US inflation moderated further, with headline consumer prices rising at a slower pace than expected, reinforcing signs of cooling price pressures. Despite the softer data, Federal Reserve officials indicated that policy decisions would remain data dependent, with no urgency to cut rates aggressively. Markets reacted cautiously as investors reassessed expectations for monetary easing in 2026. Economists noted that shelter and services inflation remain sticky, limiting the scope for rapid policy shifts.

India’s mutual fund industry recorded a sharp rise in assets under management, nearing the Rs 80 trillion mark in October.The growth came from market appreciation rather than fresh investor inflows, highlighting the impact of rising equity prices. Smallcap and midcap schemes benefited disproportionately from mark-to-market gains. Industry experts cautioned that sustained AUM expansion will depend on consistent inflows rather than short-term market rallies alone.