IT giants including TCS, Infosys, Wipro, HCL Technologies, Tech Mahindra, and Coforge slipped in early trade. The US government clarified that returning visa holders are exempt from the $100,000 fee, which provided partial relief to Indian IT companies. The fee will apply only to new applications from the March–April 2026 lottery cycle.

Among sectoral indices, Nifty IT led losses, down 2.68 per cent, followed by Nifty Pharma and Nifty Healthcare. Other indices showed marginal gains. Analysts noted that the Nifty continues to trade above its key moving averages, indicating a broader bullish trend. Immediate resistance lies at 25,500, 25,600, and 25,850, while support levels are at 25,150 and 25,000.

Global markets mostly rose, with Nasdaq up 0.72 per cent, S&P 500 up 0.49 per cent, and Dow up 0.37 per cent. Asia-Pacific markets were mixed, with Japan’s Nikkei gaining 1.45 per cent and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng down 0.82 per cent. On Friday, FIIs purchased Rs 390 crore in equities, while DIIs were net buyers of Rs 2,105 crore.

The post Sensex, Nifty Open Lower on IT Concerns appeared first on India Podcast.

Across Asia, Japan’s Nikkei surged in morning trade, while other regional markets such as South Korea’s Kospi and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng were also positive. These gains came after weak U.S. labor data renewed hopes that the U.S. Federal Reserve could soon cut interest rates. Investors believe that softer monetary policy in the world’s largest economy will improve global liquidity, indirectly supporting emerging markets like India.

Domestically, investor sentiment has been buoyed by Fitch Ratings raising India’s GDP forecast to 6.9% for FY25, citing resilient consumption and steady growth in services. Inflation figures have stayed within manageable limits, reducing pressure on the Reserve Bank of India to tighten policy further. This combination of global and domestic positives is creating room for equity markets to extend their winning streak.

In terms of sectors, IT stocks are expected to be in focus following a large share buyback announcement from a major technology firm. Banking and financial stocks may also remain active amid healthy credit growth trends. Meanwhile, auto and metals counters could track movements in commodity prices and export data.

Currency, however, remains a risk. The Indian rupee recently touched a record low, raising concerns for import-heavy sectors such as oil marketing companies. On the trade front, global watchers are closely following tariff tensions, especially after recent U.S. moves targeting India and China.

Overall, experts say the opening bias is positive, but volatility cannot be ruled out as markets weigh global policy signals, commodity price swings, and domestic data. Traders are advised to stay selective, with defensive and high-quality names preferred in uncertain conditions.

The post Sensex, Nifty Set for Positive Start as Global Cues Turn Supportive appeared first on India Podcast.

At the opening bell, the Sensex gained 334 points, or 0.41%, to trade at 81,435, while the Nifty rose 106 points, or 0.43%, to 24,975. Broader markets also performed well, with Nifty Midcap 100 advancing 0.73% and Nifty Smallcap 100 up 0.71%.

Among key performers, Larsen & Toubro, Kotak Mahindra, Dr Reddy’s Labs, and TCS led the gains, while Hero Motocorp, Maruti Suzuki, Tata Steel, and Hindalco slipped. Sector-wise, Nifty IT surged 1.88% to become the top gainer, followed by PSU Bank and Realty. Only Auto and Consumer Durables traded in the red.

Global markets also strengthened. Overnight, the Dow Jones added 0.43%, Nasdaq rose 0.37%, and S&P 500 gained 0.27% on expectations of Federal Reserve rate cuts. Asian indices followed suit, with Japan’s Nikkei up 0.6% and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng rising 0.98%. Meanwhile, FIIs turned net buyers after 11 days, purchasing equities worth ₹2,050 crore, while DIIs added ₹83 crore.

The post Sensex, Nifty Open Higher on Strong Global Cues and US-India Trade Hopes appeared first on India Podcast.