Thoughts for the day NEWS - by Len Watson - GIABHS.com

• S&P Global Economist Vishrut Rana reported on September 23 that India's economic growth outlook has improved due to strong domestic demand, trade momentum, and increased investment. • The growth is driven by a pickup in both public and private investment alongside resilient consumer spending.

• Asian stock markets declined recently as rising bond yields increased the discount rate used to value future corporate earnings. • China's Shanghai Composite fell nearly 1% and the blue-chip Shanghai Shenzhen CSI 300 declined 1.3%.

• Legacy IAS published a news analysis on September 24, 2026, focusing on national and international issues for UPSC exam preparation. • The analysis highlights how rising U.S. Treasury yields and Federal Reserve rate hikes increase capital-flow volatility for emerging markets.

• Asian stocks and bonds were expected to decline on Thursday, September 24, following losses on Wall Street. • Market drops were driven by an oil rally and strong US economic data that increased fears of inflation and further interest rate hikes.

• The Sensex extended its losses on Thursday, dropping 800 points while broader markets like the Nifty MidCap and Nifty SmallCap fell 1.10 per cent and 0.7 per cent. • Insurance shares including PB Fintech and Max Financial Services declined by up to 10 per cent following a proposal from the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) to overhaul the insurance distribution framework.

• European stock markets and U.S. futures dropped on September 23, 2026, as investors anticipated rising interest rates. • The DAX30 index fell by 0.80% during the market downturn.

• Major U.S. stock indices fell on Wednesday as the yield on the 10-year Treasury note reached its highest level in 19 years. • The S&P 500 Index closed down 0.75%, the Nasdaq 100 Index dropped 0.85%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 0.68%.

• US investors matched UK investors by participating in approximately 1,600 European venture capital transactions during the first half of 2026. • PitchBook data indicates that AI, defense technology, and remote due diligence are driving this shift in who backs European startups from seed to growth stages.

• Shell and Trinidad's National Gas Company (NGC) finalized supply terms for the Aphrodite offshore gas project. • The agreement aims to increase Trinidad and Tobago's energy output by 2027 following a period of production declines.

• Cracker Barrel CEO Deno announced a strategic shift during the Q4 2026 earnings call to prioritize dinner menu upgrades and loyalty program growth. • The company will open no new stores in fiscal 2027 to focus on improving existing store performance and menu margins.

• Ten European oil stocks saw prices soar between 40% and 87% in 2026 due to record diesel prices and refining margins. • Equinor reported adjusted operating income of $11.48 billion in the second quarter while increasing production by 3%.