The week ending 26 June 2009 witnessed the stock markets making some major swings but eventually settled essentially unchanged as early losses were offset by gains later in the week. Trading was highlighted by corporate news from some widely-held names, economic data and the FOMC policy announcement. On Friday, the Dow closed 34.01 points lower (-0.40%) to end the day at 8,438. The index wobbled through the day, before ending lower. The NASDAQ closed 8.68 points higher (+0.47%) to finish at 1,838.22.

Most of the Indian ADRs ended positively on Friday. HDFC Bank (HDB) was the biggest gainer, up 3.03%, closing at $100.00. Tata Comm. (TCL) was the biggest loser, down 0.21%, closing at $18.55.

Weak sentiments saw the European markets ending lower once again. The UK’s FTSE closed 11.56 points down (-0.27%), ending at 4,241. Germany’s DAX closed 24.09 points down (-0.50%), ending trading at 4,776.

As of 9:27 am IST, the Asian markets were witnessing mixed results. While Japan’s Nikkei is currently trading 36.47 points higher, up 0.37%, the Hang Seng is currently trading 10.07 points lower, down 0.05%.

WTI Brent crude oil closed at $68.70 per barrel, down $0.46 (-0.67%). Nymex light crude August futures closed at $68.80, down $0.36 (-0.52%). August COMEX gold futures closed at $936.50 per ounce, down $4.50 (-0.48%).

As of 9:32 am IST, the Yen (¥) fell against the USD, by ¥0.31 to ¥95.48. The Euro (€) fell €0.0019 to €0.7123 against the dollar. The Pound (￡) fell ￡0.0016 to ￡0.6065 against the dollar.

The rupee rose by Rs. 0.50 to Rs. 48.10/11 on Friday, against the greenback.

At the US markets, stocks managed to reverse modest losses in the first few minutes of trading to spend the rest of the day trading with impressive gains. There was some fleeting selling pressure heading into the close, but the effort was resisted and stocks finished near session highs. The Dow closed 172.54 points higher (+2.08%) to end the day at 8,472.40. The index rose modestly initially, and then continued to move up, through the day. The NASDAQ closed 37.20 points higher (+2.08%) to finish at 1,829.54.

Most of the Indian ADRs ended positively on Thursday. HDFC Bank (HDB) was the biggest gainer, up 3.05%, closing at $96.97.  Sterlite Industries (SLT) was the biggest loser, down 0.20%, closing at $11.66.

Weak fundamentals continued to mar the European markets though. The UK’s FTSE closed 27.41 points down (-0.64%), ending at 4,253. Germany’s DAX closed 35.45 points down (-0.73%), ending trading at 4,801.

As of 9:15 am IST, the Asian markets were witnessing marginal gains. While Japan’s Nikkei is currently trading 23.21 points higher, up 0.24%, the Hang Seng is currently trading 139.41 points higher, up 0.76%.

WTI Brent crude oil closed at $70.46 per barrel, up $0.23 (+0.33%). Nymex light crude August futures closed at $70.60, up $0.37 (+0.53%). August COMEX gold futures closed at $942.50 per ounce, up $3.00 (+0.32%).

As of 9:20 am IST, the Yen (¥) rose against the USD, by ¥0.05 to ¥95.87. The Euro (€) rose €0.0023 to €0.7119 against the dollar. The Pound (￡) rose ￡0.0023 to ￡0.6083 against the dollar.

The rupee fell by Rs. 0.05 to Rs. 48.60/61 on Thursday, against the greenback.

After starting the day strong, the US markets sold off sharply midday. The major averages climbed higher toward the end of the session, but the Dow still ended modestly lower and the S&P 500 only managed a slight gain. The Dow closed 23.05 points lower (-0.28%) to end the day at 8,299.86. The index rose modestly initially, but fell through as the day progressed. The NASDAQ closed 27.42 points higher (+1.55%) to finish at 1,792.34.

Most of the Indian ADRs ended positively on Wednesday. HDFC Bank (HDB) was the biggest gainer, up 3.05%, closing at $96.97.  Sterlite Industries (SLT) was the biggest loser, down 0.20%, closing at $11.66.

News of the European Central Bank (ECB) pumping in €442 billion into the Eurozone’s weakened banking system brought some cheer to the markets there. The UK’s FTSE closed 49.96 points up (+1.18%), ending at 4,280. Germany’s DAX closed 128.86 points up (+2.74%), ending trading at 4,836.

