“Sensex and Nifty expected to open higher; global cues mixed as US tech stocks plunge, Trump tariffs loom, and Putin agrees to partial ceasefire in Ukraine.”
Mumbai, March 19, 2025 –
The Indian stock market is poised for a positive opening on Wednesday, supported by Gift Nifty gains and mixed global cues. While Asian markets traded mixed, Wall Street saw a decline, primarily due to a selloff in major tech stocks. The Trump-Putin ceasefire talks and US tariff policies also weighed on market sentiment.
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Key Market Indicators
- Gift Nifty: Trading at 22,962, a 66-point premium over the previous Nifty close, indicating a strong opening for Sensex and Nifty.
- Sensex & Nifty Performance (March 18): Sensex rose 1,131 points (1.53%) to 75,301, while Nifty gained 325 points (1.45%) to close at 22,834.
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Global Market Highlights
1. Asian Markets Mixed
- Nikkei 225 (Japan): +0.41%
- Topix (Japan): +0.70%
- Kospi (South Korea): +0.91%
- Kosdaq (South Korea): -0.27%
- Hang Seng (Hong Kong): Expected to open slightly weaker.
2. US Market Selloff—Tech Stocks Drag Nasdaq Lower
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- Dow Jones: -0.62% (41,581.31)
- S&P 500: -1.07% (5,614.66)
- Nasdaq Composite: -1.71% (17,504.12)
Tech stocks were hit hard:
- Alphabet: -2.2%
- Nvidia: -3.35%
- Tesla: -5.34%
- Microsoft: -1.33%
- Amazon: -1.49%
3. Trump-Putin Talks Impact Markets
- Ceasefire Talks: Putin agreed to pause attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, but rejected a full 30-day ceasefire proposed by the US.
- Ukraine’s Position: President Zelensky agreed to US-backed ceasefire terms, but insists that Russia must fully withdraw from occupied territories.
- Investor Sentiment: Markets remain cautious about further geopolitical tensions.
4. US Economic Data Signals Growth
- Industrial Production: +0.7% in February, higher than the expected 0.2%.
- Housing Starts: +11.4%, indicating a strong rebound in construction activity.
5. Trump’s Tariff Threats Could Impact India
- The US plans to impose new reciprocal tariffs starting April 2.
- Indian exporters in sectors like steel, pharma, and IT could face higher costs.
- The White House clarified that tariffs will remain unless US barriers are “equalized” with trading partners.
6. Dollar and Treasury Yields Drop
- Dollar Index: -0.22% (103.23)
- Euro: +0.23% ($1.0947)
- 10-Year US Treasury Yield: 4.287% (-1.9 bps)
- 30-Year Bond Yield: 4.589% (-1 bps)
7. Gold Hits Fresh Record High
- Spot Gold: $3,038/oz (+1.05%)
- US Gold Futures: $3,040.80/oz (+1.2%)
- Gold prices crossed $3,000 for the first time on March 14.
8. Oil Prices Decline
- Brent Crude: $70.27 (-0.41%)
- WTI Crude: $66.59 (-0.46%)
- US crude inventories reported a build-up, affecting prices.
Market Outlook for Wednesday
With Gift Nifty indicating a positive start, domestic markets may continue their bullish momentum from Tuesday. However, investors should watch for:
- Further updates on Trump’s tariffs.
- Fed’s upcoming policy decision.
- US-Russia-Ukraine developments.
- Tech stock performance in global markets.
Tags:
#StockMarketUpdate, #Sensex, #Nifty, #GiftNifty, #USMarket, #TrumpPutinTalks, #TechStocks, #USIndiaTrade, #GoldPrices, #CrudeOilPrices
