Latest Developments

Asia
The Hindu BusinessLine

Low birth weight babies to be added to Anaemia Mukt Bharat as Centre prepares to revamp guidelines

Under the revised strategy, low birth weight (LBW) babies aged 0-6 months have been added as the seventh beneficiary group, recognising the importance of addressing anaemia from the earliest stages of life | Photo Credit: istock.com The Centre is overhauling its flagship ‘Anaemia Mukt Bharat (AMB) Abhiyaan’, under which low birth weight (LBW) infants aged 0-6 months will be added as the seventh beneficiary group, recognising the importance of addressing anaemia from the earliest stages of life. Union Health Minister JP Nadda will release the operational guidelines for the revamped strategy at the 16th meeting of the Central Council of Health and Family Welfare (CCHFW) on Monday, introducing a more comprehensive, technology-enabled and community-driven approach, the ministry said in a statement. The revised guidelines transform the existing Anaemia Mukt Bharat programme into Anaemia Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, expanding its focus beyond iron supplementation to include early testing, therapeutic management, healthy dietary practices, digital tracking and community participation. A key feature of the new guidelines is the introduction of a 7x7x7 strategy, replacing the earlier 6x6x6 framework. Under the revised strategy, low birth weight (LBW) babies aged 0-6 months have been added as the seventh beneficiary group, recognising the importance of addressing anaemia from the earliest stages of life, the statement said. The seventh intervention, titled ‘Eating Right’, seeks to promote regular consumption of iron-rich and diverse diets as a daily habit, and the seventh institutional mechanism introduces a strengthened monitoring and evaluation system supported by digital tracking. The programme also upgrades its service delivery model from the existing T3 approach 'Test, Treat and Talk' to a T4 approach ‘Test, Treat, Talk and Track’. The revised framework aims to strengthen haemoglobin testing, ensure treatment of iron deficiency anaemia in line with national protocols, improve follow-up and referral through systematic beneficiary tracking, and enhance counselling on nutrition and healthy dietary practices, it said. For pregnant and lactating women suffering severe anaemia, or those who do not respond to oral iron therapy, the guidelines include intravenous iron therapy using Ferric Carboxymaltose (FCM) and Iron Sucrose as an important clinical intervention. The government also plans to establish an integrated digital ecosystem to monitor anaemia services across beneficiary groups. Under the new system, haemoglobin testing records for pregnant women will be mapped through the JANANI Portal, while records for children will be captured through the RBSK and U-WIN portals.

Low birth weight babies to be added to Anaemia Mukt Bharat as Centre prepares to revamp guidelines
Europe
BBC Business

Interest rates expected to be held by Bank of England

Interest rates are expected to be held by policymakers at the Bank of England (BoE) who are keeping a close eye on events in the Middle East. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is widely predicted by analysts to keep the benchmark rate at 3.75% for a fourth consecutive meeting. Interest rates are the primary tool used to control inflation, which is the rate at which prices rise. The UK inflation rate remains above target but has not risen as high as many had feared given the upheaval caused to economies across the world by the US-Israel war with Iran. Official figures published on Wednesday showed that inflation remained at 2.8% in the year to May, as the pace of food price rises slowed to a 17-month low. Over the year to May, transport costs rose by the fastest rate, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said, while the rate of price increases in meat, dairy, and vegetables eased. That figure, which was lower than expected, has reinforced expectations that policymakers will not need to increase interest rates at the next announcement made at 12:00 BST on Thursday. At its last meeting in April, the MPC signalled that interest rates could rise this year as it attempted to curb inflation following a "significant energy price shock" from the Iran war. US President Donald Trump said a peace deal with Iran was signed on Wednesday, and should lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Oil prices have dropped close to their lowest since the conflict began as traders forecast the return of free-flowing ships through the vital waterway, which normally carries a fifth of the world's oil and gas supplies. Analysts believe the deal could slow energy and fuel price rises, making the worst case scenarios for inflation unlikely. However, analysts said price rises were still expected to accelerate in the UK, given the delayed impact of higher wholesale energy prices on domestic gas and electricity prices.

