Market Cues Today: Russia-Ukraine Conflict, Jerome Powell Speech, Gold Rate Today And Other Factors Expected To Affect D-Street

The benchmark indices finished in the red on August 22 with the Nifty 50 closing at 24,870.10 slipping 213.65 points or 0.85 per cent. The 30-share Sensex finished the session at 81,306.85 declining 693.86 points or 0.85 per cent. On August 25, the headline indices are expected to start with marginal gains amid mixed cues. Notably the Gift Nifty index started the session with a premium at 24,999 levels.

Market Cues Today

Here’s a look at some of the major domestic and international cues which are expected to impact trade on  D-street on August 25:

Russia-Ukraine Escalation

Earlier on August 23, Russia claimed that it has captured two settlements in Ukraine’s Donetsk region according to multiple media reports. The reports come amid efforts to de-escalate the tensions between Russia and Ukraine and bring an end to the conflict. On August 24, US Vice-President JD Vance said the US would “keep on trying” to broker talks between the countries.

Jerome Powell’s Speech

US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell hinted at "policy adjustments" at the Jackson Hole Symposium. The US Fed Chair also mentioned that the interest rate cut could occur as early as September. However, he added that the decision would ultimately depend on macroeconomic data. The Fed Reserve Chair maintained that risks of higher inflation remain. Powell also addressed factors such as the USA's imposition of trade tariffs and stringent immigration policies which have increased the risk of inflation and a decline in labour force growth.

Crude Oil Prices On August 25

Crude oil prices edged higher in the early hours of August 25, the price of West Texas Intermediate increased by $0.08 or 0.13 per cent to $63.74 per barrel. On the other hand the price of Brent Crude also increased by $0.05 or 0.07 per cent to $67.78.

Gold Rate On August 25

Gold prices fell marginally in the morning hours of August 25. The price of one gram of 24 karat gold was around Rs 10,161, the price of one gram of 22 karat purity gold remained around Rs 9,314. The price of 18 karat gold was around Rs 7,620 per gram in the early hours of August 25.

Asian Indices Trade Mixed On August 25

Key Asian indices edged higher in the early hours of August 25, Hong-Kong’s Hang Seng surged 1.85 per cent and the KOSPI gained 0.94 per cent. On the other hand the Shanghai Composite and the Nikkei 225 inched higher by 0.43 per cent and 0.74 per cent respectively.

US Market Indices

Wall Street indices finished higher on August 22, the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed 1.89 per cent higher, the Nasdaq Composite closed 1.88 per cent higher and the S&P 500 finished the session higher by 1.52 per cent.