India’s bond market is undergoing a transformation, becoming more accessible and liquid for retail investors. Key reforms—lower ticket sizes, digital platforms, and retail-only liquidity windows—are boosting participation and trust. Monthly investments have surged, signalling a shift towards bonds as a mainstream, flexible investment option.

The U.S. Federal Reserve will conclude its July FOMC meeting tonight, with Chair Jerome Powell set to deliver a pivotal speech amid global rate-cut speculation. While the Fed is likely to keep interest rates unchanged, investors will watch for any shift in Powell’s tone that could hint at a future policy pivot. The address will stream live at 11:30 PM IST on the Fed’s YouTube channel and website.

India s surging economy is spotlighting mid-cap equities as prime opportunities for long-term wealth creation. These firms offer a blend of growth, diversification, and risk-adjusted returns, fueled by structural reforms and demographic strengths. Data reveals mid-caps have significantly outpaced large-caps in market cap acceleration and returns.

Kotak Securities Anindya Banerjee suggests silver may outperform gold due to strong base metal fundamentals. He notes that a rebound in the dollar index, supported by recent trade agreements and shifting Federal Reserve rate cut expectations, has pressured gold and silver.

Tracking where FIIs are investing is crucial, but it s equally important to monitor where they are cutting their stake, as their investment decisions are typically backed by thorough research and analysis.

Gurmeet Chadha of Complete Circle Consultants advises a balanced investment approach. Market faces uncertainty due to tariff deadlines and soft earnings. FII selling and global trade deals impact market sentiment. Focus should be on capital preservation and strong earnings. Opportunities exist in gold, commodities, and fixed income. Anticipate interest rate cuts and potential bond returns.

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.