The global financial landscape is bracing for a cautious opening as the GIFT Nifty indicates a subdued start. This comes in light of US President Donald Trump’s recent social media remarks, where he once again urged Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell to consider lowering interest rates amid ongoing trade tensions.
In the latest trading session, the NSE Nifty 50 experienced a notable increase, closing 274 points, or 1.15%, higher at 24,125.55. Meanwhile, the BSE Sensex surged by 855 points, marking a 1.09% rise to finish at 79,408.
Key Global and Domestic Market Insights for April 22, 2025
Asian Markets Performance
Asian markets displayed a mixed performance today, reflecting the previous day’s downturn in US equities. Here’s a snapshot of key indices:
- Japan’s Nikkei 225: Down 0.05% at 34,261
- South Korea’s Kospi: Up 0.12% to 2,491
- Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index: Decreased 0.10% to 21,373.45
- China’s Shanghai Composite: Slightly rose 0.07% to 3,295
US Market Overview
The US stock market faced significant declines overnight, primarily due to President Trump’s criticism of the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy. The impact was stark:
- Dow Jones Industrial Average: Dropped 971.82 points, or 2.48%, closing at 38,170.41
- S&P 500: Fell 2.36%, ending the day at 5,158.20
- Nasdaq Composite: Decreased by 2.55%, closing at 15,870.90
For further updates, check out our live coverage on the GIFT Nifty and its implications for the market.
US Dollar and Crude Oil Insights
US Dollar Index
The US Dollar Index (DXY), which gauges the dollar’s strength against a collection of six major currencies, dipped 0.19% to 98.47. This index includes currencies like the British Pound, Euro, and Japanese Yen. Additionally, the Indian Rupee appreciated 0.29% to settle at 85.13 against the dollar on April 21.
Crude Oil Market
Crude oil prices saw a rise today, indicating a robust demand outlook:
- WTI Crude: Now trading at $63.04, up 1.02%
- Brent Crude: Currently at $66.82, reflecting a 0.88% increase
Investment Trends: FII and DII Activity
Recent trading data reveals that Foreign Institutional Investors (FII) were net buyers, acquiring shares worth Rs 1,970.17 crore. Conversely, Domestic Institutional Investors (DII) also showed strong buying activity, with net purchases amounting to Rs 246.59 crore on April 21, 2024.
Gold Prices on the Rise
In the domestic markets, gold prices are soaring, nearing Rs 1 lakh per 10 grams. The current rate for 24-carat gold has surged 4.18% from the previous week, now standing at Rs 97,560 per 10 grams—an all-time high. Over the past month, gold has appreciated by 10.60%. Here’s a quick overview of today’s gold prices:
- 22-carat gold: Rs 89,430 per 10 grams
- 18-carat gold: Rs 73,170 per 10 grams
Conclusion
As the markets continue to react to global economic pressures and domestic policy discussions, investors should stay informed about the latest trends and market movements. For ongoing updates, be sure to follow our financial news section.