Stock Market Today: Sensex Surges 500 Points, Nifty Crosses 23,700 Ahead of Key US Fed Decision
The Indian stock market witnessed a strong upward movement on Wednesday, March 18, as benchmark indices climbed higher amid positive global cues and cautious optimism ahead of the US Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision.
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| Stock Market Today Live Sensex Jumps 500 Points, Nifty Above 23,700 |
Both Sensex Today and Nifty 50 gained around 0.5%, reflecting steady investor confidence despite ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The rally was primarily driven by strong buying in IT and auto stocks, while broader markets outperformed the benchmarks.
LIVE Market Updates — 18 March 2026 (IST)
Stock Market Today LIVE: Closing Bell
The Indian stock market ended on a strong note on Wednesday, with benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty 50 rising 0.8% each. The gains came on the back of positive global cues and easing crude oil prices. Investors remained cautious ahead of the US Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision, while geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continued to be a key overhang.
Closing Levels:
— Sensex: 76,704 (+633 points / +0.83%)
— Nifty 50: 23,778 (+196 points / +0.83%)
Intra-day Highs:
— Sensex hit a day's high of 76,929.30 (+858 points / +1.1%)
— Nifty 50 touched 23,836 (+255 points)
Closing Levels:
— Sensex: 76,704 (+633 points / +0.83%)
— Nifty 50: 23,778 (+196 points / +0.83%)
Intra-day Highs:
— Sensex hit a day's high of 76,929.30 (+858 points / +1.1%)
— Nifty 50 touched 23,836 (+255 points)
Stock Market Today LIVE: How crude oil at $200/barrel may impact Nifty 50, gold, silver
A sudden spike in crude oil prices to $200 per barrel could have major implications across global markets. Such an extraordinary surge would sharply intensify inflationary pressures, forcing central banks to reassess their policy stance while triggering heightened risk aversion among investors.
Analysts note that:
— Nifty 50 and broader equities may come under severe pressure as higher crude oil prices worsen India’s trade deficit and fuel inflation.
— Gold and silver could witness strong upside as investors shift towards safe-haven assets amid rising uncertainty.
— Volatility across global markets may increase as capital flows move away from riskier assets.
Overall, a jump to $200/barrel would create a challenging environment for equity markets while strengthening the appeal of precious metals.
Analysts note that:
— Nifty 50 and broader equities may come under severe pressure as higher crude oil prices worsen India’s trade deficit and fuel inflation.
— Gold and silver could witness strong upside as investors shift towards safe-haven assets amid rising uncertainty.
— Volatility across global markets may increase as capital flows move away from riskier assets.
Overall, a jump to $200/barrel would create a challenging environment for equity markets while strengthening the appeal of precious metals.
Stock Market Today LIVE: Rupee hits record low
The Indian rupee slipped to a fresh record low of ₹92.50 against the US dollar on Monday, extending its recent weakness as escalating tensions in the Middle East pushed crude oil prices higher. Elevated energy costs and rising geopolitical risks have increased pressure on India’s external position and weighed on capital inflows.
With today’s decline, the rupee has breached its previous all-time low of ₹92.4750 recorded last week.
With today’s decline, the rupee has breached its previous all-time low of ₹92.4750 recorded last week.
Stock Market Today LIVE: US Fed meet outcome today
The US Federal Reserve began its two-day policy meeting on March 17, and the outcome will be announced later tonight. The meeting comes amid heightened uncertainty in the global economy due to the ongoing US-Iran conflict.
The Fed’s policy statement is scheduled for release at 2 p.m. ET on March 18, followed by a press conference by Chairman Jerome Powell.
Investors can watch Powell’s address live on the official Federal Reserve website: https://www.federalreserve.gov/
It will also be streamed on the Fed’s official YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/federalreserve
For Indian investors, the announcement is expected at 12:30 a.m. IST on March 19 — an hour later than usual due to Daylight Saving Time changes in the US.
The Fed’s policy statement is scheduled for release at 2 p.m. ET on March 18, followed by a press conference by Chairman Jerome Powell.
Investors can watch Powell’s address live on the official Federal Reserve website: https://www.federalreserve.gov/
It will also be streamed on the Fed’s official YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/federalreserve
For Indian investors, the announcement is expected at 12:30 a.m. IST on March 19 — an hour later than usual due to Daylight Saving Time changes in the US.
