil output along with the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). OPEC and its allies are meeting in Vienna on Dec. 6-7. US crude dipped 0.1 per cent at $51.41 a barrel. Spot gold rose 0.06 per cent to $1,224.38 per ounce.

Asian shares soften as investors look to G20 summit

Indian stock markets on Tuesday opened on a flat note with BSE Sensex registering a rise of nearly 40 points in morning trade at 35,394.77.

Nifty, on the other hand, dipped marginally on Tuesday at 10,621.45 over its previous close on Monday at 10,628.60.&nbsp;

On Monday, Indian shares rose about 1 per cent in volatile trading, led by gains in index heavyweights HDFC Bank Ltd and consumer goods giants Hindustan Unilever Ltd and ITC Ltd.

The benchmark BSE Sensex ended 1.07 per cent higher at 35,354.08, while Nifty climbed 0.97 per cent higher to 10,628.60.

Hindustan Unilever jumped nearly 4 per cent. ITC advanced 1.8 per cent.

The domestic markets yesterday opened in green with Sensex registering an increase of over 130 points, at 35,118.09 in morning trade. It crossed over 150 points shortly after opening on Monday.&nbsp;

Nifty, on the other hand, rose by around 41 points at 10,568.30 as compared to its last closing at 10526.75 on Thursday.&nbsp;

Indian stock markets on Tuesday opened on a flat note with BSE Sensex registering a rise of nearly 40 points in morning trade at 35,394.77. Nifty, on the other hand, dipped marginally on Tuesday at 10,621.

Indian stock markets on Tuesday opened on a flat note with BSE Sensex registering a rise of nearly 40 points in morning trade at 35,394.77. Nifty, on the other hand, dipped marginally on Tuesday at 10,621.45 over its previous close on Monday at 10,628.60. On Monday, Indian shares rose about 1 per cent in volatile trading, led by gains in index heavyweights HDFC Bank Ltd and consumer goods giants Hindustan Unilever Ltd and ITC Ltd. The benchmark BSE Sensex ended 1.07 per cent higher at 35,354.08, while Nifty climbed 0.97 per cent higher to 10,628.60. Hindustan Unilever jumped nearly 4 per cent. ITC advanced 1.8 per cent. The domestic markets yesterday opened in green with Sensex registering an increase of over 130 points, at 35,118.09 in morning trade. It crossed over 150 points shortly after opening on Monday. Nifty, on the other hand, rose by around 41 points at 10,568.30 as compared to its last closing at 10526.75 on Thursday.

Markets open on flat note, Sensex up by 40 points 

Markets closed on a low note on Monday as Sensex tanked 345.56 points to end at 34,812.99. Nifty dipped by 103 points to 10,482.20, news agency PTI reported. Both indexes closed lower for a second straight session.

Indian shares closed 1 per cent lower on Monday, dragged by oil marketing companies and financials, while investors were cautious ahead of key inflation data due later in the day.

The Indian currency on Monday further weakened against the dollar, dipping by 54 paise to 73.04, owing to increased demand for the American currency from importers amid increasing global crude oil prices.

International benchmark Brent crude was trading higher by 2.04 per cent at $71.61 per barrel. &nbsp; &nbsp;

On Friday, the rupee rose by 50 paise to end at 72.50 per dollar on increased selling of the greenback by exporters amid softening crude oil prices, which slipped below the $70 per barrel mark, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

Markets on Monday opened in green with Sensex recovering over 155 points, while the NSE Nifty breached the 10,600-mark.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Markets closed on a low note on Monday as Sensex tanked 345.56 points to end at 34,812.99. Nifty dipped by 103 points to 10,482.20, news agency PTI reported. Both indexes closed lower for a second straight session.

Markets closed on a low note on Monday as Sensex tanked 345.56 points to end at 34,812.99. Nifty dipped by 103 points to 10,482.20, news agency PTI reported. Both indexes closed lower for a second straight session. Indian shares closed 1 per cent lower on Monday, dragged by oil marketing companies and financials, while investors were cautious ahead of key inflation data due later in the day. The Indian currency on Monday further weakened against the dollar, dipping by 54 paise to 73.04, owing to increased demand for the American currency from importers amid increasing global crude oil prices. International benchmark Brent crude was trading higher by 2.04 per cent at $71.61 per barrel. On Friday, the rupee rose by 50 paise to end at 72.50 per dollar on increased selling of the greenback by exporters amid softening crude oil prices, which slipped below the $70 per barrel mark, news agency PTI reported. Markets on Monday opened in green with Sensex recovering over 155 points, while the NSE Nifty breached the 10,600-mark. (With inputs from agencies)

Markets close in red, Sensex tanks nearly 350 points TO 34,812.99

India's financial markets rose on Monday, shrugging off concerns about a growing spat between the central bank and the government and preferring to take solace from plans for a big liquidity injection by the bank.

On Friday night, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Deputy Governor Viral Acharya warned that undermining a central bank's independence could be "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/a-govt-that-does-not-respect-rbis-independence-will-incur-wrath-of-markets-rbi-deputy-governor-173752">potentially catastrophic</a>", in an indication that it is pushing back hard against government pressure to relax its policies and reduce its powers ahead of a general election due by next May.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/markets-need-rbis-assurance-169531">Markets need RBI’s assurance</a>

But India's bonds, rupee and stock markets all gained on Monday as they took their lead from the RBI's announcement, slightly before Acharya's speech, that it will buy 400 billion rupees ($5.45 billion) of government bonds via open-market operations in November as it seeks to inject liquidity into the market.

The injection comes amid worries about a credit crunch after defaults at a major infrastructure financing company.

The 10-year benchmark bond yield fell to 7.80 per cent, its lowest since Aug. 14 and compared with 7.88 per cent on Friday.

The rupee rose as much as 73.32 to the dollar compared to Friday's close of 73.46, while the benchmark stock index was up 0.8 per cent.

In the speech to top industrialists, Acharya cited the Argentine government's meddling in its central bank's affairs in 2010 as an example of what can go wrong. That led to an investor revolt and a surge in bond yields, badly hurting its economy.

"Governments that do not respect central bank independence will sooner or later incur the wrath of financial markets, ignite economic fire, and come to rue the day they undermined an important regulatory institution," he said.

The speech was a counter to government efforts to relax policies and curtail some powers of the central bank, further opening a rift between the RBI and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government.

While government officials have remained largely silent in response to the speech, the issues raised by the RBI top brass -- including the government asking for higher profits from the central bank to fund its fiscal deficit -- have been well-known for years.

Traders said the markets' reaction didn't mean that they weren't watching the government-central bank relationship closely and warily.

"While the points laid down by RBI are not new, as an investor it is important to see whether the government resorts to funding its fiscal deficit by forcing the central bank to transfer more money from its reserves or not," said a foreign bank trader, adding that such "short-cuts" could hit investor sentiment.

Others were hopeful that the row would be resolved.

