The rupee gained by Rs. 0.20 on Tuesday to close at Rs 49.30/31 against the greenback.

The rupee remained at the same level of gains seen on Wednesday, gaining by Rs. 0.47 to close at Rs 50.04/05 against the greenback.

The US markets on Tuesday saw bank stocks lead losses in the early going and into the close, but in between stocks were able to trade with modest gains amid signs of improved consumer confidence and strength in the Dow component, IBM. The Dow closed 8.05 points lower (-0.10%) to end the day at 8,016.95. The index fell as it opened, then managed to see some gains and eventually remained more or less steady through the day. The NASDAQ closed 5.60 points lower (-0.33%) to finish at 1,673.81.

Almost all the Indian ADRs closed in the red on Tuesday. Tata Comm. (TCL) was the sole gainer, up 0.17% to close at $22.01. HDFC Bank (HDB) was the biggest loser, down 0.91%, closing at $73.82.

Falling banking and auto stocks, along with fears of the swine flu making its way to Europe, weighed heavily on the bourses there, resulting in their closing in the red. The UK’s FTSE closed 70.61 points down (-1.69%), ending at 4,096. Germany’s DAX closed 86.65 points lower (-1.85%), ending trading at 4,607.

As of 10:45 am IST, Asian markets were having a mixed day. Japan’s Nikkei is currently trading 232.57 points lower, down 2.67%, while the Hang Seng is currently up 256.70 points (+1.76%).

WTI Brent crude oil closed at $49.70 per barrel, down $0.22 (-0.44%). Nymex light crude June futures closed at $49.70, down $0.22 (-0.44%). June COMEX gold futures closed at $894.00 per ounce, up $0.40 (+0.04%).

As of 10:50 am IST, the Yen (¥) fell against the USD, by ¥0.36 to ¥96.75. The Euro (€) rose €0.0022 to €0.7583 against the dollar. The Pound (£) rose by £0.0033 to £0.68 against the dollar.

The rupee fell on Tuesday by Rs. 0.28 to close at Rs 50.51/52 against the greenback.

The US markets saw stocks on Monday ending the trading session with sizable losses after failing to sustain a midsession rally. Broad-based weakness underscored the downturn, but health care stocks attracted support amid fear of a swine flu pandemic. The Dow closed 51.29 points lower (-0.64%) to end the day at 8,025.00. The index flip-flopped through the day, rising and falling intermittently, before eventually closing lower. The NASDAQ closed 14.88 points lower (-0.88%) to finish at 1,679.41.

Most Indian ADRs saw some gains on Monday. HDFC Bank (HDB) was by far the biggest gainer, up 4.42% to close at $73.50. MTNL (MTE) was the biggest loser, down 0.08%, closing at $2.84.

With pharma, marine (fish) and telecom stocks seeing good gains on Monday, the European bourses managed to defy the losses witnessed by their American counterparts. The UK’s FTSE closed 11.02 points up (+0.27%), ending at 4,167. Germany’s DAX closed 19.75 points higher (+0.42%), ending trading at 4,694.

As of 9:45 am IST, Asian markets were lying low. Japan’s Nikkei is currently trading 4.63 points higher, up 0.05%, while the Hang Seng is currently down 20.22 points (-0.14%).

WTI Brent crude oil closed at $49.44 per barrel, down $0.70 (-1.40%). Nymex light crude June futures closed at $49.32, down $0.82 (-1.64%). June COMEX gold futures closed at $898.40 per ounce, down $9.80 (-1.08%).

As of 9:49 am IST, the Yen (¥) rose against the USD, by ¥0.48 to ¥96.20. The Euro (€) fell €0.0017 to €0.7681 against the dollar. The Pound (£) fell by £0.0034 to £0.6856 against the dollar.

The rupee fell on Monday by Rs. 0.43 to close at Rs 50.23/24 against the greenback.

Friday marked the end of a week that was dominated by earnings reports, including 13 Dow components, and speculation regarding the government’s “stress-test” on financial institutions. . The Dow closed 119.23 points higher (+1.50%) to end the day at 8,076.29. The index rose significantly as it opened, and continued to consolidate its gains through the day. The NASDAQ closed 42.08 points higher (+2.55%) to finish at 1,694.29.

Most Indian ADRs saw some gains on Friday. HDFC Bank (HDB) was the biggest gainer, up 1.75% to close at $75.25. Tata Comm. (TCL) was the biggest loser, down 1.07%, closing at $22.00.

Banking stocks rallied significantly on Friday, on the European bourses , ensuring that they closed higher. The UK’s FTSE closed 137.76 points up (+3.43%), ending at 4,156. Germany’s DAX closed 136.11 points higher (+3.00%), ending trading at 4,674.

As of 10:57 am IST, Asian markets were in the red. Japan’s Nikkei is currently trading 36.58 points lower, down 0.42%, while the Hang Seng is currently down 416.03 points (-2.73%).

WTI Brent crude oil closed at $50.32 per barrel, down $1.23 (-2.39%). Nymex light crude June futures closed at $50.34, down $1.21 (-2.35%). June COMEX gold futures closed at $915.70 per ounce, up $1.60 (+0.18%).

As of 11:03 am IST, the Yen (¥) rose against the USD, by ¥0.41 to ¥96.72. The Euro (€) fell €0.0041 to €0.7592 against the dollar. The Pound (£) fell by £0.0027 to £0.6842 against the dollar.

The rupee rose on Friday by Rs. 0.12 to close at Rs 49.80/81 against the greenback.

On yet another occasion, sellers tried to get the better of the buyers towards the end of the day’s trading but invigorated buyers ensured that they had the final say. The Dow closed 70.49 points higher (+0.89%) to end the day at 7,957.06. The index fell significantly as it opened, but eventually closed higher as buyers had their say. The NASDAQ closed 6.09 points higher (+0.37%) to finish at 1,652.21.

Most Indian ADRs saw some gains on Thursday. HDFC Bank (HDB) was the biggest gainer, up 4.42% to close at $73.50. MTNL (MTE) was the biggest loser, down 0.08%, closing at $2.84.

