What Are the Key Triggers for the Market Next Week?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Indian equity markets are facing significant challenges this week.
- The RBI monetary policy meeting on August 4-6 is crucial.
- A potential 25-basis-point rate cut is anticipated.
- US tariffs and a stronger dollar are influencing market sentiment.
- FII outflows have reached alarming levels.
Mumbai, Aug 3 (NationPress) The Indian equity markets are poised for a pivotal week as a combination of domestic and international factors impact investor sentiment.
Following a period of selling pressure, the markets continue to face challenges from escalating global risks, disappointing corporate earnings, and ongoing foreign institutional investor (FII) outflows.
The Sensex decreased by 0.72 per cent to close at 80,599.91 on Friday, while the Nifty 50 dropped by 0.82 per cent, finishing at 24,565.35. Over the week, both indices recorded a decline of 1.1 per cent, marking the longest losing streak in two years with five consecutive weeks of losses.
With the monetary policy decision anticipated on August 8, all eyes are on the RBI's policy meeting scheduled for August 4-6. Analysts expect a 25-basis-point rate cut to stimulate credit growth ahead of the holiday season.
The surge in the value of the US dollar has further burdened emerging markets worldwide.
In the previous week, the dollar index achieved its largest weekly increase in nearly three years, rising 2.5 per cent to exceed the 100 mark. A stronger dollar has increased borrowing costs and raised concerns regarding capital flight.
Foreign institutional investors have withdrawn over Rs 27,000 crore in nine sessions, with Rs 5,588.91 crore withdrawn on Thursday alone. The long-to-short ratio has dipped to 0.11, and short interest in index futures has surged to 90 per cent, indicating a rise in bearish positions.
The pressure is exacerbated by disappointing Q1 earnings reports. Major banks have shown modest profit growth, contributing to a subdued market sentiment, and the Nifty IT index has experienced a 10 per cent decline over the past month.
Importantly, the US has levied a 25 per cent tariff on India and has imposed an additional unspecified penalty on India's trade with Russia concerning defense equipment and crude oil, further influencing market perceptions.