Taper

Five key challenges for equity investors in 2014

Equity investors have had a good run in 2013 with the Sensex and Nifty closing at close to record highs. Global equity investors have had an even better run than Indian investors with returns ranging from 57 percent for the Nikkei to 37 percent for the Nasdaq, 30 percent for the S&P 500 and 25 percent each for the Dow and the Dax.

RBI, Fed effect: NSE's volatility index near seven-month low

The low level in the VIX denotes a more stable outlook for markets in the remainder of the month.<br /><br />

World Bank predicts global GDP growth as rich economies expand

The rosier outlook suggests the world economy is finally breaking free from a long and sluggish recovery after the global financial crisis.

Rupee to stabilise at 62 by end of this year after 2013 slide: Poll

The Indian rupee took one of the biggest hits between May and August, falling to new record lows before it bottomed out at 68.85, 20 percent weaker than at the start of 2013. It ended the year as one of the worst performers, down 11 percent.

Gold posts biggest annual loss in over 30 years

After a 12-year bull run, gold has shed 28 percent in 2013, with the U.S. Federal Reserve's plan to step away from ultra-loose monetary policy undermining the investor rationale for holding bullion.

Rupee drops 11% in 2013; Fed taper, elections to be key in 2014

While a narrowing current account deficit has allowed the rupee to withstand the start of reduced bond purchases by the Federal Reserve, analysts say confidence is still low in an Indian economy suffering from low growth and high inflation.

High inflation marked 2013, expect economic recovery next year

Pangs of inflation, driven mainly by rising prices of essential food items, added to the overall despondency in a year that saw the rupee dipping to its life time low level against the US dollar and the Current Account Deficit (CAD) soaring to historic highs.

Gold headed for 30% slump, set to post biggest annual loss in three decades

Gold is headed for a near 30 percent slump in 2013 -- ending a 12-year rally prompted by rock bottom interest rates and measures taken by global central banks to prop up the economy.

Rebooted RBI policy likely to focus on consumer inflation

Due by the end of the month, the report is meant to issue recommendations aimed at sharpening the focus of the central bank and increasing its accountability.

Markets rebound in response to Fed taper; analysts positive

The Federal Reserve started its long-awaited reduction in stimulus, cutting its monthly purchases to $75 billion a month, saying it expects to keep reducing asset buys in "measured steps" if economic figures continue to improve.