Notwithstanding the news of the worst being over for the Euro zone’s economic contraction , the European markets ended in the red on Thursday. The UK’s FTSE closed 12.43 points down (-0.31%), ending at 4,018. Germany’s DAX closed 56.21 points lower (-1.22%), ending trading at 4,538.

As of 10:08 am IST, Asian markets were in the red as well. Japan’s Nikkei is currently trading 61.70 points lower, down 0.70%, while the Hang Seng is currently down 38.89 points (-0.26%).

WTI Brent crude oil closed at $49.33 per barrel, down $0.29 (-0.58%). Nymex light crude June futures closed at $49.27, down $0.34 (-0.69%). June COMEX gold futures closed at $909.00 per ounce, up $2.40 (+0.26%).

As of 10:14 am IST, the Yen (¥) rose against the USD, by ¥0.85 to ¥97.22. The Euro (€) fell €0.0004 to €0.7606 against the dollar. The Pound (£) fell by £0.0026 to £0.6825 against the dollar.

The rupee rose on Thursday by Rs. 0.46 to close at Rs 49.92/94 against the greenback.

Buyers yet again looked to take charge at the US markets on Wednesday, but eventually sellers managed to gain the upper hand by end of day’s trading. The Dow closed 82.99 points lower (-1.04%) to end the day at 7,886.57. The index rose as it opened, even managed to consolidate upon its gains later in the day, but eventually closed significantly lower as sellers ruled the roost. The NASDAQ closed 2.27 points higher (+0.14%) to finish at 1,646.12.

Most Indian ADRs saw some gains on Wednesday. HDFC Bank (HDB) was the biggest gainer, up 3.47% to close at $70.60. Sterlite Industries (SLT) was the sole loser, down 0.09%, closing at $7.60.

The European markets were buoyed by hopes that consumer spending in the retail sector might improve sooner than expected. The UK’s FTSE closed 43.20 points up (+1.08%), ending at 4,031. Germany’s DAX closed 92.79 points higher (+2.06%), ending trading at 4,594.

As of 10:02 am IST, Asian markets were having a mixed day. Japan’s Nikkei is currently trading 37.49 points lower, down 0.43%, while the Hang Seng is currently up 172.61 points (+1.16%).

WTI Brent crude oil closed at $48.55 per barrel, down $0.30 (-0.61%). Nymex light crude May futures closed at $48.48, down $0.37 (-0.76%). June COMEX gold futures closed at $893.60 per ounce, up $1.10 (+0.12%).

As of 10:06 am IST, the Yen (¥) rose against the USD, by ¥0.24 to ¥97.76. The Euro (€) fell  €0.0002 to €0.7691 against the dollar. The Pound (£) fell by £0.0007 to £0.6909 against the dollar.

The rupee rose on Wednesday by Rs. 0.18 to close at Rs 50.35/38 against the greenback.

Buyers took charge at the US markets on Tuesday, with the result that the bourses managed to see some healthy gains. The Dow closed 127.83 points up (+1.63%) to end the day at 7,969.56. The index rose as it opened and then continued to consolidate upon its gains, through the day. The NASDAQ closed 35.64 points higher (+2.22%) to finish at 1,643.85.

The European markets were buoyed by some imminent stabilization in the overall market scenario, coupled with the gains witnessed on the other side of the Atlantic. However, the UK’s FTSE eventually closed 3.40 points down (-0.09%), ending at 3,987. Germany’s DAX closed 15.33 points higher (+0.34%), ending trading at 4,502.

As of 9:28 am IST, Asian markets were seeing some marginal losses. Japan’s Nikkei is currently trading 19.58 points lower, down 0.22%, while the Hang Seng is currently down 22.34 points (-0.15%).

WTI Brent crude oil closed at $48.82 per barrel, up $0.27 (+0.56%). Nymex light crude May futures closed at $46.51, up $0.63 (+1.37%). June COMEX gold futures closed at $885 per ounce, up $2.30 (+0.26%).

As of 9:36 am IST, the Yen (¥) rose against the USD, by ¥0.50 to ¥98.20. The Euro (€) fell €0.0015 to €0.7735 against the dollar. The Pound (£) fell by £0.0024 to £0.6834 against the dollar.

The rupee fell on Monday by Rs. 0.27 to close at Rs 50.57 against the greenback.

Despite a slow start, stocks climbed in afternoon trading and finished with healthy gains at the US markets. The Dow closed 95.81 points up (+1.19%) to end the day at 8,125.43. The index rose as it opened,  and then surged towards the end of day’s trading. The NASDAQ closed 43.64 points higher (+2.68%) to finish at 1,670.44.

It was a mixed day for the Indian ADRs, with the split between the gainers and the losers being more or less 50-50. ICICI Bank (IBN) was the biggest gainer, up 1.03% closing at $17.98. Infosys Technologies (INFY) was the biggest loser, down 1.95%, closing at $26.81.

Healthy bank and mining stocks, along with better-than-expected results from Nokia, ensured reasonable gains at the European markets. The UK’s FTSE closed 84.58 points up (+2.13%), ending at 4,053. Germany’s DAX closed 59.67 points higher (+1.31%), ending trading at 4,609.

As of 8:07 am IST, Asian markets were seeing some solid gains. Japan’s Nikkei is currently trading 194.29 points higher, up 2.22%, while the Hang Seng is currently up 272.61 points (+1.75%).

WTI Brent crude oil closed at $49.82 per barrel, down $0.16 (-0.32%). Nymex light crude May futures closed at $49.82, down $0.16 (-0.32%). June COMEX gold futures fell $4.30 (-0.49%) to close at $875.50 per ounce.

As of 9:49 am IST, the Yen (¥) fell against the USD, by ¥0.24 to ¥99.51. The Euro (€) fell €0.002 to €0.7604 against the dollar. The Pound (£) fell £0.0014 to £0.6709 against the dollar.

The rupee fell slightly on Thursday, to close at Rs 49.77/78 against the greenback.

