Indian equity indices are expected to open on a gap-up note following mixed global cues and strong domestic cues. The GIFT Nifty was trading 0.88% higher at 24,871. Here are key global cues to watch before the market opens that include new crude oil prices, FII and DII data, business groups that most affect, sectoral performance, etc.
Earlier on Thursday, the NSE Nifty 50 closed the session 12 points or 0.05% higher at 24,631, while the BSE Sensex rose 58 points or 0.07% to close at 80,598.
Key global and domestic cues to know on August 18, 2025
Asian Markets
Asia-Pacific markets traded mixed on Monday, after the US-Russia summit concluded without a ceasefire. Japan’s Nikkei 225 benchmark rose 0.62%, while the broader Topix index added 0.42%. In South Korea, the Kospi index fell 1.06%, while the small-cap Kosdaq was down 1.44%. Futures for Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index stood at 25,214, pointing to a stronger open.
US markets
The futures contract tied to the US benchmarks surged on hopes for rate cuts by the U.S. Federal Reserve, which fueled a winning week on Wall Street. Dow Jones Industrial Average futures edged up 0.09%. S&P 500 futures and the Nasdaq 100 futures were up 0.11% and 0.18%, respectively.
Changes in GST
The Central government has proposed to scrap the 12% and 28% goods and services tax (GST) slabs, among other reforms to India’s indirect tax regime. The government is pushing for economic growth with these steps. Most of the products and services attracting a tax rate of 12% and 28% will be shifted to the 5% and 18% slabs, respectively, as per the proposal. While items in the 28% slab will be moved to a new 40% slab.
Sovereign Ratings upgrade
After an 18-year gap, S&P Global raised India’s long-term sovereign credit rating to ‘BBB’ from ‘BBB-‘, with the short-term rating upgraded to ‘A-2’ from ‘A-3’. The stable outlook reflects confidence in India’s strong economic fundamentals and prudent policy management. S&P last upgraded India in January 2007 to ‘BBB-’.
US dollar
The US Dollar Index (DXY), which measures the dollar’s value against a basket of six foreign currencies, was trading 0.05% higher at 97.90 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 depreciated 0.10% to close at 87.55 to the dollar on August 14.
Crude oil
The crude oil prices traded on a lower note on Monday morning. WTI crude prices were trading at $62.64, down by 0.26%, while Brent crude prices were trading at $65.60, down by 0.37%.
FII, DII data
Foreign institutional investors (FII) were the net sellers of shares worth Rs 2,889.54 crore. On the other hand, the Domestic institutional investors (DII) were the net buyers of shares worth Rs 3,700.12 crore on August 14, 2024, according to the provisional data available on the NSE.
Gold rate today
The rate for 24-carat gold today is Rs 100,390 per 10 grams, near its all-time high. The safe haven’s price is trading above the Rs 1 lakh mark. The rate of gold has risen by 2% in the past one month. The 22 kt gold rate today is Rs 92,024 per 10 grams. The 18-carat gold price today is Rs 75,293.
Top sectors in Thursday’s trade
Among sectors, Gems and Jewellery saw the strongest action, with a 0.9% rise in market capitalisation. This was followed by Paints and Pigments, which gained 0.62%. Internet & E-Commerce and Beverages (Alcoholic) also saw decent traction, gaining 0.59% and 0.49%, respectively.