Stock Market Today LIVE: ₹7 lakh crore added
The strong rally in the BSE helped add nearly ₹7 lakh crore to the total market capitalisation of all BSE-listed companies, taking the overall valuation to above ₹440 lakh crore, compared to around ₹443 lakh crore earlier in the day.
Stock Market Today LIVE: Most Traded Stocks on NSE
Several stocks were actively traded on the NSE today, with high volumes seen across diversified sectors.
Among the most traded stocks:
— Vodafone Idea
— Jaiprakash Power Ventures (JP Power)
— Urban Company
— MMTC
— Filatex Fashions
— Tata Silver ETF
— Ola Electric Mobility
— Eternal
— GTL Infrastructure
— YES Bank
— Tata Gold ETF
— SEPC
— Suzlon Energy
Other heavily traded names included:
— Nippon India Silver ETF
— IDBI Bank
— Gokul Agro Resources
— JBM Auto
— Reliance Power
— Nippon India ETF Nifty IT
— Nippon India ETF Gold Bees
Among the most traded stocks:
— Vodafone Idea
— Jaiprakash Power Ventures (JP Power)
— Urban Company
— MMTC
— Filatex Fashions
— Tata Silver ETF
— Ola Electric Mobility
— Eternal
— GTL Infrastructure
— YES Bank
— Tata Gold ETF
— SEPC
— Suzlon Energy
Other heavily traded names included:
— Nippon India Silver ETF
— IDBI Bank
— Gokul Agro Resources
— JBM Auto
— Reliance Power
— Nippon India ETF Nifty IT
— Nippon India ETF Gold Bees
Stock Market Today LIVE: Aluminium slips
Aluminium prices declined on Wednesday as supply concerns eased after Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) secured alternative export routes, following the shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran.
The most-active aluminium contract on the Shanghai Futures Exchange slipped 0.98% to close at 24,800 yuan ($3,608.06) per ton.
On the London Metal Exchange, the benchmark three-month aluminium fell 1.04% to $3,364 per ton as of 0712 GMT.
According to Reuters, EGA will reroute its aluminium exports and raw materials through Oman’s Port of Sohar in the coming days, as the vital Strait of Hormuz remains effectively shut.
The most-active aluminium contract on the Shanghai Futures Exchange slipped 0.98% to close at 24,800 yuan ($3,608.06) per ton.
On the London Metal Exchange, the benchmark three-month aluminium fell 1.04% to $3,364 per ton as of 0712 GMT.
According to Reuters, EGA will reroute its aluminium exports and raw materials through Oman’s Port of Sohar in the coming days, as the vital Strait of Hormuz remains effectively shut.
Stock Market Today LIVE: South Korean shares rally 5%
South Korean shares surged 5% on Wednesday, marking their highest close in nearly three weeks, after President Lee Jae Myung pledged reforms aimed at unlocking the value of the domestic equity market. The benchmark KOSPI jumped 284.55 points, or 5.04%, to close at 5,925.03 — the strongest level since February 27.
The rally followed a key meeting between the president, market analysts, institutional investors and listed company officials, where discussions focused on strengthening market efficiency. During the meeting, the KOSPI briefly triggered a sidecar trading curb.
The Financial Services Commission announced it would draw up detailed plans to ban dual listings of parent companies and their subsidiaries and hinted at expanding market-stabilizing measures if required.
Chip stocks led the gains, with Samsung Electronics soaring 7.53% after its co-CEO highlighted an “unprecedented supercycle” in the semiconductor industry. SK Hynix also rallied 8.87%. (Reuters)
The rally followed a key meeting between the president, market analysts, institutional investors and listed company officials, where discussions focused on strengthening market efficiency. During the meeting, the KOSPI briefly triggered a sidecar trading curb.
The Financial Services Commission announced it would draw up detailed plans to ban dual listings of parent companies and their subsidiaries and hinted at expanding market-stabilizing measures if required.
Chip stocks led the gains, with Samsung Electronics soaring 7.53% after its co-CEO highlighted an “unprecedented supercycle” in the semiconductor industry. SK Hynix also rallied 8.87%. (Reuters)
Stock Market Today LIVE: Sensex jumps over 2,350 points in 3 sessions
The Indian stock market continued its strong upward momentum on Wednesday, surprising market participants with broad-based buying despite heightened geopolitical tensions, elevated crude oil prices and ongoing rupee weakness.