"If people start questioning Modi on the transparency and independence of the central bank, he might ask his officials to come to a mutual agreement with the RBI," said Ashish Vaidya, managing director and head of trading, money markets at DBS Bank in India. He said eventually a "middle ground will be arrived".

India's financial markets rose on Monday, shrugging off concerns about a growing spat between the central bank and the government and preferring to take solace from plans for a big liquidity injection by the bank.

India's financial markets rose on Monday, shrugging off concerns about a growing spat between the central bank and the government and preferring to take solace from plans for a big liquidity injection by the bank. On Friday night, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Deputy Governor Viral Acharya warned that undermining a central bank's independence could be "potentially catastrophic", in an indication that it is pushing back hard against government pressure to relax its policies and reduce its powers ahead of a general election due by next May. Also read: Markets need RBI’s assurance But India's bonds, rupee and stock markets all gained on Monday as they took their lead from the RBI's announcement, slightly before Acharya's speech, that it will buy 400 billion rupees ($5.45 billion) of government bonds via open-market operations in November as it seeks to inject liquidity into the market. The injection comes amid worries about a credit crunch after defaults at a major infrastructure financing company. The 10-year benchmark bond yield fell to 7.80 per cent, its lowest since Aug. 14 and compared with 7.88 per cent on Friday. The rupee rose as much as 73.32 to the dollar compared to Friday's close of 73.46, while the benchmark stock index was up 0.8 per cent. In the speech to top industrialists, Acharya cited the Argentine government's meddling in its central bank's affairs in 2010 as an example of what can go wrong. That led to an investor revolt and a surge in bond yields, badly hurting its economy. "Governments that do not respect central bank independence will sooner or later incur the wrath of financial markets, ignite economic fire, and come to rue the day they undermined an important regulatory institution," he said. The speech was a counter to government efforts to relax policies and curtail some powers of the central bank, further opening a rift between the RBI and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government. While government officials have remained largely silent in response to the speech, the issues raised by the RBI top brass -- including the government asking for higher profits from the central bank to fund its fiscal deficit -- have been well-known for years. Traders said the markets' reaction didn't mean that they weren't watching the government-central bank relationship closely and warily. "While the points laid down by RBI are not new, as an investor it is important to see whether the government resorts to funding its fiscal deficit by forcing the central bank to transfer more money from its reserves or not," said a foreign bank trader, adding that such "short-cuts" could hit investor sentiment. Others were hopeful that the row would be resolved. "If people start questioning Modi on the transparency and independence of the central bank, he might ask his officials to come to a mutual agreement with the RBI," said Ashish Vaidya, managing director and head of trading, money markets at DBS Bank in India. He said eventually a "middle ground will be arrived".

Markets rise 500 points on RBI's Rs 40,000 crore liquidity plan

Asian markets went into freefall Thursday, tracking a plunge on Wall Street, with trading floors awash with negativity on geopolitical concerns and following weak US economic and earnings data.

The bloodletting is the latest to hit global equities, which have been pummelled this year by a wave of problems led by the China-US trade war and rising Federal Reserve interest rates.

On top of those in recent weeks has been a brewing nuclear standoff between the US and Russia, the killing of a Saudi journalist, Brexit and Italy's budget row with the European Union.

US stocks have broadly managed to avoid the hefty selling witnessed elsewhere -- even clocking up a few record highs -- thanks to a strong economy and mostly positive corporate results.

However, New York has finally succumbed as investors contemplate an end to the decade of cheap credit and the imposition of steep tariffs by the US and China in their ever-deepening trade row, to which there is no end in sight.

Wednesday say the Dow and the S&amp;P 500 wipe out their gains for the year, while the Nasdaq dived more than four per cent as the under-pressure tech sector took another beating.

The selling came after data showed US home sales were at their slowest pace for nearly two years, while the Fed said firms nationwide are worried about the tariffs as well as labour shortages.

And those losses filtered through to Asia, where Tokyo was scythed 2.2 per cent, Shanghai dived almost three per cent and Sydney sank 2.1 per cent, also losing its gains for the year.

'Sharks are circling'&nbsp;

Hong Kong lost more than two per cent, with airline Cathay Pacific collapsing 6.5 per cent after it admitted to suffering a major data leak affecting up to 9.4 million passengers.

Seoul shed 2.8 per cent as data showed the South Korean economy expanded at a slower pace than expected in the third quarter.

Wellington lost 1.2 per cent, Manila fell 2.4 per cent and Taipei retreated 2.5 per cent.

"With the S&amp;P and Nasdaq having been drawn into the global equity maelstrom, the US bellwethers are no longer the invincible titans that have held up global market sentiment for what seems like an eternity," said Stephen Innes, head of Asia-Pacific trade at OANDA.

"With China-US trade hopes fading as both sides appear to be digging in for the long haul things could get blustery in a hurry. Indeed the sharks are circling."

Key figures around 0210 GMT&nbsp;

Tokyo - Nikkei 225: DOWN 2.2 percent at 21,377.20 (close)

Hong Kong - Hang Seng: DOWN 2.3 percent at 24,666.92&nbsp;

Shanghai - Composite: DOWN 1.9 percent at 2,554.36&nbsp;

Euro/dollar: UP at $1.1408 from $1.1393 at 2100 GMT

Pound/dollar: UP at $1.2892 from $1.2884

Dollar/yen: DOWN at 111.90 from 112.19 yen&nbsp;

Oil - West Texas Intermediate: DOWN 57 cents at $66.25 per barrel&nbsp;

Oil - Brent Crude: DOWN 68 cents at $75.49 per barrel&nbsp;

New York - Dow: DOWN 2.4 percent at 24,583.42 (close)

New York - S&amp;P 500: DOWN 3.1 percent at 2,656.10 (close)

New York - Nasdaq: DOWN 4.4 percent at 7,108.40 (close)

London - FTSE 100: UP 0.1 percent at 6,962.98 points (close)

Asian markets went into freefall Thursday, tracking a plunge on Wall Street, with trading floors awash with negativity on geopolitical concerns and following weak US economic and earnings data.

