Indian stock market: 7 key things that changed for market over weekend - Gift Nifty, Nasdaq rally to crude oil prices

By Admin

11 Aug, 2025

The Indian stock market is set for a cautious start this week as investors weigh a mix of domestic and global cues. Gift Nifty was trading at around 24,447   a premium of nearly 6 points from the previous Nifty futures close   signaling a flat opening for the benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty 50 on Monday.

1. Flat Start Expected for Indian Equities
After ending last week on a sharp decline due to concerns over the economic impact of US President Donald Trump’s announcement of 50% tariffs on India, the Sensex dropped 765.47 points (0.95%) to 79,857.79, and the Nifty 50 slipped 232.85 points (0.95%) to 24,363.30. This week, markets are expected to remain cautious, with a focus on domestic earnings visibility and defensive stock picks.

2. Mixed Asian Market Cues
Asian markets opened on a mixed note ahead of the US–China tariff truce deadline. MSCI’s Asia-Pacific index outside Japan inched up slightly, South Korea’s Kospi fell 0.02%, and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng futures hinted at a higher start. Japan’s markets remained closed for a public holiday.

3. Wall Street Momentum and Nasdaq Record High
US markets ended Friday on a strong note, with the Nasdaq closing at a record high for the second consecutive day, fueled by gains in technology stocks. The Dow rose 206.97 points (0.47%) to 44,175.61, the S&P 500 gained 0.78% to 6,389.45, and the Nasdaq surged 0.98% to 21,450.02. Notably, Apple jumped 4.2%, Tesla rose 2.3%, and Gilead Sciences surged 8.3%.

4. Trump–Putin Meeting in Focus
Global geopolitical watchers are eyeing the upcoming meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, scheduled for August 15. While Trump confirmed Alaska as the venue, Russia suggested the possibility of holding the meeting in Moscow. The talks could have implications for trade, energy markets, and global diplomacy.

5. Gold Prices Ease
Gold prices edged lower as investors awaited clarity on US tariff policies. US gold futures fell 1.2%, while spot gold slipped 0.3% to $3,387.14 an ounce.

6. Dollar Holds Steady
The US dollar index was firm at 98.246, recovering from last week’s 0.4% drop. The euro remained flat at $1.1644, while the dollar stayed near resistance levels against the yen at 147.66.

7. Crude Oil Prices Slip
Oil prices fell on hopes of a Ukraine ceasefire and expectations of increased supply ahead of the Trump–Putin talks. Brent crude dropped 1.07% to $65.88 per barrel, and US WTI crude declined 1.17% to $63.13.

Outlook for the Week
Market sentiment will hinge on key triggers, including US–India trade developments, tariff updates, global inflation data, Q1 corporate earnings, and foreign fund flows. According to Ajit Mishra, SVP, Research at Religare Broking Ltd., “Investors may adopt a defensive-to-neutral stance, prioritizing companies with strong domestic earnings visibility and minimal tariff exposure, while maintaining cash buffers for opportunities during deeper corrections.”

With global uncertainty and domestic caution in play, traders will likely tread carefully, balancing optimism from Wall Street’s rally with the realities of geopolitical and economic risks.