A late surge of buying interest, accompanied by a spike in trading volume, ensured that all the three major indices at the US markets finished at their session highs. The Dow closed 109.44 points up (+1.38%) to end the day at 8,029.62. The index fell as it opened, but rose later in the day, and then surged towards the end of day’s trading. The NASDAQ closed a very marginal 1.08 points higher (+0.07%) to finish at 1,626.80.

Most of the Indian ADRs ended in the red on Wednesday. Tata Comm. (TCL) was the biggest gainer, up 0.78% closing at $23.75. HDFC Bank (HDB) was the biggest loser, down 1.40%, closing at $69.24.

Profit-taking by short-term investors, along with UBS saying it would report first-quarter losses of CHF 2 billion, shattered hopes of a financials-led rally continuing at the European markets. The UK’s FTSE closed 20.59 points down (-0.52%), ending at 3,968. Germany’s DAX closed 7.22 points lower (-0.16%), ending trading at 4,550.

As of 9:45 am IST, Asian markets were seeing some marginal gains. Japan’s Nikkei is currently trading 102.38 points higher, up 1.17%, while the Hang Seng is currently up 75.16 points (+0.48%).

WTI Brent crude oil closed at $49.80 per barrel, up $0.55 (+1.12%). Nymex light crude May futures closed at $49.81, up $0.56 (+1.14%). June COMEX gold futures fell $3.80 (-0.43%) to close at $889.70 per ounce.

As of 9:49 am IST, the Yen (¥) rose against the USD, by ¥0.25 to ¥99.13. The Euro (€) fell €0.0001 to €0.7559 against the dollar. The Pound (£) rose £0.0012 to £0.6652 against the dollar.

The rupee closed higher on Wednesday at Rs 49.69/70 against the greenback.

The chips were down at the US markets on Tuesday, as financial stocks fell out of favor and retail sales vastly disappointed. Overall, the markets were down by as much as 2%. The Dow closed 137.63 points down (-1.71%) to end the day at 7,920.18. The index fell as it opened, and then continued to remain low through the day. The NASDAQ closed 27.59 points lower (-1.67%) to finish at 1,625.72.

It was a mixed day for the Indian ADRs with the split between the gainers and the losers more or less at 50:50. HDFC Bank (HDB) was the biggest gainer, up 1.14% closing at $70.64.  Tata Comm. (TCL) was the biggest loser, down 1.05%, closing at $22.97.

Recovery at the banking stocks ensured that the European markets at least saw some gains on Tuesday. The UK’s FTSE closed 5.28 points up (+0.13%), ending at 3,989. Germany’s DAX closed 65.89 points up (+1.47%), ending trading at 4,557.

As of 8:45 am IST, Asian markets were seeing some significant losses. Japan’s Nikkei is currently trading 74.33 points lower, down 0.84%, while the Hang Seng is currently down 266.85 points (-1.71%).

WTI Brent crude oil closed at $49.49 per barrel, up $0.08 (+0.16%). Nymex light crude May futures closed at $49.49, up $0.08 (+0.16%). June COMEX gold futures rose $0.90 (+0.10%) to close at $892.90 per ounce.

As of 8:49 am IST, the Yen (¥) rose against the USD, by ¥0.35 to ¥98.44. The Euro (€) fell €0.0012 to €0.755 against the dollar. The Pound (£) fell £0.001 to £0.672 against the dollar.

Markets on Wednesday were bouyed by news that the Treasury is planning to extend bailout funds to insurers. Sellers threatened to drag stocks lower for the third straight session, but buyers showed resolve and eventually pushed all major indices higher. The Dow closed 47.55 points up (+0.61%) to end the day at 7,837.11. The index fell as it opened, but then continued to make rapid gains through the day. The NASDAQ closed 29.05 points higher (+1.86%) to finish at 1,590.66.

It was a good day for the Indian ADRs with majority seeing at least some gains. HDFC Bank (HDB) was the biggest gainer, up 1.39% closing at $65.12.  Satyam Computers (SAY) was the biggest loser, down 0.10%, closing at $2.45.

German car makers managed to push the DAX up, thanks to some good news overall and positive feelers from analysts, though the FTSE more or less closed flat. The UK’s FTSE closed 5.00 points down (-0.13%), ending at 3,926. Germany’s DAX closed 35.42 points up (+0.82%), ending trading at 4,358.

As of 10:36 am IST, Asian markets were seeing some good gains. Japan’s Nikkei is currently trading 291.42 points higher, up 3.39%, while the Hang Seng is currently up 333.92 points (+2.31%).

WTI Brent crude oil closed at $50.26 per barrel, up $0.88 (+1.78%). Nymex light crude May futures closed at $50.34, up $0.96 (+1.94%). June COMEX gold futures fell $0.80 (-0.09%) to close at $885.10 per ounce.

As of 10:42 am IST, the Yen (¥) fell against the USD, by ¥0.30 to ¥100.01. The Euro (€) fell €0.0005 to €0.7537 against the dollar. The Pound (£) rose £0.0007 to £0.679 against the dollar.

With no major news on the anvil, market participants blatantly resorted to profit booking on Tuesday. The Dow closed 186.29 points down (-2.34%) to end the day at 7,790. The index fell as it opened, and then continued to lie low through the day. The NASDAQ closed 45.10 points down (-2.81%) to finish at 1,561.61.

Indian ADRs had a mixed day at the markets, with a relatively equal share of gainers and losers. Satyam Computers (SAY) was the biggest gainer, up 0.82% closing at $2.80. HDFC Bank (HDB) was the biggest loser, down 1.48%, closing at $66.03.

Worries over the extent of toxic assets in the banking and financial sector resulted in the European markets also closing in the red, on Tuesday. The UK’s FTSE closed 63.02 points down (-1.58%), ending at 3,931. Germany’s DAX closed 27.31 points down (-0.63%), ending trading at 4,323.

As of 8:31 am IST, Asian markets were deeply in the red. While Japan’s Nikkei is currently trading 174.22 points lower, down 1.97%, the Hang Seng is currently down 434.27 points (-2.91%).

WTI Brent crude oil closed at $48.17 per barrel (-1.99%). Nymex light crude May futures closed at $48.18, down $0.97 (-1.97%). June COMEX gold futures rose $0.70 (+0.08%) to close at $884.20 per ounce.

