Markets are likely to see a volatile session on monthly F&O expiry day after the Nifty slipped below 26,000, weighed by weakness in realty, metals and broader selling pressure. IT stocks held firm on hopes of a Fed rate cut, while autos continued their uptrend with Eicher Motors and Bajaj Auto leading gains. Globally, markets rallied as Wall Street’s tech stocks rebounded on Alphabet’s 6% surge and dovish Fed signals. Investors are also watching new geopolitical developments after Donald Trump’s call with Chinese President Xi Jinping, where both leaders reaffirmed ties and exchanged state visit invitations. Meanwhile, RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das hinted at room for a rate cut while reaffirming India’s strong macroeconomic fundamentals. Among key stocks in focus — Dr Reddy’s gets EU approval for its osteoporosis drug, Eris Lifesciences completes acquisition of Swiss Parenterals, and BEL inks joint venture with France’s Safran. Tune in for all this and more in today’s Market Minutes — yo