India’s economy and financial markets continue to evolve. Government incentives and strategic investment are expanding domestic manufacturing, while rising incomes are shifting spending “from essentials to extras” and “from basic to premium”. Meanwhile, easier access for foreign investors and growing domestic participation are supporting the development of India’s financial markets.
Market volatility has increased in recent weeks, particularly in bond markets. The MOVE index, a measure of expected volatility in US Treasuries, has been rising significantly, decoupling from the VIX equity volatility indicator in an unusual move. This is significantly different from the March volatility spike that affected both markets at the start of the Iran war.
In September, global bond markets came under pressure amid inflation concerns and hawkish shifts by central banks, while equity markets remained relatively calm, supported by strong economic data and earnings, alongside renewed optimism around AI.