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<ul class="summary-list"><li>The Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 25 basis points on Thursday.</li><li>It follows a 50-basis-point cut in September, with the pace of inflation continuing to cool.</li></ul>Another <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/interest-rate-cuts-federal-reserve-election-jerome-powell-inflation-jobs-2024-11">interest rate cut</a> is headed Americans' way.On Thursday, the Federal Open Market Committee announced a 25-basis-point interest rate cut, following a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/fed-cuts-interest-rates-how-much-september-fomc-powell-inflation-2024-9">50-basis-point cut</a> in September. It follows continued data showing inflation is nearing the Federal Reserve's 2% target — the consumer price index, a commonly-watched measure of inflation, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/inflation-september-cpi-consumer-price-index-federal-reserve-interest-rates-2024-10">rose 2.4%</a> over the year in September.This latest interest rate decision also came two days after Donald Trump <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/donald-trump-election-victory-impact-investments-costs-housing-taxes-childcare-2024-11">won the presidential election</a>. Trump is expected to implement high tariffs once his term begins, and members of the FOMC will likely begin discussing the impact of the president-elect's policies on the economy and forthcoming interest rate decisions."A victory for Trump could raise doubts over a December cut, and the Fed may strike a more hawkish note as a result," Matthew Ryan, head of market strategy at financial services firm Ebury, said in a statement last week.Trump's victory also throws into question the future of the Fed itself. Trump has previously said that he would like to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/interest-rate-cut-trump-fed-powell-reaction-independence-history-2024-9">have a say in interest-rate decisions</a>, challenging the politically independent nature of the central bank.Fed chair Jerome Powell will likely offer more insight into the Fed's thinking following Trump's victory. He has expressed confidence in the economy's direction in recent months, saying during remarks in late September that "overall, the economy is in solid shape.""We intend to use our tools to keep it there," he said.However, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/october-jobs-report-unemployment-rate-nonfarm-payroll-growth-federal-reserve-2024-11">recent jobs data</a> will make it difficult for the central bank to give a clear vision of its upcoming decisions. The economy added just 12,000 jobs in October, well below the 106,000 forecast, primarily because Hurricanes Milton and Helene — along with the Boeing strike — put people temporarily out of work, artificially driving down the employment figures.It will take time for Americans to feel the impact of interest rate cuts, given the lag in monetary policy, meaning credit cards, housing, and car loans won't see immediate relief.The 25-basis-point cut was in line with market predictions. Still, some Democratic lawmakers urged the Fed to implement another 50-basis-point cut to give Americans continued financial relief. On November 1, Sens. Elizabeth Warren and John Hickenlooper wrote in a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.warren.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/final_-_warren_hickenlooper_letter_to_fed_renovember2024ratecut.pdf">letter</a> to Powell that housing costs "are still too high," and bigger rate cuts are warranted."If the Fed moves forward with more rate cuts, housing prices and mortgage rates would thus also likely drop, allowing more families to achieve the American dream," they wrote.

The Federal Reserve gives Americans another interest rate cut

Days after Trump won his way to the White House, becoming the 47th President of the United States, the US Federal Reserve slashed the interest rates by 25 basis points, bringing them within the range of 4.5-4.75%. This is the second time this year that the Fed has lowered the interest rates, after cutting them down by 50 basis points in September 2024. u Fed chair Jerome Powell noted that monetary policy remains tight as inflation remains elevated at 2.4% as of September 2024, slightly above the 2% mark set by the commission. However, the Fed remained optimistic about the current state of the economy. "The Committee seeks to achieve maximum employment and inflation at 2% over the longer run. The Committee judges that the risks to achieving its employment and inflation goals are roughly in balance. The economic outlook is uncertain, and the Committee is attentive to the risks to both sides of its dual mandate," the FOMC (Federal Open Market Committee) noted in its press release. The rate cut was along widely anticipated lines, although experts were wary of the Fed's way ahead, given that Donald Trump has been elected as the US President. In the past, he has, on multiple occasions, expressed his desire to yield greater influence on the Fed, apart from publicly criticizing Powell. However, Powell continued to stand his ground, noting that Trump cannot legally sack him. He believed in keeping the Fed independent, at least until his tenure as governor ends in 2028. He highlighted that even if he is explicitly asked by Trump to quit, he won't do so. <h2>Trump's regime to inch up inflation?</h2> Trump's electoral promises, if translated into policies, could spell disaster for the Fed's effort to curtail inflation. Reportedly, Trump has promised to levy aggressive tariffs against US trading partners, particularly China, and even extend his 2017 tax cuts. This could mean higher levels of the federal deficit, which would push up prices, wages, and hence, inflation, even as the Fed tries to consistently bring it under control. Apurva Sheth, Head of Market Perspectives and Research, SAMCO Securities, notes that it wasn't a surprise when the US Fed cut interest rates by 25 basis points (bps) to 4.75%. The Fed had given enough clues, and the market too had anticipated these rate cuts. "However, what was surprising was how the <keyword id="23863852" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="US-10-year-bond-yields" source="keywords">US 10-year bond yields</keyword> moved over the last one and a half months, which have been rising relentlessly from 3.6% to almost 4.5% despite the 50 bps cut in the last Fed meeting. It seems that the market is anticipating slower rate cuts going ahead, and maybe there are even chances of inflation rising. The bond yields have cooled off and slipped below the 4.335% mark. This should be bullish for emerging markets like India," he added.