Asian markets went into freefall Thursday, tracking a plunge on Wall Street, with trading floors awash with negativity on geopolitical concerns and following weak US economic and earnings data. The bloodletting is the latest to hit global equities, which have been pummelled this year by a wave of problems led by the China-US trade war and rising Federal Reserve interest rates. On top of those in recent weeks has been a brewing nuclear standoff between the US and Russia, the killing of a Saudi journalist, Brexit and Italy's budget row with the European Union. US stocks have broadly managed to avoid the hefty selling witnessed elsewhere -- even clocking up a few record highs -- thanks to a strong economy and mostly positive corporate results. However, New York has finally succumbed as investors contemplate an end to the decade of cheap credit and the imposition of steep tariffs by the US and China in their ever-deepening trade row, to which there is no end in sight. Wednesday say the Dow and the S&P 500 wipe out their gains for the year, while the Nasdaq dived more than four per cent as the under-pressure tech sector took another beating. The selling came after data showed US home sales were at their slowest pace for nearly two years, while the Fed said firms nationwide are worried about the tariffs as well as labour shortages. And those losses filtered through to Asia, where Tokyo was scythed 2.2 per cent, Shanghai dived almost three per cent and Sydney sank 2.1 per cent, also losing its gains for the year. 'Sharks are circling' Hong Kong lost more than two per cent, with airline Cathay Pacific collapsing 6.5 per cent after it admitted to suffering a major data leak affecting up to 9.4 million passengers. Seoul shed 2.8 per cent as data showed the South Korean economy expanded at a slower pace than expected in the third quarter. Wellington lost 1.2 per cent, Manila fell 2.4 per cent and Taipei retreated 2.5 per cent. "With the S&P and Nasdaq having been drawn into the global equity maelstrom, the US bellwethers are no longer the invincible titans that have held up global market sentiment for what seems like an eternity," said Stephen Innes, head of Asia-Pacific trade at OANDA. "With China-US trade hopes fading as both sides appear to be digging in for the long haul things could get blustery in a hurry. Indeed the sharks are circling." Key figures around 0210 GMT Tokyo - Nikkei 225: DOWN 2.2 percent at 21,377.20 (close) Hong Kong - Hang Seng: DOWN 2.3 percent at 24,666.92 Shanghai - Composite: DOWN 1.9 percent at 2,554.36 Euro/dollar: UP at $1.1408 from $1.1393 at 2100 GMT Pound/dollar: UP at $1.2892 from $1.2884 Dollar/yen: DOWN at 111.90 from 112.19 yen Oil - West Texas Intermediate: DOWN 57 cents at $66.25 per barrel Oil - Brent Crude: DOWN 68 cents at $75.49 per barrel New York - Dow: DOWN 2.4 percent at 24,583.42 (close) New York - S&P 500: DOWN 3.1 percent at 2,656.10 (close) New York - Nasdaq: DOWN 4.4 percent at 7,108.40 (close) London - FTSE 100: UP 0.1 percent at 6,962.98 points (close)

Asian markets suffer bloodletting on trade, geopolitical fears

The rupee weakened by 9 paise to 73.92 against the US dollar in early trade Tuesday on increased demand for the American currency from banks and importers.

At the Interbank Foreign Exchange, the domestic currency opened higher at 73.79 but lost ground and fell to 73.92.

Dealers attributed the rupee's fall to the dollar's strength against some other currencies overseas but fresh inflows by foreign funds and a higher opening in domestic equity markets, capped the losses.

Moreover, weak exports data also dampened sentiments in the forex market. India's exports entered the negative zone after five months, contracting 2.15 per cent in September to $27.95 billion, according to commerce ministry data.

The rupee had lost 26 paise to close at 73.83 Monday after crude prices rose amid intensifying geopolitical tensions.

The benchmark BSE Sensex Tuesday rose by 89.17 points, or 0.26 per cent to trade at 34,954.27.

Meanwhile, foreign portfolio investors bought shares worth Rs 67.86 crore on net basis from stock markets on Monday, according to the BSE data.

The rupee weakened by 9 paise to 73.92 against the US dollar in early trade Tuesday on increased demand for the American currency from banks and importers. At the Interbank Foreign Exchange, the domestic currency opened higher at 73.

The rupee weakened by 9 paise to 73.92 against the US dollar in early trade Tuesday on increased demand for the American currency from banks and importers. At the Interbank Foreign Exchange, the domestic currency opened higher at 73.79 but lost ground and fell to 73.92. Dealers attributed the rupee's fall to the dollar's strength against some other currencies overseas but fresh inflows by foreign funds and a higher opening in domestic equity markets, capped the losses. Moreover, weak exports data also dampened sentiments in the forex market. India's exports entered the negative zone after five months, contracting 2.15 per cent in September to $27.95 billion, according to commerce ministry data. The rupee had lost 26 paise to close at 73.83 Monday after crude prices rose amid intensifying geopolitical tensions. The benchmark BSE Sensex Tuesday rose by 89.17 points, or 0.26 per cent to trade at 34,954.27. Meanwhile, foreign portfolio investors bought shares worth Rs 67.86 crore on net basis from stock markets on Monday, according to the BSE data.

Rupee softens 9 paise against US dollar in early trade

Markets on Tuesday opened in green with BSE Sensex registering an increase of 139.23 points at 35,004.33. Nifty, on the other hand, opened at 10,550.15, 37.65 points up from Monday's closing.&nbsp;

Indian shares ended higher for a second straight session on Monday after a weak start, in a recovery led by IT stocks benefiting from a depreciating rupee, while consumer discretionary stocks capped the gains.

The benchmark BSE Sensex closed up 0.38 per cent at 34,865.10, while the broader NSE Nifty ended 0.38 per cent higher at 10,512.50, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, fuel prices in the national capital rose again with petrol amounting to Rs 82.83 per litre, up by Rs 0.11, and diesel selling at Rs 75.69 per litre, increased by Rs 0.23, respectively in the national capital.&nbsp;

In Mumbai, petrol and diesel prices today were recorded at Rs 88.29 per litre, up by Rs 0.11, and Rs 79.35 per litre, increased by Rs 0.24, respectively.&nbsp;

Markets on Tuesday opened in green with BSE Sensex registering an increase of 139.23 points at 35,004.33. Nifty, on the other hand, opened at 10,550.15, 37.65 points up from Monday's closing.

Markets on Tuesday opened in green with BSE Sensex registering an increase of 139.23 points at 35,004.33. Nifty, on the other hand, opened at 10,550.15, 37.65 points up from Monday's closing. Indian shares ended higher for a second straight session on Monday after a weak start, in a recovery led by IT stocks benefiting from a depreciating rupee, while consumer discretionary stocks capped the gains. The benchmark BSE Sensex closed up 0.38 per cent at 34,865.10, while the broader NSE Nifty ended 0.38 per cent higher at 10,512.50, news agency Reuters reported. Meanwhile, fuel prices in the national capital rose again with petrol amounting to Rs 82.83 per litre, up by Rs 0.11, and diesel selling at Rs 75.69 per litre, increased by Rs 0.23, respectively in the national capital. In Mumbai, petrol and diesel prices today were recorded at Rs 88.29 per litre, up by Rs 0.11, and Rs 79.35 per litre, increased by Rs 0.24, respectively.

Markets open in green, Sensex up by 139.23 points at 35,004.33

Indian markets on Thursday opened in red with BSE Sensex tumbling over 900 in morning trade. Shortly after opening, Sensex tumbled around 1000 points, trading at 33,918.29 at 9.30am.

Nifty, on the other hand, dipped by 290.3 points at 10,169.80 in opening trade today.&nbsp;

Indian rupee hit&nbsp;a new low of 74.47 versus the US dollar.&nbsp;

Indian equities ended more than 1 per cent higher on Wednesday with shares of non-banking financial companies staging a recovery, while IT stocks closed lower as the rupee strengthened against the US dollar.

