Stock market today: Key things to know before the opening bell on March 26

GIFT NIFTY futures traded 78 points or 0.34% higher on Wednesday morning amid positive global cues. The US markets closed higher for the third consecutive session, led by tech stocks. Similarly, Asian markets followed suit and opened in the green on Wednesday morning. Gold prices continued to hold on to gains above $3,000 per ounce as uncertainty over Trump's tariffs persists among global investors.

US markets

The US markets closed in green for the third consecutive day, as the Dow Jones and S&P500 gained modestly, while the NASDAQ jumped nearly half a percentage point. The rally came despite the decline in the US consumer confidence level and the future expectations dropping to hit 12-year lows. Investor sentiment remains uncertain as they asses the potential impact of reciprocal tariffs set to come into effect on April 2.

Asian markets

The Asian markets broadly opened in green with Hong Kong, Korean indices leading with gains of up 0.8%, followed by Japanese and Chinese index 0.4%. The rally in Asian markets is largely driven by positive overnight cues from Wall Street gains. Meanwhile, investors in Japan continue to asses the monetory policy outlook for Japan after minutes of January meeting suggest, the central bank is open for rate hikes if needed. Japan’s 10Y yield continues to inch higher above 1.5% at the highest level in nearly two decades.

Crude oil

Crude oil prices held on to Monday’s gain as uncertainty over the demand supply scenario lifted the price from six-month low levels. US President Trump announced 25% tariffs on any country that imports oil from Venezuela. The WTI Crude oil price hovered around $69 per barrel, and Brent crude oil prices hovered around $72 per barrel.

FII and DII data

The Foreign Institutional investors continued their buying streak for fourth consecutive day as the tide turned for Indian markets after sharp fall from recent highs. The FIIs bought equities worth ₹5,371 crore on Tuesday, and on the flip side, DIIs sold equities worth ₹2,767 crore.