Download Unicorn Signals App

By EquityPandit

EquityPandit

EquityPandit
ECONOMY

Oil Falls About 2% From Multi-Year Highs

Crude oil prices fell about 2 per cent from their highest level in the year on June 17 as the dollar strengthened after the US Federal Reserve said it might raise interest rates by the year 2023. Brent futures fell $1.3 to settle at $73.08 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell $1.11 to settle at $71.04.


On Wednesday, Brent settled at its highest since April 2019 and WTI at its highest since October 2018. Even though the declines were the biggest daily percentage drops since May, both benchmarks were still up by 40 per cent. The US dollar strengthened to its highest since mid-April against other currencies after the Fed signaled it might raise interest rates.


A firmer greenback makes oil more expensive in other currencies, which could dent demand. Analysts have said Iran could boost oil supplies by 1 million to 2 million barrels per day (bpd) if sanctions are lifted. Another drag on crude prices has been the decline in the US 3-2-1 and gasoline crack spreads – a measure of refining profit margins to their lowest since February on recent weakness in products markets. US gasoline stocks increased by an unexpected 2 million barrels last week. Analysts forecast gasoline stocks would decline 600,000 barrels.

Get Daily Prediction & Stocks Tips On Your Mobile


I would like to receive communication from EquityPandit via sms, email, whatsapp, Google RCS for offers, updates etc.
ECONOMY

UP Residents Face Higher Power Bills

Dhruva Kulkarni

Electricity bills in Uttar Pradesh are set to rise this month as UPPCL has increased the fuel surcharge for the first time in nearly five years. Consumers will now pay an additional 1.24% on their April power bills.

With this revision, power bills will fluctuate monthly—similar to petrol and diesel rates. For instance, if your March bill was Rs 1,000, you’ll now pay Rs 12.40 more as a fuel surcharge.

You Might Be Interested In

The hike comes after UPPCL allowed power distribution companies to determine the Fuel and Power Purchase Adjustment Surcharge (FPPPA) each month under the Multi-Year Tariff Regulation-2025. This is the first time companies will collect the surcharge directly from consumers.

However, the Uttar Pradesh Electricity Consumer Council has opposed the move. Its President, Awadhesh Verma, claimed UPPCL still owes Rs 33,122 crore to consumers and should have settled that amount before raising tariffs.

Got Stocks-Related Questions? The Analyst is Ready.

Unlock profitable opportunities every day! Unicorn Signals provides actionable intraday trading signals for stocks and futures. Don’t miss out – download Unicorn Signals and start winning now!

ECONOMY

RBI Deputy Governor T Rabi Sankar Gets One-Year Term Extension

Dhruva Kulkarni

The Centre has extended the tenure of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Deputy Governor T. Rabi Sankar by another year, effective from 3rd May 2025.

Sankar was first appointed as deputy governor in May 2021 for a three-year term. He received his first one-year extension in 2024, his second consecutive extension.

An official notification from the Secretariat of the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) stated, “The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the re-appointment of Shri T Rabi Sankar as Deputy Governor, Reserve Bank of India, for a period of one year with effect from 03.05.2025 or until further orders, whichever is earlier.”

You Might Be Interested In

He joined the RBI in 1990 and has served in several departments. Before becoming deputy governor, he was Executive Director at the central bank.

The RBI’s top leadership includes Governor Sanjay Malhotra and four deputy governors — T. Rabi Sankar, M. Rajeshwar Rao, Swaminathan Janakiraman, and Poonam Gupta. The government appoints all.

Curious About A Stock? Ask the Analyst.

Ready to invest like a pro? Unicorn Signals app equips you with 100+ Free tools and knowledge you need to succeed. Download the Unicorn Signals app and gain access to daily stock lists and insightful market analysis and much more!

ECONOMY

South Korea’s Early Trade Data Signals Export Decline After Tariffs

Dhruva Kulkarni

South Korea’s preliminary April trade data offers an early signal of how Donald Trump’s protectionist push is affecting global trade.

In the first 20 days of April, exports fell 5.2% year-over-year — a sharp turnaround from the 5.5% rise recorded in March.

The data, adjusted for working-day differences, showed exports to the US and China declined by 14.3% and 3.4%, respectively. In contrast, shipments to the EU rose 13.8%, while Taiwan saw a 22% increase.

The numbers come shortly after the US imposed a 25% tariff on auto imports and a 10% duty on other goods earlier this month. This follows metal import tariffs announced in March. The drop in exports underlines the vulnerability of South Korea’s export-driven economy.

Key sectors were hit hard — auto exports fell 6.5%, steel declined 8.7%, and oil products sank 22%. However, semiconductor exports rose 10.7%, offering a rare bright spot.

You May Find This Interesting

Overall imports dropped 11.8%, resulting in a trade deficit of $100 million. The US remains South Korea’s sixth-largest trading partner, and its trade surplus with the US surged 25% in 2024 to $55.7 billion — a key factor behind Trump’s tariff decision.