US Fed cuts interest rates by 25 bps, Powell notes Trump's victory to have no impact on policy decisions

Dear readers, As we approach yet another weekend, here are some key developments across various sectors. Nvidia has surpassed Apple to become the world’s largest company, driven by the AI boom. Meanwhile, the US Federal Reserve cut interest rates, by 25 basis points to 4.75%, the second such reduction in 2024. In the workplace, Gen Z’s approach to mental health got attention, with one employee taking a week off after a breakup. Additionally, Indian banks are expecting steady growth, despite challenges in unsecured lending. Read on for all the details! <h2>Top stories from the week </h2> Indian banks to have steady growth in earnings over next 3-4 years, fees from unsecured lending may dip, notes Jefferies report Jefferies forecasts steady earnings growth for Indian banks over the next 3–4 years, with a 13% annual loan growth rate. However, a decline in unsecured lending could reduce fee income. While net interest income is expected to grow at 12%, challenges such as rising defaults and a potential dip in rate cuts could affect profitability. Despite this, banks’ return on equity and assets remain promising. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/news/indian-banks-to-have-steady-growth-in-earning-over-next-3-4-years-fees-from-unsecured-lending-may-dip-notes-jefferies-report/articleshow/115048179.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Read more</a> Nvidia becomes world’s largest company amid AI boom, surpasses Apple in the race Nvidia has surpassed Apple to become the world’s largest company by market capitalization, driven by the AI boom. The company’s strong performance is fueled by surging demand for its chips used in AI technologies. With a market cap hitting $3.43 trillion, Nvidia continues to dominate the AI hardware sector, powering data centres and AI research. The company’s revenue growth of 122% YoY further cements its leadership in the AI space. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/nvidia-becomes-worlds-largest-company-amid-ai-boom-surpasses-apple-in-the-race/articleshow/115003223.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Read more</a> ‘He had a breakup and took a one-week leave’: Manager shares about his Gen-Z employee, internet reacts A manager’s tweet about granting a Gen Z employee a week off for a breakup sparked widespread debate. While the manager expressed frustration over project delays, internet users defended the employee’s mental health needs, criticizing the manager’s lack of empathy. Some supported the manager’s view, pointing out generational differences in work culture. The incident went viral, furthering discussions about Gen Z’s unique workplace expectations. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/careers/news/he-had-a-breakup-and-took-a-one-week-leave-manager-shares-about-his-gen-z-employee-internet-reacts/articleshow/115041747.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Read more</a> US Fed cuts interest rates by 25 bps, Powell notes Trump’s victory to have no impact on policy decisions The US Federal Reserve has cut interest rates by 25 basis points to 4.75%, the second such reduction in 2024. Fed Chairman Jerome Powell emphasized the Fed’s independence despite Trump’s criticism and suggested that the economic outlook remains uncertain, though the Fed is focused on inflation targets. Trump’s policies may lead to higher inflation, adding complexity to the Fed’s efforts to stabilize prices. Experts anticipate that bond yields will stabilize, benefiting emerging markets like India. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/news/us-fed-cuts-interest-rates-by-25-bps-powell-notes-trumps-victory-to-have-no-impact-on-policy-decisions/articleshow/115070690.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Read more</a> Big Tech’s winners and losers from Donald Trump’s win, according to the market After Donald Trump’s election victory, tech stocks surged, with companies like Tesla seeing significant gains. Tesla’s rise was fueled by Trump’s public support for CEO Elon Musk. Conversely, companies like Apple faced challenges due to fears over potential tariffs on China. While some, like Google, might benefit from lighter regulations, others like Meta could face political challenges. Overall, the election results reshaped market expectations for Big Tech’s future. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/here-are-big-techs-winners-and-losers-from-donald-trumps-win-according-to-the-market/articleshow/115067798.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Read more</a> <h2>Top web stories</h2> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/entertainment/webstories/donald-trump-on-screen-a-look-at-his-iconic-cameos/slidelist/115045250.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Donald Trump on screen: A look at his iconic cameos</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/webstories/8-lifestyle-mistakes-contributing-to-health-problems-in-india/slidelist/115051791.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">8 lifestyle mistakes contributing to health problems in India</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/travel/india/webstories/10-magical-indian-experiences-every-traveller-should-try/slidelist/115052527.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">10 magical Indian experiences every traveller should try</a>

Weekend wrap: Nvidia’s AI-driven surge, Indian banks’ steady growth and more

India's GDP growth is projected at 7.2 per cent in 2024-25, around 7 per cent in the next fiscal, and after that, there is a strong likelihood that the growth will revert to the 8 per cent trend, said <keyword id="19899810" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Reserve-Bank-of-India" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Reserve Bank of India" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Reserve Bank of India">Reserve Bank of India</keyword> deputy governor <keyword id="20244361" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Michael-Debabrata-Patra" source="keywords">Michael Debabrata Patra</keyword>. He was speaking at the New York Fed Central Banking Seminar organised by the <keyword id="20238413" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Federal-Reserve-Bank" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Federal Reserve Bank" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Federal Reserve Bank">Federal Reserve Bank</keyword> here on Monday. "...I do believe with all the strength of my conviction that India's time has come," he said, and highlighted the country heads into its future with the youngest population in the world with a median age of 28 years. Unlike in many parts of the world, the working age population is growing -- every sixth working age person is an Indian. Patra said that since independence in 1947, India's growth path has undergone three structural shifts with trend growth, having risen to 7 per cent during 2002-2019. After the severe contraction during the pandemic, a new growth trajectory averaging 8 per cent seems to be forming during 2021-24, he said. India is now regarded as the fastest growing major economy in the world. Already the fifth largest economy in terms of market exchange rates, it is poised to become the third largest economy by 2030, the senior RBI official said and added the country is already the third largest economy in terms of <keyword id="20776921" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="purchasing-power-parity" source="keywords">purchasing power parity</keyword>. "Our projections show that India's <keyword id="21013593" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="real-GDP-growth" source="keywords">real GDP growth</keyword> will be 7.2 per cent in 2024-25 and around 7.0 per cent in 2025-26 in a cyclical correction to the rebound from the pandemic. Thereafter, there is a strong likelihood that India's growth will revert to the 8 per cent trend," Patra said. On inflation, he said it is projected to average 4.5 per cent in 2024-25 and 4.1 per cent in 2025-26. Consumer Price Index (CPI) based inflation fell below target during July-August but rose to 5.5 per cent in September on the back of a pickup in price momentum in some food items and adverse base effects inherent in year-on-year measurement. "Our projection indicates that these price pressures will persist in October and November before headline inflation realigns with the target from December 2024 and remains aligned in 2025-26," the deputy governor said. He also emphasised that India is emerging as a world leader in leveraging <keyword id="20181895" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="digital-technologies" source="keywords">digital technologies</keyword> for transformative change.

