Sensex, Nifty to open flat as Trump announces tariffs on pharma, furniture, trucks; Tata Motors, Ather Energy, pharma shares in focus

The Indian benchmark indices could extend their losses on the last trading session of this week, as US President Donald Trump announced fresh tariffs on pharmaceutical products, furniture, and trucks. In a Truth Social post, Trump stated that 100% tariffs would be imposed on branded or patented pharmaceutical products unless a pharmaceutical company builds its plant in America. He also declared tariffs of 25% on heavy trucks and 50% on kitchen cabinets, as well as other bathroom vanity-associated products.

On the global front, the markets continued their downward trend, as Wall Street ended in negative territory, even after recording a strong GDP growth for Q2FY26. According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, real gross domestic product (GDP) increased at an annual rate of 3.8% in the second quarter of 2025. Both the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq ended 0.50% below, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped by 0.38%. 

The Asian markets showcased a mixed trend. Japan’s Nikkei 225 declined by 0.19%, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng by 0.75%, the Shanghai Composite by 0.15%, and South Korea’s KOSPI saw a massive slide of 2% in today’s trade. On the other hand, Singapore’s Straits Times recorded an uptick of 0.31%. 

On the domestic front, the GIFT Nifty Futures index was trading marginally up from its previous close. At 8:20 am, the GIFT Nifty was trading at a premium of 32 points or 0.13%, at 24,961. 

In yesterday’s session, the Sensex declined 555.95 points, or 0.68%, to close at 81,159.68, while the Nifty50 tumbled by 166.05 points, or 0.66%, to 24,890.85.

Stocks in focus today

Pharma stocks: Pharmaceutical companies will be tracked closely today after Trump announced up to 100% tariffs on branded or patented drugs. India is one of the largest exporters of pharma products to the US. 

Tata Motors: Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) released a statement that sections of its digital estate are now up and running. The foundational work of its recovery programme is firmly underway, and the Global Parts Logistics Centre is running at full operation.

Ather Energy: The comany, in an exchange filing, stated that it was impacted by China’s export ban on certain categories of heavy rare-earth magnets, due to which it has to deviate from  PM E-DRIVE and Phased Manufacturing Program (“PMP”) guidelines. This would affect Ather’s ability to submit demand incentive claims for a maximum of 52,500 vehicles manufactured and/or to be manufactured under the PM E-DRIVE scheme.