Which Global Markets Are Asian Investors Watching Most? - SmallCapAsia

• Power Grid has been named the successful bidder for a critical power transmission project located in Andhra Pradesh, making its stock a key focus for investors. • Aurobindo Pharma's Telangana manufacturing facility, Eugia Pharma Specialities, received an 'Official Action Indicated' (OAI) classification following a US FDA inspection.

• India's statistics ministry has established a high-powered experts committee to examine and strengthen labour market data metrics. • The panel is tasked with reviewing current measurement issues to better reflect the evolving nature of the national workforce.

• Financial markets in India and Indonesia have experienced a "turbocharged relief rally" following the implementation of radical intervention measures. • These measures were designed to defend domestic financial stability and buy time for the emergence of a peace deal.

• DealStreetAsia and DFIN have released an M&A report for Q1 2026, providing an overview of mergers and acquisitions activity. • The report highlights that the current investment landscape is being shaped by a period of significant global tension and instability.

• Indian equities saw a sharp rally, with the Sensex and Nifty both gaining nearly 1% due to improved investor sentiment. • The surge was driven by an interim US-Iran peace framework that eased geopolitical tensions and subsequently pushed global oil prices lower.

• Goldman Sachs has lowered its forecast for India's 2026 Current Account Deficit (CAD) to 1.3% of GDP. • The revision is driven by India's reduced vulnerability to crude oil price hikes, attributed to lower oil intensity and improved energy efficiency.

• Indian equity markets are bracing for a volatile week as investors focus on May WPI inflation data, crude oil price fluctuations, and the US Federal Reserve's upcoming interest rate decision. • Market sentiment is heavily tied to a potential US-Iran agreement, with President Donald Trump suggesting a deal to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz could be signed Sunday.

• Wall Street indexes are expected to open higher on Monday following a preliminary agreement between Washington and Tehran to end their conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. • The deal has triggered a sharp decline in crude oil prices, contributing to the optimistic outlook for U.S. equity markets.

• SpaceX shares continued to rise following its record-breaking IPO, which has pushed the company's valuation to $2.1 trillion. • Gold prices surged as a peace deal between the U.S. and Iran reduced inflation concerns and weakened the U.S. dollar.

• The UK economy experienced a GDP contraction on June 15, 2026, amid rising tax pressures and a steady stream of insolvency notices. • Long-term inflation expectations climbed to a median of 3.9%, marking the highest level since 2009.

• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has confirmed that India's extensive food buffer networks are fully secured to ensure food security. • The treasury is currently monitoring second-round logistics overheads, even as global energy markets experience a recent de-escalation.