India likely to grow at 7.2% in FY25, says RBI deputy governor

Ah, <keyword id="18712" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Gold" source="Orion">gold</keyword>! The shiny metal that's been making humans lose their minds since time immemorial. And yet, from King Midas to our neighbourhood aunty and even our moms (and secretly dads), everyone seems to have a super soft spot for the bullion. But here's the kicker: right now, gold prices are breaking all records on their upward trajectory! As of today, prices of 24k carat gold have passed the Rs 80,000 mark per 10 grams. And if experts are to be believed, this train isn't stopping anytime soon! So, as shiny as gold might look, adding even a bit of its glitter as we start decking up for the festive season might not be so easy on your pockets. But let's admit it—we love our gold and can't live without it. No wonder India is the second-largest consumer of the yellow metal in the world, only behind <keyword id="1334" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="China" source="Orion">China</keyword>. Such is our fondness for the metal that the <keyword id="20195223" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="world-gold-council" source="keywords">World Gold Council</keyword> had to up our 2024 annual demand forecast to 850 tonnes, up from the previously estimated 750 tonnes. However, our love for gold isn't just about looking fabulously embellished and blinding people with its bling. Indians also see gold as a long-term, trusty investment, supporting our other hard-earned assets, especially when high <keyword id="22195" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Inflation" source="Orion">inflation</keyword> rates pull our returns down. After all, while inflationary pressures generally weaken the purchasing power of our regular paper money, gold is built differently. When the world is buckling to inflation, gold gains value during these times. This is also why it is considered a solid hedge against inflation. With Diwali and Dhanteras knocking at our doors, the inflation demon continued to bother India like a guest who refused to leave. Just last month, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) stood at 5.49%, much higher than the anticipated levels. Moreover, the diverging policy stances among central bankers worldwide, growing geopolitical tensions, tough job markets, and extreme weather events are only adding to the uncertainty. In such economically uncertain times, what should your gold strategy be this festive season? To buy or not to buy, that is the question. Well, let’s get to it. <h2><keyword id="20050894" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="gold-etfs" source="keywords">Gold ETFs</keyword> to the rescue</h2>See, buying physical gold jewellery is certainly a flex, but also a financial fuss. First, you pay a heavy amount to buy gold. Not to mention all those extra, hefty jewellery-making charges. And then you pay even more money to keep it safe in a bank locker, lest it get stolen. But what if we tell you that you can own pure <keyword id="3311599" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="24K-gold" source="Orion">24k gold</keyword>, minus all these frills? Welcome, Gold ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds). Simply put, gold ETFs are like the cool cousins of your traditional gold investments. Instead of stashing gold bars under your mattress like those maniac millionaires we see in Bollywood films, you can now invest and trade in gold through the stock market. It's basically buying units of an ETF on the stock exchange that directly mirror the ongoing domestic prices of gold. Generally, gold ETFs are equivalent to 99.5% pure physical gold bars, and each ETF unit denotes actual, one gram of gold. And let's face it, who would not want that golden glow in their lives? Gold ETFs have witnessed an over seven-fold surge in their AUM (assets under management) in just the last five years. From Rs 5,613.22 crore in September 2019 to Rs 39,823.50 crore in September 2024, gold ETFs seem to be in-thing. Inflows in gold ETFs have shot up by a whopping 2,695% over the last 5 years. In September 2019, gold ETFs had garnered a mere Rs 44.11 crore. Compare that to the inflows worth Rs 1,232.99 crore gold ETFs received last month. Talk about growing, or glowing popularity! In fact, in just 2024, inflows in gold ETFs have surged by nearly 88% since the beginning of this calendar year. From Rs 657.46 crore in January 2024 to Rs 1,232.99 crore in September 2024, good old gold is never out of season. <h2>So, how do these ETFs work? Should I invest in them now?</h2>All you need is a Demat account. Log into your account, choose the gold ETF scheme you want to invest in, and voila! You’re now a bullion-aire! All your gold ETF units will be stored in this account. Then, you can buy and sell gold ETFs just like you buy shares—in real-time. So, if gold prices inch upwards, which is where gold is currently going, the value of your ETF units will also rise in lockstep. Ashwini Kumar, Senior Vice President and Head of Market Data at ICRA Analytics, says that of late, gold ETFs have been increasingly gaining popularity among investors due to the liquidity, safety and transparency they offer. "With the escalating global geopolitical tensions boosting the ‘safe-haven’ appeal of the bullion, investors are preferring to park their funds in gold ETFs as compared to investing in physical gold, as there is no hassle of storing it. The heightened activity in gold ETFs is also driven by the prospects of an imminent further interest rate cut by the <keyword id="20078761" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="u-s-federal-reserve" source="keywords">U.S. Federal Reserve</keyword> in the coming months,” he added. “Investors with a short- to medium-term investment horizon may consider investment through gold ETFs. A buy-on-dips strategy here may help investors capitalise on a temporary correction in prices. Also, given the current market dynamics where equities are showing mixed trends, a modest, 5-10% allocation to gold may serve as a hedge against inflation and market volatility, which may help you balance risks in an optimum manner,” Kumar noted. <h2> Wait, there is no dearth of options</h2>But if ETFs make you go WTF, there’s always digital gold. You can invest in the yellow metal without actually physically holding it for as low as Rs 1. The best part? You can buy or sell this gold 24 X7 seamlessly via multiple apps without having to pay storage costs. On your behalf, your gold is stored in insured vaults by the seller. But remember, digital gold continues to remain unregulated territory in the country, where you venture at your own risk. In 2021, market watchdog SEBI had even asked its members to desist from selling digital gold. Then there are gold mutual funds and the Sarkari SGBs, or sovereign gold bonds. While gold mutual funds invest primarily in gold ETFs, SGBs are issued by the <keyword id="19899808" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="rbi" source="keywords">RBI</keyword> and are also a reliable substitute for holding physical gold. However, with the RBI currently putting brakes on issuing SGBs, investing in them is out of the question. Plus, you should only get your hands on SGBs if you're in for the long haul. Apart from a 2.5% p.a. interest, you don't have any yearly earnings from them. Moreover, no premature redemption is allowed before 5 years, and you'll have to wait a good 8 years to maximise your returns. <h2> Okay, tell me about returns</h2>In contrast, the seventeen gold ETF schemes currently present in the market offer an average one-year return of 29.12%. Stay with it a little longer, and you can end up with returns worth 16.93% and 13.59% over a 3 and 5-year period, respectively. If you look at it, these returns are comparable with the returns delivered by actual, physical gold. Data from Value Research indicates that gold, as a commodity, has delivered returns worth 27.24%, 16.53%, and 14.18% over a 1, 3, and 5-year period, respectively. So, worth investing, right? <h2>What are the risks?</h2>See, stock markets are as unpredictable as monsoons in Mumbai. One significant market correction can wash away your returns, and one sunny day or an upswing can leave you wallowing in wealth. Since your gold investments are directly linked to these markets, you should steel yourself up for some volatility. Plus, international gold prices are in dollars. So, if our rupee decides to take a nosedive, your returns might look a bit tarnished. Also, know that your ETF might not always perfectly mirror gold prices, which is also known as a tracking error. It's like expecting your Zomato-ordered food to look exactly like the picture on the menu—it's close, but not quite. Then there’s the taxation bit. The budget this year brought down the <keyword id="20552259" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ltcg" source="keywords">LTCG</keyword> (long-term capital gains tax) on gold ETFs from the previous 20% to 12.5% (sans indexation). LTCG is what you pay if you sell your ETF units after 12 months. If you sell your gold ETF units within a year and make handsome returns, the tax you’ll have to pay will be equivalent to your income tax slab rate. <h2>Is gold just for old?</h2>A survey by fintech firm Moneyview thinks otherwise. Per their findings, over 85% of the 3,000 respondents it talked to considered gold to be a valuable asset for wealth preservation, with its intrinsic value and historical performance continuing to drive consumer confidence. Particularly, young investors in the age group of 25–40 years are also investing in gold via both physical and digital ways to build wealth for retirement and other long-term goals. So, young or old, everyone’s going for gold. So, this festive season, with gold prices going north, investing in gold can add that much-needed glitz to your financial attire. But remember, don't go overboard since gold isn't exactly a high-return-yielding asset. But whether you're a seasoned investor looking to diversify or a newbie trying to make their way in the markets, investing in gold offers you a glittering safety cushion. Just remember, while gold can make your portfolio shine, it's your smart investment decisions that truly make you golden. Disclaimer: The content on this website is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. We recommend readers consult certified, qualified, and registered advisors for professional and personalised financial advice.

