**Market Brief: Volatility in India, Records in US** **Global & Domestic Snapshot** Indian equity benchmarks **Sensex** and **Nifty 50** are trading lower today, witnessing profit-booking despite positive global cues. The **Sensex** is hovering around **82,063** (down ~280 points), while the **Nifty** is trading near **25,273** (down ~69 points). In contrast, US markets set new milestones overnight. The **S&P 500** crossed the historic **7,000** mark for the first time, driven by AI optimism and resilient tech earnings. The **Nasdaq Composite** also climbed **0.5%**, supported by strength in semiconductor stocks like **Nvidia**. **Key Market Drivers** * **India-EU Trade Deal:** Optimism surrounds the completion of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, which recently uplifted sentiment, though immediate profit-taking has curbed gains. * **Federal Reserve Policy:** Investors remain cautious ahead of the US Fed's policy announcement today. Markets widely expect rates to remain unchanged, but the focus is on Chair Jerome Powell’s commentary regarding future easing. * **Geopolitical Tensions:** Crude oil prices have firmed up for a third consecutive day. **Brent Crude** is trading near **$69 per barrel** amid escalating US-Iran tensions, adding a risk premium to energy markets. **Stocks in Focus** * **Larsen & Toubro (L&T):** Shares are reacting to management guidance on order inflows; analysts remain watchful of execution headwinds. * **Maruti Suzuki:** Reported a **4% YoY rise** in Q3 net profit, though the figure slightly missed street estimates. * **Tech Sector:** IT stocks remain in focus following strong guidance from global tech majors and domestic earnings reports. **Commodities & Currency** * **Gold:** Bullion continues its record-breaking run, trading above **$5,500 per ounce** in international markets, driven by safe-haven demand and a weaker dollar. * **Silver:** Prices have surged significantly, tracking gold's momentum. * **Currency:** The US Dollar has stabilized but remains under pressure from recent tariff threats, impacting emerging market currencies. **Summary** While Wall Street celebrates record highs, domestic markets are consolidating gains. Traders are closely monitoring the **Fed’s decision** later today and the unfolding **geopolitical situation** in the Middle East for further direction.