Markets are set for a positive opening today, with early cues from Gift Nifty indicating positive momentum. Global trends, including Wall Street performance and key economic updates, will play a key role in shaping the day’s trading. On March 17, Indian stock markets saw strong gains, with both benchmark indices closing in the green. The Sensex surged 1,131 points or 1.53% to end at 75,301.26, while the Nifty climbed 325 points or 1.45% to close at 22,834.30.
Key global and domestic cues to know on March 19, 2025
FOMC meeting
The US Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) will announce its policy decision today, March 19, at 2 PM ET (11:30 PM IST). Along with the decision, the Fed will release its summary of economic projections and the closely watched ‘dot plot,’ providing insights into future interest rate expectations and the economic outlook. Investors will be closely watching Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s statement for clues on upcoming rate changes.
Trump-Putin call sparks ceasefire talks in Ukraine
US President Donald Trump announced that he and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed on an “immediate” ceasefire for energy and infrastructure in Ukraine during a phone call on Tuesday. Posting on Truth Social, Trump stated that both leaders aim for a complete ceasefire and an eventual end to the war. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded by expressing willingness to discuss the “next steps” but sought more details and involvement in the talks.
Asia Markets
Asian markets showed a mixed trend on Wednesday, reacting to a tech-driven sell-off on Wall Street. Japan’s Nikkei 225 edged up 0.41%, with the broader Topix gaining 0.70%. South Korea’s Kospi started strong with a 0.91% rise, though the Kosdaq dipped 0.27% in a volatile session. Meanwhile, Australia’s ASX 200 trimmed its losses but remained 0.13% lower in early trade.
Gold rate today
Gold prices reached a new all-time high on Tuesday (March 18), driven by global trade tensions and economic uncertainty.
Today (March 19), in India, as per Goodreturns, 24 carat gold is priced at Rs 90,010 per 10 grams, while 22 carat gold rate today is Rs 82,510 per 10 grams. Those opting for 18-carat gold will find it at Rs 67,751 per 10 grams. On a per gram basis, 24-carat gold is selling at Rs 9,001, 22-carat at Rs 8,251, and 18-carat at Rs 6,751.
US markets
After two days of gains, U.S. stocks slipped back into the red, with major indices facing sharp declines. The Dow Jones fell 0.62% to close at 41,581. The S&P 500 dropped 1.07% to 5,614, now just 8.6% below its February peak, edging closer to correction territory. The Nasdaq took the biggest hit, sliding 1.71% to settle at 17,504.
US dollar
The US Dollar Index (DXY), which measures the dollar’s value against a basket of six foreign currencies, was at 103.35 on Wednesday 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 settled at 86.56 against the US dollar on March 18.
FII, DII data
FIIs made a comeback as net buyers in Indian equities after nearly a month, picking up Rs 694.57 crore on March 18, as per NSE data. Their last net purchase was on February 18, 2025. On the other hand, DIIs remained steady with their buying spree, investing Rs 2,534.75 crore.
Crude oil
Crude oil prices saw a slight dip on Wednesday morning, with U.S. benchmark WTI crude easing by 0.18% to $66.78 per barrel, while global benchmark Brent crude slipped 0.14% to $70.44.