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The Week Ahead: US Fed Rate Action, India WPI, Bajaj Housing Finance Debut

Key Events to Watch

1. US Federal Reserve Rate Decision

* Date: Wednesday, January 25 * Importance: The Federal Reserve is widely expected to raise interest rates by 25 basis points. This will be the first of several expected rate hikes this year as the central bank seeks to combat rising inflation.

2. India Wholesale Price Index (WPI)

* Date: Thursday, January 26 * Importance: The WPI measures the change in wholesale prices of goods and services. It provides insights into inflation trends at the wholesale level.

3. Bajaj Housing Finance Debut

* Date: Friday, January 27 * Importance: Bajaj Housing Finance, the housing finance subsidiary of Bajaj Finserv, is set to make its debut on the stock exchanges. The initial public offering (IPO) is expected to raise around ₹5,500 crore.

Other Notable Events

* Earnings Announcements: Several major companies, including Apple, Amazon, and Alphabet, are set to report their quarterly earnings this week. These earnings reports will provide insights into the performance of the tech sector and the broader economy. * Economic Data: The week will also see the release of other key economic data, including US GDP growth, consumer confidence, and durable goods orders. These data points will provide further clues about the health of the US economy. * Political Developments: The week will also be marked by several political events, including the US State of the Union address and the UK Brexit deadline. These events have the potential to impact markets and investor sentiment.

Market Expectations

* Stock Market: The stock market is expected to remain volatile this week as investors digest the Fed rate decision and other key events. * Bond Market: Interest rates are expected to rise this week in anticipation of the Fed rate hike. * Currency Market: The US dollar is expected to strengthen against other major currencies this week as investors seek safety amid global uncertainties.

Investor Takeaway

This week is expected to be a busy and eventful one for investors. The Fed rate decision, India WPI data, and Bajaj Housing Finance debut are just a few of the key events to watch. Investors should monitor these events closely and adjust their portfolios accordingly.