Global Market Cues

Global markets displayed a mixed but generally positive sentiment overnight and into early Asian trading. US markets closed at fresh all-time highs on Thursday, September 18, 2025, following the Federal Reserve's decision to cut interest rates by 25 basis points and signal potential further reductions this year. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.27%, the S&P 500 rose 0.48%, and the Nasdaq Composite climbed 0.94%. The Russell 2000 small-cap index also saw a significant rally, up 2.41%.

European markets also ended higher on Thursday. The pan-European STOXX 600 increased by 0.79%, while the STOXX Europe 50 Index was up 1.23%. France's CAC 40 closed 0.9% higher, and Germany's DAX 40 rose 1.2%.

Asian markets, however, showed a mixed performance in early Friday trade, despite tracking Wall Street's gains. Japan's Nikkei 225 continued its upward trajectory, rising 0.81% to another record high. Australia's ASX 200 also gained 0.72%. Conversely, South Korea's KOSPI dropped by 0.51%, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index saw a marginal increase of 0.01%. China's Shanghai Composite rose 0.14%.

GIFT Nifty and Domestic Cues

GIFT Nifty futures are signaling a negative or tepid start for the Indian market this morning. It was trading lower by 38 to 50 points, approximately 0.18% to 0.21%, at levels around 25,468.50 to 25,473. This indicates a discount of about 39-41 points from the Nifty futures' previous close.

On Thursday, Indian benchmark equity indices closed in the green for the third consecutive session, with the Nifty 50 ending 0.37% higher at 25,423.60 and the BSE Sensex gaining 0.39% to close at 83,013.96. This rally was largely influenced by the dovish stance of the US Federal Reserve. Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) were net buyers, acquiring Indian shares worth approximately Rs 366.69 crore, while Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) remained net buyers for the ninth session, purchasing stakes worth Rs 3,326.56 crore. The Indian Rupee, however, depreciated by 35 paise to close at 88.20 against the US dollar. India VIX, a measure of market volatility, fell 3.5% to settle at 9.88 levels.

Key Stocks in Focus

Several stocks are expected to be in focus today due to recent corporate developments:

• Adani Group Stocks: SEBI has reportedly dismissed allegations of stock manipulation made by Hindenburg Research, which could bring positive sentiment.
• Vedanta: The company has been declared the preferred bidder for the Punnam Manganese block in Andhra Pradesh.
• Yes Bank: Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation has completed the acquisition of a 20% stake in Yes Bank and has nominated two directors to the board.
• Biocon: Its subsidiary, Biocon Biologics, received USFDA approval for two biosimilars, Bosaya and Aukelso.
• Texmaco Rail & Engineering: The company secured a new order worth ₹86.85 crore from Ultratech Cement for BCFC wagons.
• Sheela Foam: Received an NCLT nod for the merger of six companies into itself.
• Indian Hotels Company: Clarified that reports regarding the sale of New York's Pierre are misleading, stating it does not own the property but holds leasehold rights.
• Unichem Laboratories: Received a demand notice of €19.48 million from the European Commission related to the perindopril drug case.
• LTIMindtree: Partnered with Shopify to help businesses launch and grow online stores.
• Ex-Dividend Stocks: Over 100 companies, including NSDL, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, Bharat Dynamics, and NALCO, will trade ex-dividend today. Investors need to have bought shares by September 18 to be eligible for these dividends.

Key Events to Watch Today

Investors will be closely monitoring the following events:

• Bank of Japan (BOJ) Interest Rate Decision: The BOJ is expected to conclude its two-day meeting today, with expectations that policy rates will remain steady at 0.5%.
• Japan's Inflation Data: Recent data showed Japan's core inflation rate eased to 2.7% in August, its lowest since November 2024.
• Corporate Annual General Meetings (AGMs): Several companies, including Brainbees Solutions, Cohance Lifesciences, Global Health, G R Infraprojects, Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers, and Sun TV Network, have their AGMs scheduled.
• IPOs: Ivalue Infosolutions IPO and JD Cables IPO will continue their subscription period (Day 2), while VMS TMT IPO and Sampat Aluminium IPO will enter Day 3. Euro Pratik IPO will see its allotment, and L T Elevator IPO is scheduled for listing.
• Economic Data (India): Data on Bank Loan Growth, Deposit Growth, and FX Reserves for the week ending September 5/12 will be released.
• US-China Trade Talks: A phone call between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping is anticipated, which could influence trade relations and the fate of TikTok. There are also indications that the US may ease tariffs on Indian goods.

TAGS: Pre-Market, Stock Market, Nifty, Sensex, Market Update

Tags: Pre-Market Stock Market Nifty Sensex Market Update

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