Automobiles and auto parts comprise a large share of South Korean exports to the US and are particularly at risk. The new auto tariffs could seriously impact the sector, which sent nearly half of its $70.8 billion in vehicle exports to the US last year.

South Korean officials, including Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun and Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok, are heading to Washington this week to initiate trade talks. However, uncertainty looms with national elections set for 3rd June.

Meanwhile, the Bank of Korea kept its benchmark interest rate at 2.75% but flagged growing downside risks. Governor Rhee Chang-yong cited deteriorating trade conditions and political uncertainty as major concerns, warning of possible negative growth in the first quarter.

Ask the Analyst & get instant answer about any Stock.

Tired of missing hot stocks? Unicorn Signals provides powerful tools like stock scans and more help you make informed trading decisions. Download now and take control of your portfolio!

ECONOMY

India’s Oilmeal Exports Fall 21% to Rs 12,171 Crore in FY25; Volumes Down 11%

Dhruva Kulkarni

India’s oilmeal exports declined by 21% to Rs 12,171 crore in FY25, driven mainly by an 11% fall in overall export volumes, according to the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA).

During the last financial year, India exported 43.42 lakh tonnes of oilmeals, down from 48.85 lakh tonnes in FY24. The decline was primarily due to reduced shipments of rapeseed and castorseed meals, SEA said in a statement.

Regarding value, exports dropped from Rs 15,368 crore in FY24 to Rs 12,171 crore in FY25, reflecting lower international demand and decreased volumes, SEA Executive Director B V Mehta confirmed.

You Might Be Interested In

Among major buyers, Bangladesh remained the largest importer of Indian oilmeals despite political challenges. The country imported 7.42 lakh tonnes in FY25, 17% lower than the 8.93 lakh tonnes imported the previous year.

South Korea emerged as the second-largest buyer with 6.99 lakh tonnes of oilmeals imported in the fiscal year, representing a 16% drop from the previous year. Thailand followed as the third-largest importer, buying 4.48 lakh tonnes in FY25 — a 25% fall from 6.33 lakh tonnes in FY24.

The drop in exports across key markets indicates shifting demand dynamics and possible challenges for Indian exporters, particularly in maintaining momentum amid global uncertainties.

Curious About FMCG Stocks? Ask the Analyst.

Unlock profitable opportunities every day! Unicorn Signals provides actionable intraday trading signals for stocks and futures. Don’t miss out – download Unicorn Signals and start winning now!

ECONOMYWORLD

Japan’s Export Growth Cools as Trump Tariffs Take Effect

Dhruva Kulkarni

Japan’s export growth cooled in March as Donald Trump’s tariff campaign began to impact trade flows, starting with steep levies on steel and aluminium.

Exports by value rose 3.9% from a year earlier, driven by cars and chip-making machinery, but missed the expected 4.4% rise. Imports increased 2%, led by medical goods, below the 3.1% forecast.

Despite the slower export pace, Japan maintained a trade surplus of ¥544.1 billion ($3.8 billion), supporting the economy as domestic consumption remains weak under inflationary pressure. However, the outlook is clouded by escalating US trade measures and retaliatory actions from other countries.

Japan’s trade surplus with the US rose for a third month to ¥847 billion. However, concerns are growing that Japanese companies may cut shipments to the US, especially after reports of Jaguar and Audi halting exports. A 25% US tariff on steel and aluminium took effect in March, followed by a similar duty on cars in early April.

You May Find This Interesting

Formal talks between Japan’s trade chief Ryosei Akazawa and US counterpart Scott Bessent began this week, with Japan still seeking tariff relief. Trump briefly joined the discussions, having paused a 24% tariff plan for three months. Still, Japan faces a 10% baseline levy.

Japan’s exports to the US rose just 3.1% in March, down sharply from 10.5% in February. Shipments to China fell 4.8%, and to Europe dropped 1.1%. Japan, unlike others, has chosen not to retaliate.

Analysts warn that Japanese car exports to the US could fall further in April. The yen averaged 149.55 to the dollar in March, slightly weaker than a year ago. While currency issues were expected to come up in trade talks, Akazawa said they weren’t discussed — despite Trump’s past criticism of Japan’s weaker yen boosting exports.

The export slowdown reflects business caution amid global uncertainty — a troubling sign for an economy heavily reliant on external demand. Japan saw modest growth in late 2024, but with weak consumer spending and fragile global markets, economists expect a sharper slowdown in early 2025.

Curious About A Stock? Ask the Analyst.

Ready to invest like a pro? Unicorn Signals app equips you with 100+ Free tools and knowledge you need to succeed. Download the Unicorn Signals app and gain access to daily stock lists and insightful market analysis and much more!

@2025 - www.equitypandit.com. All Right Reserved.
Latest
IPO
Weekly
Outlook

Stock
Market
Prediction