As of 8:36 am IST, the Yen (¥) rose against the USD, gaining ¥0.39 to ¥100.11. The Euro (€) fell €0.0043 to €0.7577 against the dollar. The Pound (£) fell £0.0029 to £0.6814 against the dollar.

The Indian Rupee (Rs.) gained against the dollar by Rs. 0.30 and is currently trading at Rs. 50.04/05 against the greenback.

The US markets remained primarily in the red through most of Monday, though towards the afternoon, some buying helped pull the stocks up a bit. The Dow closed 41.74 points down (-0.52%) to end the day at 7,975.85. The index fell as it opened, and then rose slightly towards the end of the day. The NASDAQ closed 15.16 points down (-0.93%) to finish at 1,606.71.

Indian ADRs saw some good gains. HDFC Bank (HDB) was the biggest gainer, up 1.73% closing at $67.51. Patni Computers (PTI) was the biggest loser, down 0.41%, closing at $5.59.

The European markets followed suit along the lines of the American ones, and ended the rally that we had been witnessing throughout most of last week, on Monday. The UK’s FTSE closed 36.13 points down (-0.90%), ending at 3,994. Germany’s DAX closed 35.18 points down (-0.80%), ending trading at 4,350.

As of 8:05 am IST, Asian markets were having a mixed day. While Japan’s Nikkei is currently trading 26.52 points higher, up 0.30%, the Hang Seng is currently down 219.80 points (-1.47%).

WTI Brent crude oil closed at $51.03 per barrel (-0.04%). Nymex light crude May futures closed at $51.05. June COMEX gold futures rose $4.40 (+0.53%) to close at $877.20 per ounce.

As of 8:12 am IST, the Yen (¥) rose against the USD, gaining ¥0.36 to ¥100.63. The Euro (€) fell €0.0029 to €0.7483 against the dollar. The Pound (£) fell £0.0027 to £0.6805 against the dollar.

The Indian Rupee (Rs.) gained against the dollar by Rs. 0.30 and is currently trading at Rs. 50.04/05 against the greenback.

After a reasonably positive week at the markets, Friday was a day of consolidation with little movement seen in the indexes. The Dow closed 39.51 points up (+0.50%) to end the day at 8,018. The index fell as it opened, but managed to see some gains by the end of the day. The NASDAQ closed 19.24 points up (+1.20%) to finish at 1,621.87.

Indian ADRs saw some good gains. HDFC Bank (HDB) was the biggest gainer, up 1.73% closing at $67.51. Patni Computers (PTI) was the biggest loser, down 0.41%, closing at $5.59.

With uncertainty looming large, European markets had little to cheer on Friday. The UK’s FTSE closed 95.30 points down (-2.31%), ending at 4,030. Germany’s DAX closed 3.07 points up (+0.07%), ending trading at 4,385.

As of 8:10 am IST, Asian markets were seeing significant gains. While Japan’s Nikkei is trading 200.10 points higher, up 2.29%, the Hang Seng is currently up 399.43 points (+2.75%).

WTI Brent crude oil was up $0.61 to $53.12 per barrel (+1.16%). Nymex light crude May futures was up $0.74 (+1.41%) to close at $53.25. June COMEX gold futures fell $14.30 (-1.59%) to close at $883 per ounce.

As of 8:15 am IST, the Yen (¥) fell against the USD, down ¥0.57 to ¥100.86. The Euro (€) rose €0.0038 to €0.7372 against the dollar. The Pound (£) rose £0.0038 to £0.6697 against the dollar.

The Indian Rupee (Rs.) gained against the dollar by Rs. 0.36 and is currently trading at Rs. 50.34/35 against the greenback.

The US markets on Thursday were marked by a renewed sense of optimism that ensured most of the stocks saw impressive gains. The Dow closed 216.48 points up (+2.79%) to end the day at 7,978.08. The index saw rapid gains as it opened and then managed to retain those gains through the day. The NASDAQ closed 51.03 points up (+3.29%) to finish at 1,602.63.

Most of the Indian ADRs ended higher, seeing at least some basic gains. HDFC Bank (HDB) was the biggest gainer, up 1.45%, closing at $62.38. Tata Comm. (TCL) was the biggest loser, down 0.66%, closing at $20.71.

Initiatives being planned by global leaders to end the world recession ensured that the European markets also ended on an upbeat note. The UK’s FTSE closed 169.36 points up (+4.28%), ending at 4,125. The index made rapid gains as it opened, and then simply continued to consolidate those gains through the day, seeing an additional surge towards the end of the day. Germany’s DAX closed 250.85 points up (+6.07%), ending trading at 4,382.

As of 9:44 am IST, the Asian markets are seeing mixed results. While Japan’s Nikkei is up 25.29 points (+0.29%), Hong Kong’s Hang Seng is currently down 56.10 points (-0.39%).

WTI Brent crude oil was down $0.72 to $51.92 per barrel (-1.37%). Nymex light crude May futures were down $0.71 (-1.35%) to close at $51.93. April COMEX gold futures fell $1.90 (-0.21%) to close at $907.00 per ounce.

As of 9:51 am IST, the Yen (¥) fell ¥0.03 to ¥99.66 against the USD. The Euro (€) fell €0.0013 to €0.7437 against the dollar. The Pound (£) fell £0.0005 to £0.679 against the dollar.

The Indian Rupee (Rs.) rallied rapidly by Rs. 0.36 against the Dollar and is currently trading at Rs. 50.34/35 against the greenback.

Numerous economic reports that suggested slightly improved economic conditions in the market helped uplift sentiments at the US bourses. The Dow closed 152.68 points up (+2.01%) to end the day at 7,761.60. The index gained sharply as it opened, and then continued to rise through the day. The NASDAQ closed 23.01 points up (+1.51%) to finish at 1,551.60.

Indian ADRs saw some good gains. HDFC Bank (HDB) was the biggest gainer, up 5.10% closing at $60.93.  REDIFF.COM (REDF) was the biggest loser, down 0.16%, closing at $1.86.

