### Market Outlook for Monday
Indian shares are poised to open slightly lower on Monday, with upcoming Budget announcements and the reshuffling of the S&P BSE Sensex anticipated to drive stock-specific movements.
Throughout the week, trading activities may be influenced by multiple factors including current account deficit data, infrastructure output figures, foreign investor activity, oil price trends, monsoon progress, and the scheduled monthly derivatives expiry.
**Sector Spotlight: Fertilizers**
Fertilizer stocks may attract particular attention today following the GST council's recommendation to exempt the fertilizer sector from the current 5 percent GST, which has been referred to the Group of Ministers on rate rationalization.
**Company Update: Quant Mutual Fund**
Quant Mutual Fund has reassured its investors about the SEBI investigation into alleged front-running activities. The company has stated it is "fully committed to cooperating with the regulator."
### Global Market Overview
**Asian Markets**
Asian markets showed a broad decline this morning. However, Japan's Nikkei average slightly advanced after Masato Kanda, the nation's top currency official, mentioned that authorities are prepared to intervene to support the yen around the clock, if necessary.
**Commodities and Currencies**
Treasury yields remained stable, while the dollar strengthened, consequently pressuring gold prices. Oil prices continued their downward trend from Friday, approaching $80 per barrel amid the stronger dollar.
**U.S. Markets**
U.S. stocks closed narrowly mixed on Friday. Semiconductor shares fell for the second consecutive day, and Treasury yields rose following data showing U.S. business activity reached a 26-month high in June. Existing home sales decreased for the third month in a row in May, and leading economic indicators also fell for the third consecutive month. The Dow finished marginally higher, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite and the S&P 500 both dipped by 0.2 percent amid a significant options expiry.
**European Markets**
European markets closed lower on Friday. A survey indicated a sharp slowdown in the Eurozone business recovery in June, influenced by uncertainty surrounding France's snap election outcome. The pan-European STOXX 600 fell 0.7 percent, the German DAX decreased by 0.5 percent, France's CAC 40 dropped 0.6 percent, and the U.K.'s FTSE 100 slid by 0.4 percent.
