Retail inflation edged up to 3.5% in April, driven by a rise in food prices. While fuel inflation slowed, restaurant services saw a significant price jump due to higher LPG costs. Consumer durables like cars and air conditioners, however, became cheaper. Experts note upside risks to the inflation outlook despite the softer-than-expected reading.
Crude Prices Over $105/Bbl I FPI Outflows Slower, But Persistent
US stocks retreated on Tuesday as rising oil prices and sticky inflation cooled Wall Street’s rally. Technology shares, particularly AI-linked companies, led the decline. Concerns over the Iran conflict and its impact on crude supplies fueled inflation worries, strengthening expectations of prolonged elevated interest rates.
Uday Kotak, founder of Kotak Mahindra Bank, urged India to reduce its reliance on foreign capital and cultivate a robust domestic pool of long-term risk capital for true self-reliance. He emphasized that companies should prioritize building businesses with a three-to-five-year vision over short-term stock price fluctuations, advocating for stronger domestic private equity and venture capital
US inflation surged in April, reaching a three-year high driven by escalating fuel costs linked to the Iran-US conflict. This rise complicates the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decisions, as petrol prices have significantly increased, impacting household budgets and raising concerns about broader economic fallout.
Persistent foreign fund outflows and the rupee sliding to record lows have further dampened sentiment, prompting investors to stay cautious and intensify selling across equity markets.
Indian equity benchmarks, Sensex and Nifty, extended their losses for a fourth consecutive session, plunging nearly 2% on Tuesday. Rising crude oil prices, sustained foreign fund outflows, and escalating West Asia conflict uncertainty contributed to the broad-based selloff, impacting IT, realty, and consumer durable stocks.
Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have significantly impacted global bunker fuel supply, leading to soaring prices, particularly in Asia. This is forcing shipping firms to cut speeds and explore alternative fuels, with experts warning of increased freight costs and consumer prices.