With banks looking to get their acts together in the European markets, the bourses there ended on a slightly higher note. The UK’s FTSE closed 29.47 points up (+0.75%), ending at 3,956. Germany’s DAX closed 46.31 points up (+1.13%), ending trading at 4,131.

As of 8:08 am IST, Asian markets were seeing significant gains. While Japan’s Nikkei is trading 251.58 points higher, up 3.01%, the Hang Seng is currently up a phenomenal 517.59 points (+3.83%).

WTI Brent crude oil was up $0.65 to $49.04 per barrel (+1.34%). Nymex light crude May futures was up $0.71 (+1.47%) to close at $49.10. June COMEX gold futures rose $0.10 (+0.01%) to close at $927.80 per ounce.

As of 8:14 am IST, the Yen (¥) fell against the USD, gaining ¥0.18 to ¥98.78. The Euro (€) rose €0.0027 to €0.753 against the dollar. The Pound (£) rose £0.0029 to £0.6895 against the dollar.

The Indian Rupee (Rs.) gained against the dollar by Rs. 0.34 and is currently trading at Rs. 50.83/85 against the greenback.

On Monday, the US markets were marred by the possibility that General Motors and Chrysler may be facing bankruptcy along with renewed concerns that banks may need more federal financing. As a result the markets ended up closing in the red. The Dow closed 254.16 points down (-3.27%) to end the day at 7,522.02. The index nosedived as it opened, and then continued to remain low through the day. The NASDAQ closed 43.40 points down (-2.81%) to finish at 1,501.80.

Most of the Indian ADRs were in the red, with only two of them seeing very marginal gains on Monday while three closed flat. MTNL (MTE) was the biggest gainer, up 0.11%, closing at $2.84. HDFC Bank (HDB) was the biggest loser, down 2.95%, closing at $61.01.

The negative cues at the US markets had their impact on the European bourses too. The UK’s FTSE closed 135.94 points down (-3.49%), ending at 3,763. The index slid as it opened and remained down through the day. Germany’s DAX closed 214.32 points down (-5.10%), ending trading at 3,989.

As of 8:15 am IST, Asian markets were seeing some marginal gains. Japan’s Nikkei is currently trading 72.75 points higher, up 0.88%. The Hang Seng is currently up 46.63 points (+0.35%).

WTI Brent crude oil was up $0.53 to $48.94 per barrel (+1.09%). Nymex light crude May futures was up $0.76 (+1.57%) to close at $49.17. April COMEX gold futures rose $1.50 (+0.16%) to close at $917.00 per ounce.

As of 8:20 am IST, the Yen (¥) lost against the USD, falling ¥0.85 to ¥98.13. The Euro (€) gained €0.0027 to €0.755 against the dollar. The Pound (£) gained £0.0019 to £0.6989 against the dollar.

The Indian Rupee (Rs.) fell against the dollar by Rs. 0.32 and is currently trading at Rs. 50.90/92 against the greenback.

Friday was a day of profit booking at the US markets. Although they eventually ended in the red, it was a very good week overall, with the markets seeing a 6.8% gain over the level at which they started the week on Monday. The Dow closed 148.38 points down (-1.87%) to end the day at 7,776.18. The index skidded as it opened and then continued to remain flat as the day progressed. The NASDAQ closed 41.80 points down (-2.63%) to finish at 1,545.20.

Most of the Indian ADRs were in the red, with only two of them seeing very marginal gains on Friday while three closed flat. MTNL (MTE) was the biggest gainer, up 0.11%, closing at $2.84. HDFC Bank (HDB) was the biggest loser, down 2.95%, closing at $61.01.

Like the US markets, the European markets ended in the red on Friday, but saw good gains overall, through the week. The UK’s FTSE closed 26.35 points down (-0.67%), ending at 3,899. The index made significant gains through the day, but eventually simply slid down towards the end of trading. Germany’s DAX closed 55.82 points up (-1.31%), ending trading at 4,204.

As of 12:45 pm IST, the Asian markets had seen some major losses. Japan’s Nikkei closed 390.89 points down (-4.53%). Hong Kong’s Hang Seng is currently down 606.63 points (-4.30%).

WTI Brent crude oil was down $1.36 to $51.02 per barrel (-2.60%). Nymex light crude May futures were down $1.59 (-3.04%) to close at $50.79. April COMEX gold futures rose $3.60 (+0.39%) to close at $926.80 per ounce.

As of 12:53 pm IST, the Yen (¥) rose against the USD, gaining ¥1.25 to ¥96.60. The Euro (€) fell €0.0042 to €0.7563 against the dollar. The Pound (£) fell £0.0078 to £0.7058 against the dollar.

The Indian Rupee (Rs.) has been seeing some losses and is currently trading at Rs. 50.96/97 against the greenback. 

Better-than-expected corporate earnings and a satisfactory Treasury auction ensured that the US markets saw significant gains, not seen for quite a while.  The Dow closed 174.75 points up (+2.25%) to end the day at 7,924.56. The index opened higher, and then simply continued to rally through the day. The NASDAQ closed 58.05 points higher (+3.80%) to finish at 1,587.

The Indian ADRs too saw across-the-board gains across all the stocks. HDFC BANK (HDB) was the biggest gainer, up 1.14%, closing at $63.96.

Significant gains by the banking and energy stocks ensured that the European markets ended on a higher note as well. The UK’s FTSE closed 24.95 points up (+0.64%), ending at 3,925. The index remained consistently flat through the day, before closing marginally higher at the end of the day’s trading. Germany’s DAX closed higher as well, up 36.08 points (+0.85%), ending trading at 4,259.

As of 10:39 am IST, Asian markets were not seeing the kind of gains that one had got used to seeing over the course of the week. Japan’s Nikkei is currently trading 89.64 points higher, up 1.04%. The Hang Seng is currently down 63.96 points (-0.45%).

WTI Brent crude oil was down $0.54 to $53.80 per barrel (-0.99%). Nymex light crude May futures was down $0.60 (-1.10%) to close at $53.74. April COMEX gold futures fell $6.0 (-0.64%) to close at $934.00 per ounce.

