consumer prices index

Indian consumers may soon face higher prices as wholesale inflation surges, driven by global conflicts impacting commodity and energy costs. While retail inflation remains soft for now, a widening gap between wholesale and consumer price indices suggests businesses will likely pass on increased production expenses, leading to costlier everyday goods and services in the coming months.

The government increased fuel prices by Rs 3 per litre to support oil marketing companies facing losses due to high global crude oil prices and a weakening rupee. However, further rupee depreciation could negate these gains, with companies incurring significant daily losses. The price hike offers limited relief, covering only a fraction of projected losses.

Gold price prediction today: Gold prices may gain if oil prices fall, but the rise is likely to be capped, says Praveen Singh, Head Currencies and Commodities, Mirae Asset ShareKhan.

Retail inflation edged up to 3.5% in April, driven by a rise in food prices. While fuel inflation slowed, restaurant services saw a significant price jump due to higher LPG costs. Consumer durables like cars and air conditioners, however, became cheaper. Experts note upside risks to the inflation outlook despite the softer-than-expected reading.

India's retail inflation remains largely unaffected by West Asian conflict, with SBI retaining its FY27 forecast at 4.5%. While imported inflation eased slightly, rising food prices, particularly tomatoes, are a key driver. Future trends hinge on energy price pass-through and summer crop progress, with the RBI flagging upside risks.

US stock indexes traded mixed as easing Treasury yields and lower oil prices calmed investor concerns following last week's bond selloff. The Dow Jones Industrial Average saw gains, while the S&P 500 edged up and the Nasdaq Composite slipped. Investors are now closely watching upcoming corporate earnings, with Nvidia and Walmart set to report.

A US-Israeli war with Iran has triggered significant global economic fallout, with companies reporting at least $25 billion in losses due to soaring oil prices and disrupted trade routes. Businesses worldwide are implementing cost-cutting measures, including price hikes and reduced production, as the conflict impacts various sectors, particularly airlines.

Indian equity benchmarks Sensex and Nifty closed lower on Tuesday after a late sell-off in heavyweight stocks like HDFC Bank and Reliance Industries erased early gains. Concerns over the rupee hitting a fresh record low and elevated crude oil prices also weighed on investor sentiment, though IT stocks provided some support.

Asian markets rallied Friday, buoyed by hopes of US-Iran peace talks, though volatile oil prices and Strait of Hormuz concerns fueled inflation worries. Tokyo led gains as investor sentiment improved. Despite diplomatic optimism, rising crude prices prompted reassessment of global interest rate expectations, with the US Federal Reserve potentially hiking rates later this year.

India's wholesale inflation surged to 8.30% in April 2026, a significant jump from March's 3.88%. This spike is primarily attributed to soaring fuel, power, and crude oil prices, exacerbated by the West Asia crisis. Mineral oils, basic metals, and manufactured products also contributed to the rise, impacting various sectors.

Stock markets surged on Monday, with Sensex and Nifty crossing significant milestones. Easing West Asian tensions and falling crude oil prices fueled investor optimism, particularly after US President Trump indicated a deal with Iran was largely negotiated. Banking stocks led the rally, while global markets also saw gains.

US inflation surged in April, reaching a three-year high driven by escalating fuel costs linked to the Iran-US conflict. This rise complicates the Federal Reserve's interest rate decisions, as petrol prices have significantly increased, impacting household budgets and raising concerns about broader economic fallout.

US stocks retreated on Tuesday as rising oil prices and sticky inflation cooled Wall Street's rally. Technology shares, particularly AI-linked companies, led the decline. Concerns over the Iran conflict and its impact on crude supplies fueled inflation worries, strengthening expectations of prolonged elevated interest rates.

India's retail inflation climbed to a 13-month high of 3.48% in April, primarily fueled by soaring food prices. Consumer Food Price Index accelerated to 4.20%, with rural inflation outpacing urban rates. While silver and gold jewellery saw significant price hikes, tomatoes surged, but potatoes and onions experienced deflation. This marks the second consecutive monthly rise, nearing the RBI's target.

Persistent foreign fund outflows and the rupee sliding to record lows have further dampened sentiment, prompting investors to stay cautious and intensify selling across equity markets.

Fuel prices saw a Rs 3 per litre increase on Friday. This move follows significant losses for state-run oil companies due to soaring global crude oil prices. The conflict in West Asia disrupted key shipping routes, pushing up import costs for India. This price adjustment comes after a period of frozen rates, impacting transportation and other sectors.

The Indian Rupee hit a fresh all-time low against the US dollar, slumping to 95.74 amid soaring crude oil prices and Middle East tensions. While RBI interventions and higher gold import duties offered some support, the currency remains vulnerable. Foreign investors offloaded equities, yet domestic stock markets opened higher.

Indian equity benchmarks, Sensex and Nifty, extended their losses for a fourth consecutive session, plunging nearly 2% on Tuesday. Rising crude oil prices, sustained foreign fund outflows, and escalating West Asia conflict uncertainty contributed to the broad-based selloff, impacting IT, realty, and consumer durable stocks.

Indian equity markets experienced a downturn Friday, with both Sensex and Nifty closing lower. Renewed military tensions near the Strait of Hormuz dampened investor sentiment, leading to profit-booking across various sectors. While IT stocks showed resilience, PSU banks were significantly impacted. Global markets also reflected cautious sentiment.

New labour codes have capped weekly working hours at 48, with overtime paid at double the hourly wage. Final rules for wages and industrial relations codes are out, paving the way for implementation. A National Reskilling Fund will support retrenched workers with new skills, financed by employers.