Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov criticised US tariff threats against India and China, emphasizing their resilience as ancient civilizations. He noted these nations are seeking new markets and energy sources due to American pressure. Despite tensions and tariff hikes, India and the US are in trade talks, while India and China assert their independence, backed by Moscow.

India's net direct tax collections surged by 9.18% to exceed Rs 10.82 lakh crore, propelled by increased corporate advance tax payments. However, refunds witnessed a 24% decline to Rs 1.61 lakh crore. The government aims for Rs 25.20 lakh crore in direct tax collection for FY26, marking a 12.7% increase.

US mortgage rates witnessed a decline. The average rate on a 30-year mortgage reached 6.26%. This is the lowest since early October. Freddie Mac reported this news on Thursday. The Federal Reserve's rate cut of 2025 contributed to this drop. Refinancing activity saw a surge. Adjustable-rate mortgages also gained popularity. This indicates a gradual decrease in borrowing costs for consumers.

RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra emphasized fiscal discipline for economic growth, urging states to prioritize expenditure quality and prudent borrowing. At the 35th Conference of State Finance Secretaries, discussions centered on fiscal consolidation, cash management, and market borrowings. The meeting promoted coordination between states and the RBI for initiatives in currency management and financial inclusion.

Procter & Gamble, Emami, and Hindustan Unilever Limited are reducing prices on various products. This decision follows the Goods and Services Tax rate cuts. Consumers can expect lower prices on soaps, shampoos, toothpaste, coffee, and diapers. The new prices will be effective from September 22.

The US Federal Reserve has cut interest rates for the first time in nine months, reducing the short-term rate to around 4.1%. This decision, influenced by slow progress on inflation and a weakening job market, aims to address the dual challenge of high prices and difficult employment conditions.

Eternal Ltd, parent of Zomato and Blinkit, witnessed its market valuation surge to Rs 3.26 lakh crore, surpassing Hindustan Aeronautics, Titan, and others. Shares climbed 2.96% to close at Rs 337.90 on the BSE, marking a 52-week high. The company now ranks 22nd among India's largest publicly listed firms, driven by a 21.54% gain since the year's start.

Wall Street rallied, propelled by tech stocks, after Nvidia's $5 billion investment in Intel and the Federal Reserve's interest rate cut. The S&P 500 neared record highs, while Intel shares soared. Globally, markets were mixed, with gains in Europe and Asia contrasting with declines in China and Australia. The Fed's projections of further rate cuts boosted market sentiment.

Intel's shares experienced a significant surge following Nvidia's announcement of a $5 billion investment in the semiconductor company. This collaboration aims to integrate Nvidia's AI technology with Intel's CPUs, creating custom data centers and enhancing PC products. The partnership seeks to revitalize Intel, which has faced financial challenges, while leveraging Nvidia's expertise in the booming AI market.

Nvidia is set to invest $5 billion in Intel, forging a partnership to develop AI infrastructure and PC products. Nvidia will purchase Intel stock, and Intel will design custom processors for Nvidia's data centers and integrate Nvidia tech into PC chips. This collaboration aims to boost Intel, which has faced financial struggles, while expanding Nvidia's reach in the AI market.

India's pharmaceutical sector is poised for strong revenue growth, projecting 7-9% in FY26, driven by domestic and European demand. While US market growth may moderate, operating profit margins are expected to remain resilient. Companies are increasing R&D spending and capital expenditure, focusing on speciality products.

The Bank of England maintained its key interest rate at 4 per cent, despite UK inflation remaining high at 3.8 per cent in August, nearly double the 2 per cent target. The central bank has been gradually lowering rates since August 2024, with the next potential cut in November. Economists are uncertain due to persistent price pressures and wage growth.

Maruti Suzuki India is set to reduce vehicle prices by up to Rs 1.29 lakh starting September 22, passing on the benefits of a GST rate reduction to customers. This decision follows the government's move to lower GST rates on small cars and SUVs, impacting petrol, CNG, LPG, and diesel vehicles meeting specific engine and length criteria.

Air India Express is set to launch daily non-stop flights between Bengaluru and Bangkok starting October 18, 2025. This new service aims to provide convenient connectivity for travellers from Bengaluru to Thailand, just in time for the festive season. To celebrate the launch, special introductory fares are available, starting at Rs 16,800 for a round trip.

Families of Air India Flight AI171 crash victims are suing Boeing and Honeywell, alleging faulty fuel switches caused the disaster. The lawsuit claims the switches' design led to accidental activation, cutting engine power shortly after takeoff. Despite meeting regulatory requirements, the switches' placement is questioned, though experts deem accidental activation unlikely.

Platinum has outperformed gold and silver this year, surging nearly 57% due to significant supply deficits and rising demand. Production is expected to decline further in 2025, particularly in South Africa, while automotive and jewelry demand remains strong, especially in China and India. Increased investment interest, driven by platinum's discount to gold, is also fueling the rally.

Gold and silver price prediction today: According to Abhilash Koikkara, gold prices are expected to remain bullish, finding strong support around 1,09,000, potentially reaching 1,11,000. Silver prices, after a correction, are also projected to maintain a positive trend, supported by industrial demand and safe-haven buying, with a target of 1,29,000 while holding support at 1,25,000.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman urged India Inc to increase investments and expand capacities, highlighting the government's delivery on key reforms. She requested the private sector to collaborate with the government in skilling youth for employment. Tata Sons Chairman acknowledged the opportunities created and expressed confidence in increased investments to capture them.

Nvidia's CEO, Jensen Huang, acknowledged the company's predicament in the US-China trade tensions, as China restricts orders for Nvidia's AI chips. Nvidia's shares dipped following Beijing's probe. Despite hurdles, Huang affirmed Nvidia's commitment to China. The company is increasing lobbying efforts in Washington amidst these uncertainties, navigating between US and China's demands.

Top stock market recommendations: Aakash K Hindocha from Nuvama Professional Clients Group recommends buying Eicher Motors, JSW Infrastructure, and Manappuram Finance. Nifty's double bottom breakout suggests potential for 26000+ levels, while Bank Nifty could rally further.

Stock market today: Nifty50 and BSE Sensex, the Indian equity benchmark indices, opened in green on Monday on positive global cues following US Federal Reserve rate cut move. While Nifty50 went above 25,400, BSE Sensex was up over 350 points.

Global markets stabilized following the US Federal Reserve's 25 basis point interest rate cut, though a cautious outlook on further easing tempered initial optimism. US equity futures saw modest gains after a volatile Wall Street session. The Fed's move, described as risk management, aimed to balance employment risks with inflation control, influencing currencies, bonds, and commodities.

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Flagging risks of slowing economic growth and job gains, the US Federal Reserve cut rates by 25 basis points. US is the world's largest economy and any benchmark rate movement by its central bank has global implications. Will the US Federal Reserves decision to cut rates spur a rally or will Nifty50 and BSE Sensex remain range-bound in the coming weeks?

The US Federal Reserve, led by Jerome Powell, has announced a 25 basis points rate cut, setting the federal funds rate to a range of 4 to 4-1/4 percent. This decision comes amidst concerns about moderating economic growth, slowing job gains, and persistent inflation slightly above the 2% target.