As of 10:46 am IST, the Yen (¥) gained against the USD, rising ¥0.44 to ¥98.28. The Euro (€) gained €0.0033 to €0.7363 against the dollar. The Pound (£) gained £0.0019 to £0.69 against the dollar.

The Indian Rupee (Rs.) rose against the dollar by Rs. 0.09 and is currently trading at Rs. 50.64/65 against the greenback. 

A host of positive news and cues at the US markets on Wednesday, ensured that they closed on a positive note.  The Dow closed 89.84 points up (+1.17%) to end the day at 7,749.81. The index opened higher, came down slightly, but eventually rallied towards the end of the day’s trading. The NASDAQ closed 12.43 points higher (+0.82%) to finish at 1,528.95.

The Indian ADRs had a diametrically opposite day to yesterday, with none of the stocks seeing any gains. HDFC BANK (HDB) was the biggest loser, down 3.7%, closing at $60.03.

Volatile stocks ensured that the European markets remained more or less flat. The UK’s FTSE closed 11.21 points down (-0.29%), ending at 3,900. The index swung widely through the day’s trading, before closing marginally lower. Germany’s DAX closed marginally higher, up 35.93 points (+0.86%), ending trading at 4,223.

As of 8:12 am IST, Asian markets were seeing some significant gains. Japan’s Nikkei is currently trading 43.10 points higher, up 0.51%. The Hang Seng is currently down 346.76 points (+2.55%).

WTI Brent crude oil was up $0.49 to $53.26 per barrel (+0.93%). Nymex light crude May futures was up $0.49 (+0.93%) to close at $53.26. April COMEX gold futures fell $1.60 (-0.17%) to close at $934.20 per ounce.

As of 8:16 am IST, the Yen (¥) lost against the USD, falling ¥0.06 to ¥97.66. The Euro (€) lost €0.0004 to €0.7359 against the dollar. The Pound (£) gained £0.0018 to £0.685 against the dollar.

The Indian Rupee (Rs.) rose fell against the dollar by Rs. 0.03 and is currently trading at Rs. 50.73/75 against the greenback. 

Profit booking was the order of the day on Tuesday, as participants looked towards reaping the benefits of the gains made by the markets in the last couple of sessions.  The Dow closed 115.65 points down (-1.49%) to end the day at 7,660.21. The index opened flat, moved up slightly, but eventually closed reasonably lower. The NASDAQ closed 39.25 points down (-2.52%) to finish at 1,516.52.

It was a great day for the Indian ADRs with all the stocks seeing at least some gains. HDFC BANK (HDB) was the biggest gainer, up 12.1%, closing at $63.76.

The gains seen over the last few days at the European bourses ended on Tuesday. The UK’s FTSE closed 41.35 points down (-1.05%), ending at 3,911. The index fell significantly as it opened and then plateaud at the lower levels. Germany’s DAX closed marginally higher, up 10.99 points (+0.26%), ending trading at 4,187.

As of 8:11 am IST, Asian markets were seeing some significant losses. Japan’s Nikkei is currently trading 61.58 points lower, down 0.73%. The Hang Seng is currently down 156.06 points (-1.12%).

WTI Brent crude oil was down $0.66 to $53.32 per barrel (-1.22%). Nymex light crude May futures was down $0.76 (-1.41%) to close at $53.22. April COMEX gold futures rose $5.90 (+0.64%) to close at $929.70 per ounce.

As of 8:16 am IST, the Yen (¥) lost against the USD, falling ¥0.04 to ¥97.83. The Euro (€) lost €0.0006 to €0.7432 against the dollar. The Pound (£) lost £0.0012 to £0.6823 against the dollar.

The Indian Rupee (Rs.) rose fell against the dollar by Rs. 0.25 and is currently trading at Rs. 50.70/71 against the greenback. 

The Treasury Department’s announcement to release details pertaining to its plan to remove bad assets from banks’ balance sheets, sparked a massive surge in the US markets. The Dow closed 497.48 points up (+6.84%) to end the day at 7,775.86. The index opened up, then simply continued to rally, as the day progressed. The NASDAQ closed 98.50 points up (+6.76%) to finish at 1,555.77.

Indian ADRs were down on the whole, with the majority ending in the red. TATA COMM. (TCL) was the biggest gainer, up 0.6%, closing at $18.82. The biggest loser was HDFC BANK (HDB), down 2.7%, closing at $54.31.

The same factors that led to a surge in the US markets were behind the gains witnessed in the European ones. The UK’s FTSE closed 109.96 points up (+2.86%), ending at 3,953. The index opened up, then moved down, but eventually closed significantly higher. Germany’s DAX closed 107.63 points up (+2.65%), ending trading at 4,176.

As of 7:56 am IST, Asian markets were seeing some significant gains. Japan’s Nikkei is currently trading 197.58 points higher, up 2.40%. The Hang Seng is currently up 310.55 points (+2.31%).

WTI Brent crude oil was down $0.18 to $53.62 per barrel (-0.33%). Nymex light crude March futures was down $0.15 (-0.28%) to close at $53.65. April COMEX gold futures fell $9.60 (-1.01%) to close at $942.90 per ounce.

As of 8:01 am IST, the Yen (¥) lost against the USD, falling ¥0.79 to ¥97.82. The Euro (€) gained €0.0013 to €0.7314 against the dollar. The Pound (£) gained £0.0047 to £0.6812 against the dollar.

The Indian Rupee (Rs.) rose against the dollar by Rs. 0.18 and is currently trading at Rs. 50.45/46 against the greenback. 

Following the gains that had been made at the beginning of this week, Friday was marked by profit booking at the US markets, resulting in the markets closing down. The Dow closed 122.42 points down (-1.65%) to end the day at 7,278.38. The index opened flat and then only continued to slide down as the day progressed. The NASDAQ closed 26.21 points down (-1.77%) to finish at 1,457.27.

Most of the Indian ADRs were in the red, with only two of them seeing some gains on Friday. Tata Comm. (TCL) was the biggest gainer, up 0.55%, closing at $18.82. HDFC Bank (HDB) was by far the biggest loser, down 2.7%, closing at $54.31.

