The rupee strengthened to 86.04/$1 due to US tariff-induced global market volatility, weakening the dollar index. Importer dollar demand slightly offset rupee gains, while traders anticipate a depreciating bias, projecting a range of 86.50/$1 to 85.80/$1. Benchmark 10-year bond yields softened but rose after RBI auctions, with domestic events taking precedence over US treasury bill fluctuations.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is set to inject liquidity into the banking system through open market operations (OMO) and variable rate repo (VRR) auctions this month. These measures aim to achieve a system liquidity surplus of 1% of net demand and time liabilities (NDTL) and to offset the impact of GST outflows.

Investors are selling U.S. government bonds, sparking concerns about America s stability as a safe haven. Rising Treasury yields could lead to higher borrowing costs for consumers and corporations, potentially impacting the economy. This unusual bond sell-off, driven by factors like tariff policies and loss of confidence, challenges the traditional role of bonds as a buffer during stock market downturns.

SEBI Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey announced a potential regulatory overhaul to ease compliance burdens and modernize norms. SEBI is collaborating with the RBI and government to simplify investment rules for overseas funds and individuals in the Indian stock market, including exploring fungibility between FPI and FDI.

Indian stock markets surged on Friday, mirroring gains in Asian markets. The NSE Nifty and BSE Sensex both saw significant increases. Metal, consumer durables, and pharmaceutical sectors led the rally. Market experts suggest stability due to cooling volatility and steady investment flows. Investors are advised to focus on domestic sectors.

SEBI plans to simplify regulations for the capital market. Tuhin Kanta Pandey, chairman of SEBI, mentioned this in an interview. The goal is to reduce compliance burdens and costs. SEBI will review existing rules and seek stakeholder input. They will also address concerns about derivatives market regulations. Consultations with Amfi are planned regarding mutual fund expense ratios.

Cement companies face margin pressure in the March quarter due to weaker prices and higher pet coke costs, despite a 10% volume growth. Most producers, except UltraTech Cement, are expected to report profit declines. While sales volumes improved, rising input costs will likely compress EBITDA margins and impact overall profitability compared to last year.

The dollar plummeted to a six-month low following China s increased tariffs on US goods, triggering bearish sentiment among options traders. Intensifying trade tensions between the US and China fueled a flight to safety, benefiting havens like the yen and Swiss franc. Concerns about US economic growth and rising debt are undermining confidence in the dollar s reserve currency status.

Ashish Anup Nigam, a former Axis Capital executive director, and Nehal Milan Mehta have resolved an insider trading case with Sebi, paying ₹1.13 crore. Mehta will also disgorge ₹37.2 lakh with interest. The Sebi investigation revealed Nigam, privy to UPSI regarding BF Investment s delisting, shared it with Mehta, who then traded on the information.

U.S. stock investors are bracing for continued market volatility as trade tensions and a weakening dollar create uncertainty. Despite a brief reprieve after Trump eased some tariffs, concerns about economic damage persist amid ongoing trade battles, particularly with China.