Indian equity markets expected to open positive on Monday amid mixed global cues The Indian stock market is anticipated to open on a positive note on Monday, despite weak signals from international markets. Traders are likely to adopt a cautious, wait-and-watch stance ahead of the release of the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) for February. However, lingering geopolitical tensions and ongoing outflows by foreign institutional investors may temper optimism. Key factors to monitor include Fitch Ratings' revised GDP growth forecast for fiscal year 2026, which has been raised to 7.5% from previous estimates. Domestic demand is highlighted as the primary driver of this growth. Additionally, Union Minister Piyush Goyal emphasized India's preparedness to manage crude oil and fuel supply challenges amid disruptions in West Asia. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal called for India to transition from being the "Pharmacy of the World" to a global leader in medical technology manufacturing. The Aluminium Association of India (AAI) has urged the government to exempt aluminium products from recent RoDTEP rate cuts to maintain competitiveness in international markets. Meanwhile, the diamond sector is under scrutiny, with the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) reporting a 3.86% year-on-year increase in exports to $2,680.79 million in February, attributed to diversification into new markets. Global markets faced mixed performance, with U.S. indices closing lower as investors focused on the Federal Reserve's policy decisions amid rising crude oil prices. Asian markets opened in negative territory, influenced by Wall Street's poor showing. Domestically, Indian equity benchmarks continued to decline, with the Sensex dropping over 1,450 points and the Nifty falling below the 23,200 mark.#indian_stock_market #wholesale_price_index #piyush_goyal #rajesh_agrawal #aluminium_association_of_india
