Global Market Today: Oil jumps on renewed Middle East tension, US stock futures dip

Crude oil prices surged and US equity futures declined following renewed Middle East conflict. American crude oil jumped nearly five percent, topping eighty-three dollars a barrel. Treasury futures also moved lower, and the dollar strengthened against major currencies. Technology shares remained under pressure as investors questioned artificial intelligence spending returns. Markets await the Federal Reserve…

UCO Bank plans $500-million overseas fundraise

UCO Bank plans to raise $500 million through foreign currency deposits and overseas borrowings. This move joins other lenders accessing the central bank’s concessional funding window. The facility has already attracted over $32 billion in foreign currency inflows. Non-resident deposits have been the primary driver of this significant mobilization. This initiative aims to strengthen India’s…

Patchy rains may hit rural lending, banks stay cautious

Bankers are closely watching monsoon rains and their impact on rural credit. Uneven rainfall poses inflation risks for summer crops and rural incomes. A strong winter harvest offers some financial cushion for lenders. Early stress is visible in personal and micro-enterprise loan segments. Lenders may slow small-ticket loan delivery due to risk aversion.