Wealnare Original: India Market Pulse

Indian benchmarks opened lower again, as trade jitters resurfaced ahead of impending U.S. tariff moves. The Nifty dipped below 25,500, and Sensex fell over 100 points, weighed down by metals and IT counters. Financials and telecom stocks also lagged. Mid-session, indices remained range-bound, although FMCG and auto segments were relative bright spots. Retail and small-cap segments showed selective strength, supported by steady mutual fund inflows and resilient domestic demand.

The rupee weakened further, hovering in the mid-85 range against the dollar, on expectations of broad tariff increases targeting metals, semiconductors, pharmaceuticals and BRICS exports. Despite a dip in currency, India attracted modest foreign capital infusions, with equity inflows outpacing bond capital outflows, underpinned by institutional confidence in policy direction.