Indian Stock Market Likely To Open Flat As Global Cues Remain Mixed

Indian stock market tracks global developments in US equities, commodities and currency markets. (Image Credit:X)
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Indian equity benchmarks are expected to begin Thursday’s session on a steady note after advancing for three consecutive days, with global market signals offering a broadly supportive but cautious backdrop. Early indications from Gift Nifty showed it trading near the 25,833 level, marginally above the previous Nifty futures close, suggesting a flat-to-mildly positive start for domestic indices. Analysts are closely watching the Indian Stock Market for any significant moves.

In the previous session, the BSE Sensex rose 283.29 points, or 0.34 percent, to close at 83,734.25, while the NSE Nifty 50 gained 93.95 points, or 0.37 percent, to settle at 25,819.35. The move marked a third straight day of gains, supported by buying across sectors as the market extended its gradual recovery, reflecting a positive trend in the Indian Stock Market.

Across Asia, equity markets traded higher following overnight gains on Wall Street. Japan’s Nikkei 225 and the broader Topix index recorded moderate advances. South Korea’s Kospi surged to a fresh record high, while the Kosdaq index also posted gains. Markets in Hong Kong and mainland China remained closed for the Lunar New Year holiday, resulting in thinner regional participation.

Investors remain optimistic about the Indian stock market, which continues to show resilience amid global uncertainties.

US markets ended Wednesday in positive territory, led by strength in technology shares. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.26 percent to 49,662.66, the S&P 500 rose 0.56 percent to 6,881.31, and the Nasdaq Composite advanced 0.78 percent to 22,753.64. Technology heavyweights, including Nvidia, Amazon, and Microsoft, closed higher, while semiconductor-related counters such as Western Digital, Seagate Technology Holdings, and Sandisk recorded stronger moves. Tesla also ended slightly higher. The gains followed recent volatility driven by concerns about valuations in artificial intelligence.

Investors also reviewed the minutes of the US Federal Open Market Committee’s January meeting. Policymakers kept interest rates unchanged, as widely expected. The minutes indicated a cautious approach, with some members open to easing if inflation moderates further, while others signaled that tightening could resume if price pressures remain persistent. The tone reinforced expectations that the Federal Reserve is not in a hurry to begin rate cuts, a factor closely monitored by emerging markets, including India.

In commodities, gold prices eased after a sharp rise in the previous session. Spot gold slipped about 0.2 percent to around $4,969 per ounce, while silver also declined marginally. Movements in precious metals continued to reflect shifts in dollar strength and interest rate expectations.

The US dollar held firm following the release of the Fed minutes. The euro traded below $1.18, while the Japanese yen steadied near 154.78 per dollar after weakening in the prior session. Currency movements remain relevant for foreign portfolio flows and import costs in emerging economies.

Crude oil prices stabilised after registering their largest daily gain since October. Brent crude traded near $70.46 per barrel, and US West Texas Intermediate hovered around $65.32. Oil markets reacted to geopolitical developments involving Iran. For India, crude price trends remain significant given their impact on inflation, trade balance, and corporate margins.

With domestic indices having extended gains over three sessions, traders may adopt a cautious stance at higher levels. In the absence of major domestic triggers, global market direction, commodity price movement,s and foreign institutional activity are likely to guide sentiment in the near term.