Indian markets are gearing up for a positive start today, with early cues from Gift Nifty pointing toward an upbeat session. This optimism follows a strong close on March 19, where the Nifty comfortably crossed the 22,900 mark, ending 0.32% higher at 22,907.60, while the Sensex gained 0.20% to settle at 75,449.05.
Key global and domestic cues to know on March 20, 2025 FOMC meeting
The US Federal Reserve has kept interest rates unchanged at 4.25% – 4.50% in its second policy meeting of 2025, held on March 19. This is the first major Fed decision since Donald Trump returned as US President in January. At the same time, Trump has introduced a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports, which took effect last week, and plans to roll out more trade tariffs on April 2.
US markets
Wall Street ended on a strong note as all three major US indices closed higher, continuing their recovery from recent losses. The S&P 500 regained ground after briefly slipping into correction territory, jumping 1.08% to 5,675.29. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 0.92% to settle at 41,964.63, while the Nasdaq Composite led the gains with a 1.41% surge, closing at 17,750.79.
China keeps rates unchanged
China’s central bank has decided to keep its key lending rates unchanged, mirroring the U.S. Federal Reserve’s move, as it balances economic growth with currency stability. On Thursday, the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) left the 1-year loan prime rate at 3.1% and the 5-year LPR at 3.6%, maintaining these levels since the October rate cut of 0.25%.
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Asian stock markets kicked off the day on a positive note, taking cues from Wall Street’s overnight rally. The upbeat sentiment comes after the US Federal Reserve decided to keep interest rates unchanged. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 climbed 0.77%, while South Korea’s Kospi rose 0.64%, and the Kosdaq gained 0.55%.
Gold rate today
Gold has hit a fresh all-time high as policymakers signaled slower growth and rising inflation while keeping interest rates unchanged for the second consecutive meeting on Wednesday, March 19.
In India, gold prices continue to remain strong today, March 20, with 24 carat gold priced at Rs 90,045 per 10 grams,
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