Market Bizzz

Devina Mehra, Founder & CMD of First Global, predicts the possible end of the US market’s 12-year outperformance, accelerated by Trump’s policies. Despite potential downturns, investing remains crucial as missing top trading days can significantly impact long-term returns. India’s market is portrayed as less risky, and maintaining a diversified global portfolio is recommended for investors.

The company’s Assets Under Management (AUM) rose 26% to around Rs 1,14,680 crore as of March 31, 2025, compared to Rs 91,370 crore a year ago. AUM grew by about Rs 6,365 crore during the quarter, highlighting Bajaj Housing Finance’s continued expansion in the housing finance space.

Nilesh Shah, MD of Kotak AMC, explains that global uncertainty, including the US tariff war, is causing short-term market volatility. Investors are cautious, and asset classes face synchronized selling. India’s market status and its potential benefit from these tariffs depend on how well the country captures emerging opportunities amidst global economic instability.

Hong Kong and Chinese stock markets plunged on Monday due to escalating global trade tensions and recession fears. The Hang Seng index dropped over 10%, with significant declines in banking stocks like HSBC and Standard Chartered. The CSI300 blue-chip index fell over 5%, and the yuan hit its lowest level since January.

Foreign institutional investors reversed course in early April, spurred by rising global trade tensions following US President Trump’s announcement of steep tariffs. This led to significant market sell-offs, affecting capital flows to India. Experts, however, remain optimistic about India’s long-term investment prospects.

Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty 50 fell by 2.6% each due to a global sell-off triggered by U.S. tariff actions. IT stocks suffered the most, plunging 9%, while the Nifty Metal index dropped 7.5%. Analysts recommend caution amid ongoing market volatility.

Iran’s rial currency hit a record low of 1,043,000 against the U.S. dollar following a long holiday, exacerbated by ongoing tensions with Washington. The economic instability has led to increased hardships for the Iranian public and political turmoil, with internal conflicts over government spending and handling of the economy.

Global billionaires lost a combined $208 billion in a single day after Trump’s tariff announcement rattled markets—the fourth-largest drop in Bloomberg Billionaires Index history. Over half saw declines averaging 3.3%, with US billionaires hit hardest. Carlos Slim gained as Mexico was spared, and the Middle East was the only region to post net wealth gains.

Indian equity markets may face a short-term correction due to high valuations, potential earnings downgrades, and macroeconomic uncertainties. Market strategist Manishi Raychaudhuri highlights the challenges posed by global trade impacts, sector-specific pressures, and risks related to currency weakness and increased equity supply.

Ramesh Damani, a BSE member, emphasizes that the bull market has resumed with public sector stocks, particularly in defence and construction, leading the way. He suggests focusing on domestic growth sectors like digital infrastructure and pharma. Damani highlights India’s resilience and advises against panic, stressing the importance of investing in appreciating assets for long-term gains.