With U.S. markets closed on Monday for Presidents’ Day, global investors turned to other major markets for direction. Asian equities opened mixed on Tuesday, while European and Indian indices prepared for the week’s key developments. U.S. stock futures pointed to a positive start, continuing last week’s momentum, as investors awaited earnings reports and economic data. Meanwhile, commodities and currency markets showed muted movement, with crude oil fluctuating and the U.S. dollar holding steady. Here’s what to watch as markets resume full trading.
What’s next for markets?
Asian markets opened mixed on Tuesday. Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 0.28%, while the Topix gained 0.37%. In South Korea, the Kospi inched up, although the Kosdaq slipped 0.18%. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 dropped 0.43% ahead of the Reserve Bank of Australia’s policy decision.
US markets were closed on Monday for Presidents’ Day, but stock futures indicated a positive outlook, extending gains from the previous week. Dow Jones futures increased by 106 points (0.2%), with S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 futures also gaining 0.2% each. Trading will resume as usual on Tuesday, February 18.
Currencies, commodities, and investments
The US Dollar Index (DXY) rose 0.05% to 106.81 on Tuesday morning, measuring the dollar’s value against a basket of six foreign currencies. The rupee depreciated 0.01% to close at 86.87 to the dollar on February 17.
Crude oil prices exhibited a mixed trend on Tuesday morning, with WTI crude slipping 0.04% to $71.34, while Brent crude inched up 0.06% to $75.28.
On February 17, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) sold shares worth Rs 3,937.83 crore, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) offset the selling by purchasing stocks worth Rs 4,759.77 crore.
Gold rates today in India are reported at Rs 8,663 per gram for 24-carat gold and Rs 7,941 per gram for 22-carat gold. The 1-gram gold rate for 18-carat gold is Rs 6,498. For larger quantities, the 22 kt gold rate is Rs 79,410 for 10 grams, while the 24 carat for the same quantity is Rs 86,630. The cost of 18K gold stands at Rs 64,980 per 10 grams.
Several companies are trading ex-dividend today, including Hindustan Aeronautics, Bharat Forge, and Gillette India, among others such as United Drilling, Greenpanel Industries, and Fineotex Chemical.
In the cryptocurrency market, Bitcoin dipped by 0.2% to $96,668 on Monday, continuing its slow start to 2025. Ethereum increased by 4.8%. XRP fell 3% to $2.68 but remains up 10% over five days, while Solana edged lower and Cardano saw slight gains.
Disclaimer: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. We do not endorse any specific investment strategies or make recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of any securities.
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