Markets Open Higher as Global Trade Sentiment Improves

Out of the 13 key sectoral indices, nine were trading in the green. Broader indices such as the Nifty Smallcap and Midcap edged up by 0.1 per cent and 0.2 per cent, respectively.

Market Update at 10:00 AM: India’s benchmark indices opened on a positive note Friday, taking cues from gains across Asian markets after U.S. President Donald Trump commented that trade discussions with China are ongoing.

At 9:20 a.m. IST, the Nifty 50 was trading higher by 0.38 per cent at 24,338, while the BSE Sensex rose 0.31 per cent to reach 80,025.31.

U.S. markets had closed in the green overnight following Trump’s remarks, which contradicted earlier statements from China, reigniting hopes of progress in trade negotiations between the world’s two largest economies.

Out of the 13 key sectoral indices, nine were trading in the green. Broader indices such as the Nifty Smallcap and Midcap edged up by 0.1 per cent and 0.2 per cent, respectively.

So far this week, the Nifty 50 has climbed nearly 2 per cent, marking its highest close of the year on Wednesday. However, the index ended a seven-day winning streak on Thursday after market sentiment weakened due to a militant attack in Kashmir that claimed 26 lives, increasing geopolitical concerns.

Pre-Market Update at 8:15 AM: Indian benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty 50, are likely to start Friday’s session on a positive note, taking cues from strong gains in global markets. Gift Nifty was hovering near the 24,527 mark, showing a premium of about 154 points compared to the previous close of Nifty futures. This suggests that Indian stock market indices may open with a gap-up.

U.S. markets closed higher on Thursday, marking their third consecutive day of gains. The rally was driven by strong performance in technology stocks and optimism surrounding easing tensions in the U.S.-China tariff discussions. The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 486.83 points (1.23 per cent) to settle at 40,093.40. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 climbed 108.91 points (2.03 per cent) to reach 5,484.77, and the Nasdaq Composite surged 457.99 points (2.74 per cent) to end at 17,166.04.

John Williams, President of the New York Federal Reserve, stated that the ongoing trade policies under the Trump administration are likely to push inflation higher in the near term. He emphasised the importance of the Federal Reserve maintaining control over long-term inflation expectations to ensure they remain stable.

New data shows that applications for unemployment benefits in the U.S. rose slightly last week. Initial jobless claims increased by 6,000, reaching a seasonally adjusted total of 222,000 for the week ending April 19. 

Asian markets saw gains on Friday, taking cues from a strong overnight performance on Wall Street, particularly driven by a rally in technology shares. Japan’s Nikkei 225 climbed 0.91 per cent, with the Topix index also rising by 0.88 per cent. South Korea’s Kospi advanced 1.03 per cent, while the Kosdaq added 0.6 per cent. Futures for Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index pointed to a positive start.

Gold prices extended their upward trend, marking a potential third straight week of gains. Spot gold inched up by 0.2 per cent to reach USD 3,354.29 per ounce, after hitting an all-time high of USD 3,500.05 on Tuesday. Meanwhile, US gold futures climbed 0.5 per cent, trading at USD 3,365.90.

In contrast, crude oil prices edged higher on Friday but remained poised for a weekly decline. Brent crude rose 0.32 per cent to USD 66.76 a barrel, yet was likely to close the week with a 2 per cent loss. Similarly, WTI crude increased 0.30 per cent to USD 62.98 a barrel, still heading for a 2.9 per cent drop over the week.

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) were net buyers, purchasing Rs 8,250.53 crore worth of shares on April 24, 2025. This marks a consistent buying trend over the last six sessions. In contrast, Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) sold Rs 534.54 crore during the same period.

There are not any stocks banned for trading in the F&O segment on April 25, 2025.

Disclaimer: The article is for informational purposes only and not investment advice.