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Sensex opens with a fall of more than 980 points, currently at 33,774.89 <a href="https://t.co/8s8goaeKAb">pic.twitter.com/8s8goaeKAb</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1050232295318331392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The benchmark BSE Sensex closed up 1.35 per cent at 34,760.89.

The broader NSE Nifty ended 1.54 per cent higher at 10,460.10.

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Indian Rupee hits a new low of 74.47 versus the US Dollar <a href="https://t.co/zSnUsJqPaQ">pic.twitter.com/zSnUsJqPaQ</a>
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Meanwhile, Asian share markets sank in a sea of red on Thursday after Wall Street suffered its worst drubbing in eight months, a conflagration of wealth that could threaten business confidence and investment across the globe, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

Japan's Nikkei fell 3.4 per cent, the steepest daily drop since March, while the broader TOPIX lost around $195 billion in market value.

Shanghai shares touched their lowest since late 2014, while China blue chips slid 3 per cent.

On Wall Street, the S&amp;P500's sharpest one-day fall since February wiped out around $850 billion of wealth as technology shares tumbled on fears of slowing demand.

Oil prices skidded in line with US equity markets, even though energy traders worried about shrinking Iranian supply from US sanctions and kept an eye on Hurricane Michael, which closed some US Gulf of Mexico oil output.

Brent crude fell 76 cents to $82.33 a barrel, while US crude dropped 68 cents to $72.49.

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Indian markets on Thursday opened in red with BSE Sensex tumbling over 900 in morning trade. Shortly after opening, Sensex tumbled around 1000 points, trading at 33,918.

Indian markets on Thursday opened in red with BSE Sensex tumbling over 900 in morning trade. Shortly after opening, Sensex tumbled around 1000 points, trading at 33,918.29 at 9.30am. Nifty, on the other hand, dipped by 290.3 points at 10,169.80 in opening trade today. Indian rupee hit a new low of 74.47 versus the US dollar. Indian equities ended more than 1 per cent higher on Wednesday with shares of non-banking financial companies staging a recovery, while IT stocks closed lower as the rupee strengthened against the US dollar. Sensex opens with a fall of more than 980 points, currently at 33,774.89 pic.twitter.com/8s8goaeKAb — ANI (@ANI) October 11, 2018 × The benchmark BSE Sensex closed up 1.35 per cent at 34,760.89. The broader NSE Nifty ended 1.54 per cent higher at 10,460.10. Indian Rupee hits a new low of 74.47 versus the US Dollar pic.twitter.com/zSnUsJqPaQ — ANI (@ANI) October 11, 2018 × Meanwhile, Asian share markets sank in a sea of red on Thursday after Wall Street suffered its worst drubbing in eight months, a conflagration of wealth that could threaten business confidence and investment across the globe, news agency Reuters reported. Japan's Nikkei fell 3.4 per cent, the steepest daily drop since March, while the broader TOPIX lost around $195 billion in market value. Shanghai shares touched their lowest since late 2014, while China blue chips slid 3 per cent. On Wall Street, the S&P500's sharpest one-day fall since February wiped out around $850 billion of wealth as technology shares tumbled on fears of slowing demand. Oil prices skidded in line with US equity markets, even though energy traders worried about shrinking Iranian supply from US sanctions and kept an eye on Hurricane Michael, which closed some US Gulf of Mexico oil output. Brent crude fell 76 cents to $82.33 a barrel, while US crude dropped 68 cents to $72.49. (With inputs from Reuters)

Sensex slumps 1000 points in morning trade, Rupee hits new low of 74.47

BSE Sensex on Wednesday opened on a positive note up by 193.74 points at &nbsp;34,493.21. Nifty, on the other hand, registered a spike of 30.80 points, or 0.30 per cent, at 10,331.85 in morning trade today.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/diesel-price-up-by-rs-024-in-delhi-at-rs-7435-petrol-remains-unchanged-170537">petrol prices in Mumbai and the national capital remained unchanged</a> on Wednesday after a series of relentless rise over the past few weeks.

Diesel, however, rose to Rs 74.35 per litre, increased by Rs 0.24 per litre, in Delhi and Rs 77.93, up by Rs 0.25 per litre, in Mumbai today.&nbsp;

Indian shares ended lower on Tuesday at their lowest closing level since April, with market heavyweight Tata Motors Ltd dragging down the indexes amid weak global cues, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

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Sensex at 34,493.21, up by 193.74 points. Nifty at 10,331.65, up by 30.60 points.
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1049868841231282179?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The benchmark BSE Sensex closed down 0.51 per cent at 34,299.47. The broader NSE Nifty ended 0.45 per cent lower at 10,301.05 yesterday.

The national currency on Tuesday slumped 33 paise to close at record low of 74.39.

BSE Sensex on Wednesday opened on a positive note up by 193.74 points at 34,493.21. Nifty, on the other hand, registered a spike of 30.80 points, or 0.30 per cent, at 10,331.

BSE Sensex on Wednesday opened on a positive note up by 193.74 points at 34,493.21. Nifty, on the other hand, registered a spike of 30.80 points, or 0.30 per cent, at 10,331.85 in morning trade today. Meanwhile, petrol prices in Mumbai and the national capital remained unchanged on Wednesday after a series of relentless rise over the past few weeks. Diesel, however, rose to Rs 74.35 per litre, increased by Rs 0.24 per litre, in Delhi and Rs 77.93, up by Rs 0.25 per litre, in Mumbai today. Indian shares ended lower on Tuesday at their lowest closing level since April, with market heavyweight Tata Motors Ltd dragging down the indexes amid weak global cues, news agency Reuters reported. Sensex at 34,493.21, up by 193.74 points. Nifty at 10,331.65, up by 30.60 points. — ANI (@ANI) October 10, 2018 × The benchmark BSE Sensex closed down 0.51 per cent at 34,299.47. The broader NSE Nifty ended 0.45 per cent lower at 10,301.05 yesterday. The national currency on Tuesday slumped 33 paise to close at record low of 74.39.

Markets open in green, Sensex up by close to 195 points

Indian markets on Tuesday opened in green with Sensex reaching 34,651.82 in opening trade, up by 126.94 or 0.37 per cent. Nifty, on the other hand, opened at 10,390.30, 36.15 points, or 0.35 per cent up from yesterday's closing.&nbsp;

Indian shares snapped three sessions of losses and ended higher on Monday, after swinging between gains and losses through the day, as oil marketing companies continued to drive gains, while metal and some non-banking financial stocks dragged the investor sentiment.

While the benchmark BSE Sensex closed up 0.28 per cent at 34,474.38, the broader NSE Nifty ended 0.31 per cent higher at 10,348.05, news agency Reuters reported.

Meanwhile, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/fuel-prices-rise-again-petrol-sells-at-rs-8226-per-litre-in-delhi-170311">fuel prices in the country continued to rise</a> on the second straight day of the week on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Petrol and diesel prices in the country went up again for the second straight day in a week on Tuesday. Petrol price in the national capital rose to Rs 82.26 per litre, increased by Rs 0.23, while diesel prices amounted to Rs 74.11, up by Rs 0.29 in Delhi today.

