Market Weekly Roundup: RBI Boosts Sentiment, NIFTY Reclaims 25,000

  Indian equity markets snapped a two-week losing streak, posting gains of over 1% as the NIFTY50 index surged past the pivotal 25,000 mark, closing the week with strong momentum. The SENSEX also climbed above 82,000, reflecting renewed investor confidence. The rally was primarily driven by a surprise move from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), which delivered a 50-basis-point interest rate cut and a 100-basis-point reduction in the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR). These measures injected fresh optimism, particularly in rate-sensitive sectors like Banking (+1.4%), Financial Services (+1.3%), and Realty (+9.5%). RBI’s Bold Moves Fuel Market Rebound The RBI’s larger-than-expected rate cut and CRR reduction were pivotal in lifting market sentiment. Additionally, the central bank revised its inflation forecasts downward, further bolstering investor confidence. This combination of monetary easing and a favorable inflation outlook created a conducive environment for equity markets, enabling a sh...

Stock Market Outlook: Key Drivers for This Week

 

The stock markets are poised for an eventful week, with analysts highlighting quarterly corporate earnings, foreign fund flows, and global trends as the primary drivers of market sentiment. Additionally, updates on global trade deals and their implications for world markets are expected to remain in sharp focus.

Corporate Earnings to Steer Market Direction

With major geopolitical tensions, such as the India-Pakistan conflict, now stabilized, investor attention is shifting toward the ongoing Q4 corporate earnings season. Companies like Power Grid Corporation of India, Hindalco Industries, ONGC, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, ITC, and JSW Steel are set to announce their results this week. These earnings are likely to influence near-term market trends, as they provide critical insights into corporate performance and economic health.

Ajit Mishra, SVP of Research at Religare Broking Ltd, noted, “With no major global or domestic events scheduled, the market’s focus will shift toward domestic earnings and high-frequency economic data for directional cues.”

Foreign Fund Flows: A Key Catalyst

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) have played a pivotal role in sustaining the recent market rally. After being net sellers in the first three months of 2025, offloading equities worth ₹1,16,574 crore, FIIs turned buyers in April. This momentum accelerated in May, with FIIs injecting ₹23,778 crore into Indian equities through May 16. Analysts expect foreign capital flows to continue shaping market dynamics, particularly as global trade conditions improve.

Siddhartha Khemka, Head of Research at Motilal Oswal Financial Services, emphasized the importance of FII activity, stating, “The focus will remain on the ongoing Q4 earnings season, alongside foreign fund flows, which have been a significant driver of the current rally.”

Global Trends and Trade Deals in Focus

Global economic data releases and updates on trade negotiations will also guide investor sentiment. Optimism is growing around a potential India-US trade deal, with US President Donald Trump recently claiming that India is willing to eliminate 100% tariffs on American goods. Such a deal could bolster market confidence and attract further investments.

Puneet Singhania, Director at Master Trust Group, commented, “There is growing optimism around the possibility of an early India-US trade deal, which could provide further support to market sentiment. Domestic developments and key global economic data will also influence investor flows.”

Additionally, the pause in the US-China trade war has contributed to an improved global investment environment, further supporting market optimism. VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Investments Limited, remarked, “With the global trade scenario improving and the end of the India-Pakistan conflict, the investment landscape has strengthened.”

Market Performance and Expectations

Last week, the BSE Sensex soared by 2,876.12 points (3.61%), while the Nifty climbed 1,011.8 points (4.21%), reflecting robust market momentum. In the absence of major global or domestic events this week, analysts anticipate that markets will take cues from corporate earnings, foreign fund activity, and high-frequency economic data.

Mishra added, “Participants will closely monitor foreign capital flows, which have been instrumental in driving the current rally, alongside updates on global trade deals.”

Conclusion

As the stock markets navigate a relatively event-free week, corporate earnings, foreign fund flows, and global trade developments will be the key factors shaping investor sentiment. With marquee companies announcing their Q4 results and optimism surrounding potential trade deals, markets are likely to remain dynamic. Investors are advised to stay vigilant, tracking both domestic and global cues to make informed decisions.

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