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S&P upgrades its outlook on three Adani Group companies

S&P upgrades its outlook on three Adani Group companies

Time of India05-08-2025
Mumbai: S&P Global Ratings has revised its outlook on three
Adani Group
entities-Adani Electricity Mumbai. (AEML),
Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone
(APSEZ), and
Adani Green Energy
Restricted Group 2-on the back of sustained operational strength and continued access to funding despite regulatory overhangs.
Following its latest review, the agency affirmed the
credit ratings
of the three entities while revising their outlooks to reflect improved fundamentals.
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AEML and Adani Green Group 2 saw their outlooks move to 'Stable' from 'Negative', while APSEZ was upgraded to 'Positive' from 'Negative'. The current ratings stand at 'BBB-' for AEML and APSEZ, and 'BB+' for
Adani Green Energy
Restricted Group 2.
In November last year, S&P had revised the outlook for the same firms to 'Negative', shortly after the U.S. Department of Justice filed corruption charges against Adani Group chairman
Gautam Adani
and others. While those charges remain under investigation, S&P noted that there is currently no evidence of material impact on the group's funding access or operational performance.
"We haven't seen any indications that the group companies' funding access or costs have been materially hit by the SEC indictment," the agency said. "Key concessions and power purchase agreements remain intact, and the Adani entities continue to receive approvals across different businesses."
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According to S&P, the group has secured over $10 billion in fresh debt in the past six months across Adani Ports, Adani Green Energy, Adani Enterprises Ltd. and Adani Energy Solutions Ltd. This funding constitutes a sizable portion of the around $30 billion debt across group entities as of March 31, 2025, the agency said.
"The terms of the debt are not more onerous and don't have specific reference to the outcome of the SEC case," the agency noted, adding that domestic and international banks, Indian financial institutions, and private credit investors continue to lend to the group. The Adani family also injected $1.1 billion into Adani Green Energy in July.
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Best Online Microsoft Excel Certification Courses for Professionals in 2025
Best Online Microsoft Excel Certification Courses for Professionals in 2025

