What are the main events for today?

• US Treasury Secretary Bessent declined to announce secondary sanctions against Iran's trading partners and financial institutions during a recent press conference. • While Bessent unveiled new sanctions targeting specific individuals, entities, and vessels, he issued a final warning instead of the broader measures expected.

• The HinduBusinessLine has issued a stock recommendation for IndusInd Bank for August 24, 2026. • Analysts highlight that the bank is currently exhibiting a bullish long-term trend, suggesting a strong foundation for growth.

• Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) have returned to Indian equities after months of heavy selling, though their approach remains selective rather than a broad bet on national growth. • India's weight in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index has dropped to approximately 14%, down from a late-2024 peak of 21% due to capital rotating toward AI-driven markets like Taiwan and South Korea.

• US groups have spent over $14 billion acquiring European asset managers this year, marking the highest level of investment since records began in 1995. • According to Dealogic data, these acquisitions are driven by a need for greater scale and expanded capabilities to combat shrinking margins.

• President Donald Trump is implementing stricter economic sanctions against Iran to increase pressure on the Islamic Republic. • Iran is already struggling due to years of existing sanctions and military actions conducted by the United States and Israel.

• Major European stock indexes closed mostly lower on Monday as investors focused on geopolitical tensions surrounding Ukraine. • The market dip coincided with European leaders, including UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, gathering in Kyiv to mark Ukraine's Independence Day.

• Indian stock markets closed slightly lower, with the BSE Sensex falling 172 points and the Nifty 50 slipping to 24,219.05 despite an initial positive opening. • Market sentiment was dampened by geopolitical tensions, specifically warnings from Iran regarding retaliation against countries involved in the US "economic war."

• Asian stock markets declined following a selloff in US technology stocks, mirroring a downward trend from Wall Street. • In contrast, gold prices have risen for five consecutive days, reaching significant highs as investors seek safe-haven assets.

• Indian benchmark indices recovered from initial opening losses to trade flat, with the Sensex down 22.71 points (0.03%) at 77,346.40 and the Nifty down 33.95 points (0.14%) at 24,185.10 as of 09:22 hrs IST. • Market volatility increased as the VIX rose by 5%, while media stocks showed strength and Motilal Oswal Financial Services shares climbed 2.01% to Rs 1,009.90.

• Indian equities are expected to open lower on August 25, 2026, as markets face pressure from geopolitical tensions in West Asia and the upcoming Nifty expiry. • Key global triggers include Brent crude futures hovering around $92 a barrel and a general slip in Asian shares ahead of Nvidia’s earnings report.

• Global markets began the trading week with a calm, "wait-and-see" approach as investors anticipate several high-risk events scheduled for later this week. • US Treasury yields saw slight declines, dropping between 1.5 basis points for the 2-year note and 4.2 basis points for the 30-year bond.