The European markets were marked by reasonable gains, in light of the aggressive policy actions being taken by the US administration to improve market conditions and availability of capital. The UK’s FTSE closed 25.92 points up (+0.68%), ending at 3,843. The index made significant gains through the day, and eventually managed to close marginally higher. Germany’s DAX saw some major gains too, closing 25.28 points up (+0.63%), ending trading at 4,069.

As of 12:22 pm IST, the Asian markets had seen some major gains. Japan’s Nikkei closed on a significantly high note, ending 269.57 points up (+3.39%). Hong Kong’s Hang Seng is currently up 485.35 points (+3.78%).

WTI Brent crude oil was up $0.72 to $52.79 per barrel (+1.38%). Nymex light crude April futures were up $0.67 (+1.29%) to close at $52.74. April COMEX gold futures fell $0.70 (-0.07%) to close at $955.50 per ounce.

As of 12:33 pm IST, the Yen (¥) fell against the USD, falling ¥0.26 to ¥96.18. The Euro (€) rose €0.0061 to €0.7302 against the dollar. The Pound (£) rose £0.0059 to £0.6863 against the dollar.

The Indian Rupee (Rs.) rose against the dollar by Rs. 0.14 as the markets opened today and is currently trading at Rs. 50.49 against the greenback. 

The US markets on Thursday were marked by commodity stocks which saw some significant gains. At the same time, these gains were overshadowed by losses in financial stocks which ultimately saw the markets closing in the red. The Dow closed 85.78 points down (-1.15%) to end the day at 7,400.80. The index moved up as trading began, but then quickly slide down and continued to remain down till end of trading. The NASDAQ closed 7.74 points down (-0.52%) to finish at 1,483.48.

All Indian ADRs saw at least some gains on Thursday. HDFC BANK (HDB) was the biggest gainer, up 2.6%, closing at $56.0. 

News of Swiss bank, UBS buying back up to $1 billion of its own bonds brought some cheer to the European markets. The UK’s FTSE closed 11.94 points up (+0.31%), ending at 3,817. The index made rapid gains through the day, but lost most of those gains by end of day, to close marginally higher. Germany’s DAX saw some significant gains, closing 47.14 points up (+1.18%), ending trading at 4,043.

As of 8:23 am IST, it was a mixed bag at the Asian markets. While Japan’s Nikkei remained unchanged from yesterday’s closing, the Hang Seng is currently down 79.53 points (-0.61%).

WTI Brent crude oil was down $0.43 to $51.61 per barrel (-0.83%). Nymex light crude April futures was down $0.56 (-1.09%) to close at $51.05. April COMEX gold futures fell $6.60 (-0.69%) to close at $952.20 per ounce.

As of 8:29 am IST, the Yen (¥) fell against the USD, falling ¥0.18 to ¥94.72. The Euro (€) fell €0.0009 to €0.7325 against the dollar. The Pound (£) fell £0.0012 to £0.6904 against the dollar.

The Indian Rupee (Rs.) fell against the dollar by Rs. 0.23 and is currently trading at Rs. 50.52/54 against the greenback. 

The halo effect of President Barack Obama and his set of federal policy makers seems to be finally rubbing off on the US bourses, with both the indexes seeing significant gains on Wednesday . The financial stocks in particular saw some major upheavals. The Dow closed 90.88 points up (+1.23%) to end the day at 7,486.58. The index moved up slowly as trading began, and then rallied rapidly towards the end of the day. The NASDAQ closed 29.11 points up (+1.99%) to finish at 1,491.22.

Indian ADRs were up on the whole, with most of the stocks seeing at least some gains. HDFC BANK (HDB) was the biggest gainer, up 1.1%, closing at $53.44. The biggest loser was TATA COMM. (TCL), down 0.2%, closing at $17.58.

The European markets though did not see any of the gains that the US markets did, with weak auto, pharma and raw material stocks driving the markets down. The UK’s FTSE closed 52.11 points down (-1.35%), ending at 3,805. The index opened higher, but then only continued to slide down through the day. Germany’s DAX saw some marginal gains, closing 8.55 points up (+0.21%), ending trading at 3,996.

As of 8:22 am IST, Asian markets were significantly in the red. Japan’s Nikkei is currently trading 49.28 points lower, down 0.62%. The Hang Seng is currently down 141.25 points (-1.08%).

WTI Brent crude oil was up $0.96 to $49.10 per barrel (+1.99%). Nymex light crude April futures was up $1.0 (+2.08%) to close at $49.14. April COMEX gold futures rose $39.90 (+4.49%) to close at $929.00 per ounce.

As of 8:27 am IST, the Yen (¥) fell against the USD, falling ¥0.16 to ¥95.97. The Euro (€) fell €0.0025 to €0.7442 against the dollar. The Pound (£) fell £0.0033 to £0.7045 against the dollar.

The Indian Rupee (Rs.) rose against the dollar by Rs. 0.16 and is currently trading at Rs. 51.33/35 against the greenback. 

Tuesday was a good day at the US markets with a rebound in financial stocks resulting in the bourses moving up. The Dow closed 178.73 points up (+2.48%) to end the day at 7,396. The index opened up, then continued to move up through the day. The NASDAQ closed 58.09 points up (+4.14%) to finish at 1,462.11.

Indian ADRs were down on the whole, with the majority ending in the red. ICICI Bank (IBN) was the biggest gainer, up 0.84%, closing at $12.6. The biggest loser was HDFC BANK (HDB), down 0.9%, closing at $52.34.

After 5 straight days of gains, the European markets saw some losses on Tuesday. The UK’s FTSE closed 6.89 points down (-0.18%), ending at 3,857. The index opened up, then moved sharply down, and eventually closed slightly down. Germany’s DAX closed 56.77 points down (-1.40%), ending trading at 3,988.

As of 8:14 am IST, Asian markets were seeing some significant gains. Japan’s Nikkei is currently trading 1.41 points higher, up 0.02%. The Hang Seng is currently up 240.46 points (+1.87%).

