Indian equity markets are likely to open on a flat to negative note today, tracking mixed global cues. The GIFT Nifty was trading 0.09% down at 25,000 in the early hours. Investors will be closely watching key triggers such as global crude oil price trends, FII and DII flows, sectoral performance, and movements in major business groups, all of which could influence market direction through the day.
In the previous trading session on July 18, Indian equity benchmarks ended lower. The Sensex slipped 501.51 points, or 0.61%, to close at 81,757.73, while the Nifty shed 143.05 points, or 0.57%, ending at 24,968.40.
Key global and domestic cues to know on July 21, 2025
Asian Markets
Asian markets kicked off the week on a cautious note, with a mix of gains and flat moves as investors awaited China’s loan prime rate decision. South Korea’s Kospi rose 0.45%, while the Kosdaq remained nearly unchanged. Japanese markets were shut for a public holiday. Meanwhile, Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 was flat.
US markets
U.S. markets ended mixed on Friday as renewed tariff concerns weighed on investor sentiment, particularly after reports emerged that President Donald Trump had pushed for higher tariffs on the European Union. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 142.30 points, or 0.32%, to close at 44,342.19, dragged by losses in industrial and trade-sensitive stocks. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 edged down 0.01% to 6,296.79 after briefly hitting a record high earlier in the day. The Nasdaq Composite managed to inch higher, rising 0.05% to end at 20,895.66.
Trump tariff buzz
Global investors are watching closely as the US edges toward an August 1 deadline that could bring new tariffs on European goods. Reports say President Trump is pushing for a minimum 15-20% tax on all EU imports and wants to keep a 25% duty on European cars, even though the EU offered to scrap its own 10% car tax if the US lowers its tariffs. Since a 10% base duty is already in place, the ongoing tension is making markets nervous.
Powell’s speech in focus
All eyes will be on US Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s speech on July 22, which could offer key clues on the interest rate outlook ahead of the crucial FOMC meeting later this month.
US dollar
The US Dollar Index (DXY), which measures the dollar’s value against a basket of six foreign currencies, was trading 0.01% lower at 98.48 on Monday morning. The index evaluates the strength or weakness of the US dollar in comparison to major currencies. The basket contains currencies such as the British Pound, Euro, Swedish Krona, Japanese Yen, Swiss Franc, etc. The rupee appreciated 0.13% to close at 86.15 to the dollar on July 18.
Crude oil
Crude oil prices opened slightly higher on Monday. WTI rose 0.23% to $67.46, while Brent was up 0.32% at $69.50.
FII, DII data
Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) bought Indian equities worth Rs 374 crore on July 18. Meanwhile Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) made net purchases of Rs 2,103 crore, as per provisional data from the NSE.
Gold rate today
Gold prices slipped slightly in early Monday trade. As per Goodreturns, today, 10 grams of 24-carat gold rate today is Rs 1,00,030, while 22-carat gold costs Rs 91,690. For those preferring 18-carat gold, the price is Rs 75,020 for the same weight.
Top sectors in Friday’s trade
Sector wise, the mining sector rose by 1.19% in the Friday’s trading session. Among individual mining stocks, Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation surged over 14%. The Orissa Minerals Development Company was also in the spotlight, jumping 10.48%. Ashapura Minechem rose 4.4%, while MOIL gained 2.81%.
The transport sector also moved higher, up 0.94%. Leather stocks gained 0.62%.
Best and worst performing business groups
Among the business groups, Nagarjuna Group stood out with the biggest gain, rising 4.66% in market cap. Other notable gainers included the Indiabulls Group, which added 1.9%, and the Bhartia Group, which climbed 1.84%. The Williamson Magor Group also saw a decent uptick of 1.66%.
On the flip side, the Shriram Group led the losers with a 2.68% drop. In the Shriram Group, Shriram Properties edged up by 1.21%, while Shardul Securities gained nearly 2%. Take Solutions, part of the group’s broader portfolio, also rose close to 2% in the day’s trade.
Furthermore, Lalbhai Group, declined 2.41%. The Shapoorji Pallonji Group also ended in the red, falling 2.37%.