Indian Markets Edge Higher Amid Global Trade Worries

The Indian stock markets showed a promising start on Thursday, registering gains despite investors staying wary due to fears surrounding the imminent US tariff deadline. The Nifty 50 index commenced the session at 25,505.10, appreciating by 51.70 points or 0.20 percent, while the BSE Sensex followed suit at 83,540.74, reflecting an incremental increase of 131.05 points or 0.16 percent.

According to market experts, domestic factors continue to support the upward trend; however, global volatility and uncertainties about the US-India trade deal keep traders anxious. Ajay Bagga, a Banking and Market Expert, told ANI that Indian markets are navigating through a haze of global volatility, waiting for cues on a US-India trade deal. He is optimistic that domestic influences could propel the market beyond all-time highs in the coming weeks.

The effect of recent US trade policy changes was also highlighted. The announcement of a trade deal between the US and Vietnam, featuring tariffs of up to 40 percent on Vietnamese goods, generated market enthusiasm. As the US tariff deadline looms just days away, trade negotiations stall amid hardened positions. A postponed or universally applied tariff ranging from 10 to 20 percent is anticipated.

On the NSE, broader market indices mirrored the opening gains. The Nifty 100 ascended by 0.2 percent, the Nifty Midcap 100 advanced by 0.17 percent, and the Nifty Smallcap 100 grew by 0.19 percent. Among sectoral indices, Nifty IT led with 0.69 percent growth, while Nifty Auto, Nifty Metal, and Nifty FMCG posted gains.

Giving a technical overview, Akshay Chinchalkar from Axis Securities remarked on the market's three-day downturn as a consolidation of bullish momentum. The technical threshold lies in the 25,200–25,270 range, with a further bullish trigger at 25,670. Weekly derivatives expiry signals potential elevated volatility, with close monitoring needed as key tariff deadlines approach.

Globally, Asian markets exhibited a mixed tone. Japan's Nikkei 225 index remained flat, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng index fell 0.88 percent, and Singapore's Straits Times index slipped by 0.11 percent. On a positive note, Taiwan's market rose 0.9 percent, and South Korea's KOSPI recorded a 0.95 percent increase. Investors are closely watching global trade advances, which will likely shape India's market trajectory moving forward. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)