Asian shares dipped early Wednesday, mirroring Wall Street’s decline as softer-than-expected U.S. jobs data failed to strengthen expectations for near-term interest-rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. The weak employment figures prompted caution among investors, reducing optimism about imminent monetary easing.

Many investors focus on returns when building mutual fund (MF) portfolios — but taxes can significantly affect net returns over time. Smart structuring of your MF holdings can help minimise tax leakage and boost long-term wealth.

Trading activity on the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) has slumped to its lowest level in nearly two years, reflecting subdued investor participation in Indian equities. Market turnover — a key measure of how actively stocks are being bought and sold — has weakened as many traders and investors take a cautious stance amid concerns about future returns.

The National Pension System (NPS) has expanded its investment universe, allowing pension fund managers to invest in gold and silver exchange-traded funds (ETFs) as well as Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs).

India’s merchandise trade deficit declined significantly in November 2025, falling to $24.53 billion — the lowest in five months — compared with a record wide $41.68 billion deficit in October. This marked improvement reflects both stronger exports and reduced import demand.

Indian-origin entrepreneurs are increasingly becoming influential architects of the AI revolution — not just in India, but at the heart of Silicon Valley’s deep-tech startup ecosystem. A Economic Times report highlights this growing trend, profiling both well-known and emerging founders who are steering innovation in artificial intelligence.

The Indian rupee is expected to weaken further in the coming weeks, as subdued capital inflows, ongoing foreign selling and uncertainty around major trade negotiations keep pressure on the currency. Analysts say the trend may continue through the end of 2025, with both the forex and debt markets watching closely for shifts in investor behaviour.

Gold prices edged higher in global markets as US Treasury yields softened, improving the appeal of the yellow metal. Meanwhile, silver prices stabilised after a sharp rally that had pushed the metal to record levels in recent sessions.

Crude oil prices moved higher in global markets as escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela raised concerns over potential supply disruptions. The geopolitical uncertainty has added a risk premium to oil prices at a time when markets are already sensitive to supply-side developments.

Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) have sold a record amount of Indian equities in 2025, highlighting sustained capital outflows amid global volatility and shifting investor sentiment.