Can investing in gold this festive season add the much-touted Midas touch to your investments?

<div type="image" title="Save yourself the trouble of buying physical gold this Diwali, and instead, go digital with Gold ETFs!" height="900" width="1200" msid="114507055" hostid="261" sizebytes="439216" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Save yourself the trouble of buying physical gold this Diwali, and instead, go digital with Gold ETFs!&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> Ah, <keyword id="18712" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Gold" source="Orion">gold</keyword>! The shiny metal that's been making humans lose their minds since time immemorial. And yet, from <keyword id="23657519" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="king-midas" source="keywords">King Midas</keyword> to our neighbourhood aunty and even our moms (and secretly dads), everyone seems to have a super soft spot for the <keyword id="6384667" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bullion" source="Orion">bullion</keyword>. But here's the kicker: right now, gold prices are breaking all records on their upward trajectory! As of today, prices of 24k carat gold have passed the Rs 80,000 mark per 10 grams. And if experts are to be believed, this train isn't stopping anytime soon! So, as shiny as gold might look, adding even a bit of its glitter as we start decking up for the festive season might not be so easy on your pockets. But let's admit it—we love our gold and can't live without it. No wonder India is the second-largest consumer of the yellow metal in the world, only behind China. Such is our fondness for the metal that the <keyword id="20195223" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="world-gold-council" source="keywords">World Gold Council</keyword> had to up our 2024 annual demand forecast to 850 tonnes, up from the previously estimated 750 tonnes. However, our love for gold isn't just about looking fabulously embellished and blinding people with its bling. Indians also see gold as a long-term, trusty investment, supporting our other hard-earned assets, especially when high <keyword id="22195" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Inflation" source="Orion">inflation</keyword> rates pull our returns down. After all, while inflationary pressures generally weaken the purchasing power of our regular paper money, gold is built differently. When the world is buckling to inflation, gold gains value during these times. This is also why it is considered a solid hedge against inflation. With <keyword id="188" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Diwali" source="Orion">Diwali</keyword> and <keyword id="4067" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Dhanteras" source="Orion">Dhanteras</keyword> knocking at our doors, the inflation demon continued to bother India like a guest who refused to leave. Just last month, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) stood at 5.49%, much higher than the anticipated levels. Moreover, the diverging policy stances among central bankers worldwide, growing geopolitical tensions, tough job markets, and extreme weather events are only adding to the uncertainty. In such economically uncertain times, what should your gold strategy be this festive season? To buy or not to buy, that is the question. Well, let’s get to it. <h2><keyword id="20050894" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="gold-etfs" source="keywords">Gold ETFs</keyword> to the rescue</h2>See, buying physical gold jewellery is certainly a flex, but also a financial fuss. First, you pay a heavy amount to buy gold. Not to mention all those extra, hefty jewellery-making charges. And then you pay even more money to keep it safe in a bank locker, lest it get stolen. But what if we tell you that you can own pure 24k gold, minus all these frills? Welcome, Gold ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds). Simply put, gold ETFs are like the cool cousins of your traditional gold investments. Instead of stashing gold bars under your mattress like those maniac millionaires we see in Bollywood films, you can now invest and trade in gold through the stock market. It's basically buying units of an <keyword id="19930506" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="etf" source="keywords">ETF</keyword> on the stock exchange that directly mirror the ongoing domestic prices of gold. Generally, gold ETFs are equivalent to 99.5% pure physical gold bars, and each ETF unit denotes actual, one gram of gold. And let's face it, who would not want that golden glow in their lives? Gold ETFs have witnessed an over seven-fold surge in their AUM (assets under management) in just the last five years. From Rs 5,613.22 crore in September 2019 to Rs 39,823.50 crore in September 2024, gold ETFs seem to be in-thing. Inflows in gold ETFs have shot up by a whopping 2,695% over the last 5 years. In September 2019, gold ETFs had garnered a mere Rs 44.11 crore. Compare that to the inflows worth Rs 1,232.99 crore gold ETFs received last month. Talk about growing, or glowing popularity! In fact, in just 2024, inflows in gold ETFs have surged by nearly 88% since the beginning of this calendar year. From Rs 657.46 crore in January 2024 to Rs 1,232.99 crore in September 2024, good old gold is never out of season. <h2>So, how do these ETFs work? Should I invest in them now?