Interest rates expected to be held by Bank of England
Europe
The Guardian

Federal Reserve holds rates steady but signals possible hike before year’s end

Kevin Warsh speaks to reporters after the meeting on Wednesday. Photograph: Will Oliver/EPAView image in fullscreenKevin Warsh speaks to reporters after the meeting on Wednesday. Photograph: Will Oliver/EPAFederal ReserveFederal Reserve holds rates steady but signals possible hike before year’s endOpen markets committee says ‘economic activity is expanding at a solid pace’ in first meeting under new chair Kevin Warsh US stock markets dropped on Wednesday afternoon after the Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged and signaled a possible rate hike before the end of the year. The Fed was widely expected to keep rates at a range of 3.5% to 3.75%, where they have remained since December. The decision was unanimously supported by the Fed’s voting committee. “Economic activity is expanding at a solid pace despite elevated uncertainty that owes, in part, to the conflict in the Middle East,” the Fed’s open market committee said in the statement. The Dow closed 500 points lower, and the S&P 500 and Nasdaq down over 1.2% each, soon after the announcement. This was the first meeting overseen by Kevin Warsh, who took over as Fed chair in May and has implied he wants to tighten the Fed’s public communications on future guidance. The committee’s monthly policy statement was notably shorter compared with previous statements. It acknowledged that “inflation remains elevated relative to the committee’s 2% goal, in part reflecting supply shocks that have driven price increases in certain sectors, including energy” and said the central bank “will deliver price stability”. The Fed also released a slate of projections illustrating when individual officials predict rate changes will occur. Nine members projected at least one rate increase this year. Warsh confirmed he was the sole board member who did not contribute to the projections. The projections mark a U-turn in outlook from just a few months ago: the last time the Fed released projections, in March, 12 of the 19 officials projected at least one rate cut by the end of this year. In his first press conference as chair, Warsh announced plans to overhaul the central bank, particularly its public communications. Warsh said he would create five new taskforces that will assess the “broad conduct of monetary policy”, including communications, the Fed’s balance sheet, data, productivity and jobs. The groups will “examine current practice, consider alternatives, and ultimately propose next steps for policy-maker consideration”, with Warsh noting that he would enlist “some of the very best minds, both inside and outside the economics profession” for the groups. One of the taskforces will reassess how the Fed communicates with the public more broadly, including the Fed’s news conferences, dot-graph projections and meeting transcripts and minutes.

Federal Reserve holds rates steady but signals possible hike before year’s end
Asia
The Economic Times

11 penny stocks plunge up to 55% in a month. Should investors worry?

Over the past 1 month, 13 penny stocks have recorded sharp declines, falling between 20% and 55%. These underperformers were identified through a targeted screening approach focused on stocks with a market cap below Rs 1,000 crore, a share price under Rs 20, and a minimum recent trading volume of 5 lakh shares. The strategy aims to highlight low-priced, actively traded penny stocks that have experienced significant downside. (Data Source: ACE Equity)Although penny stocks often attract investors with their low entry prices and potential for rapid gains, they come with substantial risks. Due to low liquidity, high volatility, and limited transparency, they are prone to manipulation and sudden price drops. Without a clear strategy and strong risk controls, investors may face more losses than gains.

