Press Note 3 easing brings ₹4,896 cr FDI into India across 29 projects

• The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.68% on Friday, recovering from a sharp sell-off on Thursday triggered by rising Treasury yields and disappointing Walmart results. • Investors remain cautious as fluctuating oil prices and the Federal Reserve's interest rate outlook continue to impact market volatility.

• Wall Street benchmark indices rose on Friday, recovering losses following a period of high volatility throughout the week. • The recovery was supported by a stabilizing bond market, as swings in Treasury yields moderated compared to earlier sessions.

• Bitcoin and gold have experienced a significant price surge, with Bitcoin recording its strongest weekly performance in over three years. • The rally is driven by investors engaging in "debasement trades" following signals of bond market intervention from Scott Bessent.

• Major U.S. stock indexes closed higher on Friday, August 21, 2026, though the S&P 500 and Nasdaq snapped three-week winning streaks and the Dow posted its second straight weekly loss. • Treasury yields edged upward as market volatility continued, while BJ's Wholesale Club reported growth driven primarily by higher-income members, reflecting a persisting "K-shaped economy."

• Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal met with the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) on Friday in Singapore to strengthen business engagement between the two nations. • Key attendees included SBF Chairman Mark Lee and SBF (India Business Council) Chairman Prasoon Mukherjee, with discussions specifically highlighting investment opportunities in West Bengal.

• Finansia has identified "value play" stocks as a primary growth theme for the Thai benchmark market, driven by anticipated fund inflows and the current AI investment cycle. • Energy stocks are receiving support from Brent crude oil prices, which are currently hovering around $93.8 per barrel.

• In an interaction with ETMarkets' Kshitij Anand, analyst Gohil identified high-growth opportunities in India's defence, shipbuilding, infrastructure, and aerospace sectors. • While optimistic about these industries, Gohil cautioned investors regarding "demanding valuations" that may impact short-term returns.

• India has approved ₹4,896 crore in foreign direct investment (FDI) across 29 different projects under revised regulatory rules. • The new guidelines permit up to 10% Chinese ownership in these ventures, reflecting a calibrated approach to foreign capital.

• Japan's Nikkei index fell 0.8% on Friday, resulting in a total weekly loss of 4.4%, while markets in Korea and Taiwan saw slight gains driven by technology and shareholder-return themes. • Broader Asia-Pacific shares outside of Japan rose by 0.5%, according to MSCI's broadest index.

• India has attracted over $500 million (Rs 4,895 crore) in foreign direct investment (FDI) from China following a relaxation of investment rules. • The policy change, implemented in May, now allows companies and funds with less than 10% Chinese ownership to invest in the country.

• The 30-year Treasury bond futures market has declined throughout the year as investors demand higher yields to hold long-duration government debt. • Persistent inflation and elevated oil prices, driven by a six-month conflict between the U.S. and Iran, are putting upward pressure on bond yields.