From Gift Nifty signals and easing US inflation to global gold and crude price drops — here are the top global and domestic cues influencing Thursday’s trade on Dalal Street.
May 15, 2025: The Indian equity market is set for a cautious yet optimistic start on Thursday, May 15, with benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty 50 expected to open slightly higher. This outlook is shaped by a mix of encouraging domestic factors and volatile global trends, including US inflation data, easing US-China trade tensions, and falling gold and oil prices.
Also Read: Microsoft To Lay Off 6,000 Employees Globally Amid Cost-Cutting
On Wednesday, Indian markets ended in the green, with the Sensex gaining 182 points to close at 81,330.56 and the Nifty 50 adding 89 points to end at 24,666.90. Midcap and smallcap stocks also saw strong buying interest, outperforming benchmark indices.
Here are 7 key factors influencing markets today:
1. Gift Nifty Signals Positive Start
Gift Nifty opened at around 24,767, up nearly 42 points from Wednesday’s Nifty futures close, suggesting a mildly positive opening for Indian indices.
2. Asian Markets Dip After 5-Day Rally
Asian equities retreated after a strong run. Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 0.90%, Topix 0.75%, South Korea’s Kospi 0.29%, and Australia’s ASX 200 0.24%. The Hang Seng slipped 0.42%, while China’s CSI 300 remained flat.
Also Read: Apple May Raise iPhone 17 Prices, Here’s Why
3. Wall Street Closes Mixed
The S&P 500 rose 0.10%, while the Nasdaq climbed 0.72%, boosted by tech stocks. However, the Dow Jones dropped 0.21%, reflecting investor caution ahead of upcoming inflation data and corporate earnings.
4. US Inflation Cools Further
US CPI rose just 0.2% in April, down from 0.1% decline in March, marking the lowest year-on-year gain (2.3%) in four years. This fueled hopes of interest rate stability and buoyed global market sentiment.
Also Read: Trump Revives ‘Most Favoured Nation’ Drug Pricing Policy To Slash Costs By Up To 80%
5. Gold Prices Plunge Over 2%
Spot gold prices dropped to $3,181.62/oz, the lowest since April 11, as improved risk appetite reduced safe-haven demand. US gold futures also fell 1.8% to $3,188.30/oz.
6. Crude Oil Falls On Iran Deal Speculation
Oil prices tumbled by $1 amid speculation of a US-Iran nuclear deal and surprise increase in US crude inventories. Brent dipped to $65.21/barrel, and WTI to $62.23/barrel.
7. US-China Trade Truce Gains Traction
Following tariff cut agreements over the weekend, China suspended some non-tariff retaliatory measures. The US cut duties to 30%, while China reduced theirs to 10%, easing tensions between the two largest economies.
📈 Market Outlook:
Despite global headwinds, easing inflation, improving US-China trade ties, and strong domestic earnings are likely to support bullish sentiment in Indian equities. Sectoral focus may remain on metals, energy, and midcaps.
🧾 Tags:
Indian stock market, Sensex, Nifty 50, Gift Nifty, US inflation data, CPI April 2025, gold prices, oil prices, US China trade deal, global markets, Indian equities, stock market today