In Mumbai, petrol will be sold for Rs 87.73 per litre today, while diesel is priced at Rs 77.68 per litre.

The government on Saturday assured investors that it would not go back to regulating fuel prices, soothing market frenzy after it announced a 2.50-rupee cut in gasoline and diesel rates on Thursday.

&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Indian markets on Tuesday opened in green with Sensex reaching 34,651.82 in opening trade, up by 126.94 or 0.37 per cent. Nifty, on the other hand, opened at 10,390.

Indian markets on Tuesday opened in green with Sensex reaching 34,651.82 in opening trade, up by 126.94 or 0.37 per cent. Nifty, on the other hand, opened at 10,390.30, 36.15 points, or 0.35 per cent up from yesterday's closing. Indian shares snapped three sessions of losses and ended higher on Monday, after swinging between gains and losses through the day, as oil marketing companies continued to drive gains, while metal and some non-banking financial stocks dragged the investor sentiment. While the benchmark BSE Sensex closed up 0.28 per cent at 34,474.38, the broader NSE Nifty ended 0.31 per cent higher at 10,348.05, news agency Reuters reported. Meanwhile, fuel prices in the country continued to rise on the second straight day of the week on Tuesday. Petrol and diesel prices in the country went up again for the second straight day in a week on Tuesday. Petrol price in the national capital rose to Rs 82.26 per litre, increased by Rs 0.23, while diesel prices amounted to Rs 74.11, up by Rs 0.29 in Delhi today. In Mumbai, petrol will be sold for Rs 87.73 per litre today, while diesel is priced at Rs 77.68 per litre. The government on Saturday assured investors that it would not go back to regulating fuel prices, soothing market frenzy after it announced a 2.50-rupee cut in gasoline and diesel rates on Thursday.

Markets open in green, Sensex up by 126.94 points at 34,651.82

Every monetary policy meeting gives rise to a debate over whether the RBI should increase interest rates. This time, too, it is not different as the external environment, equity markets, credit markets and the general sentiment are down. The rupee is falling, oil price is rising and stock markets are searching for a bottom.

Over the past few weeks, the whole financial system in India has been going through a turmoil. The upheaval was triggered by defaults at Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services Ltd (IL&amp;FS), and other Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) and Housing Finance Companies (HFC). The Central government took prompt action by superseding the IL&amp;FS board and is trying hard to bring in a Satyam-like resolution to the problem. For the time being, the fear and rumours have been nipped in the bud.

IL&amp;FS was one of the largest Infrastructure lenders in the country and a default by it has disturbed the well-oiled Commercial Paper (CP) market. CP is a short-term financial instrument used by corporates to raise money from a few days to a year. Banks and mutual funds are main investors in CPs. The total outstanding CP issuance by all corporates as on September 15, 2018, is Rs 6,40,000 crore, out of which, more than 60 per cent is raised by NBFC and HFC. CP is a preferred mode of raising short-term money for companies as it offers lower interest rates when compared to banks interest rate for loans.

 
Post the IL&amp;FS default on their repayment of CP, large investors have withdrawn from the CP market. They are scared of further defaults and losing their investment. This has led to liquidity drying up for NBFC and HFCs. Now, why is it important that the CP markets remain well oiled? After 11 PSU banks were put under Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) by the RBI, there were further restrictions on these banks on new lending. This opened up the opportunity for NBFC and HFC to capture this market and bridge the need by corporates. After all the raw material for NBFC and HFC is ‘money’ and when the flow of money dries up so does the finished goods and, in this case, lending slows down by NBFC and HFC. Hence, even if the IL&amp;FS issue is sorted, it may take nearly a quarter for the investors to start lending again at the same pace as they were doing before the problem started. This will obviously slow down NBFCs growth and also credit flow into the economy.

Meanwhile, the Consumer Price Inflation (CPI) was at 3.69 per cent, which is well under the RBI’s targeted inflation rate of 4 per cent. It is remarkable that even after the increase in MSP and oil prices, the Consumer Price Inflation for March 2019 is expected to be around 4.70 per cent and for the full year average of 4.40 per cent to 4.50 per cent. This is within the stated range of inflation targeted by RBI. The CPI is expected to be low mainly due to low food inflation and MSP benefit being passed on to the farmer directly, thus as per the stated policy of keeping interest rates 2 per cent over the average CPI inflation has already been achieved.

While inflation is under control, the speed with which the Indian Rupee (INR) is falling against the dollar is a cause of concern. Countries like Turkey, Argentina and Indonesia have tried to address currency depreciation by hiking the interest rate and have failed miserably. Addressing the currency depreciation with interest rate hike is a very blunt tool. India’s currency woes need to be solved by taking more concrete steps toward containing the Current Account Deficit (CAD). But factors like crude prices are beyond the control of the India government. Though the steps taken by the government to reduce petrol and diesel prices by Rs 2.50 per litre are welcome, maybe it’s time to adopt new measures to curtail the overall fuel consumption through innovative means.

RBI has raised REPO rates twice this year from 6 per cent to 6.25 per cent in June and 6.50 per cent in August. By doing this RBI has moved along with the interest rate curve. The government securities market is extremely nervous and is already trading substantially higher to the long-term average spreads of 100 bps over Repo rate. The 10-year government security bond is being traded at 8.20 per cent which is a spread of 170 bps higher. This is an unusually high interest rate for a government to borrow from the market. The borrowing cost of the government is growing rapidly and high-interest rates can dent the future growth of the country. Even from real interest rate perspective, RBI is targeting a positive interest rate of 1.50 per cent to 2 per cent, whereas we are already in positive interest rate territory at 3.36 per cent as per the current bond rates pricing in the market.

In such a scenario it is time for the RBI to be bold and brave. The first steps taken by RBI towards resolving this situation was announcing Rs 36,000 crore of open market operations (ie, buying government bonds from open market). This basically helps in infusing much-needed liquidity into the debt markets. The money markets need assurances to soothe and calm the nerves of its investors so that liquidity can come back to these markets.

Government steps toward resolving IL&amp;FS and RBI’s Open Market Operation announcement is in the correct direction. Raising interest rates after two consecutive rate hikes may not be an effective way to stop the rupee from depreciating further. Especially when the inflation is not showing any signs of running away. However, by keeping the interest rates steady and a neutral liquidity position with a bias towards easy liquidity when the markets require it, may help the markets to calm down its nerves, along with removing some of the PCA restrictions on PSU banks could keep the financial engine chugging. 
 
 
(The author is the promoter-director of Sunidhi Securities &amp; Finance Ltd)

(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-markets-need-rbi-s-assurance-2671660">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

 
&nbsp;

Every monetary policy meeting gives rise to a debate over whether the RBI should increase interest rates. This time, too, it is not different as the external environment, equity markets, credit markets and the general sentiment are down.

