No plan to hike gold and silver import duties, US-India trade talks expected soon: Govt source
Government sources indicate no immediate plans to hike gold and silver import duties, despite calls to curb non-essential gold purchases. Meanwhile, India anticipates US trade talks addressing pending issues, including a Section 301 probe, though a comprehensive deal remains distant. India has contested US allegations of structural overcapacity, urging the termination of the investigation.from Business News Today: Stock Markets, Financial News, India Business & World Business News https://ift.tt/JOFfV40
Amidst the escalating Middle East conflict, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw echoed PM Modi's call for Indians to reduce import spending and conserve foreign exchange. He urged citizens and businesses to make conscious choices to save forex, highlighting fuel expenditure as a key area for reduction. This initiative aims to protect the nation's economic interests as global energy supplies face strain.
Gold and silver prices are expected to trade within a narrow band this week, with investors closely watching US-Iran peace talks and key global economic data. Analysts noted that while gold's momentum appears steady, silver shows positive movement. Geopolitical tensions and central bank buying are also influencing precious metal markets.
State-owned oil companies are facing over Rs 1 lakh crore in losses due to soaring global fuel prices, with daily under-recoveries reaching Rs 1,700 crore. Despite this, petrol and diesel prices remain unchanged, impacting the financial health of these crucial energy providers. A fuel price hike now appears inevitable, with the government facing a political decision on timing and extent.
Asian Development Bank Chief Economist Albert Park forecasts elevated crude oil prices, averaging $96 per barrel in 2026 and $80 in 2027, due to prolonged Middle East tensions. This outlook suggests a 0.6% reduction in India's GDP growth for FY27, pushing inflation to 6.9% amid reliance on imported oil and gas.
Indian equity markets experienced a downturn Friday, with both Sensex and Nifty closing lower. Renewed military tensions near the Strait of Hormuz dampened investor sentiment, leading to profit-booking across various sectors. While IT stocks showed resilience, PSU banks were significantly impacted. Global markets also reflected cautious sentiment.
Massive oil market bets, totaling up to $7 billion, were placed just before significant US President Trump announcements concerning Iran. Traders executed large sell orders minutes before key political developments, leading to substantial price drops. This unusual timing and scale have triggered regulatory scrutiny, with investigators examining potential insider trading concerns.
Social Plugin