February 19: Top Things to Know Before the Market Opens!
GIFT Nifty indicated a slightly positive opening for Indian equities. As of 07:10 AM IST, Nifty futures were trading at 22,962.5.
Market Update 8:15 AM: U.S. equities wrapped up Tuesday’s session with minor gains, as investors assessed earnings season developments, upcoming Federal Reserve meeting minutes, and ongoing geopolitical risks. The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged up by 10.26 points or 0.02 per cent to settle at 44,556.34. The S&P 500 climbed 14.95 points or 0.24 per cent to close at 6,129.58, while the Nasdaq Composite inched up 14.49 points or 0.07 per cent to finish at 20,041.26.
Asian equities traded on a mixed note in early deals as geopolitical concerns and global trade tensions weighed on sentiment, despite gains in semiconductor stocks, which had helped propel the S&P 500 to a fresh record high.
GIFT Nifty indicated a lackluster to slightly positive opening for Indian equities. As of 07:10 AM IST, Nifty futures were trading at 22,962.5.
Indian benchmark indices ended slightly lower after a choppy session on February 18. The Sensex dipped by 29.47 points or 0.04 per cent to close at 75,967.39, while the Nifty 50 slipped 14.20 points or 0.06 per cent to finish at 22,945.30. The BSE Midcap index dropped 0.2 per cent but managed to recover from its intraday lows, whereas the Smallcap index extended losses, declining 1.7 per cent.
The yield on U.S. 10-year Treasuries edged up to 4.54 per cent, while the 2-year yield moved slightly higher to 4.29 per cent in early Wednesday trade.
The U.S. dollar gained strength, rising to 107.01, amid tariff-related concerns and intensifying Russia-Ukraine negotiations. Meanwhile, the New Zealand dollar held firm as traders braced for a sizable rate cut.
WTI crude oil prices advanced to approximately USD 72 per barrel on Wednesday, extending gains for the third consecutive session. The rise was driven by short-term supply risks after a drone attack on a pumping station in southern Russia disrupted Kazakh crude exports to the Black Sea. However, further upside in oil prices was limited due to easing geopolitical risks, with diplomatic talks between the U.S. and Russia aiming to de-escalate tensions over Ukraine.
Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) turned net buyers after nine consecutive sessions of selling, purchasing equities worth Rs 4,786 crore on February 18. Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) extended their buying streak for the tenth session, adding stocks worth Rs 3,072 crore on the same day.
Manappuram Finance and Deepak Nitrite remain under the F&O ban today.
Disclaimer: The article is for informational purposes only and not investment advice.