Economic Times

timean hour ago

  • Economic Times

Best Online Microsoft Excel Certification Courses for Professionals in 2025

Synopsis In today's data-driven world, Microsoft Excel remains one of the most essential tools for professionals across industries. This curated list of the best online Microsoft Excel certification courses features top-rated programs designed to enhance your skills, from basic spreadsheet operations to advanced data analysis, automation, and financial modeling. Whether you are a beginner aiming to build a solid foundation or an experienced user looking to master complex functions like Power Query, PivotTables, or VBA, these courses offer practical, real-world applications. Team ProductLine In 2025, Microsoft Excel remains one of the most powerful and widely used tools in the professional world. From finance and marketing to data analysis and operations, Excel's versatility makes it essential for professionals looking to boost productivity, streamline processes, and make data-driven decisions. As the demand for advanced Excel skills grows across industries, enrolling in a certified Excel course is a smart investment in your career. This guide to the best online Microsoft Excel certification courses highlights the top training programs that cater to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced users. Whether you are aiming to master formulas, automate workflows with macros, or analyze complex datasets using PivotTables and Power Query, these courses offer flexible learning, and certifications that enhance your credibility and job prospects in today's competitive market. Microsoft Excel is one of the most essential tools in today's digital workplace. Its importance lies in its powerful ability to organize, analyze, and visualize data efficiently. Whether you are a student, professional, entrepreneur, or researcher, Excel helps streamline workflows, reduce manual tasks, and support data-driven how Excel can help you: Data Organization: Easily manage large datasets using tables, filters, and sorting options. Easily manage large datasets using tables, filters, and sorting options. Accurate Calculations: Use formulas and functions to perform complex mathematical and statistical operations quickly and accurately. Use formulas and functions to perform complex mathematical and statistical operations quickly and accurately. Data Analysis: Identify trends, make forecasts, and gain insights using tools like PivotTables, charts, and conditional formatting. Identify trends, make forecasts, and gain insights using tools like PivotTables, charts, and conditional formatting. Automation: Save time by automating repetitive tasks with Macros and VBA scripts. Save time by automating repetitive tasks with Macros and VBA scripts. Reporting: Create dynamic dashboards and professional reports to communicate findings clearly. Create dynamic dashboards and professional reports to communicate findings clearly. Collaboration: Share and edit spreadsheets with team members in real-time via Excel 365 integration. Course Expert: NA Course Description:Take your Excel skills from beginner to expert with this course. Designed for learners of all backgrounds, this comprehensive training begins with the fundamentals: navigating spreadsheets, data entry, formatting, and basic calculations and steadily progresses to advanced topics such as VLOOKUP, PivotTables, Financial Functions, Macros, and VBA programming. You'll learn how to automate repetitive tasks, create impactful visual reports, analyze complex datasets, and perform financial modelling using hands-on workbooks. The course covers everything from conditional formatting, logical formulas, and lookup functions to advanced tools like Goal Seek, Scenario Manager, Data Validation, and What-If Analysis. Course Details: Cost of course: Rs. 899 (one time) Rs. 899 (one time) Course format: Online, self-paced Online, self-paced Duration: NA NA Course includes: Certification What you'll learn Master Excel basics: Data entry, cell formatting, and foundational calculations. Data entry, cell formatting, and foundational calculations. Use formulas & functions: IF, AND, OR, AutoSum, VLOOKUP, HLOOKUP, COUNT, RANK, SUMIF, COUNTIF, AVERAGEIF, and more. IF, AND, OR, AutoSum, VLOOKUP, HLOOKUP, COUNT, RANK, SUMIF, COUNTIF, AVERAGEIF, and more. Understand referencing: Create formulas with relative and absolute references. Create formulas with relative and absolute references. Work with data: Conditional formatting, linking sheets, paste special, and data validation. Conditional formatting, linking sheets, paste special, and data validation. Master charts and visualizations: Create and format impactful Excel charts. Create and format impactful Excel charts. Perform financial analysis: Use