The Indian stock market is likely to start flat or slightly lower on Friday due to weak global cues. Gift Nifty, which reflects early signals for Nifty, was trading slightly below the previous close, suggesting a cautious start for investors.
Weak Sentiment in Asian Markets
Asian stock markets opened lower on Friday. Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell over 1.5%, while South Korea’s Kospi and Kosdaq also dropped. Investors were concerned about the impact of the US court’s decision to reinstate former President Donald Trump’s tariff policies. These reciprocal tariffs could affect global trade sentiment.
Wall Street Closes Higher
Despite worries over tariffs, the US stock market ended in the green. The Dow Jones gained 117 points, and the Nasdaq rose by nearly 75 points. Big tech companies like Nvidia and Tesla saw gains, though some retail stocks like Best Buy saw declines. Overall, the US market showed resilience.
Trump’s Tariff Revival and Its Impact
A US appeals court has temporarily brought back Trump’s controversial tariffs. This development may impact international trade relations and investor confidence. However, the full impact depends on the final court ruling.
US Economic Indicators
Recent data showed the US economy shrank slightly in the first quarter of 2025, down by 0.2%. While the contraction was smaller than expected, it marks the first decline since 2022. Additionally, jobless claims increased to 240,000, hinting at possible weakness in the labor market.
Japan Economic Update
Japan’s industrial output in April dropped 0.9%, which was better than forecasts. Retail sales improved, and the jobless rate remained steady at 2.5%. These numbers indicate some stability in the Japanese economy despite global concerns.
What It Means for Indian Investors
As there are no major domestic triggers, the focus is now on global developments and performance of banking and financial stocks. Experts suggest traders remain cautious and focus on quality stocks during this uncertain phase.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Please consult a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
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