11 penny stocks plunge up to 55% in a month. Should investors worry?
Asia
The Economic Times

AMFI reshuffle: Hindustan Copper among 6 smallcap stocks that may get upgraded to midcap

Six smallcap stocks could be upgraded to the midcap segment in AMFI’s H2 CY26 semi-annual rejig, according to Nuvama Institutional Equities. Based on current average market capitalisation trends, AMFI may raise the large-cap cut-off to around Rs 1.07 lakh crore (vs Rs 1.05 lakh crore in December 2025) and set the midcap threshold near Rs 32,800 crore (vs Rs 34,800 crore earlier). Hindustan Copper, with a market capitalisation of Rs 47,384 crore, is likely to move into the midcap category. NLC India, with a market capitalisation of Rs 44,309 crore, may also see an upgrade. AIA Engineering, currently valued at Rs 45,237 crore, is another probable entrant into the midcap basket. Ajanta Pharma, with a market capitalisation of Rs 39,866 crore, could be reclassified as a midcap stock. Aster DM Healthcare, at Rs 39,843 crore, is also expected to move up the ladder. Sona BLW Precision Forgings, with a market capitalisation of Rs 38,528 crore, remains on the cusp and may be upgraded.

AMFI reshuffle: Hindustan Copper among 6 smallcap stocks that may get upgraded to midcap
Asia
The Economic Times

NFO Watch: 5 mutual funds and 2 SIFs open for subscription this week. Check details

Around five new mutual funds and two SIFs will open for subscription this week (June 29 to July 3). Fund houses launch new schemes to expand and complete their product portfolios. Here is a detailed breakup (Source: ACE MF). Prism Hybrid Long-Short Fund, a SIF from JioBlackRock Mutual Fund, will open on June 29 and close on July 13. The minimum investment amount is Rs 10 lakh. Summit Equity Long-Short Fund, a SIF from Invesco Mutual Fund, will open on July 2 and close on July 16. The minimum investment amount is Rs 10 lakh. Choice Overnight Fund, an overnight fund from Choice Mutual Fund, will open on July 1 and close on July 3. The minimum investment amount is Rs 1,000. Motilal Oswal BSE Midcap 150 Momentum 30 Index Fund, an index fund from Motilal Oswal Mutual Fund, will open on July 3 and close on July 17. The minimum investment amount is Rs 500.

NFO Watch: 5 mutual funds and 2 SIFs open for subscription this week. Check details
North America
Yahoo Finance

US futures surge as Iran ceasefire deal sends oil tumbling and tech stocks flying

The content on this Site is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, a personal recommendation, an offer or solicitation to buy or sell securities, or any other regulated activity. It should not be relied upon as the basis for any investment decision. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. The value of investments can fall as well as rise. You may not recover the amount you invest, and in some cases you may be required to pay more. Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists. Proactive news team spans the world’s key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth. We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors. The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies. Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter. Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows. Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation. US stock futures surged on Monday after Washington and Tehran announced a ceasefire agreement that should reopen the Strait of Hormuz, sending oil prices sharply lower and lifting risk appetite at the start of a holiday-shortened week. Nasdaq 100 futures led the advance with a gain of 2%, while S&P 500 futures rose 1.3% and Dow Jones futures climbed 1%, building on solid gains from Friday. President Trump described the ceasefire as "complete" in a Truth Social post late Sunday, with formal signing expected in Switzerland on Friday and peace talks to begin within 60 days.

US futures surge as Iran ceasefire deal sends oil tumbling and tech stocks flying
Europe
BBC Business