NPV, IRR, PMT, and depreciation functions for real-world scenarios. Use NPV, IRR, PMT, and depreciation functions for real-world scenarios. Automate tasks: Learn Macros and VBA basics to streamline repetitive processes. Learn Macros and VBA basics to streamline repetitive processes. Analyze data like a pro: Use PivotTables, Goal Seek, Scenario Manager, and other advanced tools. Use PivotTables, Goal Seek, Scenario Manager, and other advanced tools. Boost productivity: Learn keyboard shortcuts, auditing tools, and how to create print-ready sheets. Learn keyboard shortcuts, auditing tools, and how to create print-ready sheets. Hands-on learning: Includes workbooks and an eBook for practice and revision. Who should enrol Anyone interested in learning Excel, from the ground up to an expert level. Students and freshers aiming to enhance their resume and skillset. Professionals looking to upskill for better roles or promotions. Trainers and facilitators who want to teach or support Excel learning. Graduates and working professionals who want to build data handling and reporting proficiency. Business owners and entrepreneurs looking to streamline and automate business processes. Click here to explore the course Course Expert: Metla Sudha Sekhar Course Description:Master Microsoft Excel from the ground up with this one-stop learning path to becoming an Excel expert. This comprehensive course takes you from the fundamentals of Excel, like worksheet basics, formulas, and formatting to advanced data tools, business analysis, and automation using Macros and VBA. You'll explore Excel's full potential through practical lessons on PivotTables, data validation, charting, and lookup functions like VLOOKUP, HLOOKUP, INDEX-MATCH, and XLOOKUP (including Excel 365 features). Learn to clean and import data from TXT, CSV, PDF, and web sources, create dynamic dashboards and business reports, and solve real-world problems using powerful Excel tools like Solver, Scenario Manager, and What-If acquire knowledge about business scenarios like sales forecasting, and tax calculation. This course also includes coverage of Geo-charts, 3D Maps, and even a glimpse into how Generative AI can assist in Excel-based predictions and automation. Course Details: Cost of course: Rs. 2,500 (one time) Rs. 2,500 (one time) Course format: Online, self-paced Online, self-paced Duration: 9.4 hours 9.4 hours Course includes: Lifetime access, Certificate of completion What you'll learn Master foundational Excel operations: Including formulas, data entry, ranges, formatting, and navigation. Including formulas, data entry, ranges, formatting, and navigation. Build confidence with essential formulas: Like SUM, AVERAGE, IF, COUNTIF, ROUND, and logical functions. Like SUM, AVERAGE, IF, COUNTIF, ROUND, and logical functions. Use advanced lookup techniques: Including VLOOKUP, HLOOKUP, MATCH, INDEX, and XLOOKUP (Excel 365+). Including VLOOKUP, HLOOKUP, MATCH, INDEX, and XLOOKUP (Excel 365+). Clean and import data: From multiple sources like TXT, CSV, PDF, and online databases. From multiple sources like TXT, CSV, PDF, and online databases. 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You'll start with the fundamentals such as formatting, formulas, and file sharing, and progressively dive into advanced features like QUERY, IMPORTXML, pivot tables, and dynamic charts. Learn to automate repetitive tasks, collaborate in real time, secure your data, and build interactive dashboards using real-world datasets. With integrated tools like ARRAYFORMULA, IMPORTRANGE, and Google Workspace, this course empowers you to transform raw data into meaningful insights. Course Details: Cost of course: Rs. 799 (one time) Rs. 799 (one time) Course format: Online, self-paced Online, self-paced Duration: 7.32 hours 7.32 hours Course includes: Lifetime access, Certificate of completion What you'll learn Master basic spreadsheet features: Like cells, formulas, and data formatting. Like cells, formulas, and data formatting. Use essential functions: Such as SUM, COUNT, IFS, and more. Such as SUM, COUNT, IFS, and more. Analyze and visualize data: With pivot tables and dynamic charts. With pivot tables and dynamic charts. Implement advanced functions: Like QUERY, ARRAYFORMULA, and INDEX MATCH. Like QUERY, ARRAYFORMULA, and INDEX MATCH. Import and clean data: From CSVs, text files, and web sources. From CSVs, text files, and web sources. Collaborate in real-time : Manage team-based projects within Google Sheets. : Manage team-based projects within Google Sheets. Automate tasks; Using scripts and smart formulas. Using scripts and smart formulas. Secure spreadsheets: With permissions and data protection. With permissions and data protection. Use generative AI: To boost productivity and enhance spreadsheet performance. To boost productivity and enhance spreadsheet performance. QR code and images: Generate QR codes, embed images , and build interactive dashboards. Who should enrol Working professionals aiming to enhance their data analysis and reporting capabilities. 