Indian markets are poised for a strong start on Thursday, supported by upbeat global cues after the US Federal Reserve delivered a 25-basis-point rate cut, reducing the benchmark rate to 3.5 percent. At 7:23 AM, GIFT Nifty futures were trading 96 points higher at 25,960, indicating a positive opening for the Sensex and Nifty.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell said the central bank is now “well-positioned to wait and see” how the economy evolves, while noting that inflation pressures have been partly impacted by President Donald Trump’s tariff moves.
Across Asia, equities traded largely higher: the CSI 300 rose 0.3 percent, Hang Seng gained 0.66 percent, and South Korea’s KOSPI added 0.67 percent. Japan’s Nikkei, however, slipped 0.39 percent. Overnight, US markets extended gains, with the Dow Jones up 1.05 percent, the S&P 500 climbing 0.67 percent and the Nasdaq adding 0.3 percent.
In commodities, silver touched a record high of $62.6 per ounce, while the US Dollar Index weakened to 98.54.
IPO Watch
Mainboard IPO allotments for Corona Remedies and Wakefit Innovations are scheduled to be finalised today.
On the SME board, HRS Aluglaze and Pajson Agro India open for subscription, while Western Overseas Study Abroad and Luxury Time debut on the exchanges. Allotments for Riddhi Display Equipments, Prodocs Solutions and K.V. Toys India will also be concluded.
Analysts note a sharp shift in how companies deploy IPO proceeds: nearly 20 percent of fresh capital (excluding OFS) is now being channelled into capacity expansion and infrastructure creation, up from 8 percent last year—an early sign of a corporate capex revival.
Other Key Market Updates
• Analysts recommend buying Eicher Motors, ICICI Prudential Life and Kalyan Jewellers.
• Stocks in focus today include Tata Steel, SBI, Bank of Baroda, Cipla and KEI Industries.
• President Donald Trump emphasised “strong words” on the Ukraine situation during a call with European leaders.
• Unilever sees major growth potential in India on the back of GST cuts and rapid GDP expansion.
• Amazon announced a $35-billion India investment over five years, with AI as a top priority.
• IndiGo revised its Q3 capacity and revenue guidance after DGCA ordered a 10 percent cut in its winter schedule.
• Sebi eased re-KYC norms for NRIs, allowing digital verification without physical presence.
• SpaceX is planning a $25-billion IPO in 2026, potentially valuing the company above $1 trillion.
• Media landscape may shift as HBO Max and CBS library titles could exit Indian platforms amid global consolidation.