Every monetary policy meeting gives rise to a debate over whether the RBI should increase interest rates. This time, too, it is not different as the external environment, equity markets, credit markets and the general sentiment are down. The rupee is falling, oil price is rising and stock markets are searching for a bottom. Over the past few weeks, the whole financial system in India has been going through a turmoil. The upheaval was triggered by defaults at Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services Ltd (IL&FS), and other Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) and Housing Finance Companies (HFC). The Central government took prompt action by superseding the IL&FS board and is trying hard to bring in a Satyam-like resolution to the problem. For the time being, the fear and rumours have been nipped in the bud. IL&FS was one of the largest Infrastructure lenders in the country and a default by it has disturbed the well-oiled Commercial Paper (CP) market. CP is a short-term financial instrument used by corporates to raise money from a few days to a year. Banks and mutual funds are main investors in CPs. The total outstanding CP issuance by all corporates as on September 15, 2018, is Rs 6,40,000 crore, out of which, more than 60 per cent is raised by NBFC and HFC. CP is a preferred mode of raising short-term money for companies as it offers lower interest rates when compared to banks interest rate for loans. Post the IL&FS default on their repayment of CP, large investors have withdrawn from the CP market. They are scared of further defaults and losing their investment. This has led to liquidity drying up for NBFC and HFCs. Now, why is it important that the CP markets remain well oiled? After 11 PSU banks were put under Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) by the RBI, there were further restrictions on these banks on new lending. This opened up the opportunity for NBFC and HFC to capture this market and bridge the need by corporates. After all the raw material for NBFC and HFC is ‘money’ and when the flow of money dries up so does the finished goods and, in this case, lending slows down by NBFC and HFC. Hence, even if the IL&FS issue is sorted, it may take nearly a quarter for the investors to start lending again at the same pace as they were doing before the problem started. This will obviously slow down NBFCs growth and also credit flow into the economy. Meanwhile, the Consumer Price Inflation (CPI) was at 3.69 per cent, which is well under the RBI’s targeted inflation rate of 4 per cent. It is remarkable that even after the increase in MSP and oil prices, the Consumer Price Inflation for March 2019 is expected to be around 4.70 per cent and for the full year average of 4.40 per cent to 4.50 per cent. This is within the stated range of inflation targeted by RBI. The CPI is expected to be low mainly due to low food inflation and MSP benefit being passed on to the farmer directly, thus as per the stated policy of keeping interest rates 2 per cent over the average CPI inflation has already been achieved. While inflation is under control, the speed with which the Indian Rupee (INR) is falling against the dollar is a cause of concern. Countries like Turkey, Argentina and Indonesia have tried to address currency depreciation by hiking the interest rate and have failed miserably. Addressing the currency depreciation with interest rate hike is a very blunt tool. India’s currency woes need to be solved by taking more concrete steps toward containing the Current Account Deficit (CAD). But factors like crude prices are beyond the control of the India government. Though the steps taken by the government to reduce petrol and diesel prices by Rs 2.50 per litre are welcome, maybe it’s time to adopt new measures to curtail the overall fuel consumption through innovative means. RBI has raised REPO rates twice this year from 6 per cent to 6.25 per cent in June and 6.50 per cent in August. By doing this RBI has moved along with the interest rate curve. The government securities market is extremely nervous and is already trading substantially higher to the long-term average spreads of 100 bps over Repo rate. The 10-year government security bond is being traded at 8.20 per cent which is a spread of 170 bps higher. This is an unusually high interest rate for a government to borrow from the market. The borrowing cost of the government is growing rapidly and high-interest rates can dent the future growth of the country. Even from real interest rate perspective, RBI is targeting a positive interest rate of 1.50 per cent to 2 per cent, whereas we are already in positive interest rate territory at 3.36 per cent as per the current bond rates pricing in the market. In such a scenario it is time for the RBI to be bold and brave. The first steps taken by RBI towards resolving this situation was announcing Rs 36,000 crore of open market operations (ie, buying government bonds from open market). This basically helps in infusing much-needed liquidity into the debt markets. The money markets need assurances to soothe and calm the nerves of its investors so that liquidity can come back to these markets. Government steps toward resolving IL&FS and RBI’s Open Market Operation announcement is in the correct direction. Raising interest rates after two consecutive rate hikes may not be an effective way to stop the rupee from depreciating further. Especially when the inflation is not showing any signs of running away. However, by keeping the interest rates steady and a neutral liquidity position with a bias towards easy liquidity when the markets require it, may help the markets to calm down its nerves, along with removing some of the PCA restrictions on PSU banks could keep the financial engine chugging. (The author is the promoter-director of Sunidhi Securities & Finance Ltd) (This article was originally published on DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Markets need RBI’s assurance

Investors became poorer by Rs 5 lakh crore in two days of stock market crash where the BSE benchmark index plummeted by 1,357 points.

Markets witnessed severe selling Thursday with the benchmark Sensex crashing over 806 points to end at 35,169.16 after the rupee crashed to a new life-time low and global crude oil price breached the USD 86 a barrel.

The gauge had lost 550.51 points Wednesday on rupee woes and surging crude oil prices.&nbsp;

Led by the sharp sell-off in equities, the market capitalisation of BSE-listed companies tumbled Rs 5,02,895.97 crore to Rs 1,40,39,742.92 crore (USD 1.90 trillion).

The dollar figure has been arrived at by calculating the m-cap from rupee's intra-day low of 73.81 Thursday.&nbsp;

With this, market capitalisation of BSE-listed firms slipped below the USD 2 trillion.

"The strongest of businesses and the bluest of blue chips have cracked in the last couple of sessions, which highlights the prevailing negative sentiment and an environment of pessimism. With the rupee hitting a record low, crude prices moving northwards, increasing fears of a broadening current account deficit along with the liquidity worries led to another major fall in the indices and broader markets.&nbsp;

"With deteriorating macros, all eyes will now be on the second quarter earnings and how the current liquidity situation is addressed," said Devang Mehta, Head ? Equity Advisory, Centrum Wealth Management.

The bloodbath on the bourses was primarily triggered by a continued slide in the rupee which hit yet another low of 73.81 (intra-day) against the dollar, brokers said. 
From the 30-share pack, 24 scrips declined, while 6 advanced.

RIL was the worst hit from the pack plunging 7.03 per cent followed by Hero MotoCorp 5.45 per cent and TCS 4.54 per cent.

In the broader market, the S&amp;P BSE midcap index fell by 1.93 per cent and smallcap index 2.07 per cent.

"Indian markets have been seeing a sharp sell-off on account of depreciation in rupee and higher crude prices. This negative sentiment was further reinforced by fears of liquidity crisis to support credit growth following the IL&amp;FS scare," said Nitasha Shankar, Sr Vice President and Head of Research, YES Securities.

Nearly 400 stocks hit their 52-week low on BSE Thursday.