</h2>All you need is a Demat account. Log into your account, choose the gold ETF scheme you want to invest in, and voila! You’re now a bullion-aire! All your gold ETF units will be stored in this account. Then, you can buy and sell gold ETFs just like you buy shares—in real-time. So, if gold prices inch upwards, which is where gold is currently going, the value of your ETF units will also rise in lockstep. Ashwini Kumar, Senior Vice President and Head of Market Data at ICRA Analytics, says that of late, gold ETFs have been increasingly gaining popularity among investors due to the liquidity, safety and transparency they offer. "With the escalating global geopolitical tensions boosting the ‘safe-haven’ appeal of the bullion, investors are preferring to park their funds in gold ETFs as compared to investing in physical gold, as there is no hassle of storing it. The heightened activity in gold ETFs is also driven by the prospects of an imminent further interest rate cut by the <keyword id="20078761" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="u-s-federal-reserve" source="keywords">U.S. Federal Reserve</keyword> in the coming months,” he added. “Investors with a short- to medium-term investment horizon may consider investment through gold ETFs. A buy-on-dips strategy here may help investors capitalise on a temporary correction in prices. Also, given the current market dynamics where equities are showing mixed trends, a modest, 5-10% allocation to gold may serve as a hedge against inflation and market volatility, which may help you balance risks in an optimum manner,” Kumar noted. <h2>Wait, there is no dearth of options</h2>But if ETFs make you go WTF, there’s always digital gold. You can invest in the yellow metal without actually physically holding it for as low as Rs 1. The best part? You can buy or sell this gold 24 X7 seamlessly via multiple apps without having to pay storage costs. On your behalf, your gold is stored in insured vaults by the seller. But remember, digital gold continues to remain unregulated territory in the country, where you venture at your own risk. In 2021, market watchdog SEBI had even asked its members to desist from selling digital gold. Then there are gold mutual funds and the Sarkari SGBs, or sovereign gold bonds. While gold mutual funds invest primarily in gold ETFs, SGBs are issued by the RBI and are also a reliable substitute for holding physical gold. However, with the RBI currently putting brakes on issuing SGBs, investing in them is out of the question. Plus, you should only get your hands on SGBs if you're in for the long haul. Apart from a 2.5% p.a. interest, you don't have any yearly earnings from them. Moreover, no premature redemption is allowed before 5 years, and you'll have to wait a good 8 years to maximise your returns. <h2>Okay, tell me about returns</h2>In contrast, the seventeen gold ETF schemes currently present in the market offer an average one-year return of 29.12%. Stay with it a little longer, and you can end up with returns worth 16.93% and 13.59% over a 3- and 5-year period, respectively. If you look at it, these returns are comparable with the returns delivered by actual, physical gold. Data from Value Research indicates that gold, as a commodity, has delivered returns worth 27.24%, 16.53%, and 14.18% over a 1, 3, and 5-year period, respectively. So, worth investing, right? <h2>What are the risks?</h2>See, markets are as unpredictable as monsoons in Mumbai. One significant market correction can wash away your returns, and one sunny day or an upswing can leave you wallowing in wealth. Since your gold investments are directly linked to these markets, you should steel yourself up for some volatility. Plus, international gold prices are in dollars. So, if our rupee decides to take a nosedive, your returns might look a bit tarnished. Also, know that your ETF might not always perfectly mirror gold prices, which is also known as a tracking error. It's like expecting your Zomato-ordered food to look exactly like the picture on the menu—it's close, but not quite. Then there’s the taxation bit. The budget this year brought down the LTCG (long-term capital gains tax) on gold ETFs from the previous 20% to 12.5% (sans indexation). LTCG is what you pay if you sell your ETF units after 12 months. If you sell your gold ETF units within a year and make handsome returns, the tax you’ll have to pay will be equivalent to your income tax slab rate. <h2>Is gold just for old?</h2>A survey by fintech firm Moneyview thinks otherwise. Per their findings, over 85% of the 3,000 respondents it talked to considered gold to be a valuable asset for wealth preservation, with its intrinsic value and historical performance continuing to drive consumer confidence. Particularly, young investors in the age group of 25–40 years are also investing in gold via both physical and digital ways to build wealth for retirement and other long-term goals. So, young or old, everyone’s going for gold. So, this festive season, with gold prices going north, investing in gold can add that much-needed glitz to your financial attire. But remember, don't go overboard since gold isn't exactly a high-return-yielding asset. But whether you're a seasoned investor looking to diversify or a newbie trying to make their way in the markets, investing in gold offers you a glittering safety cushion. Just remember, while gold can make your portfolio shine, it's your smart investment decisions that truly make you golden. Disclaimer: The content on this website is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. We recommend readers consult certified, qualified, and registered advisors for professional and personalised financial advice.

