Stock market outlook: Fed rate decision, Q2 earnings, crude oil prices and Jio Platforms listing in focus

Quarterly earnings, the US Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision, crude oil prices and developments related to West Asia tensions are expected to drive Indian stock markets this week, analysts said. Investors will also track global market trends and foreign investor activity for cues on market direction.

The debut of Jio Platforms on the stock exchanges on October 28 is another key event, while domestic industrial production data and earnings announcements from major companies are likely to influence sentiment.

Fed policy decision, industrial output data in focus

Investors will track September industrial production and manufacturing output data on October 28. Corporate earnings will remain a key driver, with TVS Motor, Asian Paints, Trent, Sun Pharma, Bharat Electronics, Indian Oil, Bank of Baroda and GAIL India, among others, scheduled to announce their results, Ajit Mishra, SVP–Research at Religare Broking, said.

The US Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision on Wednesday, October 28, will be the key global event. Investors will closely examine the policy statement and accompanying commentary for signals on the future interest rate trajectory, Mishra said.

Hariselvan Radhakrishnan, Founder and CEO of HST Wealth, a research analyst firm, said markets largely expected US interest rates to remain unchanged, making the Fed’s policy guidance more important than the decision itself.

A continued focus on inflation could push US Treasury yields and the dollar higher, keeping foreign flows into emerging markets under pressure. Balanced guidance, however, could support a temporary recovery in global equities, he said.

Crude oil, West Asia tensions pose risks

Crude oil prices remain a key concern amid escalating geopolitical tensions, analysts said. Elevated prices could increase India’s energy import bill, complicate the inflation outlook and put pressure on the rupee and corporate profit margins.

Ponmudi R, CEO of online trading and wealth technology firm Enrich Money, said the Fed’s policy meeting would also influence global risk appetite, with investors watching for signals on interest rates as elevated US Treasury yields continue to shape currency movements and capital flows.

Movements in crude oil, geopolitical developments and global market trends will remain important determinants of domestic market direction, Mishra added.

Jio Platforms listing to influence market sentiment

Jio Platforms is scheduled to make its stock market debut on October 28, making the listing a significant event for investors and the primary market.

Domestic industrial production data and quarterly earnings will also help investors assess whether India’s growth outlook can offset external pressures, Radhakrishnan said.

In a holiday-shortened week, the 30-share BSE Sensex tumbled 1,605.44 points, or 2.15%, while the 50-share NSE Nifty declined 546.15 points, or 2.36%.