State Bank of India has decreased interest rates on its 444-day special fixed deposit plan by 20 basis points, setting the rate at 7.05%. This decision follows the central bank s reduction of policy rates. Simultaneously, SBI has lowered interest rates on loans linked to external benchmarks by 25 basis points, effective April 15, reflecting improved liquidity in the banking system.

Intel will sell a 51% stake in its Altera programmable chip business to Silver Lake for $4.46 billion. This move, under new CEO Lip-Bu Tan, aims to revive Intel by streamlining operations and focusing on core businesses. The deal values Altera at $8.75 billion, significantly less than Intel s 2015 acquisition price. Raghib Hussain will become Altera CEO on May 5.

Indian markets, buoyed by a pause on Trump s tariffs, face a week packed with influences. Key factors include the US-China trade situation, Wall Street s performance, and Q4FY25 earnings from major companies like Wipro and HDFC Bank.

Crude oil prices have plummeted to 2021 levels due to trade war fears and OPEC Plus s decision to accelerate the unwinding of production cuts. The US imposed tariffs, triggering retaliatory measures from China and other nations, raising concerns about a global recession and reduced oil demand.

Elevated India VIX reflects market caution, making a Nifty breakout above 23,000 unlikely in the near term. Nifty Bank may face resistance, while Muthoot Finance looks bearish. Despite a shortened week, volatility may remain high. Top stock picks for the week include CCL and Anant Raj on technical breakouts.

Indian equity indices slipped 0.3% amid global trade tensions. Midcap stocks faced sharp losses, with Muthoot Finance, Thermax, and Indraprastha Gas leading the weekly decline across sectors.

13 companies will undergo corporate actions this holiday-shortened week, including dividends, stock splits, rights issues, and spin-offs.

Rishabh Nahar blends fitness, spiritual grounding, and mental models to navigate market volatility. His holistic approach, rooted in discipline and first principles, helps maintain clarity, focus, and rational decision-making.

Indian stock markets will remain closed on April 14 for Ambedkar Jayanti, while MCX will open in the evening. This marks one of 14 holidays in 2025. Markets ended last week subdued; the upcoming shortened week will be driven by earnings announcements and global tariff developments.

As FY2025-26 begins, investors should align strategies with risk profiles. Conservative investors can focus on debt and hybrid funds, moderates on large-caps and dynamic allocation, and aggressive investors on mid/small-caps and sectoral themes. SIPs remain key amid global volatility, inflation concerns, and supportive domestic fundamentals post-Union Budget.