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Finally, the Data Analysis Fundamentals course teaches you how to automate tasks, use advanced formulas, build dashboards, and make data-driven decisions. Course Details: Cost of course: $510.30 $510.30 Course format: Online, self-paced Online, self-paced Duration: 18 weeks 18 weeks Course includes: Certification What you'll learn Build strong Excel foundations : Learn essential Excel operations such as data entry, formatting, and basic formulas. : Learn essential Excel operations such as data entry, formatting, and basic formulas. Develop a data-centric mindset : Understand how to solve problems using data models and structured thinking. : Understand how to solve problems using data models and structured thinking. Manipulate raw data efficiently : Clean, filter, and transform data using functions like VLOOKUP, PivotTables, and What-If Analysis.. : Clean, filter, and transform data using functions like VLOOKUP, PivotTables, and What-If Analysis.. Visualize data effectively : Create and customize charts, dashboards, and tables for clear and compelling presentations. : Create and customize charts, dashboards, and tables for clear and compelling presentations. Perform advanced data analysis : Apply conditional logic, and automate repetitive tasks. : Apply conditional logic, and automate repetitive tasks. Use real-world Excel tools : Explore Date, Financial, and Statistical functions to support personal and organizational decision-making. : Explore Date, Financial, and Statistical functions to support personal and organizational decision-making. Automate tasks with confidence : Create macros, use Visual Basic (VBA), and audit formulas for error-free workbooks. Who should enrol Beginners with little to no Excel experience who want to start from scratch. Students looking to boost their academic and career potential with Excel proficiency. Professionals who use Excel at a basic level and want to unlock its full potential. 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To build annual, quarterly, and monthly financial models. Understand time-value concepts: Using NPV, IRR, XNPV, and XIRR functions. Using NPV, IRR, XNPV, and XIRR functions. Apply professional formatting: For numbers and dates to enhance clarity and consistency in reports. For numbers and dates to enhance clarity and consistency in reports. Practice keyboard shortcuts and tools: To boost speed and accuracy in financial modeling. Who should enrol Beginners seeking foundational Excel skills for finance. Intermediate Excel users looking to expand their toolkit for real-world financial tasks. Advanced users wanting a fast-paced refresher focused on finance-specific formulas. Finance professionals, analysts, accountants, or students preparing for roles that require financial data analysis in Excel. Anyone expanding their data skills in financial modeling. 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Click here to explore the course Course Expert: NA Course Description: The Advanced Excel Certification Course by the Indian Institute of Skill Development Training is a career-boosting program tailored for individuals seeking to master Microsoft Excel for real-world applications in finance, business, data analysis, and project management. This comprehensive course covers everything from foundational Excel concepts to highly advanced functions and techniques, equipping learners with the skills to perform data-driven tasks with accuracy, speed, and confidence. The course includes lifetime-valid certification, job-ready training aligned with industry standards, and free job assistance based on your career interests. Course Details: Cost of course: Rs. 4,000 Course format: Online examination, self-paced Duration: 2 months Course includes: Certification What you'll learn Master Excel fundamentals: Including workbook management, formatting, formulas, and shortcuts. Including workbook management, formatting, formulas, and shortcuts. Use advanced formulas and functions: Such as VLOOKUP, XLOOKUP, IF, SUMIF, TEXTJOIN, and more. Such as VLOOKUP, XLOOKUP, IF, SUMIF, TEXTJOIN, and more. Clean and manage data: Using tools like Flash Fill, TRIM, CLEAN, Go To Special, and Data Validation. Using tools like Flash Fill, TRIM, CLEAN, Go To Special, and Data Validation. Analyze and summarize data: With PivotTables, calculated fields, slicers, and pivot charts. With PivotTables, calculated fields, slicers, and pivot charts. Create professional-level charts: Including dynamic dashboards, Gantt charts, and