The Indian stock market is expected to open on a flat note on Wednesday, as sentiment remains cautious over the escalating US-Iran war in the Middle East and elevated crude oil prices. The trends on Gift Nifty also signal a flat start for the frontline indices, Nifty 50 and Sensex today.
Gift Nifty was trading around 24,045 level, a premium of nearly 21 points from the Nifty futures’ previous close.
The US and Iran have continued to exchange missile strikes, keeping concerns over regional stability elevated and pushing crude oil prices above $85 per barrel amid fears of prolonged disruptions to global energy supplies.
However, global markets saw a rally, with the Asian markets trading higher, and the US stock market ending in the green overnight, as softer-than-expected US inflation reinforced expectations that the Federal Reserve could adopt a less aggressive monetary policy stance in the coming months.
“While easing US inflation and encouraging corporate earnings have improved global risk appetite, elevated crude oil prices and continuing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are likely to keep investors cautious. Market direction will continue to be driven by developments surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, movements in crude oil prices, and the ongoing earnings season,” said Ponmudi R, CEO – Enrich Money.
Here’s a look at how global markets have performed:
Asian Markets
Asian markets traded higher, following overnight rally on Wall Street. Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 0.89% and the Topix gained 0.53%. South Korea’s Kospi jumped 6.75%, while the Kosdaq rallied 5.02%. Hong Kong Hang Seng index surged 1.31%.
“Asian markets traded with a firmer tone on Wednesday as investors looked ahead to earnings from ASML and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), two key barometers of global AI-driven semiconductor demand,” said Ponmudi R.
However, broader sentiment remained cautious as the unresolved Strait of Hormuz standoff and elevated crude oil prices continued to pose risks to the global economic outlook, he added.
Wall Street
US stock market ended higher on Tuesday, lifted by strong earnings from banks and a cooler-than-expected inflation report.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 10.02 points, or 0.02%, to 52,508.66, while the S&P 500 gained 28.55 points, or 0.38%, to 7,543.89. The Nasdaq Composite closed 233.83 points, or 0.90%, higher at 26,107.01.
US consumer price inflation rose 3.5% year-on-year in June, below market expectations of 3.8%, reinforcing hopes that underlying price pressures are beginning to moderate.
“The softer inflation print eased some pressure on the Federal Reserve’s policy outlook, even as newly appointed Fed Chair Kevin Warsh delivered his first testimony before Congress. Meanwhile, the second-quarter earnings season began on a strong footing, with JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Goldman Sachs, Citigroup, and Wells Fargo reporting better-than-expected results,” said Ponmudi R.
European Markets
European equities ended modestly higher on Tuesday, with the pan-European STOXX 600 gaining 0.2% as strength in oil & gas and basic resources stocks offset weakness elsewhere.
London’s FTSE 100 outperformed, rising 0.3% to 10,529.39, supported by gains in energy majors, while Germany’s DAX added around 0.1% and France’s CAC 40 closed little changed.
Nifty 50 Outlook
Nifty 50 continues to exhibit a cautious near-term bias, consolidating above the key psychological support of 24,000.
According to Ponmudi R, the 24,000 level remains the immediate support to watch for the Nifty 50 index, and a sustained break below this could extend the decline towards the 23,800 – 23,900 zone.
On the upside, he added that the immediate resistance for the index is placed near 24,200.
Disclaimer: The views and recommendations made above are those of individual analysts or broking companies, and not of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions.