Simply put: Can investing in gold this festive season add the much-touted Midas touch to your investments?

<keyword id="19910265" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Gold-prices" source="keywords">Gold prices</keyword> surged to a historic high on Tuesday, September 24, as global economic conditions and <keyword id="19955176" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="geopolitical-tensions" source="keywords">geopolitical tensions</keyword> pushed the precious metal to new levels, a CNBC report said. The spot price of gold rose to an unprecedented $2,638.37 per ounce during the day’s trading, while US <keyword id="20942333" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="gold-futures" source="keywords">gold futures</keyword> also spiked, reaching $2,661.60. In India, the cost of <keyword id="21271046" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="24-carat-gold" source="keywords">24-carat gold</keyword> climbed sharply, hitting ₹76,330 per 10 grams, marking an ongoing upward trend that analysts suggest could see prices nearing ₹78,000 per 10 grams in the coming weeks. <h2>Gold prices today</h2> While the prices of gold hit their <keyword id="19953076" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="record-high" source="keywords">record high</keyword> yesterday (September 24), today (September 25) the prices remained around Rs 76,000 per 10 grams. The price of 24-carat gold, recognised for its exceptional purity, was set at ₹76,370 per 10 grams. Meanwhile, 22-carat gold, commonly used in jewellery for its added durability from alloy mixing, was available at ₹70,010 per 10 grams. Here are the gold prices in some major cities of India today: <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none; table-layout: fixed; width: 468pt;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;border-right:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;border-top:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;padding:8pt 4pt 8pt 4pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">City </td><td style="border-left:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;border-right:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;border-top:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;padding:8pt 4pt 8pt 4pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">22 Carat Gold Rate Today </td><td style="border-left:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;border-right:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;border-top:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;padding:8pt 4pt 8pt 4pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">24 Carat Gold Rate Today </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;border-right:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;border-top:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;padding:8pt 4pt 8pt 4pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Delhi </td><td style="border-left:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;border-right:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;border-top:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;padding:8pt 4pt 8pt 4pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">70,160 </td><td style="border-left:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;border-right:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;border-top:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;padding:8pt 4pt 8pt 4pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">76,520 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;border-right:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;border-top:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;padding:8pt 4pt 8pt 4pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Mumbai </td><td style="border-left:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;border-right:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;border-top:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;padding:8pt 4pt 8pt 4pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">70,010 </td><td style="border-left:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;border-right:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;border-top:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;padding:8pt 4pt 8pt 4pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">76,370 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;border-right:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;border-top:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;padding:8pt 4pt 8pt 4pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Ahmedabad </td><td style="border-left:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;border-right:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;border-top:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;padding:8pt 4pt 8pt 4pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">70,060 </td><td style="border-left:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;border-right:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;border-top:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;padding:8pt 4pt 8pt 4pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">76,420 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;border-right:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;border-top:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;padding:8pt 4pt 8pt 4pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Chennai </td><td style="border-left:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;border-right:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;border-top:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;padding:8pt 4pt 8pt 4pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">70,010 </td><td style="border-left:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;border-right:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;border-top:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;padding:8pt 4pt 8pt 4pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">76,370 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;border-right:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;border-top:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;padding:8pt 4pt 8pt 4pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Kolkata </td><td style="border-left:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;border-right:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;border-top:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;padding:8pt 4pt 8pt 4pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">70,010 </td><td style="border-left:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;border-right:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;border-top:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;padding:8pt 4pt 8pt 4pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">76,370 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;border-right:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;border-top:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;padding:8pt 4pt 8pt 4pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Gurugram </td><td style="border-left:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;border-right:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;border-top:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;padding:8pt 4pt 8pt 4pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">70,160 </td><td style="border-left:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;border-right:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;border-top:solid #cdcdcd 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;padding:8pt 4pt 8pt 4pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">76,520 </td></tr></tbody></table> <h2>Gold prices touch record-high, analysts react </h2> Industry experts are optimistic that gold prices will continue their upward trajectory. As per a CNBC report, Colin Shah, Managing Director of <keyword id="20237409" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Kama-Jewelry" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Kama Jewelry" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Kama Jewelry">Kama Jewelry</keyword>, predicts that the global price of gold could reach as high as $3,000 per ounce in the medium to long term. Shah attributed the ongoing rally to favourable global conditions, including the anticipated rate cuts by the <keyword id="19901377" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="US-Federal-Reserve" source="keywords">US Federal Reserve</keyword>. He also expected that in India, the price of gold will surpass ₹78,000 per 10 grams during the upcoming festive period. On the other hand, Kaynat Chainwala, AVP-Commodity Research at Kotak Securities, observed that COMEX gold surged to $2,689.40 per ounce due to a sharp decline in US consumer confidence, which increased the likelihood of aggressive rate cuts by the <keyword id="19904332" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="federal-reserve" source="keywords">Federal Reserve</keyword>. "COMEX gold surged to $2,689.40 per ounce yesterday as a significant drop in US consumer confidence heightened expectations for aggressive interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. The US Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index fell sharply in September to 98.7, down from 105.6 in August, its largest decline in three years. Concerns over the labor market, combined with lower US Treasury yields and the US dollar nearing a 14-month low, further fueled the rise in gold prices. Additionally, Fed Governor Michelle Bowman highlighted persistent inflation risks and advocated for a cautious approach to rate cuts to avoid reigniting inflation. Today, COMEX gold prices reached a record high of $2,694.89 per ounce, and expected to hold gains as the CME FedWatch Tool now indicates a 62.2% chance of a 50 basis point cut in November, up from just 29% a week ago. Ongoing fears of an escalating Israel-Hezbollah conflict are likely to enhance gold's appeal as a safe-haven asset," Chainwala said. Saish Sandeep Sawant Dessai, a base metals analyst at Angel One Ltd., noted that bullion prices climbed during yesterday's trading session, driven by momentum from the US Federal Reserve's bold rate cut and expectations of further reductions. "In yesterday’s trading session, the bullion prices traded higher as traders embraced the momentum generated by the U.S. Federal Reserve's bold interest rate cut and signs that further reductions were on the horizon. "The Fed policymakers said their large half-point rate cut last week was meant to try to sustain what they see as an emerging and healthy balance in the economy. Chicago Fed Bank President Austan Goolsbee said there are "lots of cuts" to come over the next 12 months, while Fed President Neel Kashkari noted that the actual path would depend on incoming data. Fed futures traders have priced in 75 basis points in rate cuts by the end of 2024, according to the CME FedWatch Tool. "Zero-yield bullion tends to be a preferred investment in a low interest rate environment and during geopolitical turmoil. On the geopolitical front, Hezbollah devices explode again in Lebanon on Wednesday, stoking tensions of wider conflict after similar explosions of the group's pagers the day before. This boosted the demand for safe haven gold," Dessai said.

