Amnish Aggarwal of Prabhudas Lilladher anticipates a 25 bps rate cut by the RBI, citing controlled inflation and market volatility. He cautions against making fresh market bets amidst the US-China trade war, predicting continued volatility for the global economy and markets. While some Indian sectors like home textiles might benefit, increased dumping from China could pressure Indian industries.
There is a significant focus on global diversification using Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS), Overseas Portfolio Investment (OPI)/ Overseas Direct Investment (ODI) route and integration of investments with migration decisions.
India's consumer prices likely saw a similar increase in March as in February, with a Reuters poll forecasting a 3.60% rise. Higher gold prices, driven by investors seeking safe haven amid trade concerns, offset stable food prices impacted by uneven rainfall and heat waves. The Reserve Bank of India is expected to cut interest rates to bolster slowing economic growth.
A tragic incident occurred in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The roof of Jet Set nightclub collapsed during a merengue concert. At least 79 people died and 160 were injured. Rescue crews searched for survivors in the rubble. Politicians and athletes were among those present. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the collapse. The community is mourning the loss.
Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato stated Japan will not use its U.S. Treasury bonds as leverage against American tariffs. This was in response to a suggestion to sell the bonds as retaliation. Kato clarified that these holdings are for potential currency intervention. Selling them would be like buying yen, a move Japan is wary of.
A U.S. judge has ordered the Trump White House to lift access restrictions imposed on the Associated Press, following a dispute over the news agency's continued use of "Gulf of Mexico." Judge Trevor McFadden ruled that the White House cannot selectively restrict access based on viewpoints, granting AP journalists access to key White House events.
The S&P 500 plummeted below 5,000 for the first time in nearly a year, triggered by investor anxieties over President Trump's impending tariffs. A strong morning rally faded as hopes for tariff delays diminished. The benchmark index has suffered a significant market value loss since the tariff announcement.
South Korea on Wednesday unveiled a $2 billion emergency support package for its crucial export-focused carmakers, warning US President Donald Trump's 25 percent tariffs on the sector could be a "significant blow". "Given that automobiles and auto parts are South Korea's top exports to the US, the decision to impose a 25 percent tariff on these items is expected to deliver a significant blow to our auto industry," the government said in a statement announcing the support measures.
