As market participants navigate a day filled with significant earnings reports and a mix of domestic and global influences, caution appears to be the prevailing sentiment. Early indicators from the Gift Nifty suggest a steady yet slightly optimistic opening, setting the tone for a day of observation and strategic decision-making.

Market Overview: April 30, 2025

After a day marked by fluctuations, the Indian stock market concluded on a subdued note on April 29. The Sensex gained 70 points, finishing at 80,288, while the Nifty saw a modest rise of 7 points, closing at 24,336.

Key Developments Impacting Markets

Escalating India-Pakistan Tensions

Tensions between India and Pakistan are escalating following the Pahalgam attack, with Pakistan citing "credible intelligence" regarding a potential military response from India within the next 24 to 36 hours. This warning comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi granted the military "complete operational freedom" in determining India’s reaction, according to reports.

Asian Market Performance

In Asia, traders are adopting a wait-and-see approach, leading to mixed results across the region. Here’s a quick glance:

• Japan: The Nikkei 225 rose 0.14%, and the Topix climbed 0.5%.
• South Korea: The Kospi dipped by 0.2%, and the Kosdaq fell 0.25%.
• Australia: The S&P/ASX 200 remained flat.

Wall Street’s Positive Trend

U.S. markets enjoyed a robust session on Tuesday, with all three major indices finishing higher. Highlights include:

• Dow Jones Industrial Average: Up 0.75%, closing at 40,527.62—marking its sixth consecutive gain, the longest since July.
• S&P 500: Increased 0.58% to 5,560.83, also notching six wins in a row.
• Nasdaq Composite: Hiked by 0.55%, closing at 17,461.32.

Trade Talks on the Horizon

Former President Donald Trump expressed optimism regarding U.S.-India trade relations, stating that tariff negotiations are progressing well, with a potential agreement on the horizon. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also noted ongoing discussions with Japan and early stages of a trade deal with South Korea.

Currency and Commodity Insights

U.S. Dollar Movement

The U.S. Dollar Index (DXY), which gauges the dollar’s strength against six major currencies, dipped 0.04% to 99.20 on Wednesday morning. The Indian rupee appreciated by 0.25%, closing at 85.25 against the dollar on April 29.

Crude Oil Prices

Crude oil experienced a slight decline in early trading on Wednesday:

• WTI Crude: Down 0.28%, now priced at $60.25 per barrel.
• Brent Crude: Fell 0.29%, trading at $63.10.

Investment Trends

Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) continued their buying spree on April 29, with an impressive inflow of Rs 2,385 crore, marking their tenth consecutive session of purchases. This follows a substantial withdrawal of Rs 35,000 crore earlier in the month. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) also contributed, adding Rs 1,369 crore to the market.

Gold Prices Today

Gold prices saw a slight decline on April 29. Key figures include:

• Global Spot Price: Dropped to $3,300 per ounce.
• Local Prices in India: Settled between Rs 96,000 and Rs 97,000 for 10 grams.

Current rates for gold in India are as follows:

• 24-Carat Gold: Rs 97,980 per 10 grams.
• 22-Carat Gold: Rs 89,810 per 10 grams.
• 18-Carat Gold: Rs 73,490 per 10 grams.

Upcoming Economic Indicators

Investors are gearing up for crucial economic data releases, including:

• U.S. GDP figures: Anticipated this week.
• Manufacturing PMI: Set to be released on Thursday.
• Unemployment rates: Expected on Friday.

Additionally, the Euro Zone will unveil its core inflation data for April.

These developments are pivotal for shaping market sentiment and investor strategies in the coming days.