Business

Bond investors face disappointment as rate cut hopes fade, impacting debt fund performance, especially long duration funds. Experts advise caution due to potential inflation resurgence and a likely range-bound yield environment. An accrual strategy with short-term yields is recommended, alongside a balanced barbell approach combining short-term, gilt, and corporate bond funds for stability and potential…

Gold has outperformed domestic equities, delivering substantial returns due to central banks’ buying and investors seeking inflation protection. Over the past year, gold yielded 50.1% in rupee terms, while the Sensex declined. Experts suggest maintaining a 10-15% gold allocation for portfolio diversification.

A Nuvama Institutional Equities report forecasts natural gas as the only fossil fuel to see increased use in the US, China, and India by 2050, even as coal and oil decline globally. While renewables are set to grow, fossil fuels will still dominate.

Plans are underway in India to broaden UPI-based cash withdrawals beyond ATMs to over 2 million business correspondents, potentially simplifying access, especially in underbanked areas. While awaiting regulatory clearance, this QR-code system offers an alternative to biometric or ATM withdrawals. Concerns exist regarding operational and cyber risks for BCs, but the expansion could significantly boost…

Ukraine’s drone attacks on Russian oil refineries created a crisis, which India has seized as an opportunity. Indian refiners are capitalizing on discounted Urals crude, boosting refining margins and exports, particularly diesel to Europe. Despite potential risks from fluctuating discounts and geopolitical pressures, India maintains its strategic autonomy in energy decisions.

Gold price prediction today: Gold prices are closely watched as the US Federal Reserve is expected to cut rates this week. Prices previously hit all-time highs due to weak US economic data, geopolitical tensions, and rupee depreciation. The market anticipates a 25bps rate cut, with focus on Chair Powell’s guidance amid economic slowdown and political…

The Income Tax Department refuted social media rumors of extending the ITR filing deadline beyond September 15, confirming it remains unchanged. Taxpayers are urged to rely solely on the department’s verified handle for updates. Over six crore ITRs have been filed for the Assessment Year 2025-26.

China’s economic growth slowed in August, with factory output and retail sales underperforming expectations. Weak consumer spending, a property slump, and extreme weather contributed to the slowdown. The government acknowledged economic challenges and pledged to implement macro policies to stabilize the economy. Property downturn continues to be a major drag.

Asian markets displayed mixed performance as investors anticipated a US Federal Reserve rate cut. Oil prices remained stable following Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian refineries. Hong Kong and Singapore saw gains, while Shanghai declined due to weak economic data. South Korea reached a record high after tax policy changes.