Indian equity markets are likely to open on a positive note on Tuesday, February 18, as the GIFT Nifty signals a higher start for both the BSE Sensex and the NSE Nifty 50.
Monday’s session was marked by volatility, but the markets managed to close in the green. The NSE Nifty 50 ended 37.25 points higher, a 0.16% gain, closing at 22,966.50. Similarly, the BSE Sensex climbed 68.47 points, or 0.09%, finishing at 76,007.68, recovering from its lows during the day.
Key global and domestic cues to know on February 18, 2025
Asia Markets
Asian markets opened mixed on Tuesday. Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 0.28%, and the Topix gained 0.37%. South Korea’s Kospi inched up, while the Kosdaq slipped 0.18%.
Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 dropped 0.43% ahead of the Reserve Bank of Australia’s policy decision.
US markets
US markets were closed on Monday for Presidents Day. However, stock futures are higher, extending last week’s gains.
Dow Jones futures rose 106 points (0.2%), while S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 futures also gained 0.2% each. Trading will resume as usual on Tuesday, February 18.
US dollar
The US Dollar Index (DXY), which measures the dollar’s value against a basket of six foreign currencies, was up 0.05% at 106.81 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 depreciated 0.01% to close at 86.87 to the dollar on February 17.
Crude oil
Crude oil prices showed a mixed trend on Tuesday morning. WTI crude slipped 0.04% to $71.34, while Brent crude inched up 0.06% to $75.28.
FII, DII data
On February 17, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) sold shares worth Rs 3,937.83 crore, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) offset the selling by purchasing stocks worth RS 4,759.77 crore.
Gold rate today
Gold rate today in India stands at Rs 8,663 per gram for 24-carat gold and Rs 7,941 per gram for 22-carat gold. The 1-gram gold rate today for 18-carat gold is Rs 6,498, according to Goodreturns
For larger quantities, the 22 kt gold rate today is Rs 79,410 for 10 grams, while the 24 carat for the same quantity is Rs 86,630. The cost of gold for 18K gold is Rs 64,980 per 10 grams.
Corporate action
Several companies are trading ex-dividend today, including Hindustan Aeronautics, Bharat Forge, Gillette India, United Drilling, Greenpanel Industries, and Fineotex Chemical. Others on the list are Carborundum Universal, Amrutanjan Health Care, Suprajit Engineering, IOL Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals, and Precision Wires India. Additionally, K.P. Energy, KPI Green Energy, Maithan Alloys, Natco Pharma, NBCC (India), and NCL Industries are also trading ex-dividend.
Cryptocurrencies
Bitcoin dipped 0.2% to $96,668 on Monday, extending its slow start to 2025, while Ethereum jumped 4.8%. XRP fell 3% to $2.68 but remained up 10% over five days. Solana edged lower, while Cardano saw slight gains.