Gold prices hit record high, could reach ₹78,000 per 10 grams in coming weeks

<ul><li>The <keyword id="19899810" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Reserve-Bank-of-India" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Reserve Bank of India" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Reserve Bank of India">Reserve Bank of India</keyword>’s <keyword id="20104157" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="monetary-policy" source="keywords">monetary policy</keyword> meeting is set to begin today.</li><li>The central bank will announce the outcome of the <keyword id="22684891" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="MPC-meeting" source="keywords">MPC meeting</keyword> on October 9.</li><li><keyword id="19899808" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="RBI" source="keywords">RBI</keyword> has kept the <keyword id="20094323" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="repo-rate" source="keywords">repo rate</keyword> unchanged for the last nine consecutive meetings.</li></ul>The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is set to begin its three-day monetary policy meeting on Monday and will run from October 7 to October 9. All eyes are on the outcome, as the central bank has kept the repo rate unchanged for the last nine consecutive meetings. The repo rate, currently at 6.50%, has remained steady since the RBI adopted a cautious stance to balance inflation control and economic growth. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), headed by RBI Governor <keyword id="19913110" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Shaktikanta-Das" source="keywords">Shaktikanta Das</keyword>, is expected to weigh key factors like inflationary trends, global economic uncertainties, and domestic growth prospects. Inflation continues to be a challenge, particularly in food and fuel prices, which saw a surge earlier this year. As per the data from the Ministry of Statistics &amp; Programme Implementation, though the All India Consumer Price inflation in August was 3.65%, which is under the RBI target band the food inflation stands at 5.65% and it remains above the RBI's medium-term target of 4%. Despite these inflationary pressures, the RBI has opted for a status quo on the repo rate, primarily to support economic recovery post-pandemic. However, there are rising concerns that external factors, like the rising global crude oil prices and tensions in West Asia, may compel the RBI to reconsider its current stance. Earlier this month the central government appointed three new members to the monetary policy committee. The MPC comprises three members from the RBI and three external members appointed by the Central Government. The newly reconstituted committee consists of the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India as the Chairperson, ex officio; the Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, in charge of monetary policy--Member, ex officio, and one officer of the Reserve Bank of India, nominated by the Central Board -- Member, ex officio. The new external members included in the MPC are Professor Ram Singh, Director, Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi, Saugata Bhattacharya, economist; and Dr. Nagesh Kumar, Director and Chief Executive, Institute for Studies in Industrial Development. Market participants and analysts are closely monitoring this meeting for any forward guidance on future rate actions. Many believe the central bank will continue its wait-and-watch approach, but a surprise rate hike cannot be entirely ruled out. On September 18, the <keyword id="19901377" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="US-Federal-Reserve" source="keywords">US Federal Reserve</keyword> announced a steep 50 basis points interest cut in its review meeting. US Fed announced the rate cuts after holding interest rates steady for eight straight meetings. The outcome of the MPC meeting will be announced on October 9 and will set the tone for future monetary policies amid the changing global economic landscape. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will commence its three-day monetary policy meeting on Monday, October 7th, and continue until October 9th. The result of this meeting is eagerly anticipated, as the central bank has maintained a steady repo rate for the past nine consecutive meetings. The repo rate has remained at 6.50% since the RBI adopted a cautious approach to balance inflation control and economic growth. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), led by RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das, will consider various factors, including inflationary trends, global economic uncertainties, and domestic growth prospects. Inflation remains a challenge, particularly in food and fuel prices, which surged earlier this year. According to data from the Ministry of Statistics &amp; Programme Implementation, All India Consumer Price inflation in August was 3.65%, within the RBI's target band, however, food inflation stands at 5.65%, exceeding the RBI's medium-term target of 4%. Despite inflationary pressures, the RBI has opted to maintain the repo rate to support economic recovery post-pandemic. Nonetheless, rising concerns about external factors, such as increasing global crude oil prices due to tensions in West Asia, may prompt the RBI to reassess its current stance. Earlier this month, the central government appointed three new members to the monetary policy committee. The MPC consists of three members from the RBI and three external members appointed by the Central Government. It is worth noting that on September 18, the US Federal Reserve announced a substantial 50 basis points interest rate cut in its review meeting, reversing its previous stance of holding rates steady for eight consecutive meetings. With inputs from ANI. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/september-auto-sales-automakers-report-a-decline-mahindra-and-mahindra-overtakes-tata-motors/articleshow/113925972.cms">September Auto sales – Automakers report a decline, Mahindra and Mahindra overtakes Tata Motors</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/ola-electric-continues-to-lose-market-share-as-bajaj-auto-and-tvs-motor-gain/articleshow/113900252.cms">Ola Electric continues to lose market share as Bajaj Auto and TVS Motor gain</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/airtel-is-using-ai-powered-technology-to-block-spam-calls-and-messages/articleshow/113691942.cms">Airtel is using AI-powered technology to block spam calls and messages</a>

