Markets Open Flat as India-Pakistan Tensions and Fed Warnings Weigh on Sentiment
While geopolitical uncertainties kept some investors on edge, foreign institutional investors remained net buyers during the previous session.
Market Update at 10:00 AM: India’s key stock indices opened with marginal movement on Thursday as investors weighed escalating tensions with Pakistan alongside concerns from the U.S. Federal Reserve about inflation and unemployment risks stemming from the ongoing global trade conflict.
By 9:41 a.m. IST, the Nifty 50 slipped 0.11 per cent to 24,388.9, while the BSE Sensex edged down 0.07 per cent to 80,691.44. Among sectoral indices, seven out of 13 were in positive territory. Broader markets outperformed, with the Smallcap index advancing 1 per cent and the Midcap rising 0.2 per cent.
On Wednesday, both benchmarks closed flat after India carried out missile strikes in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. In response, Pakistan dismissed India's claims of targeting terror camps, labelling the strikes a violation of its sovereignty and alleging civilian casualties.
While geopolitical uncertainties kept some investors on edge, foreign institutional investors remained net buyers during the previous session.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Federal Reserve flagged increasing threats to economic stability, highlighting rising inflation and unemployment risks as trade tensions fuel uncertainty.
Tata Motors shares rose 2.5 per cent amid expectations of a potential trade agreement between the U.S. and the U.K., which could benefit its Jaguar Land Rover business based in Britain.
Pre-Market Update at 8:00 AM: Indian equity benchmarks—Sensex and Nifty 50—are expected to begin Thursday’s session on a weaker note due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan and lackluster global market signals.
Despite geopolitical risks, the Indian stock market closed in the green on Tuesday. The Sensex rose by 105.71 points (0.13 per cent) to settle at 80,746.78, while the Nifty 50 moved up by 34.80 points (0.14 per cent) to end at 24,414.40.
Asian equities traded with mixed cues on Thursday, reflecting overnight gains on Wall Street following the U.S. Federal Reserve’s policy decision. Japan’s Nikkei 225 climbed 0.28 per cent, while the Topix remained flat. South Korea’s Kospi and Kosdaq advanced by 0.36 per cent and 0.61 per cent, respectively.
Gift Nifty hovered around the 24,4012 mark, roughly 6 points below the previous close of Nifty futures, hinting at a subdued start for domestic indices.
US indices ended higher on Wednesday after the Fed kept interest rates steady. The Dow Jones surged 284.97 points (0.70 per cent) to close at 41,113.97, while the S&P 500 added 24.37 points (0.43 per cent) to finish at 5,631.28. The Nasdaq Composite rose by 48.50 points (0.27 per cent) to 17,738.16.
The Federal Reserve maintained interest rates in the 4.25 per cent–4.5 per cent range. Chair Jerome Powell stated that while the economy remains solid, sentiment has been dampened by uncertainty. He mentioned the possibility of future rate cuts, provided data justifies the move.
Tensions between India and Pakistan have intensified. Following India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’ that targeted nine terror camps, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif warned of retaliation, stating that their armed forces are prepared to respond.
Gold prices moved higher, supported by safe-haven demand amid inflation worries and labor market concerns raised by the Fed. Spot gold rose 0.6 per cent to USD 3,384.99 per ounce, while US futures held steady at USD 3,392.00.
Crude oil prices remained largely flat after a sharp drop in the prior session. Brent crude stayed at USD 61.12 a barrel, while WTI inched up 0.1 per cent to USD 58.12 per barrel.
On May 07, Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) were net buyers, purchasing Rs 2,585.86 crore worth of shares. Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) bought shares worth Rs 2,378.49 crore during the same period.
For today, CDSL, RBL Bank and Mannapuram Finance continue to remain under the F&O ban list.
Disclaimer: The article is for informational purposes only and not investment advice.