As of 11:40 am IST, the Asian markets were witnessing significant gains. While Japan’s Nikkei is currently trading 201.34 points higher, up 2.10%, the Hang Seng is currently trading 388.56 points higher, up 2.17%.

WTI Brent crude oil closed at $68.85 per barrel, up $0.18 (+0.26%). Nymex light crude August futures closed at $68.86, up $0.19 (+0.28%). August COMEX gold futures closed at $935.70 per ounce, up $1.30 (+0.14%).

As of 11:45 am IST, the Yen (¥) fell against the USD, by ¥0.46 to ¥96.19. The Euro (€) rose €0.0019 to €0.7157 against the dollar. The Pound (￡) rose ￡0.0008 to ￡0.6082 against the dollar.

The rupee remained virtually unchanged at Rs. 48.55/56 on Wednesday, against the greenback.

On Tuesday, stocks spent the session chopping along in a relatively narrow trading range. The lack of direction left the major indices to finish the session in mixed fashion. The Dow closed 16.10 points lower (-0.19%) to end the day at 8,322.91. The index fell as it opened and lay low thereafter. The NASDAQ closed 1.27 points lower (-0.07%) to finish at 1,764.92.

Most of the Indian ADRs ended in the red on Tuesday. Patni Computers (PTI) was the biggest gainer, up 0.29%, closing at $10.42.  HDFC Bank (HDB) was the biggest loser, down 6.75%, closing at $97.06.

The bourses at the European markets saw modest movements on Tuesday. The UK’s FTSE closed 4.03 points down (-0.10%), ending at 4,230. Germany’s DAX closed 13.75 points up (+0.29%), ending trading at 4,707.

As of 9:35 am IST, the Asian markets were witnessing marginal gains. While Japan’s Nikkei is currently trading 28.06 points higher, up 0.29%, the Hang Seng is currently trading 174.40 points higher, up 0.99%.

WTI Brent crude oil closed at $68.60 per barrel, down $0.64 (-0.92%). Nymex light crude August futures closed at $68.65, down $0.59 (-0.85%). August COMEX gold futures closed at $924.70 per ounce, up $0.40 (+0.04%).

As of 9:40 am IST, the Yen (¥) fell against the USD, by ¥0.29 to ¥95.49. The Euro (€) rose €0.0003 to €0.7095 against the dollar. The Pound (￡) remained unchanged at ￡0.6072 against the dollar.

The rupee rose by Rs. 0.04 to close at Rs. 48.58/59 on Tuesday, against the greenback.

On Monday, the S&P 500 moved lower sharply in broad-based fashion, which took it below the key 900 level for the first time this month. With sellers in control, the session culminated in the stock market’s worst single-session percentage loss in two months. The Dow closed 200.72 points lower (-2.35%) to end the day at 8,339.01. The index simply nosedived as it opened and lay low thereafter. The NASDAQ closed 61.28 points lower (-3.35%) to finish at 1,766.19.

The Indian ADRs had a mixed bag day on Monday, with the gainers and losers more or less equally divided amongst them. Infosys Technologies (INFY) was the biggest gainer, up 0.89%, closing at $36.15.  HDFC Bank (HDB) was the biggest loser, down 2.75%, closing at $104.41.

The European markets suffered hefty losses on Monday as risk averse investors shifted to the perceived safety of the dollar, the yen and government bonds. The UK’s FTSE closed 111.88 points down (-2.57%), ending at 4,234. Germany’s DAX closed 146.06.98 points down (-3.02%), ending trading at 4,693.

As of 9:35 am IST, the Asian markets were witnessing significant losses. While Japan’s Nikkei is currently trading 299.63 points lower, down 3.05%, the Hang Seng is currently trading 582.94 points lower, down 3.23%.

WTI Brent crude oil closed at $66.77 per barrel, down $0.16 (-0.24%). Nymex light crude July futures closed at $66.93, down $2.62 (-3.91%). August COMEX gold futures closed at $917.60 per ounce, down $3.40 (-0.37%).

As of 9:40 am IST, the Yen (¥) rose against the USD, by ¥0.68 to ¥95.21. The Euro (€) rose €0.0003 to €0.7209 against the dollar. The Pound (￡) fell by ￡0.0003 to ￡0.612 against the dollar.

The rupee fell by Rs. 0.54 to close at Rs. 48.62/63 on Monday, against the greenback.

