European shares fell on Wednesday, weighed down by bank stocks, as corporate earnings took centre stage ahead of a packed schedule, which includes central bank announcements, key data and the approaching August 1 tariff deadline this week.

Japan s Nikkei share average ended flat on Wednesday as investors braced for a three-day period that will see policy decisions from the Federal Reserve and Bank of Japan, followed by U.S. President Donald Trump s deadline for trade deals.

Sridhar Sivaram maintains a cautious view but expresses optimism for the second half of the year. He anticipates a potential shift in market leadership away from financials. Electronic Manufacturing Services is showing strong growth, driven by the Apple ecosystem. Sivaram suggests waiting for dips to enter the EMS sector.

Strategize stock investments during market dips. Trideep Bhattacharya suggests the market is fairly valued. Earnings upgrades are expected post-Diwali. Consumption recovery and government capital expenditure will drive growth. Focus on domestic brands and disruptive innovation. IT and pharma sectors show stock-specific opportunities. Long-term investors should stay invested. Accumulate stocks during dips for meaningful returns.

Amidst ongoing trade negotiations, President Trump hints at potential 20-25% tariffs on India, while deals with the EU and Japan set precedents. Uncertainty looms over China s trade situation, with possible tariff escalations. Simultaneously, sanctions on Russian oil buyers threaten market disruptions, and the upcoming FOMC meeting faces a complex economic outlook due to tariffs and fluctuating data.

The brokerage observed that domestic hot-rolled coil (HRC) prices in China have climbed 8% over the past month, driven by expectations of production cuts under Beijing’s “anti-involution” policy and a $167 billion stimulus-backed hydropower project.

Hindustan Unilever Ltd is anticipated to reveal a modest performance for the June quarter, with profit after tax expected to slightly decrease. Revenue is projected to experience moderate growth, while volume recovery is underway, profitability faces challenges from promotional activities and deflation in the home care sector.

Nikkei remained stable as investors are cautious. Policy announcements from the Federal Reserve and Bank of Japan are expected. Trump s trade deal deadline is also awaited. Airlines underperformed, with ANA Holdings declining after its earnings report. Advantest also experienced a slight dip. Sumitomo Pharma saw a significant surge. Market participants are closely monitoring these events for future direction.

Sri Lotus Developers IPO opened on July 30, witnessing 5% subscription driven by retail and NII investors. The IPO, priced at Rs 140-150, closes on August 1, with grey market premium indicating potential 29% listing gains. Anand Rathi suggests subscribing for the long term, citing strong fundamentals and Mumbai s luxury housing demand.