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Home > Stock Market Updates > Opening Bell - 21 / 03 / 25
Podcast: Stock Market Updates
Episode:

Opening Bell - 21 / 03 / 25
Category: Business
Duration: 00:02:04
Publish Date: 2025-03-21 07:12:51
Description:

Opening Bell - Morning Commentary


Markets at Highest Level in Over a Month: Poised at Critical Resistance Threshold


US equity markets retreated Thursday as materials and consumer staples sectors led the decline. Investor confidence has waned in recent weeks following economic indicators suggesting both economic activity and consumer sentiment are cooling amid the Trump administration's implementation of reciprocal trade tariffs.


February's Conference Board Leading Economic Index (LEI), designed to forecast economic turning points, declined 0.3% to 101.1, further signalling potential near-term economic challenges.


The US dollar stabilized Friday after posting its strongest single-day performance in three weeks on Thursday, bolstered by the Federal Reserve's cautious stance on interest rate reductions.


Thursday saw US stocks close marginally lower following a session of fluctuation between gains and losses. Investors carefully weighed the latest economic data and Federal Reserve policy guidance against ongoing tariff concerns.


Asian markets traded within narrow ranges Friday as investors cautiously awaited Donald Trump's next trade policy announcements. This tension follows a week dominated by central bank meetings that heightened market anxiety.


Gold remained just $10 below Thursday's record high of $3,057.49 per ounce, with demand for the safe-haven asset supported by concerns over the potential economic impact of President Trump's tariff policies.


In Japan, core inflation reached 3.0% in February, while an index excluding fuel effects increased at its fastest rate in nearly a year. These broadening price pressures reinforce market expectations for additional interest rate hikes.


Indian equities climbed to their highest level in over a month on Thursday, propelled by the US Federal Reserve's signal of additional interest rate cuts later this year. The Nifty advanced for the fourth consecutive session, gaining 283 points (1.24%) to close at 23,190—its strongest finish since February 10. Mid-cap and small-cap segments maintained their upward trajectory, also marking their fourth straight day of gains.


In significant corporate developments, Manappuram Finance announced a strategic deal with Bain Capital Asia, wherein the private equity firm will invest Rs.385 crore to acquire shares and warrants representing an 18% stake in the NBFC. Meanwhile, Aditya Birla Group unveiled an ambitious ₹45,000-crore investment plan for Hindalco, targeting expansion in both copper and aluminium segments.


The Indian rupee extended its winning streak for the seventh consecutive day, touching a near two-month high of 86.2075—its strongest level since January 24. The currency ultimately closed with gains of 7 paise at 86.37, supported by positive equity market performance.


Nifty closed above its 50-day EMA for the first time since February 5, 2025. Following a robust 1,200-point rally from recent lows, short-term traders should reassess their bullish positions as the market enters a strong resistance zone between 23,200-23,400 levels. Support for the Nifty has now shifted higher tco the 22,950-23,000 range.
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