Both benchmark indices — Sensex and Nifty — are now trading higher for the third straight session. Over these three sessions, the Sensex has surged more than 2,350 points (over 3%), while the Nifty has gained nearly 700 points (around 3%).
The rally also boosted overall market wealth. The total market capitalisation of BSE-listed companies rose to over ₹438 lakh crore on Wednesday, up from nearly ₹430 lakh crore on Friday — adding more than ₹8 lakh crore to investors’ wealth in just three sessions.
Both benchmark indices — Sensex and Nifty — are now trading higher for the third straight session. Over these three sessions, the Sensex has surged more than 2,350 points (over 3%), while the Nifty has gained nearly 700 points (around 3%).
The rally also boosted overall market wealth. The total market capitalisation of BSE-listed companies rose to over ₹438 lakh crore on Wednesday, up from nearly ₹430 lakh crore on Friday — adding more than ₹8 lakh crore to investors’ wealth in just three sessions.
Stock Market Today LIVE: Blue Cloud Softech Solutions rises 6%
Multibagger small-cap IT stock Blue Cloud Softech Solutions jumped 6% on Thursday, supported by a strong rebound in the overall IT sector and broader markets.
The Nifty IT index rallied over 4% after a six-day losing streak, with all IT constituents trading in the green and rising as much as 5%. Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty also gained nearly 1% in today’s trade.
The stock hit its intraday high of ₹19.70, up 6% from the previous close. However, despite today’s surge, it remains 48% below its 52-week high of ₹38 (November 2025). The stock had touched a 52-week low of ₹14.95 in April 2025.
The Nifty IT index rallied over 4% after a six-day losing streak, with all IT constituents trading in the green and rising as much as 5%. Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty also gained nearly 1% in today’s trade.
The stock hit its intraday high of ₹19.70, up 6% from the previous close. However, despite today’s surge, it remains 48% below its 52-week high of ₹38 (November 2025). The stock had touched a 52-week low of ₹14.95 in April 2025.
Stock Market Today LIVE: 6,45,466 Jaiprakash Associates shareholders to lose over ₹400 crore
Small-cap stock Jaiprakash Associates Ltd (JAL) faces a major setback as the NCLT has approved Adani Enterprises’ ₹14,535 crore bid under the insolvency process, resulting in a complete wipeout of shareholder wealth. Over ₹400 crore owned by 6,45,466 retail and other equity investors is set to be erased as the approved resolution plan offers zero payout to shareholders.
The NCLT orally pronounced its approval on March 17, 2026, marking a decisive step in resolving JAL’s long-standing financial stress under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016.
Despite the company’s current market capitalisation of around ₹404 crore, the resolution plan mandates full cancellation of existing shares. As recoveries remain insufficient even for secured creditors, equity holders will receive no consideration, resulting in complete erosion of shareholder value.
The NCLT orally pronounced its approval on March 17, 2026, marking a decisive step in resolving JAL’s long-standing financial stress under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016.
Despite the company’s current market capitalisation of around ₹404 crore, the resolution plan mandates full cancellation of existing shares. As recoveries remain insufficient even for secured creditors, equity holders will receive no consideration, resulting in complete erosion of shareholder value.
Stock Market Today LIVE: Indices hold gains in mid-session trade
Indian benchmark indices traded with steady gains in mid-session, supported by buying in auto, metal and banking stocks, while IT stocks remained under mild pressure.
The Sensex and Nifty 50 held above key levels, indicating sustained bullish momentum despite cautious global cues and rising oil price concerns.
Market participants remained watchful ahead of the US Federal Reserve’s policy outcome later in the day, which is expected to influence further market direction.
The Sensex and Nifty 50 held above key levels, indicating sustained bullish momentum despite cautious global cues and rising oil price concerns.
Market participants remained watchful ahead of the US Federal Reserve’s policy outcome later in the day, which is expected to influence further market direction.
Stock Market Today LIVE: Kellton Tech jumps 4%
Kellton Tech Solutions shares rallied nearly 5% on Wednesday, snapping a four-day losing streak. The stock touched a high of ₹17.25, gaining 4.92% on the BSE.
Trading activity also picked up significantly, with around 8 lakh shares changing hands during the session.
The rally comes amid overall strength in the broader market, with Sensex and Nifty 50 trading over 0.5% higher.
Recently, the company announced a partnership with FutureAge AI Labs to develop Zourney, an AI-first B2B travel platform.
Trading activity also picked up significantly, with around 8 lakh shares changing hands during the session.