The week ending 19 June 2009 was privy to some broad-based selling as investors looked to book profits. On Friday, the Dow closed 15.87 points lower (-0.19%) to end the day at 8,539.73. The index gained as it opened but skid soon after. The NASDAQ closed 19.75 points higher (+1.09%) to finish at 1,827.47.

The Indian ADRs had a mixed bag day on Friday, with the gainers and losers more or less equally divided amongst them. Infosys Technologies (INFY) was the biggest gainer, up 0.89%, closing at $36.15.  HDFC Bank (HDB) was the biggest loser, down 2.75%, closing at $104.41.

Some modest gains on Friday notwithstanding, the European markets ended the week ending 19 June 2009 in the red as investors turned to the safety of defensive stocks. The UK’s FTSE closed 65.07 points up (+1.52%), ending at 4,346. Germany’s DAX closed 1.98 points up (+0.04%), ending trading at 4,839.

As of 9:55 am IST, the Asian markets were witnessing reasonable gains. While Japan’s Nikkei is currently trading 32.90 points higher, up 0.34%, the Hang Seng is currently trading 393.22 points higher, up 2.19%.

WTI Brent crude oil closed at $69.29 per barrel, down $0.26 (-0.37%). Nymex light crude July futures closed at $69.29, down $0.26 (-0.37%). August COMEX gold futures closed at $933.70 per ounce, down $2.50 (-0.27%).

As of 10:00 am IST, the Yen (¥) fell rose against the USD, by ¥0.30 to ¥95.92. The Euro (€) fell €0.0022 to €0.7188 against the dollar. The Pound (￡) fell by ￡0.0007 to ￡0.6063 against the dollar.

The rupee gained by Rs. 0.11 to close at Rs. 48.08/09 on Friday, against the greenback.

The US markets slipped in the first few minutes of trading, but were able to recover and log their best single-session advance by percent in two weeks. The advance was broad-based as six of the 10 major sectors in the S&P 500 posted a gain. The Dow closed 58.42 points higher (+0.69%) to end the day at 8,555.60. The index fell as it opened but managed to recover its gains through the day. The NASDAQ closed 0.34 points lower (-0.02%) to finish at 1,807.72.

Majority of the Indian ADRs ended in the red on Thursday. HDFC Bank (HDB) was the biggest gainer, up 2.68%, closing at $102.70.  ICICI Bank (IBN) was the biggest loser, down  0.90%, closing at $28.92.

At the European markets, stocks rebounded in late trading on Thursday after a volatile session for European equities, which finished in positive territory for the first time this week. The UK’s FTSE closed 2.40 points up (+0.60%), ending at 4,281. Germany’s DAX closed 37.50 points up (+0.78%), ending trading at 4,837.

As of 10:45 am IST, the Asian markets were witnessing reasonable gains. While Japan’s Nikkei is currently trading 24.21 points higher, up 0.25%, the Hang Seng is currently trading 104.13 points higher, up 0.59%.

WTI Brent crude oil closed at $71.51 per barrel, up $0.14 (+0.20%). Nymex light crude July futures closed at $71.63, up $0.26 (+0.36%). August COMEX gold futures closed at $934.30 per ounce, down $0.30 (-0.03%).

As of 10:50 am IST, the Yen (¥) fell against the USD, by ¥0.01 to ¥96.57. The Euro (€) rose €0.0015 to €0.7178 against the dollar. The Pound (￡) rose by ￡0.0012 to ￡0.611 against the dollar.

The rupee fell by Rs. 0.06 to close at Rs. 48.19/20 on Thursday, against the greenback.

At the US markets, a disappointing forecast from FedEx and a rating cut for multiple banks weighed on stocks in early trading and eventually gave way to a broad selling effort. Stocks were able to recover from their lows, but finished the session with mixed results. The Dow closed 7.49 points lower (-0.09%) to end the day at 8,497.18. The index fell considerably as it opened but managed to recover some its gains through the day. The NASDAQ closed 11.88 points higher (+0.66%) to finish at 1,808.06.

Majority of the Indian ADRs ended in the red on Wednesday. Infosys Technologies (INFY) was the biggest gainer, up 0.37%, closing at $35.21. HDFC Bank (HDB) was the biggest loser, down  2.57%, closing at $100.02.

Negative economic news along with problems in the metals sector weighed heavy on the European markets. The UK’s FTSE closed 50.11 points down (-1.16%), ending at 4,278. Germany’s DAX closed 90.74 points down (-1.86%), ending trading at 4,800.

