Soaring gold prices are transforming the bullion boom into a balance sheet bonanza for smaller private and PSU banks with substantial gold loan books. These lenders are experiencing robust growth, improved margins, and better asset quality as demand for secured credit surges, outpacing overall credit growth significantly.
Oil hovers below seven-month high as traders eye U.S.–Iran talks, trade policy
Oil prices dipped slightly Tuesday after reaching near seven-month highs, as traders closely watched U.S.-Iran nuclear talks and U.S. trade policy uncertainties. Tensions remain high with renewed diplomatic efforts and concerns over potential military conflict, while Ukrainian drone strikes also impacted a key Russian oil pipeline.
Gold falls from three-week high as dollar firms
Gold prices dropped Tuesday after reaching a three-week peak. A stronger dollar pressured the precious metal. U.S. tariff uncertainty and Iran tensions provided some support. Silver, platinum, and palladium also saw declines. Investors are watching U.S. trade policy and geopolitical developments closely. Upcoming economic data from France and the U.S. will be key.
IDFC First Bank shares in focus after Rs 590 crore fraud disclosed at Chandigarh branch
IDFC First Bank disclosed a Rs 590 crore fraud at its Chandigarh branch involving employees and Haryana government-linked accounts. The bank has suspended four officials, initiated a forensic audit, and informed authorities. The issue is isolated to specific accounts, with no broader customer impact. The stock is expected to remain in focus.
Gold rises as Trump tariff defeat throws trade deals into doubt
Gold prices are climbing. Uncertainty surrounds trade deals after a Supreme Court decision on President Trump’s tariff powers. This has unsettled markets. Bullion has seen a significant rise. The dollar’s weakening is making gold more affordable for buyers. This situation is impacting international trade agreements. Gold’s recovery is gaining momentum.
9 Sensex stocks with up to 40% upside potential — Are these in your portfolio?
For investors scanning the Sensex for potential outperformers, the latest analyst consensus highlights several heavyweight names that could deliver strong returns in the coming year.
Dalal Street Week Ahead: Nifty braces for fresh breakout after US Supreme Court verdict boost
Nifty ended the week in a consolidative range, reflecting caution ahead of Monday’s open after the US Supreme Court verdict. Markets are watching for breakout momentum, with key sectors showing mixed relative strength. Investors should track resistance, support, and global cues for direction in the coming week.
FIIs turn buyers in February with Rs 16,912 crore worth of equity inflows. Is this a sign of trend reversal?
Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) turned net buyers in February, investing Rs 16,912 crore amid improved Q3 corporate earnings. While outflows hit Rs 35,962 crore in January, buying returned across financial services and capital goods. Analysts see this as a potential trend reversal, with continued FPI inflows expected through FY26.
US new home sales fall in December; inventory declines
New U.S. single-family home sales dipped 1.7% in December, yet builders reduced inventory, potentially enabling more construction starts. The supply of homes under construction reached a nearly 4-1/2 year low. Meanwhile, declining mortgage rates offer a potential boost to the housing market.
Trump made tariffs central to his presidency. Chaos may come next
The Supreme Court delivered a rare rebuke to President Trump, ruling he lacked the power to declare an economic emergency and impose sweeping tariffs. This decision prolongs political and economic trade chaos, with the White House planning to use alternative laws. Democrats seized on the ruling, stating Trump “is not a king” and his tariffs were illegal, impacting middle-class families.