The rally comes amid overall strength in the broader market, with Sensex and Nifty 50 trading over 0.5% higher.
Recently, the company announced a partnership with FutureAge AI Labs to develop Zourney, an AI-first B2B travel platform.
Stock Market Today LIVE: What's next for Gold & Silver?
Gold and silver remained under pressure, trading below key psychological levels of $5000 and $80 respectively, ahead of the US Federal Reserve decision.
According to Renisha Chainani (Augmont), volatility in crude oil prices and elevated real yields are limiting upside in precious metals despite geopolitical risks.
Key Market View:
— Global central banks (Fed, ECB, BoE, BoJ) are expected to maintain a pause stance
— Investors are in “wait-and-watch” mode amid inflation concerns
— Future guidance from Fed will be the key trigger for price movement
Silver Outlook:
— Below $80 (~₹2,55,000)
— Break below $77 may push prices towards $70 (~₹2,30,000)
Gold Outlook:
— Broke key $5000 (~₹1,57,000) level briefly
— Strong support seen near $4850 (~₹1,50,000)
— Short-term bias remains bearish
According to Renisha Chainani (Augmont), volatility in crude oil prices and elevated real yields are limiting upside in precious metals despite geopolitical risks.
Key Market View:
— Global central banks (Fed, ECB, BoE, BoJ) are expected to maintain a pause stance
— Investors are in “wait-and-watch” mode amid inflation concerns
— Future guidance from Fed will be the key trigger for price movement
Silver Outlook:
— Below $80 (~₹2,55,000)
— Break below $77 may push prices towards $70 (~₹2,30,000)
Gold Outlook:
— Broke key $5000 (~₹1,57,000) level briefly
— Strong support seen near $4850 (~₹1,50,000)
— Short-term bias remains bearish
Stock Market Today LIVE: Sindhu Trade Links jumps over 4%
Logistics stock Sindhu Trade Links rose over 4% on Wednesday, tracking positive market momentum and continued investor interest.
The stock has delivered strong long-term performance, rising nearly 55% over the past year — from ₹14 to ₹25 — reflecting improving business activity and sentiment.
Notably, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) have steadily increased their stake from 0.04% in March 2025 to 3.18% in December 2025, indicating growing institutional confidence in the company’s future growth.
The stock has delivered strong long-term performance, rising nearly 55% over the past year — from ₹14 to ₹25 — reflecting improving business activity and sentiment.
Notably, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) have steadily increased their stake from 0.04% in March 2025 to 3.18% in December 2025, indicating growing institutional confidence in the company’s future growth.
Stock Market Today LIVE: Elitecon hits 5% upper circuit
Elitecon International share price was locked-in at 5% upper circuit at ₹55.83 on Wednesday, March 18 following gains in broader markets today.
Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty extended their gains for the third straight session today. Currently, Elitecon International share price is down 87% from its 52-week high of ₹422.65 apiece, touched on 25 August 2025. The stock has hit a 52-week low of ₹27.66 apiece in March 2025.
Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty extended their gains for the third straight session today. Currently, Elitecon International share price is down 87% from its 52-week high of ₹422.65 apiece, touched on 25 August 2025. The stock has hit a 52-week low of ₹27.66 apiece in March 2025.
Stock Market Today LIVE: Rupee slips 3 paise to 92.43
The Indian rupee weakened by 3 paise to 92.43 against the US dollar in early trade on Wednesday, pressured by continued FII outflows and a stronger dollar amid geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
However, a decline in global crude oil prices and a positive start in domestic equity markets helped limit the downside, according to forex traders.
At the interbank forex market, the rupee opened at 92.42 before slipping further. In the previous session, the currency touched an intra-day low of 92.47 and settled at a record low of 92.40.
However, a decline in global crude oil prices and a positive start in domestic equity markets helped limit the downside, according to forex traders.
At the interbank forex market, the rupee opened at 92.42 before slipping further. In the previous session, the currency touched an intra-day low of 92.47 and settled at a record low of 92.40.
Stock Market Today LIVE: Gold rate slips
Gold prices declined in early trade on MCX on Wednesday ahead of the US Federal Reserve’s policy decision.
MCX Gold April futures fell 0.21% to ₹1,55,662 per 10 grams around 9:15 AM.
Despite the dip, losses remained limited due to ongoing geopolitical tensions and rising inflation concerns. Gold prices continue to remain volatile amid the US-Iran conflict and fluctuations in crude oil prices.