At the BSE, 1,889 stocks declined, while 775 advanced and 138 remained unchanged.&nbsp;

Investors became poorer by Rs 5 lakh crore in two days of stock market crash where the BSE benchmark index plummeted by 1,357 points. Markets witnessed severe selling Thursday with the benchmark Sensex crashing over 806 points to end at 35,169.

Investors became poorer by Rs 5 lakh crore in two days of stock market crash where the BSE benchmark index plummeted by 1,357 points. Markets witnessed severe selling Thursday with the benchmark Sensex crashing over 806 points to end at 35,169.16 after the rupee crashed to a new life-time low and global crude oil price breached the USD 86 a barrel. The gauge had lost 550.51 points Wednesday on rupee woes and surging crude oil prices. Led by the sharp sell-off in equities, the market capitalisation of BSE-listed companies tumbled Rs 5,02,895.97 crore to Rs 1,40,39,742.92 crore (USD 1.90 trillion). The dollar figure has been arrived at by calculating the m-cap from rupee's intra-day low of 73.81 Thursday. With this, market capitalisation of BSE-listed firms slipped below the USD 2 trillion. "The strongest of businesses and the bluest of blue chips have cracked in the last couple of sessions, which highlights the prevailing negative sentiment and an environment of pessimism. With the rupee hitting a record low, crude prices moving northwards, increasing fears of a broadening current account deficit along with the liquidity worries led to another major fall in the indices and broader markets. "With deteriorating macros, all eyes will now be on the second quarter earnings and how the current liquidity situation is addressed," said Devang Mehta, Head ? Equity Advisory, Centrum Wealth Management. The bloodbath on the bourses was primarily triggered by a continued slide in the rupee which hit yet another low of 73.81 (intra-day) against the dollar, brokers said. From the 30-share pack, 24 scrips declined, while 6 advanced. RIL was the worst hit from the pack plunging 7.03 per cent followed by Hero MotoCorp 5.45 per cent and TCS 4.54 per cent. In the broader market, the S&P BSE midcap index fell by 1.93 per cent and smallcap index 2.07 per cent. "Indian markets have been seeing a sharp sell-off on account of depreciation in rupee and higher crude prices. This negative sentiment was further reinforced by fears of liquidity crisis to support credit growth following the IL&FS scare," said Nitasha Shankar, Sr Vice President and Head of Research, YES Securities. Nearly 400 stocks hit their 52-week low on BSE Thursday. At the BSE, 1,889 stocks declined, while 775 advanced and 138 remained unchanged.

Investors become poorer by Rs 5 lakh crore in two days of market crash

Indian stock markets closed in red on Thursday with BSE Sensex diving 806.47 points to close at 35,169.16 and Nifty sinking 259 points at 10,599.25, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

Markets today opened on a negative note, with the BSE benchmark Sensex cracking over 850 points in early session as the rupee hit another low amid weak global cues and fears of widening current account deficit.

The 50-share Nifty tumbled nearly 250 points to test the 10,600-mark during the day.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sensex?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Sensex</a> down by 806.47 points, currently at 35,169.16; Nifty down by 259 points, currently at 10,599.25
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The rupee's plunge to a new record low of 73.72 against the dollar in early trade, too, weighed on investor mood.

Meanwhile, fuel prices across the country witnessed an unabated rise with petrol in Mumbai selling at Rs 91.34 per litre, while diesel rose to Rs 80.10 per litre. In Delhi, prices of petrol and diesel were hiked by 0.15 paise and 0.20 paise, respectively at Rs 84 per litre and Rs 75.45 per litre, respectively.&nbsp;

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday noon announced relief to consumers by communicating government's decision to cut fuel prices by Rs 2.5.&nbsp;

According to the Finance Minister, while the excise duty has been cut by Rs 1.5, various oil marketing companies will also absorb Rs 1 giving a cumulative relief of Rs 2.5 on fuel prices to the consumers.

Indian stock markets closed in red on Thursday with BSE Sensex diving 806.47 points to close at 35,169.16 and Nifty sinking 259 points at 10,599.25, news agency PTI reported.

Indian stock markets closed in red on Thursday with BSE Sensex diving 806.47 points to close at 35,169.16 and Nifty sinking 259 points at 10,599.25, news agency PTI reported. Markets today opened on a negative note, with the BSE benchmark Sensex cracking over 850 points in early session as the rupee hit another low amid weak global cues and fears of widening current account deficit. The 50-share Nifty tumbled nearly 250 points to test the 10,600-mark during the day. #Sensex down by 806.47 points, currently at 35,169.16; Nifty down by 259 points, currently at 10,599.25 — ANI (@ANI) October 4, 2018 × The rupee's plunge to a new record low of 73.72 against the dollar in early trade, too, weighed on investor mood. Meanwhile, fuel prices across the country witnessed an unabated rise with petrol in Mumbai selling at Rs 91.34 per litre, while diesel rose to Rs 80.10 per litre. In Delhi, prices of petrol and diesel were hiked by 0.15 paise and 0.20 paise, respectively at Rs 84 per litre and Rs 75.45 per litre, respectively. Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday noon announced relief to consumers by communicating government's decision to cut fuel prices by Rs 2.5. According to the Finance Minister, while the excise duty has been cut by Rs 1.5, various oil marketing companies will also absorb Rs 1 giving a cumulative relief of Rs 2.5 on fuel prices to the consumers.

Markets close in red, Sensex tanks 806.47 points to close at 35,169.16  

Indian markets on Wednesday closed in red with BSE Sensex plunging 550.51 points to end at 35,975.63. Nifty, on the other hand, tanked 150.05 points to close at 10,858.25.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Indian currency was at Rs 73.25 against the American dollar on Wednesday noon.&nbsp;

In opening trade on Wednesday, the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sensex-falls-over-200-points-nifty-slips-below-11000-169111">BSE Sensex fell over 200 points</a> and the NSE Nifty dropped below the 11,000-level in early trade after the rupee dropped to a new low amid sustained foreign fund outflows and surging crude oil prices.

The BSE 30-share barometer fell 231.08 points, or 0.63 per cent, to 36,295.06 after hitting a low of 36,325.15. The gauge had gained 299 points Monday after the RBI announced measures to shore up liquidity.

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/rupee-hits-fresh-record-low-7324-against-us-dollar-169082">rupee dropped to a record low on Wednesday</a> as a sharp rise in global crude oil prices heaped more pressure on the currency, prompting the central bank to quickly intervene to slow its fall.

The domestic currency slid 34 paise to a new record low of 73.25 against the US dollar in early morning trade.&nbsp;

The partially convertible rupee briefly traded stronger on the day at 72.90 per dollar against its previous close of 72.91 after the news report. It had touched a life low of 73.42 earlier in the session.

By 2:34 pm, the rupee was trading at 73.24 per dollar.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Indian markets on Wednesday closed in red with BSE Sensex plunging 550.51 points to end at 35,975.63. Nifty, on the other hand, tanked 150.05 points to close at 10,858.