WTI Brent crude oil was down $0.35 to $48.81 per barrel (-0.71%). Nymex light crude March futures was down $0.28 (-0.57%) to close at $48.88. April COMEX gold futures fell $1.80 to close at $915.00 per ounce.

As of 8:18 am IST, the Yen (¥) gained against the USD, rising ¥0.23 to ¥98.33. The Euro (€) gained €0.0006 to €0.7674 against the dollar. The Pound (£) gained £0.0001 to £0.7115 against the dollar.

The Indian Rupee (Rs.) fell against the dollar by Rs. 0.09 and is currently trading at Rs. 51.49/51 against the greenback. 

Bucking four straight sessions of significant growth, the US markets finally closed in the red, with sellers making their presence felt in the market. The pressure weighing down on the financial stocks is what led to the markets downfall. The Dow closed 7.01 points down (-0.10%) to end the day at 7,216.97. The index opened high, continued to move up, but eventually closed marginally down by end of trading. The NASDAQ closed 27.48 points down (-1.92%) to finish at 1,404.02.

Indian ADRs were up on the whole, with only three of the 13 stocks seeing some losses, while one - Satyam Computers (SAY) remained unchanged. HDFC Bank (HDB) was the biggest gainer, up 1.18% to close at $53.2. The biggest loser was Infosys Technologies (INFY), down 0.1% to close at $25.3.

The European markets remained largely positive and upbeat with most of the stocks seeing at least some gains. The UK’s FTSE closed 110.31 points up (+2.94%), ending at 3,864. The index opened up and continued to move up through the day. Germany’s DAX closed 90.94 points up (+2.30%), ending trading at 4,045.

As of 7:32 am IST, Asian markets were significantly up, with buyers stamping their presence in the markets. Japan’s Nikkei is currently trading 60.06 points up (+0.78%). The Hang Seng, which is yet to open for the day, closed yesterday significantly higher, up 450.91 points (+3.60%) at 12,977.

WTI Brent crude oil was down $0.28 to close at $47.07 per barrel (-0.59%). Nymex light crude April futures was down $0.23 (-0.49%) to close at $47.12 per barrel. April COMEX gold futures rose $1.20 (+0.13%) to close at $923.20 per ounce.

As of 7:48 am IST, the Yen (¥) fell against the USD, by ¥0.17 to ¥98.31. The Euro (€) rose €0.0014 to €0.7693 against the dollar. The Pound (£) rose £0.0009 to £0.7092 against the dollar.

The Indian Rupee (Rs.) gained ground against the dollar by Rs. 0.11 and is currently trading at Rs. 51.40/41 against the greenback. 

The week ending 13 March 2009 saw some of the biggest gains seen at the US bourses in months. Yet, it would be safe to say that this week’s move was really a bear market rally, with stocks rebounding from extremely oversold positions. The Dow closed 53.92 points up (+0.75%) to end the day at 7,224. The index opened up, then continued to move up through the day, albeit at a slow pace. The NASDAQ closed 5.40 points up (+0.38%) to finish at 1,431.50.

Indian ADRs were up on the whole, with only four of the 13 stocks ending in the red. HDFC Bank (HDB) was the biggest gainer, up 1.2%, closing at $53.2. The biggest loser was INFOSYS TECHNOLOGIES (INFY), down 0.1%, closing at $25.32.

It was a day of mild gains at the European markets on Friday. The UK’s FTSE closed 41.62 points up (+1.12%), ending at 3,754. The index opened up and continued to marginally move up through the day. Germany’s DAX closed 2.62 points down (-0.07%), ending trading at 3,954.

As of 8:32 am IST, Asian markets were seeing some major gains. Japan’s Nikkei is currently trading 184.83 points higher, up (+2.44%) at 7,754. The Hang Seng is currently up 233.57 points (+1.86%).

WTI Brent crude oil was down $1.68 to $44.50 per barrel (-3.78%). Nymex light crude March futures was down $1.66 (-3.59%) to close at $44.59. April COMEX gold futures fell $3.50 to close at $926.70 per ounce.

As of 8:40 am IST, the Yen (¥) lost ground against the USD, falling ¥0.34 to ¥98.29. The Euro (€) fell €0.0011 to €0.7746 against the dollar. The Pound (£) rose £0.0018 to £0.7127 against the dollar.

The Indian Rupee (Rs.) appreciated sharply against the dollar by Rs. 0.35 and is currently trading at Rs. 51.51/52 against the greenback. 

The US markets opened on a promising note, with a general viewpoint that the government would be taking suitable measures to bail-out ailing Citibank, but the expectations were shortlived, as realization soon dawned that the steps might not be adequate. The Dow closed more -250.89 points (-3.41%) to end the day at 7,115. The index opened down and simply continued sliding down by end of trading. The NASDAQ closed 53.51 points down (-3.71%) to finish at 1,387.72.

Concerns over the future of Swiss Private Banking, in the context of UBS’s seemingly bleak outlook, as well as poor results from the oil majors drove the European markets into the red, yet again. The UK’s FTSE closed 38.33 points down (-0.99%), ending at 3,851. The index opened down and continued its downward spiralling movement through the day. Germany’s DAX closed 78.21 points down (-1.95%), ending trading at 3,936.

As of 8:26 am IST, Asian markets were deeply in the red. Japan’s Nikkei is currently trading lower, down 191.66 points (-2.60%). The Hang Seng is currently up 423.30 points (-3.21%).

WTI Brent crude oil was down $0.37 to $38.04 per barrel (-1.04%). Nymex light crude April futures was down $0.35 (-0.91%). April COMEX gold futures were down $7.80 (-0.78%) to close at $987.20 per ounce.

As of 8:32 am IST, the Yen (¥) gained ground against the USD, rising ¥0.03 to ¥94.62. The Euro (€) fell €0.0007 to €0.7865 against the dollar. The Pound (£) fell £0.003 to £0.6875 against the dollar.

The Indian Rupee (Rs.) fell against the dollar by Rs. 0.11 and is currently trading at Rs. 49.72/74 against the greenback.