Nifty 50 Falls 0.12%, Sensex Gains 0.11% as Markets Await US-Russia Talks on Ukraine War

Market Update at 10:15 AM: India’s equity benchmarks were largely flat on Thursday as investors stayed cautious ahead of high-level talks between the United States and Russia over the Ukraine war. The outcome of these discussions could have implications for U.S.-India trade negotiations.

The Nifty 50 slipped 0.12 per cent to 24,648.35 points, while the BSE Sensex rose 0.11 per cent to 80,629.19 as of 9:19 a.m. IST.

Among sectoral indices, 10 out of the 16 major sectors advanced, though the gains were marginal. The broader Small-Cap and Mid-Cap indices rose about 0.4 per cent each, indicating selective buying interest in smaller companies that often attract investors looking for potential multibagger opportunities.

Geopolitical developments remained in focus as U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are scheduled to meet on Friday in Alaska to discuss a possible deal to end the Ukraine war. Market participants are monitoring the outcome closely, given its potential influence on trade flows and investor sentiment.

Pre-Market Update at 7:30 AM: On Thursday, August 14, Sensex and Nifty 50 are expected to begin the session on a softer note, tracking mixed cues from global markets. Volatility is anticipated as traders adjust positions ahead of the weekly F&O expiry and the stock market holiday tomorrow.

As of 7:24 AM, the GIFT Nifty was trading near 24,695, up 5 points from its previous close, indicating a cautious start for the Indian benchmark indices.

Asian markets traded mixed, while US indices extended their gains overnight, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq hitting record highs. Optimism around a potential US Federal Reserve rate cut boosted sentiment. On Wednesday, August 13, the Sensex closed 304 points higher at 80,539.91, while the Nifty 50 added 132 points to end at 24,619.35. Mid-cap and small-cap stocks outperformed Large-Caps, with the BSE Midcap index rising 0.56 per cent and the BSE Smallcap index up 0.58 per cent.

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) were net sellers for the third consecutive session, offloading equities worth Rs 3,644.43 crore. Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) extended their buying streak to 28 sessions, purchasing shares worth Rs 5,623.79 crore.

Investors will focus on Quarterly Results from Indian Oil Corporation, Ashok Leyland, Vodafone Idea, Patanjali Foods, Glenmark Pharma, IRB Infrastructure Developers, Inox Wind, Hindustan Copper, AstraZeneca Pharma, NAVA, and Amara Raja Energy & Mobility. Stock-specific action is expected based on earnings announcements and corporate updates such as dividends, bonus issues, and right issues.

In the US, the Dow Jones climbed 463.66 points to 44,922.27, the S&P 500 advanced 0.32 per cent to 6,466.58, and the Nasdaq gained 0.14 per cent to close at 21,713.14. Bitcoin reached an all-time high of USD 124,457.12, while Ethereum touched USD 4,784.67. The dollar index was steady at 97.704. Spot gold rose 0.2 per cent to USD 3,362.33 per ounce on expectations of rate cuts. Brent crude was at USD 65.85 per barrel, and WTI futures at USD 62.84, amid oversupply concerns flagged by the International Energy Agency.

For today, PNB Housing, PG Electroplast, Titagarh Rail System and RBL Bank remain on the F&O ban list.

Disclaimer: The article is for informational purposes only and not investment advice.