Spot gold surged past the key $3,000 per ounce mark for the first time on Friday, extending its historic rally amid trade tensions and expectations of U.S. rate cuts, bolstering its status as a safe-haven asset.

The yen weakened after union wage talks concluded in Japan, while the pound dipped due to faltering UK economic growth. The dollar gained, supported by renewed U.S.-EU trade tensions. Japan s wage hike was the highest in 34 years but fell short of union targets. The euro steadied, and Australian, New Zealand dollars firmed on hopes for China stimulus.

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European shares remained steady on Friday but were set for a weekly decline due to escalating trade tensions and concerns over economic slowdown. BMW s profit drop and tariffs announced by President Trump impacted investor sentiment, with significant declines in auto stocks and Universal Music Group.

The benchmark index continues its downward trend, testing key support at 22,000. Axis Securities predicts range-bound movement and suggests SRF and Globus Spirits as strategic buys with defined entry points, stop losses, and target levels for potential gains.

Elon Musk s SpaceX plans to enter India s telecom sector with Starlink, intensifying competition between Bharti Airtel and Reliance. Market expert Hemang Jani suggests Reliance offers better value, while Bharti remains resilient but largely priced in. Investors must weigh risk and reward.

​Mutual funds adjusted their midcap portfolios in February, reducing stakes in key stocks. HDFC, SBI, Kotak, Axis, and Nippon India Mutual Funds exited stocks like Bharat Electronics, ITC, Infosys, and Sun Pharma to optimize their investment strategies.

Despite Sensex rising just 1.6% since Holi 2024, 56 stocks delivered multibagger returns. Leading the pack are Ashika Credit Capital, Aayush Art, Indo Thai Securities, and Vantage Knowledge Academy, each posting massive gains in the smallcap space.

JPMorgan suggests the worst of the US equity correction may be over, with credit markets indicating lower recession risks. While equities price in a 50% recession probability, debt markets suggest only 9%-12%, providing some relief to investors.

The Indian stock market has declined over 14% from its 2024 highs, with small and midcaps hit hardest. Investors like Anshul Saigal see this correction as a buying opportunity, drawing inspiration from Warren Buffett’s philosophy of investing amid fear.