FMCG and retail companies face short-term challenges from weak demand and shrinking margins due to higher product prices and inflation. Smaller cities are driving growth, outperforming metros. Future performance depends on demand recovery and effective cost management, with a potential for margin recovery driven by rural demand.

India s rupee strengthened by 20 paise against the US dollar, closing at 87.01 following positive retail inflation data. February s CPI reduced to 3.61% from January s 4.26%, prompting market speculations of potential rate cuts. The rupee s gains were trimmed late in the day due to dollar buying, with weak market flows ahead of the Holi holiday.

Baba Ramdev s Patanjali Ayurved, along with Dharampal Satyapal Group, has acquired a majority stake in Magma General Insurance from Sanoti Properties, valuing the insurer at ₹4,500 crore. This deal signifies Patanjali s expansion into the general insurance market and broader financial services sector.

Despite recent significant market corrections, Bernstein is cautious in predicting a broad buying opportunity in the Indian market. Both Sensex and Nifty have experienced notable declines since late September, but the brokerage sees potential in selective large-cap stocks, particularly in the power and information technology sectors.

Global equities declined, with the S&P 500 confirming a correction amid tariff threats from President Trump, boosting inflation fears. U.S. Treasury prices rose as investors sought safer assets. The Nasdaq Composite is down over 14% from its recent record, as trade war concerns persist.

Asian equities rebounded and US equity futures climbed as a US government shutdown was averted. The S&P 500 hit a six-month low, and Treasuries held steady. Avoiding the shutdown eased market uncertainties, which were heightened by ongoing trade-war tensions under President Trump.

Gold surged to a historic high, reaching $2,990.21 an ounce, driven by fears surrounding U.S. growth due to aggressive tariff policies and weak inflation data. Investors flocked to safer assets as economic concerns heightened, with expectations for further gains in the precious metal.

Wall Street closed sharply lower as inflation concerns were overshadowed by fears of the escalating U.S. tariff war. The S&P 500 is in a correction, tech shares dropped significantly, and sentiment is poor due to daily tariff headlines. Despite cooler inflation data, uncertainty about the economy remains high, impacting investor confidence.

Indian stock markets are closed today for Holi, providing a break from the market slump. Trading on the multi commodity exchange will be paused in the morning but will resume in the evening. The outlook remains cautious due to global market uncertainties, particularly concerns about US policies.

U.S. President Donald Trump s re-election prompted a run-up in the broad stock market that has since receded. The same has happened in a number of tiny companies linked to the president s two eldest sons.