The GIFT Nifty began Tuesday’s session at 26,065, down about 0.10%. Investors are tracking global trends, including movements in Asian and US markets, currency shifts, and commodity prices, while keeping an eye on domestic economic indicators and upcoming data releases.
Indian equity markets closed lower on December 15. The BSE Sensex dropped 384.55 points, or 0.47%, to end the session at 81,748.57, while the Nifty 50 slipped 100.05 points, or 0.40%, to close at 24,668.25.
Key global and domestic cues on December 16, 2025
Asian Markets
Asia-Pacific markets began Tuesday on a mostly weak note. In Japan, the Nikkei 225 slipped 0.94%, with selling seen in basic materials and real estate stocks, while the broader Topix index fell 0.96%. South Korean markets also remained under pressure for the second consecutive session, as the Kospi opened 1.13% lower and the Kosdaq declined 1.8%. In contrast, Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 edged up 0.13% in early trade.
India nears interim trade deal with the US
India is close to finalising an initial framework trade agreement with the United States aimed at reducing high reciprocal tariffs, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said on Monday. Talks are continuing on two parallel tracks – one for the interim framework deal and another for a full bilateral trade agreement. Last week, US Deputy Trade Representative Rick Switzer visited New Delhi to review progress on both negotiations and discuss overall bilateral trade relations.
US markets
In the US, Wall Street ended slightly lower. The S&P 500 closed down 0.16%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged down marginally, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite declined 0.59%.
Rupee hits record lows on December 15
On December 15, the Indian rupee saw sharp weakness against the US dollar. It opened trading at a record low of 90.45, slipped further during the session to a historic low of 90.78, and finally closed the day at 90.73, marking its weakest-ever closing level against the dollar.
US dollar
The US Dollar Index (DXY), which measures the dollar’s value against a basket of six foreign currencies, was 0.05% up at 98.30 on Tuesday 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 0.33%, closed at 90.73 to the dollar on December 15.
Crude Oil
Crude oil prices were trading lower on Tuesday morning. US benchmark WTI crude slipped 0.47% to $56.61 a barrel, while Brent crude also edged down 0.30% to trade at $60.38 a barrel.
FII
Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) remained net sellers in the Indian equity market, offloading shares worth Rs 1,468 crore. In contrast, domestic institutional investors (DIIs) stepped in as buyers, picking up equities worth Rs 1,792 crore on December 15.
Gold rate today
Gold prices in India edged higher. On the MCX, February 5, 2026 gold futures were trading at Rs 1,34,180 per 10 grams in the latest update.
In the international market, gold was trading at $4,334.60 per ounce.
Top sectors in last trading session
Among sectoral movers, transport stocks led with a 2.05% rise in market capitalisation. Fertilisers followed with gains of 1.29%, while paper and cables sectors advanced 1.22% and 1.06%, respectively.
Best and worst performing business group on Monday
Among business groups, the Manipal Group saw the sharpest jump with its market capitalisation rising 9.16%, followed by the Aarti Group at 3.68% and the Williamson Magor Group at 3.34%. On the downside, the Indiabulls Group declined 3.94%, Nagarjuna Group slipped 3.82%, while the Future Group was down 2.65%.