Indian Stock Market: Gift Nifty Dips, US-UK Trade Cheers, and War Worries Rise

The Indian stock market is likely to begin on a weaker note today as tensions rise between India and Pakistan. On Thursday, both Sensex and Nifty 50 closed lower because of sudden selling towards the end of the trading session. This happened after the government confirmed that the Indian military had targeted Pakistan’s air defence systems.

Sensex and Nifty 50 Update: How the Market Performed

On Thursday, the Sensex dropped by 411.97 points (0.51%) and ended at 80,334.81. Meanwhile, the Nifty 50 fell by 140.60 points (0.58%) to close at 24,273.80. Experts say that due to ongoing uncertainty and high India VIX levels, traders are being extra cautious. This may affect the market trend in the coming days.

Ajit Mishra from Religare Broking mentioned that until market volatility reduces, investors should continue using safe and balanced strategies.

Asian stock markets showed mixed reactions today. Investors are waiting for China’s April trade data, while also dealing with doubts about the US-China trade talks.

Japan’s Nikkei 225 and Topix went up, while South Korea’s Kosdaq saw a fall. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng is expected to open slightly lower.

Gift Nifty Suggests Lower Opening for Indian Markets

The Gift Nifty was trading around the 23,976 mark, nearly 295 points below its previous close. This hints at a gap-down opening for Indian stock market indices.

On the other hand, the US stock market ended higher on Thursday. A new trade agreement between the United States and the United Kingdom helped boost market confidence.

• Dow Jones gained 254.48 points (0.62%)

• S&P 500 rose 32.66 points (0.58%)

• Nasdaq Composite climbed 189.98 points (1.07%)

Stocks like Delta Air Lines and Boeing went up, while Arm and Krispy Kreme saw heavy losses.

India-Pakistan War Tensions Shake Market Sentiment

The biggest concern for the Indian stock market today is the military conflict between India and Pakistan. Reports say that Pakistani drones and missiles targeted areas like Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur.

The Indian Defence Ministry said these threats were quickly handled using modern techniques. In Jammu and Kashmir’s Naushera sector, Indian forces also shot down two drones and exchanged heavy fire with Pakistani forces.

This increase in geopolitical tension has made investors nervous, and it could lead to further pressure on the markets.

Other Global Market Updates

• US and UK Trade Deal: A limited trade agreement was signed, with some tariffs staying the same.

• US Jobless Claims: Fewer Americans applied for jobless benefits than expected, a sign of a strong job market.

• Bank of England Rate Cut: The interest rate was lowered to 4.25%, but mixed opinions among officials left future steps unclear.

Gold and Crude Oil Prices Rise

• Gold prices slightly increased to $3,309.39 an ounce, while US gold futures rose to $3,314.20.

• Crude oil prices also went up. Brent crude was at $62.95, and WTI crude oil stood at $60.01.

The US dollar gained value against major global currencies. After the US-UK deal, the dollar index rose to 100.66, while the euro and pound fell. The Japanese yen also weakened as the dollar strengthened.

The Indian stock market today is facing pressure due to rising India-Pakistan tensions and mixed global signals. While the Sensex and Nifty 50 are likely to open lower, traders are advised to stay careful and watch global and regional updates closely.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Please consult a certified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.