Mumbai – Indian equities are expected to open slightly higher on Monday, supported by positive signals from Gift Nifty, though global cues remain mixed. Investors are watching developments around US tariffs, India–China talks, GDP data, and auto sales numbers this week.
On Friday, the Sensex fell 270.92 points to 79,809.65, while the Nifty 50 closed 74.05 points lower at 24,426.85, marking the third straight session of losses amid tariff concerns.
Here are 10 key updates shaping markets today:
1. Asian Markets Mixed
Japan’s Nikkei 225 slipped 0.87%, while South Korea’s Kospi fell 0.41%. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng futures pointed to a stronger open.
2. Gift Nifty Signals Positive Start
Gift Nifty was trading near 24,611, a 43-point premium over Nifty futures’ previous close, indicating a green opening for domestic indices.
3. Wall Street Ends Lower
US markets closed down Friday as tariffs pushed inflation higher. The Dow fell 0.20%, S&P 500 dropped 0.64%, and Nasdaq declined 1.15%. Tech stocks led losses, with Nvidia, Tesla, and Amazon slipping. US markets will remain shut Monday for Labor Day.
4. Trump Tariffs Under Legal Scrutiny
A federal appeals court ruled most of former President Donald Trump’s tariffs illegal, saying he exceeded his authority. However, the duties will remain until October 14 pending a possible Supreme Court review.
5. Modi–Xi Meeting
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping ahead of the SCO Summit. Both leaders pledged to work on resolving border issues and agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
6. US Inflation Data
The Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index rose 0.2% in July, in line with forecasts. Annual inflation stayed at 2.6%.
7. Consumer Sentiment Weakens
US consumer confidence fell to a three-month low at 58.2 in August, down from 61.7 in July, according to the University of Michigan survey.
8. India GDP Beats Forecasts
India’s GDP grew 7.8% in April–June (Q1 FY26), the fastest in five quarters and higher than expectations of 6.7%, driven by strong manufacturing and services activity.
9. Fiscal Deficit Widens
The fiscal deficit for April–July stood at ₹4.68 lakh crore, nearly double last year’s ₹2.77 lakh crore, reaching 29.9% of the full-year target.
10. Crude Oil Declines
Oil prices fell as supply concerns were offset by worries over global demand. Brent crude slipped 0.16% to $67.37 a barrel, while WTI eased 0.17% to $63.90.
Source: Mint / Reuters
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