Global investors began rotating back into gold ETFs in April as India recorded positive flows of USD 297 million, marking its 11th consecutive month of inflows, according to a report by the World Gold Council (WGC). Following notable outflows in March, global physically backed gold ETFs recorded inflows of USD 6.6 billion during the month. As per the report, all regions registered positive flows with European funds leading the recovery.
Indian stock markets experienced a significant downturn on Friday. Geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran, a weakening rupee, and widespread selling in financial stocks contributed to the decline. Auto and energy sectors also saw major losses.
Foreign investors continue to sell Indian shares in 2026. They have offloaded equities worth over Rs 2 lakh crore this year. This trend marks their third consecutive month as net sellers. Domestic investors are buying, but markets are falling. Experts suggest India is not attracting enough foreign capital. This impacts large companies, while smaller ones get support from local funds.
Nithin Kamath highlights persistent personal finance blunders by Indians, particularly the continued uptake of ULIPs and endowment plans despite ample information. He notes a lack of innovation in these financial missteps, where insurance and investments are wrongly combined. While health insurance faces complexities, Kamath argues these bundled products are easier to scrutinize, making poor choices harder to excuse.
Bitcoin hovers near the $80,000 mark. Experts note cautious sentiment following outflows from US-listed spot Bitcoin ETFs. Major altcoins like XRP, BNB, and Solana saw gains. The global crypto market capitalization increased. Institutional demand continues to support the market. Bitcoin's resilience near $80,000 indicates underlying strength.
Penny stocks are often seen as the riskiest corner of the market, associated with low liquidity, sharp volatility and speculative trading.
Despite economic headwinds, Niveshaay's Arvind Kothari sees opportunity in market dips, doubling down on high-conviction themes like electrification and defence. He believes these sectors possess "war-proof" structural moats, accelerating growth due to macro shifts. Investors should brace for second-order effects but focus on long-term structural growth stories.
India's securities regulator, SEBI, is proposing major shifts in company share buybacks. Open market buybacks are set to return, and the mandatory involvement of merchant bankers may be reduced. Safeguards for promoter shareholding and minimum public shareholding are also being tightened. These changes aim to simplify business operations while enhancing investor protection.
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