RBI's monetary policy committee meeting begins today, announcement on October 9

On Wednesday, the US <keyword id="19904332" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Federal-Reserve" source="keywords">Federal Reserve</keyword> slashed the <keyword id="19950650" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="interest-rates" source="keywords">interest rates</keyword> by a mammoth 50-basis points. In response, markets across the world, including the Nifty and Sensex, scaled record highs. While Nifty was up by around 280 points, breaching the 25,000 mark, Sensex was up by almost 1,000 points. Globally, S&amp;P was up by 1.70%, while Hang Seng inched up by 1.06% But did you know that along with the Fed, many other <keyword id="19946830" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="central-banks" source="keywords">central banks</keyword> across the world also made changes to their interest rates this week? This includes <keyword id="19935367" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Brazil" source="keywords">Brazil</keyword>, Indonesia, Japan, <keyword id="19953502" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Turkey" source="keywords">Turkey</keyword> and England. We take a closer look: <h2>Brazil</h2> Latin America's largest economy, which has set a 3% inflation target for itself, is currently witnessing 4.25% inflation. The apex bank unanimously decided to raise its Selic rate, or benchmark interest by 25 basis points for the first time in 2 years, taking it to 10.75%. The decision making committee, also known as the Copom, also signalled towards three more rate hikes of 25 bps each by the end of this year, closing the year with the Selic at 11.25%. Bolstered by a solid labour market, with unemployment in the country dipping to 6.9% in May, the lowest since 2014, Brazil is also witnessing a surge in employment growth, which grew 2.9% on a YoY basis, and a rise in average monthly earnings, which jumped up 5.6% from the year ago period. Such strong labour markets, combined with higher consumer spending, stokes fears of inflation. This is why such tightening measures i.e. raising the borrowing costs become necessary. <h2>Japan</h2> The country held steady it's short term interest rate at 0.25%, treading largely along expected lines. You'd think the only way up for Japanese interest rates from hereon is up, but the country has, for decades, also held a negative interest rate, something it did away with only in March this year. This was done to fire up consumption and increase borrowing, which seems to be yielding fruits now. Governor Kazuo Ueda also hinted at raising interest rates, if spending and consumption stay in line with the central bank’s target of 2% inflation. <h2> Indonesia</h2> The country announced a quarter basis point (25 bps) rate cut for the first time in 3 years, a surprise move given that most experts anticipated the country to hold steady on to its interest rate of 6.25%. Bringing down the interest rate to 6%, governor Perry Warjiyo expects this to boost the Rupiah, the country's currency and also accelerate foreign inflows into the economy. Given that the country's inflation projections for 2024 and 2025 remain within the targeted 2.5%, experts anticipate more rate cuts in the remaining part of the year. <h2> Turkey</h2> The country's central bank kept the interest rate steady at 50% for the 6th consecutive month in September. Turkey had last hiked it's interest rate by a massive 500 basis point in March this year, in a bid to tame inflationary pressures, which are now down from 75% in May to 52% last month. The central bank estimates that inflation will be down to 42% by end of 2024, dipping further lower to 17.5% by 2025 end. Analysts expect the country to make its first rate cut in November this year, as inflation in the country stabilises to some extent. <h2> England</h2> The good old British refrained from tinkering with their interest rates, leaving it unchanged at 5%, even as their American counterparts slashing interest rates and keeping the interest rate target range between 4.75% and 5%. This comes amidst the rapid rising pace of service prices, which make up for 80% of the British economy, and wage rise. The decision was largely expected, given that inflation, which holds steady at 2.2% as of August, remains above the apex bank’s target. Sevice inflation in the country jumped to 5.6% in August, which is keeping Bank of England on alert. Although, it is expected to revise rates in its next meeting in November.

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Simply put: Can investing in gold this festive season add the much-touted Midas touch to your investments?

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