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Monday, March 30, 2026

30/03/26, week ahead

Indian equity markets head into the coming week on a cautious but event-heavy footing as the new financial year, FY27, begins on April 1. With several key domestic and global data points lined up, along with holidays interrupting trading sessions, investors are expected to remain selective while tracking macro signals closely.

At home, attention will be on a set of important economic indicators. Industrial production data and updated fiscal deficit numbers are due, offering clues on the pace of manufacturing activity and the government's fiscal position as FY26 ends. March automobile sales figures will also be closely watched, particularly for signs of demand recovery or inventory pressure across passenger vehicles and two-wheelers. Trading, however, will be disrupted by holidays, with markets shut on March 31 for Mahavir Jayanti and again on April 3 for Good Friday.

Global cues are expected to play a significant role, especially with overseas markets also closed on April 3 across the US, UK and the Eurozone. In the United States, markets will track retail sales and ISM manufacturing data scheduled for April 1, followed by trade balance numbers on April 2. These releases could influence expectations around economic momentum and interest rate policy. In the UK, GDP data due on March 31 will provide a snapshot of growth trends, while in the Eurozone, investors will watch inflation data, PMI readings and unemployment numbers for direction on the region's economic health.

Asian markets will also have a packed calendar. China is set to release manufacturing, non-manufacturing and services PMI data, which will be closely analysed for signs of stabilisation or slowdown in the world's second-largest economy. In Japan, Tokyo CPI, industrial production and retail sales figures are expected to shape sentiment around consumption and inflation trends.

On the corporate front, global earnings will see Bank of China announcing its quarterly results. Domestically, Manappuram Finance, Nazara Technologies and IRB Infrastructure are expected to remain in focus, driven by board meetings and key corporate actions. Activity in the primary market will be another area to watch, with Pawarika, Cyperentrals and Amirchand Jagdish Kumar scheduled to list on Indian exchanges. In addition, multiple lock-in expiries during the week could add to stock-specific volatility.

Markets closed the previous week on a weak note, with the Nifty 50 ending Friday at 22,819.60 and the Nifty Bank at 52,274.60. Fund flow data also showed divergence, as foreign portfolio investors were net sellers to the tune of Rs 4,367.30 crore on March 27, while domestic institutional investors offset part of the outflow with net purchases of Rs 3,566.15 crore.

Beyond markets, central bank commentary globally will remain on radar, while April 1 will also see the US Supreme Court hearing arguments related to President Donald Trump's executive order on birthright citizenship, an event that could briefly influence global risk sentiment.

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