sparklines. Including dynamic dashboards, Gantt charts, and sparklines. Perform advanced data analysis: Using Goal Seek, Solver, Scenario Manager, trendlines, and statistical tools. Using Goal Seek, Solver, Scenario Manager, trendlines, and statistical tools. Model and forecast data: Using histograms, frequency distributions, and regression analysis. Using histograms, frequency distributions, and regression analysis. Audit and troubleshoot formulas: With tools like IFERROR, INDIRECT, and Formula Auditing. Who should enrol Finance, accounting and data professionals who need to create reports, dashboards, or perform financial modeling. Business managers and entrepreneurs who want to improve decision-making with powerful data insights. Students and graduates, especially those in commerce, economics, data science, or business analytics programs. Anyone looking to boost their resume and improve employability in data-driven roles. Click here to explore the course Course Expert: NA Course Description: Advanced Excel Course with Certificate by Upskillist is a self-paced, certification course designed to elevate your Excel skills, from basics to advanced mastery. Over 19 weeks, you'll engage with video lectures, quizzes, assignments, and assessments that walk you through practical, real-world Excel applications. The curriculum is structured across four progressive modules– 'Diploma in Excel,' 'Intermediate in Excel,' 'Advanced in Excel,' and 'Proficient in Excel', ensuring a deep understanding of essential and advanced features. This in-depth program prepares you to handle complex data, automate workflows with VBA and macros, and collaborate effectively in professional environments. Course Details: Cost of course: Monthly subscription Course format: Online, self-paced Duration: 19 weeks Course includes: Certification What you'll learn Fundamentals of Microsoft Excel , including key terminologies, basic operations, and interface navigation. , including key terminologies, basic operations, and interface navigation. Techniques for effective data analysis using advanced tools like PivotTables, slicers, and built-in functions. using advanced tools like PivotTables, slicers, and built-in functions. How to maintain data integrity through structured input methods, validation techniques, and error-checking strategies. through structured input methods, validation techniques, and error-checking strategies. Creation and use of input sheets with enhanced data accuracy and auditing capabilities. with enhanced data accuracy and auditing capabilities. Methods for presenting and formatting data using spreadsheets, charts, and graphs for clear and professional reporting. using spreadsheets, charts, and graphs for clear and professional reporting. Navigating multiple sheets and workbooks , including workbook management, printing options, and efficient navigation techniques. , including workbook management, printing options, and efficient navigation techniques. Development of custom templates and lists , empowering students to streamline repetitive tasks. , empowering students to streamline repetitive tasks. Automation of tasks using Macros and VBA , allowing for improved efficiency and customization in workflow execution. Who should enrol Beginners who want a foundational yet advanced Excel skillset. Intermediate users aiming to gain mastery over advanced tools and automation. Professionals in finance, analytics, operations, research, or project management seeking efficiency through Excel. Students and early career professionals looking to enhance employability with practical Excel credentials. Entrepreneurs and freelancers managing business data or reports who want streamlined workflows. Click here to explore the course Ans. Anyone who works with data or spreadsheets can benefit, including: Professionals in finance, HR, marketing, and operations Business analysts and data analysts Students and recent graduates Entrepreneurs and freelancers Anyone looking to improve job prospects or productivity Ans. It's recommended to learn Excel 365, the most current version, as it includes the latest features such as Dynamic Arrays, XLOOKUP, and LET functions. However, many courses still cater to Excel 2016, 2019, and earlier Excel certifications are typically offered at three levels: Beginner/Core – Basic formatting, formulas, and data entry Intermediate – Charts, PivotTables, and data tools Advanced/ Expert – Macros, VBA, automation, and data modeling The above content is an initiative by Times Internet content team to explain product features and simplify jargons for its users. It should not be construed as an endorsement to buy. Times Internet may make a very small commission from its sale if one chooses to buy the product from any of the links in this article.

