Indian stock markets are set for a positive start today, with early trends from Gift Nifty indicating a green opening. This comes after two consecutive days of losses, where investors saw a sharp decline in benchmark indices.
On Tuesday (April 1), the BSE Sensex plunged 1,390 points (1.8%), closing at 76,024, while the NSE Nifty dropped 354 points (1.5%) to settle at 23,165. As markets open today, all eyes will be on whether they can recover from this dip or if volatility continues to shape trading sentiment.
Key global and domestic cues to know on April 2, 2025
Trump tariff
President Donald Trump is set to make one of his boldest trade moves yet, with new tariffs taking effect immediately. Dubbed “Liberation Day,” the policy is expected to mark a significant shift in US trade strategy. While details remain hazy, even within the administration, the White House confirmed on Tuesday that the tariffs would be enforced without delay.
According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, the moment the announcement is made, the tariffs will come into force, setting the stage for a new chapter in US trade policy.
Gold rate today
Gold prices hit a new all-time high on MCX on April 1, driven by concerns over US President Donald Trump’s tariffs set to take effect on April 2.
As per Goodreturns, gold prices today (April 2) were Rs 92,850 for 24 carat gold, while 22 carat gold rate today stood at Rs 85,110 per 10 grams. Meanwhile, 18 carat gold was available at Rs 69,640 per 10 grams.
US market
Wall Street saw another choppy trading session on Tuesday as investors braced for the impact of President Donald Trump’s upcoming tariffs. Despite the volatility, the S&P 500 managed to edge up 0.38% to close at 5,633.07. The Nasdaq Composite saw a stronger gain of 0.87%, ending at 17,449.89. However, the Dow Jones Industrial Average struggled, slipping 11.80 points, or 0.03%, to settle at 41,989.96.
Asian Markets
Asian markets saw a mixed start on Wednesday as investors awaited fresh tariff measures from US President Donald Trump. Japan’s Nikkei 225 posted a modest gain of 0.06%, while the broader Topix slipped 0.3%. South Korea’s Kospi edged up 0.14%, with the Kosdaq following closely at 0.12%. Meanwhile, Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 led the regional gains, rising 0.63%.
US dollar
The US Dollar Index (DXY), which measures the dollar’s value against a basket of six foreign currencies, was at 104.28 on Wednesday morning. The index evaluates the strength or weakness of the US dollar in comparison to major currencies. The basket contains currencies such as the British Pound, Euro, Swedish Krona, Japanese Yen, Swiss Franc, etc. The rupee settled at 85.47 against the US dollar on April 1.
FII, DII data
April began on a bearish note as foreign institutional investors (FIIs/FPIs) continued their selling spree for the second straight session, dumping shares worth Rs 5,901 crore. Meanwhile, domestic institutional investors (DIIs) helped cushion the impact, picking up stocks worth Rs 4,322 crore, as per provisional data.
Crude oil
Crude oil prices saw a mixed trend on Wednesday, April 2, as market fluctuations kept traders on edge. WTI crude inched up 0.02% to $71.21 per barrel, while Brent crude slipped by the same margin, at $74.48 per barrel.