As of 9:45 am IST, the Asian markets were witnessing reasonable losses. While Japan’s Nikkei is currently trading 173.09 points lower, down 1.76%, the Hang Seng is currently trading 324.79 points lower, down 1.80%.

WTI Brent crude oil closed at $70.99 per barrel, down $0.04 (-0.06%). Nymex light crude July futures closed at $71.00, down $0.03 (-0.04%). August COMEX gold futures closed at $940.80 per ounce, up $4.80 (+0.51%).

As of 9:50 am IST, the Yen (¥) rose against the USD, by ¥0.05 to ¥95.73. The Euro (€) rose €0.0003 to €0.7164 against the dollar. The Pound (￡) fell by ￡0.0008 to ￡0.6102 against the dollar.

The rupee fell by Rs. 0.38 to close at Rs. 48.13/14 on Wednesday, against the greenback.

Sellers ruled the roost and were in absolute overdrive on Monday. Eventually the US markets touched monthly lows, with the worst single-session percentage loss in one month. 95% of the companies in the S&P 500 finished with a loss as well. The Dow closed 187.13 points lower (-2.13%) to end the day at 8,612.13. The index just tumbled as it opened and just about managed to stay afloat through the day. The NASDAQ closed 42.42 points lower (-2.28%) to finish at 1,816.38.

The Indian ADRs continued to languish in the red on Monday. Patni Computers (PTI) was the biggest gainer, up 0.41%, closing at $10.45. HDFC Bank (HDB) was the biggest loser, down  4.78%, closing at $101.92.

The European markets followed their American counterparts and also fell sharply on Monday. The UK’s FTSE closed 115.94 points down (-2.61%), ending at 4,326. Germany’s DAX closed 179.30 points down (-3.54%), ending trading at 4,890.

As of 9:45 am IST, the Asian markets were witnessing reasonable losses. While Japan’s Nikkei is currently trading 255.01 points lower, down 2.54%, the Hang Seng is currently trading 540.08 points lower, down 2.92%.

WTI Brent crude oil closed at $69.98 per barrel, down $0.64 (-0.91%). Nymex light crude July futures closed at $70.00, down $0.62 (-0.88%). August COMEX gold futures closed at $932.30 per ounce, up $4.80 (+0.52%).

As of 9:50 am IST, the Yen (¥) rose against the USD, by ¥1.23 to ¥96.57. The Euro (€) rose €0.0006 to €0.7243 against the dollar. The Pound (￡) fell by ￡0.0023 to ￡0.6152 against the dollar.

The rupee fell by Rs. 0.09 to close at Rs. 47.70/72 on Friday, against the greenback.

The week ending 12 June 2009 was a relatively quiet week of trade at the US markets, with the S&P 500 settling with a modest 0.4% gain. For the week, seven of the ten sectors posted a gain, led by utilities (+3.9%). Consumer staples underperformed with a 1.3% loss. The Dow closed 28.34 points higher (+0.32%) to end the day at 8,799.26. The index fell as it opened but managed to managed to recover as the day progressed. The NASDAQ closed 3.57 points lower (-0.19%) to finish at 1,858.80.

All the Indian ADRs ended in the red on Friday. HDFC Bank (HDB) was the biggest loser, down  2.63%, closing at $106.70.

With gloomy news persisting from various quarters, the European markets continued to slide on Friday. The UK’s FTSE closed 19.92 points down (-0.45%), ending at 4,442. Germany’s DAX closed 38.02 points down (-0.74%), ending trading at 5,069.

As of 9:15 am IST, the Asian markets were witnessing reasonable losses. While Japan’s Nikkei is currently trading 67.79 points lower, down 0.67%, the Hang Seng is currently trading 123.89 points lower, down 0.66%.

WTI Brent crude oil closed at $71.45 per barrel, down $0.59 (-0.82%). Nymex light crude July futures closed at $71.36, down $0.68 (-0.94%). August COMEX gold futures closed at $938.40 per ounce, down $2.30 (-0.24%).

As of 9:20 am IST, the Yen (¥) rose against the USD, by ¥0.12 to ¥98.30. The Euro (€) fell €0.0033 to €0.7167 against the dollar. The Pound (￡) fell by ￡0.0025 to ￡0.6104 against the dollar.

The rupee ended flat at Rs. 47.61/62 on Friday, against the greenback.

