Opening Bell : Markets likely to make negative start as U.S. tariffs kick in
Indian equity markets are likely to make negative start on Thursday ahead of monthly F&O expiry. Traders are likely to remain cautious after U.S. President Donald Trump's 50 percent tariffs on Indian goods came into effect on August 27, 2025. Additionally, ongoing selling by foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) could further dampen markets sentiments.
Some of the key factors to be watched:
India-Africa trade crossed $100 billion in 2024-25: Union minister Kirti Vardhan Singh said that India-Africa trade has crossed $100 billion and New Delhi has emerged as one of the top-five investors in the continent.
Commercial vehicle volumes to grow by 3-5% this fiscal: The rating agency ICRA said that commercial vehicle dispatches from companies to dealers are expected to witness a volume growth of 3 to 5 per cent year-on-year in the current fiscal.
Commerce Ministry to hold meetings with industry on export diversification amid 50% US tariffs: A report said that Commerce Ministry will hold a series of meetings this week with exporters from various sectors, including chemicals, gems and jewellery, to discuss ways to boost exports to new markets to shield industries from the steep 50 per cent US tariffs on Indian goods.
EU trade commissioner likely to visit India next month: The report said that European Commissioner for Trade Maros Sefcovic is likely to visit India next month to take stock of the progress of free trade agreement negotiations with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal.
Employment in industries rises 5.92% to 1.95 crore in FY24: Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) data showed that Employment in industries increased by 5.92 per cent to 1.95 crore in 2023-24 from 1.84 crore in 2022-23.
On the global front: The U.S. markets ended in green on Wednesday, as investors looked past President Trump's unprecedented move to fire Fed Board Governor Lisa Cook from the central bank's board and braced for Nvidia results. Asian markets are trading mostly in green on Thursday, tracking strong cues from US markets overnight.
Back home, Indian equity benchmarks ended lower with losses of over a percent on Tuesday, due to widespread selling pressure after the US issued a draft notice over the implementation of an additional 25 per cent tariff on Indian products. Finally, the BSE Sensex fell 849.37 points or 1.04% to 80,786.54 and the CNX Nifty was down by 255.70 points or 1.02% to 24,712.05.
Some of the important factors in trade:
India, Fiji firm up action plan to boost defence ties; ink seven pacts: India and Fiji have firmed up an action plan to boost defence ties and agreed to jointly work for a peaceful and inclusive Indo-Pacific as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Fijian counterpart Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka held talks to expand the overall bilateral cooperation.
Sales of listed private NFCs grew leisurely at 5.5% in Q1FY26: The data released by Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has indicated a leisurely growth pace in sales of listed private non-financial companies (NFC) at 5.5% in first quarter of 2025-26 compared to 6.9% in the year-ago period.
Auto dealers seek early implementation of new GST regime: Automotive dealer's body FADA has sought early implementation of the new GST structure to avoid losses for the industry during the lucrative festive period, with customers postponing purchases amid hopes of a price cut on vehicles under the new regime.
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