Indian equity markets are heading into Friday’s session with a relatively positive tone after global equities gained and domestic benchmarks finished higher in the previous session.

Gold prices slipped modestly on Friday but remained on course for their first monthly gain in five months. Spot gold was around US$4,076 an ounce and was still up around 1.7% for July.

The continuing US-Iran conflict is keeping global shipping and energy security firmly on the radar of investors.

Indian equity markets opened on a cautious note after the US Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged while maintaining a relatively hawkish stance on inflation.

Indian benchmark indices witnessed strong buying interest led by information technology stocks, helping the Sensex and Nifty gain more than 1%.

Geopolitical developments in the Middle East remain a key concern for global financial markets, with investors closely tracking tensions involving the US, Iran and regional allies.

Indian benchmark indices traded in a narrow range as investors adopted a cautious approach ahead of the upcoming US Federal Reserve policy announcement.

The Central Government has intensified discussions with the European Union to finalise the long-awaited Free Trade Agreement (FTA), aiming to improve market access for Indian exporters and strengthen bilateral trade.

Although geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have eased slightly, global shipping companies continue to exercise caution while operating through key maritime routes.

Indian equity markets staged a strong recovery after ending a five-session losing streak, with both the Sensex and Nifty posting gains of around 1%.