US stocks made their way to fresh 2009 highs before paring gains in afternoon trading. Despite the weak close, stocks were still able to log solid, broad-based gains with advancing issues outnumbering decliners by 3-to-2 in the S&P 500. The Dow closed 31.90 points higher (+0.37%) to end the day at 8,770.92. The index rose sharply as it opened but managed to give up on most of its gains by the afternoon. The NASDAQ closed 9.29 points higher (+0.50%) to finish at 1,862.37.

It was a relatively positive day for the Indian ADRs with the majority of them ending higher on Thursday. HDFC Bank (HDB) was the biggest gainer, up 2.17%, closing at $109.33.  Infosys Technologies (INFY) was the biggest loser, down 0.15%, closing at $37.13.

Signs of an economic recovery from numerous quarters saw the European markets making upward strides on Thursday as well. The UK’s FTSE closed 25.12 points up (+0.57%), ending at 4,462. Germany’s DAX closed 56.08 points up (+1.11%), ending trading at 5,107.

As of 9:40 am IST, the Asian markets were witnessing reasonable gains. While Japan’s Nikkei is currently trading 84.79 points higher, up 0.85%, the Hang Seng is currently trading 167.55 points higher, up 0.89%.

WTI Brent crude oil closed at $72.34 per barrel, down $0.34 (-0.47%). Nymex light crude July futures closed at $72.41, down $0.27 (-0.37%). August COMEX gold futures closed at $956.40 per ounce, down $5.60 (-0.58%).

As of 9:45 am IST, the Yen (¥) fell against the USD, by ¥0.21 to ¥97.76. The Euro (€) fell €0.0016 to €0.7101 against the dollar. The Pound (￡) fell by ￡0.0016 to ￡0.6042 against the dollar.

The rupee fell by Rs. 0.36 on Thursday to close at Rs. 47.60/61 against the greenback.

The major US indices started trading with solid gains, but drifted into the red before gradually paring losses into the close. The Dow closed 24.04 points lower (-0.27%) to end the day at 8,739.02. The index rose as it opened but simply gave up on its gains fairly quickly. The NASDAQ closed 7.05 points lower (-0.38%) to finish at 1,853.08.

It was a mixed bag for the Indian ADRs with the gainers and losers nearly equally divided on Wednesday. HDFC Bank (HDB) was the biggest gainer, up 4.74%, closing at $107.16.  Infosys Technologies (INFY) was the biggest loser, down 0.25%, closing at $37.28.

Good news from certain quarters kept the European markets bouyant on Wednesday. The UK’s FTSE closed 31.96 points up (+0.73%), ending at 4,437. Germany’s DAX closed 53.32 points up (+1.07%), ending trading at 5,051.

The rupee rose by Rs. 0.24 on Wednesday to close at Rs. 47.24/25 against the greenback.

Amid relatively lighter trading volumes, the stock market rose in the afternoon, but petered out some of its gains, towards closing time. Stocks that gained were primarily from the semiconductor and materials industries which managed to finish markedly higher. The Dow closed 1.43 points lower (-0.02%) to end the day at 8,763.06. The index rose sharply as it opened but gave up most of its gains by the end of the day’s trading. The NASDAQ closed 17.73 points higher (+0.96%) to finish at 1,860.13.

It was a red letter day for the Indian ADRs with almost all of them seeing modest to significant gains on Tuesday. HDFC Bank (HDB) was the biggest gainer, up 3.09%, closing at $102.42.  Tata Motors (TTM) was the sole loser, down 0.05%, closing at $10.42.

The European markets continued to slide downwards, albeit modestly, on Tuesday. The UK’s FTSE closed 0.43 points down (-0.01%), ending at 4,405. Germany’s DAX closed 6.86 points down (-0.14%), ending trading at 4,998.

The rupee rose by Rs. 0.07 on Tuesday to close at Rs. 47.48/49 against the greenback.

At the US markets, a late session squeeze helped the major indices recover from sizable losses, but the move lost steam in the final few minutes of trading, leaving the major indices to pull back from positive ground and settle flat to modestly lower. The Dow closed 1.36 points higher (+0.02%) to end the day at 8,764.49. The index fell sharply as it opened before rising up towards the end of the day’s trading. The NASDAQ closed 7.02 points lower (-0.38%) to finish at 1,842.40.

The Indian ADRs were equally divided between gainers and losers on Monday. HDFC Bank (HDB) was the biggest gainer, up 0.48%, closing at $102.51.  Patni Computers (PTI) was the biggest loser, down 0.41%, closing at $10.28.