GenAI paradox: Companies pouring billions into AI; it has yet to pay off
GenAI paradox: Companies pouring billions into AI; it has yet to pay off

Business Standard

timean hour ago

  • Business Standard

GenAI paradox: Companies pouring billions into AI; it has yet to pay off

Nearly four decades ago, when the personal computer boom was in full swing, a phenomenon known as the 'productivity paradox' emerged. It was a reference to how, despite companies' huge investments in new technology, there was scant evidence of a corresponding gain in workers' efficiency. Today, the same paradox is appearing, but with generative artificial intelligence. According to recent research from McKinsey & Company, nearly eight in 10 companies have reported using generative AI, but just as many have reported 'no significant bottom-line impact'. AI technology has been racing ahead with chatbots like ChatGPT, fueled by a high-stakes arms race among tech giants and superrich start-ups and prompting an expectation that everything from back-office accounting to customer service will be revolutionised. But the payoff for businesses outside the tech sector is lagging behind, plagued by issues including an irritating tendency by chatbots to make stuff up. That means that businesses will have to continue to invest billions to avoid falling behind — but it could be years before the technology delivers an economywide payoff, as companies gradually figure out what works best. Call it the 'the generative AI paradox,' as McKinsey did in its research report. Investments in generative AI by businesses are expected to increase 94 per cent this year to $61.9 billion, according to IDC, a technology research firm. But the percentage of companies abandoning most of their AI pilot projects soared to 42 per cent by the end of 2024, up from 17 per cent the previous year, according to a survey of more than 1,000 technology and business managers by S&P Global, a data and analytics firm. Projects failed not only because of technical hurdles, but often because of 'human factors' like employee and customer resistance or lack of skills, said Alexander Johnston, a senior analyst at S&P Global. Gartner, a research and advisory firm that charts technological 'hype cycles,' predicts that AI is sliding toward a stage it calls 'the trough of disillusionment.' The low point is expected next year, before the technology eventually becomes a proven productivity tool, said John-David Lovelock, the chief forecaster at Gartner. That was the pattern with past technologies like personal computers and the internet — early exuberance, the hard slog of mastering a technology, followed by a transformation of industries and work. The winners so far have been the suppliers of AI technology and advice. They include Microsoft, Amazon, and Google, which offer AI software, while Nvidia is the runaway leader in AI chips. Executives at those companies have bragged how AI is reshaping their own work forces, eliminating the need for some entry-level coding work and making other workers more efficient. AI will eventually replace entire swaths of human employees, many predict, a perspective that is being widely embraced and echoed in the corporate mainstream. At the Aspen Ideas Festival in June, Jim Farley, the chief executive of Ford Motor, said, 'Artificial intelligence is going to replace literally half of all white-collar workers in the US' Whether that type of revolutionary change occurs, and how soon, depends on the real-world testing ground of many businesses. 'The raw technological horsepower is terrific, but it's not going to determine how quickly AI transforms the economy,' said Andrew McAfee, a principal research scientist and co-director of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Initiative on the Digital Economy. Still, some businesses are finding ways to incorporate AI — although in most cases the technology is still a long way from replacing workers. One company where AI's promise and flaws are playing out is USAA, which provides insurance and banking services to members of the military and their families. After several pilot projects, some of which it closed down, the company introduced an AI assistant to help its 16,000 customer service workers provide correct answers to specific questions. USAA is tracking its AI investments, but does not yet have a calculation of the financial payoff, if any, for the call center software. But the response from its workers, the company said, has been overwhelmingly positive. While it has software apps for answering customer questions online, its call centers field an average of 200,000 calls a day. 'Those are moments that matter,' said Ramnik Bajaj, the company's chief data analytics and AI officer. 'They want a human voice at the other end of the phone.' That's similar to an AI app developed more than a year ago for fieldworkers at Johnson Controls, a large supplier of building equipment, software and services. The company fed its operating and service manuals for its machines into an AI program that has been trained to generate a problem summary, suggest repairs and deliver it all to the technician's tablet computer. In testing, the app has trimmed 10 to 15 minutes off a repair call of an hour or more — a useful efficiency gain, but hardly a workplace transformation on its own. Fewer than 2,000 of the company's 25,000 field service workers have access to the AI helper, although the company is planning an expansion. 'It's still pretty early days, but the idea is that over time everyone will use it,' said Vijay Sankaran, the chief digital and information officer at Johnson Controls. The long-term vision is that companies will use AI to improve multiple systems, including sales, procurement, manufacturing, customer service and finance, he said. 'That's the game changer,' said Sankaran, who predicts that shift will take at least five years. Two years ago, JPMorgan Chase, the nation's largest bank, blocked access to ChatGPT from its computers because of potential security risks. Only a few hundred data scientists and engineers were allowed to experiment with AI Today, about 200,000 of the bank's employees have access to a general-purpose AI assistant — essentially a business chatbot — from their work computers for tasks like retrieving data, answering business questions and writing reports. The assistant, tailored for JPMorgan's use, taps into ChatGPT and other AI tools, while ensuring data security for confidential bank and customer information. Roughly half of the workers use it regularly and report spending up to four hours less a week on basic office tasks, the company said. The bank's wealth advisers are also employing a more specialized AI assistant, which uses bank, market and customer data to provide wealthy clients with investment research and advice. The bank says it retrieves information and helps advisers make investment recommendations nearly twice as fast as they could before, increasing sales. Lori Beer, the global chief information officer at JPMorgan, oversees a worldwide technology staff of 60,000. Has she shut down AI projects? Probably hundreds in total, she said. But many of the shelved prototypes, she said, developed concepts and code that were folded into other, continuing projects. 'We're absolutely shutting things down,' Ms. Beer said. 'We're not afraid to shut things down. We don't think it's a bad thing. I think it's a smart thing.' McAfee, the M.I.T. research scientist, agreed. 'It's not surprising that early AI efforts are falling short,' said McAfee, who is a founder of Workhelix, an AI-consulting firm. 'Innovation is a process of failing fairly regularly.'