MCX Gold April futures fell 0.21% to ₹1,55,662 per 10 grams around 9:15 AM.
Despite the dip, losses remained limited due to ongoing geopolitical tensions and rising inflation concerns. Gold prices continue to remain volatile amid the US-Iran conflict and fluctuations in crude oil prices.
Stock Market Today LIVE: Silver trades near ₹2.5 lakh/kg
Silver prices remained range-bound on Wednesday as investors stayed cautious ahead of the US Federal Reserve’s rate decision. Rising inflation concerns due to elevated crude oil prices also weighed on sentiment.
On MCX, silver declined around 0.9% to ₹2,50,919 per kg.
In global markets, spot silver fell 0.4% to $79 per ounce.
Markets are closely watching the Fed’s outlook on inflation and interest rates, which could influence further movement in precious metals.
On MCX, silver declined around 0.9% to ₹2,50,919 per kg.
In global markets, spot silver fell 0.4% to $79 per ounce.
Markets are closely watching the Fed’s outlook on inflation and interest rates, which could influence further movement in precious metals.
Stock Market Today LIVE: Urban Company shares jump over 8%
Urban Company shares surged nearly 9% in early trade on Wednesday following strong bulk deal activity in the previous session. The stock rallied up to ₹119.55, gaining 8.83% on the BSE.
SBI Mutual Fund increased its stake through multiple purchases:
— 3.5 crore shares at ₹109.85
— 2.25 crore shares at ₹109.83
Total deal value stood at ₹632.21 crore, raising its stake to 3.98% from 1.89% in December 2025.
Meanwhile, ABG Capital sold 1.74 crore shares at ₹109.85 per share, amounting to ₹191.2 crore.
SBI Mutual Fund increased its stake through multiple purchases:
— 3.5 crore shares at ₹109.85
— 2.25 crore shares at ₹109.83
Total deal value stood at ₹632.21 crore, raising its stake to 3.98% from 1.89% in December 2025.
Meanwhile, ABG Capital sold 1.74 crore shares at ₹109.85 per share, amounting to ₹191.2 crore.
Stock Market Today LIVE: Top Gainers
Top gainers in early trade included:
Gains were supported by positive global cues and buying interest across key sectors.
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| Top Gainers Today 18th March 2026 |
Gains were supported by positive global cues and buying interest across key sectors.
Stock Market Today LIVE: Opening Bell
The Indian stock market opened on a strong note, with benchmark indices gaining over 0.5%, tracking positive global cues ahead of the US Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision later today. However, investor sentiment remained cautious due to ongoing geopolitical tensions and rising oil prices.
At 9:20 AM:
— Sensex up 407 points at 76,478.41
— Nifty 50 up 142 points at 23,723.25
At 9:20 AM:
— Sensex up 407 points at 76,478.41
— Nifty 50 up 142 points at 23,723.25
Stock Market Today LIVE: Urban Company shares in focus
Urban Company shares will remain in focus on Wednesday after witnessing significant bulk deal activity in the previous session. The stock had declined more than 3% on Tuesday.
As per NSE data, SBI Mutual Fund increased its stake by purchasing:
— 3.5 crore shares at ₹109.85
— 2.25 crore shares at ₹109.83
Total deal value stood at ₹632.21 crore, taking its stake to 3.98% from 1.89% in December 2025.
Meanwhile, ABG Capital exited partially by selling 1.74 crore shares at ₹109.85 per share, amounting to ₹191.2 crore. It held a 1.36% stake as of December 2025.
As per NSE data, SBI Mutual Fund increased its stake by purchasing:
— 3.5 crore shares at ₹109.85
— 2.25 crore shares at ₹109.83
Total deal value stood at ₹632.21 crore, taking its stake to 3.98% from 1.89% in December 2025.
Meanwhile, ABG Capital exited partially by selling 1.74 crore shares at ₹109.85 per share, amounting to ₹191.2 crore. It held a 1.36% stake as of December 2025.
Stock Market Today LIVE: Bank Nifty Prediction
The Bank Nifty index gained 462.60 points, or 0.85%, to close at 54,876, forming a bullish candle with a long lower shadow, indicating strong buying interest at lower levels.
In the near term, the 55,250 – 55,300 zone is expected to act as a key resistance. A decisive breakout above 55,300 could trigger further upside towards 55,800.
On the downside, the 54,400 – 54,300 range is likely to provide crucial support, according to Sudeep Shah of SBI Securities.