Indian markets on Wednesday closed in red with BSE Sensex plunging 550.51 points to end at 35,975.63. Nifty, on the other hand, tanked 150.05 points to close at 10,858.25. Meanwhile, the Indian currency was at Rs 73.25 against the American dollar on Wednesday noon. In opening trade on Wednesday, the BSE Sensex fell over 200 points and the NSE Nifty dropped below the 11,000-level in early trade after the rupee dropped to a new low amid sustained foreign fund outflows and surging crude oil prices. The BSE 30-share barometer fell 231.08 points, or 0.63 per cent, to 36,295.06 after hitting a low of 36,325.15. The gauge had gained 299 points Monday after the RBI announced measures to shore up liquidity. The rupee dropped to a record low on Wednesday as a sharp rise in global crude oil prices heaped more pressure on the currency, prompting the central bank to quickly intervene to slow its fall. The domestic currency slid 34 paise to a new record low of 73.25 against the US dollar in early morning trade. The partially convertible rupee briefly traded stronger on the day at 72.90 per dollar against its previous close of 72.91 after the news report. It had touched a life low of 73.42 earlier in the session. By 2:34 pm, the rupee was trading at 73.24 per dollar. (With inputs from agencies)

Markets close in red with Sensex plunging over 500 points

Indian markets on Monday opened in red with the BSE Sensex ruling&nbsp;59.79 points lower at 36,167 at 9:26 am.

The benchmark 30-share BSE Sensex recovered after falling marginally in early trade Monday amid mixed global trends.

The NSE barometer Nifty50 was trading at 10,882.

The Reserve Bank of India's policy meeting, macroeconomic data announcements and trends in crude oil prices are expected to be the key factors for market movements this week.

Last week, the 30-share BSE index slipped at 97.03 points in see-saw trade to close at 36,227.14, while the NSE Nifty dropped 47.10 points to 10,930.45.

The Sensex lost a whopping 2,417.93 points, or 6.26 per cent, in September -- its worst monthly show since February 2016.

(With inputs from PTI)

&nbsp;

 
 
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&nbsp;

Indian markets on Monday opened in red with the BSE Sensex ruling 59.79 points lower at 36,167 at 9:26 am. The benchmark 30-share BSE Sensex recovered after falling marginally in early trade Monday amid mixed global trends.

Indian markets on Monday opened in red with the BSE Sensex ruling 59.79 points lower at 36,167 at 9:26 am. The benchmark 30-share BSE Sensex recovered after falling marginally in early trade Monday amid mixed global trends. The NSE barometer Nifty50 was trading at 10,882. The Reserve Bank of India's policy meeting, macroeconomic data announcements and trends in crude oil prices are expected to be the key factors for market movements this week. Last week, the 30-share BSE index slipped at 97.03 points in see-saw trade to close at 36,227.14, while the NSE Nifty dropped 47.10 points to 10,930.45. The Sensex lost a whopping 2,417.93 points, or 6.26 per cent, in September -- its worst monthly show since February 2016. (With inputs from PTI)

Markets open in Red, Sensex tumbles nearly 60 points

Indian shares ended higher on Monday snapping a three-session losing streak, boosted by financials such as Housing Development Finance Corp Ltd and IT bellwether Tata Consultancy Services Ltd.

Investors remained cautious in early trade following the central bank announced measures to curb liquidity concerns ahead of a key policy meeting later this week.

The benchmark BSE Sensex closed up 0.83 per cent at 36,526.14. The broader NSE Nifty ended 0.71 per cent higher at 11,008.3.

HDFC closed 3.45 per cent higher and contributed to over a fifth of the Nifty's gains, while TCS gained 3.05 per cent.

Yes Bank Ltd was the top percentage gainer on the NSE index, closing 9.37 per cent higher.

Indian shares ended higher on Monday snapping a three-session losing streak, boosted by financials such as Housing Development Finance Corp Ltd and IT bellwether Tata Consultancy Services Ltd.

Indian shares ended higher on Monday snapping a three-session losing streak, boosted by financials such as Housing Development Finance Corp Ltd and IT bellwether Tata Consultancy Services Ltd. Investors remained cautious in early trade following the central bank announced measures to curb liquidity concerns ahead of a key policy meeting later this week. The benchmark BSE Sensex closed up 0.83 per cent at 36,526.14. The broader NSE Nifty ended 0.71 per cent higher at 11,008.3. HDFC closed 3.45 per cent higher and contributed to over a fifth of the Nifty's gains, while TCS gained 3.05 per cent. Yes Bank Ltd was the top percentage gainer on the NSE index, closing 9.37 per cent higher.

Nifty, Sensex snap three sessions of fall; financials gain

The rupee on Thursday opened on a positive note against the American dollar at 72.41, almost 20 paise up. This comes a day after the Indian government decided to hike import tariffs on 19 "non-essential items" in a bid to strengthen the tumbling Indian currency.

The new tariff structure, which goes into effect Thursday, will see the government raise customs duties on items such as air conditioners, refrigerators, footwear, speakers, luggage and aviation turbine fuel, among other items, news agency Reuters reported.

"This is positive news for the rupee given that it will help reduce India's current account deficit," said a forex trader at a foreign bank.

"This is a sentiment booster for the rupee," said SBI Chief Economist Soumya Kanti Ghosh, adding that the overall impact on current account deficit will be muted.

"The central bank needs to intervene more actively in the forex market to support the rupee. These tariff measures won't help in the long term," said Ghosh.

Meanwhile, Indian markets opened in green today with Sensitive Index (Sensex) of the BSE, which had closed at 36,542.27 points on Wednesday, opening higher at 36,691.93 points in the morning trade.

Nifty registered a hike of 8 points at 11,060.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The rupee on Thursday opened on a positive note against the American dollar at 72.41, almost 20 paise up. This comes a day after the Indian government decided to hike import tariffs on 19 "non-essential items" in a bid to strengthen the tumbling Indian currency.

The rupee on Thursday opened on a positive note against the American dollar at 72.41, almost 20 paise up. This comes a day after the Indian government decided to hike import tariffs on 19 "non-essential items" in a bid to strengthen the tumbling Indian currency. The new tariff structure, which goes into effect Thursday, will see the government raise customs duties on items such as air conditioners, refrigerators, footwear, speakers, luggage and aviation turbine fuel, among other items, news agency Reuters reported. "This is positive news for the rupee given that it will help reduce India's current account deficit," said a forex trader at a foreign bank. "This is a sentiment booster for the rupee," said SBI Chief Economist Soumya Kanti Ghosh, adding that the overall impact on current account deficit will be muted. "The central bank needs to intervene more actively in the forex market to support the rupee. These tariff measures won't help in the long term," said Ghosh. Meanwhile, Indian markets opened in green today with Sensitive Index (Sensex) of the BSE, which had closed at 36,542.27 points on Wednesday, opening higher at 36,691.93 points in the morning trade. Nifty registered a hike of 8 points at 11,060.

Rupee up by 20 paise against US dollar at Rs 72.41

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