S&P 500, Nasdaq near record highs on hopes of Fed rate cut in September
S&P 500, Nasdaq near record highs on hopes of Fed rate cut in September

Business Standard

time2 hours ago

  • Business Standard

S&P 500, Nasdaq near record highs on hopes of Fed rate cut in September

The benchmark S&P 500 and the Nasdaq hovered near record highs on Wednesday as investors were increasingly confident that the Federal Reserve could restart its monetary policy easing cycle next month. Signs that US tariffs on imports have not fully filtered into headline consumer prices came as a relief for investors this week as they scour for insights on the impact trade uncertainty has had on the economy. Despite data showing underlying price pressures were on the rise, markets also factored in recent weakness in the job market and a shake-up at the Federal Reserve as they leaned in favor of a potential dovish move by the central bank in September. Traders are now fully pricing in a 25 basis points interest rate cut, according to the CME's FedWatch Tool, up from 89.2 per cent last week. The central bank last lowered borrowing costs in December. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also said he thought an aggressive half-point cut was possible given recent weak employment numbers. Stagflation "was the first word that came to my mind when I saw this CPI report yesterday," said Mark Hackett, chief market strategist at Nationwide, referring to Tuesday's data coming on the heels of a number of other reports pointing to a cooling economy. "The slowdown that we're seeing is probably fairly temporary, at least at this point. So inflation is something that we're absolutely worried about because we saw that uptick." At 12:18 p.m. ET, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 363.26 points, or 0.82 per cent, to 44,821.52, the S&P 500 gained 9.34 points, or 0.15 per cent, to 6,455.15 and the Nasdaq Composite advanced 15.77 points, or 0.07 per cent, to 21,697.97. The blue-chip Dow was within 1 per cent away from an all-time high and the Russell 2000 index, which tracks rate-sensitive small-cap companies, added 0.1.3 per cent to hit a six-month high. Investors were also taking notice of other sectors following the recent tech-led rally in US stocks that have pushed valuations of the S&P 500 above long-term averages. Healthcare stocks, which have been beaten down for much of the year, led gains among the 11 S&P 500 sectors with a 1.4 per cent rise, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 index was marginally lower. Later in the day, investors will scrutinize remarks of a number of policymakers, especially Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee. CoreWeave, which is backed by Nvidia, slumped 17.6 per cent after the AI data center operator reported a bigger-than-expected quarterly net loss. Eyes are also on developments surrounding the China revenue-sharing deal the US government signed with top chipmakers, which the White House said could be expanded to others in the sector. Paramount Skydance jumped 30 per cent. The company won exclusive broadcasting rights to the Ultimate Fighting Championship for seven years earlier this week. In geopolitics, traders also were keen on a meeting between Trump and Russia's Vladimir Putin on the Ukraine conflict scheduled on Friday. Advancing issues outnumbered decliners by a 2.96-to-1 ratio on the NYSE and by a 2.28-to-1 ratio on the Nasdaq. The S&P 500 posted 37 new 52-week highs and two new lows, while the Nasdaq Composite recorded 131 new highs and 49 new lows.

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