Stock market today: GIFT NIFTY futures indicate negative opening for Indian markets on Friday; here's all you need to know

Indian benchmark indices are expected to open in the red on Friday morning, taking cues from weak global market sentiments. The US markets closed lower on Thursday after Walmart's poor earnings soured investor sentiments. The gold prices hit a new record high of $2,954 per ounce on Thursday amid geopolitical concerns over weak economic conditions in the US.

US markets

The Dow Jones index fell over 1% on Thursday as retail chain Walmart sounded cautious about FY26 earnings due to persisting inflationary pressures impacting consumption expenditures. Walmart's shares fell more than 6%, followed by Target (-2 %) and Costco(-2%). The NASDAQ and S&P500 fell slightly over 0.4% on Thursday in line with broader weakness.

Asian markets

On Friday morning, Asian markets traded mixed across the board, with Hong Kong and Korean indices trading in green and Japanese stocks trading in red. The latest Japanese inflation data came in at a three-month high, prompting the Bank of Japan to take a more hawkish stance. The hotter-than-expected inflation data soured investor sentiments.

Crude oil prices

Crude oil prices are set to snap a four-week correction streak and close in green on Friday. WTI crude oil prices traded at $72 per barrel, and Brent crude oil prices traded near $76 per barrel. Crude oil prices have gained 2.5% for the week.

FII and DII data

The foreign institutional investors continued to flock out of Indian equity markets by selling another ₹3,300 crore worth of Indian equities. On the other hand, the DIIs bought ₹3,900 crore worth of equities. The FIIs in the derivatives markets added their position on the short side, making their total short position 1.92 lakh contracts