- Nifty 50 reaches the 25,000 mark for the first time since October 2024, but opens slightly lower today.
- US stock futures trade flat as Walmart warns of price hikes due to trade tariffs.
- European markets rise on optimism over a US-China trade deal, with Barclays revising growth forecasts.
The Indian stock market opened on a cautious note despite a strong showing on Thursday. The Nifty 50 index, which had surged past the 25,000 mark, opened slightly lower today, with SBI shares falling nearly 2%.
Across global markets, European stocks posted gains as the week concluded with renewed optimism over a US-China trade agreement.
Global Markets React to US-China Trade Deal, Nifty Slips After Brief Surge
After a stellar run that saw the Nifty 50 cross the 25,000 mark for the first time since October 2024, Indian markets opened on a subdued note. Despite a strong performance during the weekly options expiry, the index faced resistance at the 25,100 level and slipped slightly in early trade. Key stocks to watch include SBI, which is down by nearly 2%, and Hyundai Motor India, which is set for a major IPO debut.
US stock futures remained relatively flat as investors weighed Walmart’s cautionary stance on ‘unavoidable’ price hikes due to trade tariffs. Meanwhile, retail sales data indicated a slowdown, though wholesale inflation eased in April, offering a mixed economic picture.
In Europe, the mood was more optimistic, with major indices gaining on news of a US-China trade deal. Barclays revised its US growth forecasts upward, now predicting 0.5% growth in 2025 and 1.6% in 2026. The bank also adjusted its eurozone outlook, now expecting flat growth instead of a 0.2% contraction, though it still foresees a technical recession in late 2025.
Despite the positive market sentiment, caution lingers as global economic uncertainties persist. Ongoing negotiations over reciprocal tariffs between the US and Europe remain unresolved, keeping investors on edge.
Market sentiment remains mixed as global economic uncertainties temper gains driven by trade optimism and revised growth forecasts.
“Market sentiment is driven by optimism, but caution prevails amid lingering economic uncertainties.” — Anonymous
