Indian equities are expected to begin Tuesday’s session on a muted note, with early direction likely to come from global market trends, Trump tariffs, crude oil prices, and cues from Asian peers. The dollar–rupee movement will remain a key factor to watch, while sectors such as metals, infrastructure, and IT are seen setting the initial pace on Dalal Street. The GIFT Nifty was trading around 24,932, down 0.24 indicating a negative start.
On August 25, Indian equities ended the day in the green, with both benchmark indices extending their upward move. The Sensex climbed 329 points, or 0.40%, to close at 81,635.91, while the Nifty added nearly 98 points, or 0.39%, to finish at 24,967.75.
Key global and domestic cues to know on August 26, 2025
Asian Markets
Across Asia-Pacific, equity markets opened on a mixed note Tuesday. In Japan, both major gauges moved lower, with the Nikkei 225 down 1.21% and the Topix falling 1.05%. South Korea’s Kospi slipped 0.46% even as the smaller Kosdaq gained 0.55%. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 also edged lower, easing 0.31%
PM Modi on farmers, trade pressure: “We Will Bear It All”
Two days ahead of the US deadline on 50% tariffs for Indian imports, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made it clear that his government will not compromise on the interests of farmers, cattle rearers, and small industries. Speaking at a rally in Ahmedabad on Monday, the PM said, “For Modi, the interests of farmers, cattle rearers and small-scale industries are paramount.” Taking a veiled swipe at Washington, Modi said some nations follow “politics driven by economic interests.” He acknowledged that external pressure could intensify in the coming days but asserted that India would stand firm. “Pressure on us may increase, but we will bear it all,” he told the gathering.
Trump tariffs and policy moves
U.S. President Donald Trump dismissed Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, an unusual step that adds strain between the White House and the central bank. On trade, the U.S. and South Korea are working on a framework that involves 15% tariffs on Korean exports, while Trump has also indicated the possibility of imposing tariffs of up to 200% on rare-earth magnets from China.
US markets
U.S. markets started the week in the red on Monday as all three benchmarks declined. The Nasdaq slipped 0.22% to close at 21,449.29, the S&P 500 lost 0.43% to finish at 6,439.32, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average shed 349 points, or 0.77%, to settle at 45,282.47.
US dollar
The US Dollar Index (DXY), which measures the dollar’s value against a basket of six foreign currencies, was trading 0.18% up at 98.23 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 0.06% to close at 87.58 to the dollar on August 25.
Crude Oil
Oil prices edged lower in early Tuesday trade, with WTI crude slipping 0.56% to $64.66 a barrel and Brent crude down 0.50% at $68.45.
FII, DII data
Foreign investors pulled money out of Indian equities on August 25, with net sales estimated at Rs 2,466 crore, according to NSE’s provisional data. In contrast, domestic institutions stepped in as buyers, picking up shares worth around Rs 3,178 crore.
Gold rate today
Gold prices were lower in early Tuesday’s trade. As per Goodreturns, today, 10 grams of 24-carat gold rate today is Rs 1,01,500, while 22-carat gold costs Rs 93,040. For those preferring 18-carat gold, the price is Rs 76,130 for the same weight.
Top sectors in Monday’s trade
Paper sector shares led the market on Monday, jumping 3.3% in overall market value. They were followed by gains in Information Technology and Non-Ferrous Metals, with digital stocks also seeing buying interest. Among laggards, the Alcohol sector slipped, while Automobiles trailed behind Mining in the sectoral performance chart.
Best and worst performing business groups
In Monday’s trade, the Singhania (HS) Group topped the charts with a 3.6% jump in market capitalisation, followed by gains in the Future Group. On the other hand, the Nagarjuna Group saw the steepest decline, losing 4.7% in value, with NACL Industries stock slipping 5% within the group.