In the near term, the 55,250 – 55,300 zone is expected to act as a key resistance. A decisive breakout above 55,300 could trigger further upside towards 55,800.
On the downside, the 54,400 – 54,300 range is likely to provide crucial support, according to Sudeep Shah of SBI Securities.
Stock Market Today LIVE: Nifty Prediction
The Nifty 50 index is showing signs of recovery from oversold levels, with a gradual rebound expected in the near term.
— Upside target around 23,800 (23.6% retracement level)
— Broader trend remains weak below 24,250
— Immediate support at 23,250, followed by 23,000
Nilesh Jain of Centrum Finverse noted that India VIX declined sharply by around 9% and slipped below the 20 mark. Further easing in volatility could provide additional support to bullish sentiment.
— Upside target around 23,800 (23.6% retracement level)
— Broader trend remains weak below 24,250
— Immediate support at 23,250, followed by 23,000
Nilesh Jain of Centrum Finverse noted that India VIX declined sharply by around 9% and slipped below the 20 mark. Further easing in volatility could provide additional support to bullish sentiment.
Stock Market Today LIVE: Nifty Options Data
In the derivatives segment, key activity was observed:
— Call writing at 23,600 and 23,800 strikes
— Put writing at 23,500 and 23,300 strikes
Hitesh Tailor of Choice Equity Broking advised traders to remain cautious amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. He suggested waiting for a clear breakout near key support and resistance levels before taking fresh directional positions.
— Call writing at 23,600 and 23,800 strikes
— Put writing at 23,500 and 23,300 strikes
Hitesh Tailor of Choice Equity Broking advised traders to remain cautious amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. He suggested waiting for a clear breakout near key support and resistance levels before taking fresh directional positions.
Stock Market Today LIVE: Sensex Prediction
The Sensex formed a bullish candle on daily charts and an uptrend continuation pattern on intraday charts, indicating that the ongoing pullback may continue in the near term. Shrikant Chouhan of Kotak Securities said that the 75,500–75,300 zone will act as a crucial support level. If the index sustains above this range, the pullback could extend towards 76,500, with further upside potential up to 77,000. However, if the Sensex falls below 75,300, market sentiment may weaken, and traders may consider exiting their long positions.
Stock Market Today LIVE: Dollar weakens
The US dollar remained under pressure, extending its recent losses. The Dollar Index stood at 99.56 after a two-day decline.The Japanese Yen strengthened 0.06% to 158.91 per dollar, while the Euro was steady at $1.1538. The British Pound Sterling also held firm at $1.3353.
Stock Market Today LIVE: Crude oil prices fall
Crude oil prices declined after data from the American Petroleum Institute indicated a rise in US crude inventories.Brent crude futures dropped 1.11% to $102.27 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate fell 1.6% to $94.67.
Stock Market Today LIVE: Gold, silver trade in narrow range
Gold and silver prices traded within a narrow range on Wednesday as investors remained cautious ahead of the Federal Reserve policy decision and rising inflation concerns linked to Middle East tensions.
Spot gold was marginally higher at $5,012 per ounce, while spot silver slipped 0.17% to $79.7 per ounce during Asian trading hours.
The Federal Reserve is widely expected to keep interest rates unchanged, with markets closely tracking its outlook on rising energy prices and a softening labour market.
Stock Market Today LIVE: Wall Street ends higher
US markets closed higher on Tuesday as the Federal Reserve began its two-day policy meeting, despite concerns over rising oil prices and geopolitical tensions.
Stock Market Today LIVE: Asian markets trade higher
Asian markets moved higher on Wednesday, tracking overnight gains on Wall Street, as investors await the Federal Reserve interest rate decision.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 1.38%, while the Topix gained 0.95%. South Korea’s Kospi surged 2.8%, and Kosdaq jumped 1.66%.
Stock Market Today LIVE: Gift Nifty signals positive start
Early indicators suggest a mildly positive opening for the Indian markets. The Gift Nifty was trading near the 23,657 level, indicating a premium of around 40 points over the previous close of Nifty 50 futures.
Stock Market Today LIVE: Sensex, Nifty 50 likely to open steady
The Indian stock market is expected to open on a steady note on Wednesday. Both the Sensex and Nifty 50 are likely to see a cautious start, tracking positive global market cues.
However, investor sentiment remains slightly cautious due to ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly the US-Iran tensions situation in the Middle East.