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Indian equity benchmarks are likely to make negative start on Friday, influenced by mixed global cues. Concerns over global trade tensions may keep sentiment subdued, while foreign fund inflows could provide some support to the sentiments. According to exchange data, Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) purchased equities worth Rs 11,111.25 crore on Thursday.

Some of the key factors to be watched:

India-US trade talks aim for $500 billion by 2030: Commerce and industry Minister Piyush Goyal said India and the US are in ongoing talks for a trade agreement. These discussions are progressing well and aim to benefit both nations while protecting India's interests. The two countries hope to double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. 

RBI may cut rates by 25 bps in April: India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra) said that the RBI's monetary policy committee is expected cut benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points in its policy review meeting next month to push growth.

RBI to double foreign investor cap in listed firms to 10% to boost inflows: A private report indicated that India's central bank is set to double to 10 per cent a cap on investment by individual foreign investors in listed companies, as it aims to boost capital inflows.

Govt to mobilise Rs 8 lakh crore via bonds in first half of FY26: The finance ministry said the Centre plans to raise Rs 8 lakh crore through dated securities during April-September period of 2025-26 to fund the revenue gap.

Media and entertainment industry stocks will be in focus: Report by FICCI and EY indicated that India’s media and entertainment industry generated approximately Rs 2.5 trillion in revenue in 2024, expanding at a relatively modest 3.3 per cent year-on-year, even as it underwent a rapid transformation.

On the global front: The US markets ended in red on Thursday, amid ongoing concerns about President Donald Trump's trade policies. Asian markets are trading mixed on Friday ahead of PCE price index data for more cues on U.S. inflation.

Back home, Indian equity benchmarks rebounded on the monthly expiry day, gaining nearly half a percent on Thursday, after falling sharply in the previous session as continuous foreign fund inflows and buying in blue-chip Bajaj Finserv, Indusind Bank and NTPC supported the recovery. Finally, the BSE Sensex rose 317.93 points or 0.41% to 77,606.43, and the CNX Nifty was up by 105.10 points or 0.45% to 23,591.95.  

Some of the important factors in trade:

Sustained foreign fund inflows: According to exchange data, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) continued their buying streak for the fifth straight session, picking up Rs 2,240.55 crore worth of Indian equities on March 26, even as markets turned sharply lower. Finally, the BSE Sensex rose 317.93 points or 0.41% to 77,606.43, and the CNX Nifty was up by 105.10 points or 0.45% to 23,591.95.  

India's exports are bound to grow in coming years despite global uncertainties: Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) Santosh Kumar Sarangi has said that India's exports are bound to grow in the coming years despite uncertainties over global trade and tariff. Sarangi said that exporters should tread the path pragmatically and wisely to navigate the current global trade contours. 

India, US holding very active and intense discussions on trade: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said that India and the US are holding very active and intense discussions on trade, as the world waits with anxiety over US President Donald Trump's reciprocal tariff that will kick in on April 2, 2025. 

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