Indian stock markets are expected to open higher today, spurred by positive global and domestic indicators. The latest U.S. retail inflation data came in notably softer, raising the odds of a Federal Reserve rate cut in September from 86% to 94%, according to market estimates. This has fueled renewed investor confidence in emerging markets like India. Nifty futures suggest a bullish start, with sectors such as banking, IT, and energy likely to lead the charge.Domestically, retail inflation in India fell to an eight-year low of 1.55% in July, thanks primarily to easing food prices—a trend that opens the door for potential monetary easing. Meanwhile, key stocks like Apollo Hospitals (AI investments), Nykaa (doubling profits), ONGC (slight profit dip), and Oil India (Q1 slump) are drawing investor attention. Retail momentum continues as domestic institutions buy aggressively, offsetting modest foreign outflows.
