Indian equities are likely to open on a cautious note on Tuesday, with global trends setting the tone for early trading. Investors will keep an eye on crude oil prices, the dollar–rupee movement, and the impact of Trump tariffs. Asian markets are providing cues, while sectors like metals, infrastructure, and IT could determine the initial pace on Dalal Street. The GIFT Nifty was hovering around 24,643, down 0.22%, indicting of a subdued start.
Indian markets ended the session sharply lower on August 26. The Sensex dropped 849 points to close at 80,786, while the Nifty declined 256 points to settle at 24,712.
Key global and domestic cues to know on August 28, 2025
Asian Markets
Asia-Pacific markets is trading lower on Thursday, with Japan’s Nikkei 225 falling 0.5% and the Topix dropping 0.3%. South Korea’s Kospi slipped 0.4%, while the Kosdaq edged down 0.1%. In contrast, Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 managed a small gain of 0.1%.
US markets
US stocks rose on Wednesday, with all three major benchmarks closing higher. The S&P 500 gained 0.24% to 6,481.40, marking a new all-time closing high. The Nasdaq Composite added 0.21% to finish at 21,590.14, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 147.16 points, or 0.32%, to end at 45,565.23, reflecting steady gains across key sectors.
Trump tariff begins: U.S. doubles duties on Indian imports
U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to double tariffs on Indian imports to as much as 50% took effect on Wednesday (August 27). The move combines a fresh 25% levy linked to India’s purchases of Russian oil with an earlier 25% duty, pushing up costs on a wide range of products including garments, jewellery, footwear, sporting goods, furniture and chemicals. The hike, which places India alongside China and Brazil in facing some of the highest U.S. import duties, is expected to weigh heavily on exporters.
US dollar
The US Dollar Index (DXY), which measures the dollar’s value against a basket of six foreign currencies, was trading 0.11% down at 98.10 on Thursday 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 0.10% to close at 87.68 to the dollar on August 26.
Crude Oil
Oil prices fell in early Thursday trading, with WTI crude down 0.60% at $63.77 per barrel and Brent crude slipping 0.51% to $67.71.
FII, DII data
Indian markets on Tuesday, August 26, were shaped by opposing investor forces. Foreign investors pulled out nearly Rs 6,517 crore, marking their largest exit since May 20, while domestic institutions stepped in with strong buying of Rs 7,060 crore, their biggest support since August 8.
Gold rate today
Gold prices were higher in early Thursday’s trade. As per Goodreturns, today, 10 grams of 24-carat gold rate today is Rs 1,02,450, while 22-carat gold costs Rs 93,910. For those preferring 18-carat gold, the price is Rs 76,840 for the same weight.
Top sectors in Tuesday’s trade
On Tuesday, textile stocks saw the steepest decline, losing around 3% in market value. Shares in mining, fertiliser, tyre, and paper sectors also fell, with paper stocks following closely behind the capital markets segment. In contrast, food processing stocks registered gains.
Best and worst performing business groups
Shares of Shapoorji Pallonji and Ruchi Group recorded modest gains of 0.71% and 0.81%, respectively, while Avantha Group edged up 0.40%. On the other hand, Shriram Group fell 3.71% and Garware Group declined 3.9%, emerging as the largest drags on the market for the day.