Its Diwali today in India and the GIFT Nifty opened higher at 25,942, up 0.73%, with investors keeping an eye on global factors like crude oil, gold prices, and currency movements.
In the previous trading session, Indian equity indices ended in the green (October 17). The BSE Sensex surged 484.53 points, or 0.58%, to end at 83,952.19, while the NSE Nifty climbed 124.55 points, or 0.49%, to settle at 25,709.85.
Key global and domestic cues to know on October 20, 2025
Asian Markets
Asian markets kicked off the week on a positive note, with most major indices trading higher on Monday. Japan led the early rally. The Nikkei 225 jumped 1.6% and the broader Topix gained 1.43% in morning deals. In South Korea, the Kospi edged up 0.36%, while the tech-heavy Kosdaq climbed 1.13%. However, Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 bucked the regional trend, slipping 0.1% at the open.
US market
Wall Street ended Friday on a steady note, with all three major U.S. indices closing higher. The Dow Jones gained 238 points, or 0.52%, to end at 46,190, while the S&P 500 rose 0.53% to 6,664. The Nasdaq Composite also inched up 0.52%, finishing at 22,680.
US dollar
The US Dollar Index (DXY), which measures the dollar’s value against a basket of six foreign currencies, was trading 0.07% up at 98.50 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 0.16% to close at 88.78 to the dollar on October 17.
Crude Oil
Crude oil prices slipped in early Monday trade, with WTI crude down 0.28% at $57.38 a barrel and Brent crude easing 0.30% to $61.11
FII, DII data
Foreign investors were net buyers in Indian equities on Friday, picking up shares worth Rs 309 crore, while domestic institutional investors purchased a larger chunk at Rs 1,527 crore, as per provisional exchange data.
Gold rate today
In the latest on the yellow metal, the gold rate in Dubai, 24-carat gold was priced at AED 512.25 per gram, while 22-carat traded at AED 474.25 per gram and 18-carat at AED 390 per gram.
As per Goodreturns, in India, the 24-carat gold rate today is Rs 1,30,850/10 gm, while 22-carat gold costs Rs 1,19,940. For those preferring 18-carat gold, the price is Rs 98,130 for the same weight.
Top sectors in Friday’s trade
Among sectors, paints and pigments led the gains with a 3.2% rise, followed by tea and coffee up 1.82%, tobacco advancing 1.81%, and telecommunications adding 1.68% in Friday’s trade.
Best and worst performing business group in last trading session
Among major business groups, Wadia Group topped the gainers with a 4.28% rise in market value, followed by BK Birla Group up 2.96% and Ruchi Group higher by 2.43%. On the downside, Shapoorji Pallonji Group slipped 3.13%, Essar Group declined 3.25%, and Essel Group fell 3.5% in Friday’s session.
