 "10 things you should know before the opening bell")
Global cues:
Asian stocks retreated from seven-week highs on Thursday as Wall Street buckled under profit-taking pressure, while upbeat US economic news helped the dollar snap a three-day slide. MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan eased 0.4 percent, having closed on Wednesday at its highest since early June. Tokyo’s Nikkeidipped 0.2 percent, continuing to find resistance ahead of the 15,000 mark.
US stocks mostly retreated on Wednesday as falling utility and commodity shares more than offset gains in the tech sector on Apple’s solid earnings.
The dollar was broadly higher on Thursday as upbeat US housing data and a rise in Treasury yields reminded investors the country was still closer to tempering its monetary stimulus than any other major economy. The dollar edged back up to 100.32 yen, from a low around 99.37, while the euro recoiled to $1.3196 from a one-month peak around $1.3256.
[caption id=“attachment_984777” align=“alignright” width=“380”]  Reuters[/caption]
Gold extended losses on Thursday after falling 2 percent the session before as robust economic data from the United States and Europe dented its safe-haven appeal. Spot gold had dropped 0.09 percent to $1,319.46 an ounce by 0008 GMT. It fell 2 percent on Wednesday as signs of continued economic recovery prompted funds to exit the bullion market after the metal hit a one-month high earlier in the day.
Business/ Stock news:
Signalling a major restructuring of its India operations, global cement major Holcim on Wednesday initiated moves which would eventually result inAmbuja Cements, ending up with a 50.01 percent stake in cement majorACC, in phases.
The Securities Exchange Board Of India has made it clear that it is up to the government and other regulatory agencies to conclude if there would be a change in management or control ofJet Airwayson account of the Etihad’s investment in the company.
Hero MotoCorpmissed street expectations on Wednesday, with first quarter net profit declining 11 percent year-on-year to Rs 549 crore due to higher tax rate.
Private sector lenderYes Bank’s first quarter (April-June) net profit rose to a forecast beating 38 percent year-on-year to Rs 401 crore, aided by robust growth in net interest income (NII) and other income.
Economy news:
The rupee posted its biggest single-day gain in nearly a month on Wednesday as the Reserve Bank of India’s renewed efforts to shore up the currency by tightening cash conditions began to yield results.The partially convertible rupee closed at 59.13/14 per dollar compared with 59.76/77 on Tuesday.
Planning Commission figures of poverty reduction in India triggered a furore Wednesday with the BJP and the CPI-M accusing the government of ignoring reality and Congress ally NCP also expressing its reservations. The Congress, however, said that poverty had come down in the country due to the pro-poor policies of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government.
 "Russian drones over Poland: Trump’s tepid reaction a wake-up call for Nato?")
 "As Russia pushes east, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to defend its heartland")
 "Why Mossad was not on board with Israel’s strike on Hamas in Qatar")
 "Turkey: Erdogan's police arrest opposition mayor Hasan Mutlu, dozens officials in corruption probe")
 "Russian drones over Poland: Trump’s tepid reaction a wake-up call for Nato?")
 "As Russia pushes east, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to defend its heartland")
 "Why Mossad was not on board with Israel’s strike on Hamas in Qatar")
 "Turkey: Erdogan's police arrest opposition mayor Hasan Mutlu, dozens officials in corruption probe")
