Europe's hot stock markets catch global investors' eye - The Economic Times

• The BSE Sensex fell 455.59 points (0.58%) to close at 78,499.17 on Friday, August 7, 2026, ending a two-session winning streak. • The decline was primarily driven by selling pressure in the financial sector, specifically affecting non-banking financial companies and private-sector banks.

• A new report released on August 10 indicates that Indian equities remain attractive for long-term investment despite recent market volatility. • The positive outlook is driven by a recovery in corporate earnings, an increase in private capital expenditure, and the potential for new trade deals.

• On August 10, 2026, the Sensex and Nifty 50 maintained marginal gains during a lacklustre trading session as investors awaited US inflation data and CAS updates. • Global economic reports showed mixed results, with Canada seeing strong July jobs growth and Mexico's inflation hitting a six-year low, allowing Banxico to hold rates at 6.5%.

• Asian markets are showing positive momentum, with Japan's Nikkei 225 rising over 1% to near 66,300 and South Korea's Kospi gaining nearly 1.7% driven by chipmakers. • Brent crude prices have climbed for three straight sessions to approximately $84.4 per barrel due to geopolitical instability in the Gulf.

• India is expanding its strategic presence in the Asean defense market, beginning with the sale of BrahMos missiles to the Philippines. • Since 2022, India has maintained a comprehensive strategic partnership with Asean as a bloc and formal partnerships with six member states, including Vietnam and Singapore.

• European stock markets are experiencing a significant rally, with investor demand remaining much firmer than analysts previously expected. • Market metrics, including earnings, economic growth, and fund flows, indicate a major shift in sentiment toward the region's resilience.

• The BSE Sensex rose by 100 points and the NSE Nifty opened above 25,600 as Indian markets reacted to a mix of domestic policy signals and global uncertainty. • Major companies including State Bank of India, Reliance Industries, TCS, and Larsen & Toubro saw increases in market value, though some financial and consumer stocks declined.

• The Nifty 50 index fell 0.3% on Friday, closing at 24,570. • The decline was driven by profit-taking following a recent rally and weak global market cues.

• The Indian government has shifted its disinvestment strategy, moving away from large-scale strategic sales toward "unobtrusive" minority stake sales. • This "creeping disinvestment" approach focuses on small-ticket sales to reduce government holdings without relinquishing control of key assets.

• Bank of America (BofA) maintains its forecast that the Federal Reserve will implement a 75-basis-point interest rate hike starting in September. • Analysts argue that the upcoming Consumer Price Index (CPI) report is a more critical indicator than recent jobs data, as the Fed remains primarily focused on curbing inflation.

• The ASX is projected to reach a new record high, with an expected opening rise of approximately 0.4%. • This positive momentum follows a record close for Wall Street's S&P 500, driven by strong corporate earnings and reduced fears regarding interest rate hikes.