With negative cues coming in from various quarters, the European markets witnessed reasonable losses on Monday. The UK’s FTSE closed 33.34 points down (-0.75%), ending at 4,405. Germany’s DAX closed 72.31 points down (-1.42%), ending trading at 5,005.

The rupee fell by Rs. 0.44 on Monday to close at Rs. 47.55/56 against the greenback.

The week ending 05 June 2009 proved to be a bright spot for the US markets, with all the indices seeing some gains - S&P 500 +2.3%, Dow +3.1%, Nasdaq +4.2%, Russell 2000 +5.7%. And with this week’s gains, the Dow is now basically unchanged on the year (-0.2%), regaining most of its early 2009 losses. On Friday, the Dow closed 12.89 points higher (+0.15%) to end the day at 8,763.13. The index see-sawed through  the day before settling slightly higher. The NASDAQ closed 0.60 points lower (-0.03%) to finish at 1,849.42.

Almost all the Indian ADRs ended positively on Friday. HDFC Bank (HDB) was the biggest gainer, up 3.03%, closing at $102.03.  Sterlite Industries (SLT) was the biggest loser, down 0.11%, closing at $14.00.

The European markets also witnessed some sprightly gains on Friday. The UK’s FTSE closed 51.62 points up (+1.18%), ending at 4,439. Germany’s DAX closed 12.23 points up (+0.24%), ending trading at 5,077.

The rupee rose by Rs. 0.14 on Friday to close at Rs. 47.06 against the greenback.

The US markets overcame a rocky start to trend higher throughout afternoon trading. Though the close was anticlimactic, stocks were still able to log solid gains and reclaim nearly all of the prior session’s losses. The Dow closed 74.96 points higher (+0.86%) to end the day at 8,750.24. The index kept seeing reasonable gains through the day’s trading. The NASDAQ closed 24.10 points higher (+1.32%) to finish at 1,850.02.

Most of the Indian ADRs ended in the red on Thursday. Tata Comm. (TCL) was the biggest gainer, up 0.05%, closing at $19.25. HDFC Bank (HDB) was the biggest loser, down 2.28%, closing at $99.00.

European markets rose modestly on Thursday led by pharmaceuticals, banks and oil shares. The UK’s FTSE closed 3.52 points up(+0.08%), ending at 4,387. Germany’s DAX closed 10.27 points up (+0.20%), ending trading at 5,065.

The rupee fell by Rs. 0.17 on Thursday to close at Rs 47.24 against the greenback.

The US markets were privy to profit booking on Wednesday, after four straight sessions of rising stocks. The Dow closed 65.63 points lower (-0.75%) to end the day at 8,675.24. The index fell as it opened and continued to lay low through the day’s trading. The NASDAQ closed 10.88 points lower (-0.59%) to finish at 1,825.92.

Most of the Indian ADRs saw some healthy gains on Wednesday. Patni Computers (PTI) was the biggest gainer, up 1.32%, closing at $11.40. Tata Comm. (TCL) was the biggest loser, down 0.58%, closing at $19.20.

Negative news from banking and retail companies meant a decline at the European markets as well. The UK’s FTSE closed 93.60 points down (-2.09%), ending at 4,383. Germany’s DAX closed 89.53 points down (-1.74%), ending trading at 5,055.

The rupee rose by Rs. 0.18 on Wednesday to close at Rs 46.83 against the greenback.

A concerted, broad-based buying effort amid pleasing economic data saw the US markets make some healthy gains on Monday. The Dow closed 221.11 points higher (+2.60%) to end the day at 8,721.44. The index simply zoomed up as it opened for the day’s trading. The NASDAQ closed 54.35 points higher (+3.06%) to finish at 1,828.68.

Most of the Indian ADRs saw some healthy gains on Monday. HDFC Bank (HDB) was the biggest gainer, up 1.89%, closing at $101.39. Tata Comm. (TCL) was the biggest loser, down 0.16%, closing at $19.78.

The rupee rose by Rs. 0.15 on Monday to close at Rs 46.96/97 against the greenback.

The US stock and bond markets were closed on Monday in observance of Memorial Day.

European stocks rose slightly on Monday with pharmaceuticals companies helping to offset earlier losses which came amid weaker than expected data from the German business sector. The UK’s FTSE closed 19.82 points up (+0.46%), ending at 4,365. Germany’s DAX closed 0.30 points down (-0.01%), ending trading at 4,918.

WTI Brent crude oil closed at $60.98 per barrel, down $0.23 (-0.38%). Nymex light crude July futures closed at $60.94, down $0.73 (-1.18%). June COMEX gold futures closed at $955.10 per ounce, down $3.50 (-0.37%).

