Indian equity markets are likely to start on a weaker note on Thursday, February 20, as indicated by the GIFT Nifty, pointing to a lower opening for both the BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty 50.
The markets swung between gains and losses throughout the session before settling nearly flat on Wednesday, February 19. The BSE Sensex slipped by 28 points to end at 75,939.18, while the NSE Nifty50 edged down 12 points to settle at 22,932.90.
Key global and domestic cues to know on February 20, 2025
Asia Markets
Asian markets traded lower on Thursday as investors reacted to fresh tariff proposals from the US. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 fell 1.06%, marking its fourth consecutive day of losses. In Japan, the Nikkei 225 opened 0.79% lower, while the broader Topix index slipped 0.67%. South Korea’s Kospi edged down 0.18%, though the small-cap Kosdaq managed a 0.32% gain.
China maintained its key lending rates on Thursday. The People’s Bank of China kept the 1-year loan prime rate steady at 3.1%, while the 5-year LPR remained unchanged at 3.6%.
US markets
US stocks climbed again on Wednesday, with the S&P 500 hitting another record despite Fed caution and tariff concerns. The index rose 0.24% to 6,144.15, marking its second straight record close. The Nasdaq edged up 0.07% to 20,056.25, while the Dow gained 71 points to end at 44,627.59.
US dollar
The US Dollar Index (DXY), which measures the dollar’s value against a basket of six foreign currencies, was up 0.09% at 107.08 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 up 0.07% to close at 86.95 to the dollar on February 19.
Trump’s tariff
US President Donald Trump is expected to impose a 25% tariff on automobile, pharmaceutical, and semiconductor imports.
Crude oil
Oil prices saw a slight uptick on Thursday morning. WTI crude inched up 0.06% to $72.18, while Brent crude edged 0.02% higher to $76.10
FII, DII data
Foreign investors resumed their selling streak on February 19, offloading shares worth Rs 1,881.30 crore, as per provisional data. Meanwhile, domestic institutional investors (DIIs) remained net buyers, picking up stocks worth Rs 1,957 crore.
Gold rate today
Gold prices in India continue to hold steady, with 24 carat gold priced at Rs 8,766 per gram, while the 22 carat gold rate today stands at Rs 8,036 per gram, according to Goodreturns.
For those looking at 18-carat gold, the cost of gold rate today is Rs 6,575 per gram. Meanwhile, for larger purchases, the 10 gram gold price today is Rs 87,660 for 24 carat, Rs 80,360 for 22-carat, and Rs 65,750 for 18 carat.
Corporate action
Several companies have set February 20, as the key date for their interim dividend payouts. AVT Natural Products will distribute Rs 0.30 per share, while Esab India has announced Rs 23 per share. IRCTC shareholders will receive Rs 3 per share, and Procter & Gamble Hygiene & Health Care leads with Rs 110 per share. Shivalik Bimetal Controls has declared Rs 1.20 per share.
Cryptocurrency
Bitcoin saw a 1.8% rise, reaching $95,809 as it rebounded from recent losses driven by inflation worries and policy uncertainty. The recovery was fuelled by MicroStrategy’s announcement to invest another $2 billion in Bitcoin. Meanwhile, Ethereum edged up slightly to $2,724, reflecting a modest gain in the crypto market.