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This edition reviews key market movements, major financial stories, and practical insights for investors.
Market Recap – August 2025
Equities: Indian markets rose mid-month on GST reform optimism and hopes of global recovery, but slipped by month-end as U.S. tariffs, persistent FII outflows, and global headwinds weighed on sentiment. The Nifty 50 started lower, rallied mid-month on GST reform hopes and domestic demand, but ended lower amid weak earnings and continued FII selling. The Nasdaq 100 gained mid-month driven by robust AI earnings and optimism over potential Fed rate cuts but profit-booking capped gains by month-end.
Commodities: Crude oil prices held steady around $64, rebounding late in the month amid Ukraine-Russia tensions and seasonal U.S. demand. Gold and silver also advanced on safe-haven demand and expectations of Fed rate cuts.
Bonds: Yields rose in India on fiscal concerns, reduced institutional demand, and a widening gap with the RBI policy rate. US 10-year bond yields eased amid weaker employment data and Fed rate cut expectations but persistent inflation kept investors cautious.
Currencies: The Indian rupee weakened against the US dollar amid tariff concerns, reduced FII inflows, and rising global trade tensions. The US Dollar Index remained relatively steady during August.
Featured Blog – Warren Buffett’s Blind Spots: Lessons Hidden in His Biggest Misses
This blog delves into Buffett’s major investment mistakes including the emotional detour with Berkshire Hathaway, the costly Energy Future Holdings bond bet, and ethical challenges in the Lubrizol acquisition. It highlights lessons on avoiding emotional investing, the need for deep sector knowledge even in debt investments, and the critical importance of ethics and reputation. Buffett’s experience with airline investments also underscores the risk of industry shifts and recency bias. The blog illuminates how even legendary investors learn from errors to refine their approach.
Financial Insights You Can’t Miss
Asian Paints Losing Its Colour: Examines reasons behind the market leader’s recent struggles and fading vibrancy.
India’s Big Fat Weddings 2025: Explores the continuing extravagance and expansion of India’s wedding industry.
Why Flying in India is a Tough Business: Analyzes structural challenges in Indian aviation, including infrastructure bottlenecks, high costs, and regulatory hurdles impacting profitability despite strong demand.
Calendar of Key Events – September 2025
56th GST Council Meeting (Sept 3-4): Will discuss tax structures, compliance, and revenue trends.
OECD Financial Markets Week (Sept 8-12): Expected to shape global market and debt policies.
US Federal Reserve FOMC Meeting (Sept 16-17): High probability of a rate cut; markets will closely monitor.
J.P. Morgan India Investor Conference (Sept 22-23): A key platform influencing foreign investment outlook.
CAFRAL Program on Credit Risk & Stressed Assets Management (Sept 22-23): Important for banking sector stability.
Interactive Section
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