As of 9:55 pm IST, the Yen (¥) rose against the USD, by ¥0.13 to ¥94.68. The Euro (€) fell €0.002 to €0.7154 against the dollar. The Pound (£) fell by £0.0011 to £0.6292 against the dollar.

The rupee fell on Monday by Rs. 0.18 to close at Rs 47.29/31 against the greenback.

The week ending 22 May 2009 saw stocks eventually settling with a modest 0.5% gain, after some strong gains witnessed at the beginning of the week. On Friday, the Dow closed 14.81 points lower (-0.18%) to end the day at 8,277. The index rose as it opened but eventually gave up on those gains as the day progressed. The NASDAQ closed 3.24 points lower (-0.19%) to finish at 1,692.01.

It was a mixed bag for the Indian ADRs on Friday, with the gainers and losers more or less equally divided. Tata Motors (TTM) was the biggest gainer, up 0.64%, closing at $9.55. Tata Comm. (TCL) was the biggest loser, down 1.23%, closing at $24.74.

The European markets were witness to minor gains on Friday. The UK’s FTSE closed 19.82 points up (+0.46%), ending at 4,365. Germany’s DAX closed 18.08 points up (+0.37%), ending trading at 4,919.

WTI Brent crude oil closed at $61.40 per barrel, down $0.27 (-0.44%). Nymex light crude July futures closed at $61.37, down $0.30 (-0.49%). June COMEX gold futures closed at $955.50 per ounce, down $3.40 (-0.35%).

As of 9:35 pm IST, the Yen (¥) rose against the USD, by ¥0.16 to ¥94.61. The Euro (€) fell €0.0005 to €0.7147 against the dollar. The Pound (£) fell by £0.0016 to £0.6296 against the dollar.

The rupee maintained its upward surge against the dollar, gaining by Rs. 0.10 on Friday to close at Rs 47.37/38 against the greenback.

Emboldened by economic concerns, sellers took control of stocks and handed the major indices a marked loss. Though declines were deep and broad, stocks still finished off of their session lows. The Dow closed 129.91 points lower (-1.54%) to end the day at 8,292.13. The index fell sharply as it opened and continued to linger low through the day’s trading. The NASDAQ closed 32.59 points lower (-1.89%) to finish at 1,695.25.

It was a mixed bag for the Indian ADRs on Thursday, with the gainers and losers more or less equally divided. Tata Motors (TTM) was the biggest gainer, up 0.64%, closing at $9.55. Tata Comm. (TCL) was the biggest loser, down 1.23%, closing at $24.74.

Across Europe, news of Standard & Poor’s move to cut its outlook on the United Kingdom had repercussions across the region, while many markets were closed for a national holiday. The UK’s FTSE closed 14.47 points down (-0.33%), ending at 4,348. Germany’s DAX closed 0.97 points lower (-0.02%), ending trading at 4,738.

As of 10:40 am IST, Asian markets were seeing significant losses. Japan’s Nikkei is currently trading 225.15 points lower, down 2.43%. The Hang Seng is currently trading 212.09 points lower, down 1.26%.

WTI Brent crude oil closed at $61.44 per barrel, up $0.39 (+0.64%). Nymex light crude June futures closed at $61.44, up $0.49 (+0.80%). June COMEX gold futures closed at $951.10 per ounce, down $0.10 (-0.01%).

As of 2:00 pm IST, the Yen (¥) rose against the USD, by ¥0.25 to ¥94.18. The Euro (€) rose €0.003 to €0.7169 against the dollar. The Pound (£) fell by £0.0003 to £0.6315 against the dollar.

The rupee rose by Rs. 0.10 on Thursday to close at Rs 47.37/38 against the greenback.

A late selling effort caused stocks to close a choppy session in mixed fashion. The session’s lack of direction followed disappointing housing data and a pullback by financial stocks. The Dow closed 29.23 points lower (-0.34%) to end the day at 8,474.85. The index rose moderately as it opened, see-sawed through the day, before closing slightly lower. The NASDAQ closed 2.18 points higher (+0.13%) to finish at 1,734.54.

All Indian ADRs closed in the red on Tuesday. HDFC Bank (HDB) was the biggest loser, down 3.9%, closing at $91.77.

Resurgent banking stocks continued to lead the way at the European markets. The UK’s FTSE closed 35.80 points up (+0.81%), ending at 4,482. Germany’s DAX closed 107.66 points up (+2.22%), ending trading at 4,960.