Fed holds US interest rates steady as uncertainty over Trump's Iran deal remains

The Federal Reserve held US interest rates between 3.5% and 3.75% after Kevin Warsh's first meeting in charge of the central bank. Fed governors were split on whether to keep rates steady or increase them in a bid to tame inflation, which has been pushed up by the US-Israel war in Iran. US President Donald Trump pushed Warsh's predecessor, Jerome Powell, to cut interest rates, and made clear he expected Warsh to fulfill his demand for cuts. But, with inflation running at an above-target 3.8%, and uncertainty surrounding Trump's deal to end the war with Iran, the Fed's rate-setting committee unanimously decided to kept rates steady. In a statement backed by its 12 members, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) said: "Economic activity is expanding at a solid pace despite elevated uncertainty that owes, in part, to the conflict in the Middle East. Productivity growth and capital investment are strong. "Job gains have kept pace with the workforce, and the unemployment rate has changed little." The Fed's statement on Wednesday represented a marked change in the central bank's communication style, one of Warsh's key promises for his tenure. He was a sharp critic of how the Fed has communicated its decisions in the past, arguing it should say less while getting on with the job. Its most recent statement, released in April, was almost 350 words, while Wednesday's update was just 132. "The Committee will deliver price stability," it concluded. The Fed's update also removed a statement hinting that it was leaning towards lowering interest rates in the future. And nine of the 18 central bankers who participated in the FOMC's rate-setting process predicted an interest rate hike this year, while just one said they expected a cut. The remaining eight predicted rates will stay the same, according to the closely watched "dot-plot" grid of central bankers' expectations released alongside the decision. Warsh did not offer a projection of his own for the "dot-plot", which he opposes, but said he encouraged his colleagues to go ahead with it.

Fed holds US interest rates steady as uncertainty over Trump's Iran deal remains
Asia
The Hindu BusinessLine

Frustration grows in Venezuela as earthquake death toll reaches 1,430

Tensions flared Saturday as desperation grew in Venezuela's state of La Guaira as rescuers and civilians searched for earthquake survivors and the death toll rose sharply to 1,430. Venezuela's government said families reported at least 68,900 people missing, three days after the one-two punch of 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes devastated the South American nation. Venezuelans looking for loved ones and neighbors used shovels, heavy equipment, ropes and bare hands atop mounds of toppled concrete throughout La Guaira, one of the hardest-hit states. They were joined by a growing number of international rescue teams who began to climb through the rubble, offering a small glint of hope to anguished families. Tensions peaked over what many Venezuelans viewed as an inadequate response by the government, whose soldiers, firefighters, police and military cadets were evidently underprepared to respond to the scope of the tragedy. Many felt every minute ticking away as they ran out of time to rescue people alive. Frustration was amplified by efforts to project the image of a robust state response. “There's a pile of bodies over there from last night. Newborn babies," said Mileidy Romero, who was among those searching in the seaside town of Caraballeada. "At 8 p.m. (yesterday) there were people alive down there, and they haven't bothered to rescue them. We've located several bodies, and they haven't helped us recover them either. What are they waiting for?” Aid agencies consider the first 48 to 72 hours as crucial for retrieving people alive, though that can be extended if they have access to food and water. Venezuelan officials said 17 flights carrying more than 1,600 rescue team members had touched down by Saturday. Tension mounts during rescue efforts Acting President Delcy Rodríguez said on state television that more than 14,000 members of the military and police are patrolling the area, where access is now blocked and special permits are required to enter. But many in disaster zones said they had seen little of their government. Some people climbed the remnants of buildings and cried out names, hoping for any proof of life. Dust coated coastal communities. In punishing heat, more people wore masks as the stench of decomposition spread. In other parts of La Guaira, teams unloaded stacks of bodies from white trucks onto the ground of a dirt hospital parking lot, where they were to be identified. With the absence of hard hats, rescuers and civilians used motorcycle helmets as they searched piles of debris that were once people's belongings: Eddie Murphy and Nemo DVDs, a kitchen sink, mattresses and shoes. Some, frustrated by the government's response, blocked an excavator from leaving the site of a collapse and pulled the operator from its cabin shortly after state workers took selfies in front of flattened buildings and left without helping. The ruling party's officials often take selfies to show participation in government-related events. A member of the crowd, Yeison Marcano, said those searching had received some assistance from an investigations unit but neither police nor the National Guard helped. “They came to eat arepas and take pictures to make it look like they were working," Marcano said. "They didn't even get their uniforms dirty like we have. We've been here for three days." A minute later, a man tried to grab a firefighter, shouting and cursing. “Silence! Silence!” rescuers shouted as they tried to confirm whether someone was trapped alive.

Frustration grows in Venezuela as earthquake death toll reaches 1,430