The Economic Times

Gold and silver prices extended losses for a fourth straight session on Thursday, pressured by renewed geopolitical tensions, higher oil prices and concerns over inflation and interest rates. Analysts expect continued volatility and advise investors to accumulate precious metals gradually during the ongoing correction.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited Australian businesses to invest in India, underlining strong economic growth and policy reforms creating opportunities. Modi discussed collaboration in sectors like critical minerals and technology. He urged early conclusion of the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement.

The Asian Development Bank has lowered India's FY27 GDP growth forecast to 6.6 percent. Elevated energy prices are impacting household purchasing power and squeezing real incomes. The lender also raised India's FY27 inflation forecast to 5.2 percent. South Asia's growth projection for 2026 was also reduced by 0.3 percentage points. Risks to the growth outlook remain tilted to the downside due to geopolitical tensions.

Indian stock markets traded higher on Thursday, recovering from Wednesday's significant decline. Sensex and Nifty saw marginal gains as investor confidence returned to the trading floor. Oil prices continued their upward trend, influenced by escalating Middle East geopolitical concerns. Foreign institutional investors remained net buyers of Indian equities for the sixth consecutive session.

India's largest mutual fund scheme is buying more shares of TCS and Infosys. This buying occurs even as these IT stocks experience significant market value losses. The fund manager's conviction rests on current cash flows rather than future AI narratives. While AI disruption pressures revenue, it also creates new technology spending opportunities. The sector is no longer considered expensive, but earnings visibility remains a concern.

Adani Enterprises and Dioxycle have formed a long-term partnership for chemical production. This collaboration marks Adani Group's entry into the low-carbon chemical sector. Initially, a pilot plant will produce formic acid using renewable energy sources. The companies will also explore other emissions-reducing chemical production opportunities. This venture aims to convert captured carbon emissions into valuable products.

Graphite India shares are set to remain in focus after the company announced the planned closure of its Graphite Specialities and Coating divisions in Germany, citing the prolonged impact of the Russia-Ukraine war and weak demand. The company expects the shutdown process to be completed within six months and will announce its Q1 earnings and dividend after the board meeting scheduled for August 4.

During a recent kayaking event, Greenlanders voiced strong opposition to President Trump's persistent calls for US control over their island. They emphasized that decisions regarding Greenland's future should reside solely with its own citizens. Many spectators felt that Trump's focus was driven by the potential for natural resource extraction, rather than respect for the people's will.

Heavy rains inundated the HPCL Patalganga LPG plant in Raigad district. Approximately three thousand LPG cylinders were swept into the Patalganga River by floodwaters. Authorities issued a public safety advisory urging caution regarding the floating cylinders. Residents were warned against touching or collecting any cylinders found washed ashore. The district administration is actively monitoring and working to recover the lost cylinders.

Tata Consultancy Services shares declined as the company prepares to announce its first-quarter results. Analysts anticipate modest profit growth and weak revenue momentum for the IT bellwether. Demand for IT services remains soft due to economic uncertainty and client spending caution. Large deal ramp-ups and AI-led spending may offer some support to growth. The company's stock has experienced significant declines throughout the current year.

Antony Waste share price fell 5% after a waste mound at Pimpri Chinchwad facility collapsed due to heavy rainfall. The debris fell onto the administration building, causing its structural failure. Rescue operations are currently underway involving multiple emergency response agencies. The company is providing medical assistance and support to affected families. No immediate material impact on company operations has been identified so far.

On July 8, four stocks with a market capitalisation of over Rs 10,000 crore closed more than 1% above their Volume Weighted Average Price (VWAP), according to StockEdge's technical scan data. A move above the VWAP is considered a bullish technical signal, indicating strengthening buying interest and the potential for further upside in the near term.

Actor R. Madhavan is preparing for his film GDN's worldwide release on July 17. He once revealed his dramatic weight-loss journey involved simple lifestyle habits. These habits support metabolic health and a healthier body weight. Read on to know what those three bedtime rituals are that help him to stay fit at 54.

Mumbai's K Rustom ice cream parlour license has been suspended by the FDA. Officials found expired flavouring agents and live rodents during an inspection. The popular Churchgate outlet also lacked required cold chain maintenance. The FDA took action as part of its 'Safe Food, Safe Maharashtra' campaign. Samples were collected for laboratory analysis after the inspection.

Four Nifty500 stocks, Balkrishna Industries, Aegis Logistics, PhysicsWallah and OneSource Specialty Pharma, closed over 3% below VWAP, highlighting bearish sentiment and weakening price momentum.

National Aluminium Company and NLC India have signed an agreement for a joint venture. This new entity will establish a 1,080 MW captive thermal power plant in Odisha. The plant will supply electricity for NALCO's aluminium smelter expansion project. Partners will also explore renewable energy sourcing and long-term coal supply. Both government-owned companies will hold equal stakes in the proposed joint venture.

Four stocks in the Nifty500 pack featured in the RSI Trending Up scan on July 8 after showing improving momentum. The RSI moved above the 50 mark from lower levels, signalling strengthening price action, improving sentiment and potential short-term buying opportunities for traders tracking bullish technical setups.

Uttarakhand achieved full literacy status, becoming the sixth state to do so. This significant milestone was reached after meeting adult literacy benchmarks set by the government. Governor Gurmeet Singh approved the proposal declaring the state fully literate after this achievement. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami highlighted public participation and government efforts in this success. The state's literacy rate now stands above ninety-eight percent.

Confirmed Ebola cases in Congo have reached 1,759. The outbreak has tragically resulted in 600 recorded deaths. Government data revealed 51 new cases and 20 new deaths. These figures represent the total confirmed cases as of Tuesday. The situation report documented the previous 24 hours.

Heavy rainfall continues to affect many parts of India today. The India Meteorological Department has issued Red and Orange weather warnings. These alerts warn of thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds. Several states, including Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, are experiencing disruptions. Residents are advised to follow safety guidelines issued by authorities.

Donald Trump claims he prevented a nuclear war between India and Pakistan. He stated that Pakistan's Prime Minister credited him with saving millions of lives. Trump also asserted he settled eight international conflicts through his unique personality. He previously mentioned using tariffs to de-escalate the India-Pakistan situation. India has consistently refuted any claims of American mediation in the conflict.

The IPO received a solid response on Day 1, with the issue subscribed 3.45 times against the 1.14 crore shares on offer. The retail investor portion was subscribed 3.52 times, while the Non-Institutional Investors (NIIs) category saw a strong 7.35-times subscription.

BJP MP Raju Bista alleged Mamata Banerjee slapped a party worker during a protest march. Mamata Banerjee addressed a rally concerning a girl's rape and murder. She accused police of failing to ensure security and allowing violence. The former Chief Minister questioned the police's role in maintaining law and order. She also attacked the BJP over the Ram Mandir donation row.

Brent crude futures gained 78 cents, or 1%, to $78.8 a barrel while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures rose 74 cents, or 1.01%, to $74.26 a barrel. On Wednesday, the two benchmarks had settled at their highest levels in more than two weeks after U.S. President Donald Trump warned of additional strikes on Iran as early as Wednesday night.