As of 9:50 am IST, Asian markets were having a rather choppy time. Japan’s Nikkei is currently trading 57.70 points higher, up 0.62%. The Hang Seng is currently trading 52.81 points lower, down 0.30%.

WTI Brent crude oil closed at $60.45 per barrel, up $0.35 (+0.58%). Nymex light crude June futures remained unchanged at $59.65. June COMEX gold futures closed at $926.90 per ounce, up $0.20 (+0.02%).

As of 9:55 am IST, the Yen (¥) rose against the USD, by ¥0.28 to ¥95.74. The Euro (€) fell €0.0011 to €0.7341 against the dollar. The Pound (£) rose £0.0002 to £0.6453 against the dollar.

The rupee gained by Rs. 0.10 on Tuesday to close at Rs 47.78/80 against the greenback.

Diversified bank stocks and financial services stocks steadily led the broader US markets to their best single-session percentage advance in nearly two weeks. The Dow closed 235.44 points higher (+2.85%) to end the day at 8,504.08. The index rose sharply as it opened and continued its buoyant upward movement, through the day. The NASDAQ closed 52.22 points higher (+3.11%) to finish at 1,732.36.

Most Indian ADRs closed on a positive note on Monday. HDFC Bank (HDB) was the biggest gainer, up 2.09%, closing at $78.90. Tata Comm. (TCL) was the biggest loser, down 0.47%, closing at $20.93.

Pharmaceutical companies led the bull run witnessed at the European markets as well. The UK’s FTSE closed 98.34 points up (+2.26%), ending at 4,446. Germany’s DAX closed 114.46 points up (+2.42%), ending trading at 4,852.

As of 9:50 am IST, Asian markets were seeing significant gains. Japan’s Nikkei is currently trading 242.22 points higher, up 2.68%. The Hang Seng is currently trading 524.17 points higher, up 3.08%.

WTI Brent crude oil closed at $59.11 per barrel, up $0.08 (+0.14%). Nymex light crude June futures closed at $59.13, up $0.10 (+0.17%). June COMEX gold futures closed at $921.20 per ounce, down $0.50 (-0.05%).

As of 9:55 am IST, the Yen (¥) fell against the USD, by ¥0.23 to ¥96.45. The Euro (€) rose €0.0009 to €0.7363 against the dollar. The Pound (£) remained unchanged at £0.6513 against the dollar.

The rupee surged by Rs. 1.52 on Monday to close at Rs 47.88/89 against the greenback.

The week ending May 15 2009 was one marked by profit booking with the major indices closing lower. Thursday’s rebound of the major stocks was negated with most of the stocks ending in the red. The Dow closed 62.68 points lower (-0.75%) to end the day at 8,269. The index rose as it opened but eventually fell sharply by close of day’s trading. The NASDAQ closed 9.07 points lower (-0.54%) to finish at 1,680.14.

Most Indian ADRs closed on a positive note on Friday. HDFC Bank (HDB) was the biggest gainer, up 2.09%, closing at $78.90. Tata Comm. (TCL) was the biggest loser, down 0.47%, closing at $20.93.

Speculation was rife that the recovery of the European markets was coming to a halt with the FTSE Eurofirst 300 index losing over 3% this week. News of the German economy having shrunk by 3.8% in the first quarter of 2009 further added to the agony. The UK’s FTSE closed 14.47 points down (-0.33%), ending at 4,348. Germany’s DAX closed 0.97 points lower (-0.02%), ending trading at 4,738.

As of 10:40 am IST, Asian markets were seeing significant losses. Japan’s Nikkei is currently trading 225.15 points lower, down 2.43%. The Hang Seng is currently trading 212.09 points lower, down 1.26%.

WTI Brent crude oil closed at $56.64 per barrel, up $0.30 (+0.53%). Nymex light crude June futures closed at $56.65, up $0.31 (+0.55%). June COMEX gold futures closed at $934.00 per ounce, up $2.70 (+0.29%).

As of 9:55 am IST, the Yen (¥) rose against the USD, by ¥0.44 to ¥94.76. The Euro (€) fell €0.0024 to €0.7432 against the dollar. The Pound (£) fell by £0.0011 to £0.6598 against the dollar.

The rupee rose by Rs. 0.37 on Thursday to close at Rs 49.40/42 against the greenback.

The rupee fell by Rs. 0.40 on Wednesday to close at Rs 49.70/71 against the greenback.