Indian stocks are likely to open higher on last trading day ahead of a long weekend. Stock markets will remain closed on Friday, 10 April 2020 on account of Good Friday.

Trading of Nifty 50 index futures on the Singapore stock exchange indicates that the Nifty could gain 155 points at the opening bell.

Overseas, Asian shares were mixed on Thursday as investors mulled the spread of the coronavirus and when economies will be able to ramp up again.

In US, stocks jumped on Wednesday on hopeful signs about the coronavirus outbreak in the United States was close to a peak, with health insurers getting an additional lift from Bernie Sanders' decision to suspend his presidential campaign.

Back home, key barometers ended the volatile session with minor losses on Wednesday. The barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, lost 173.25 points or 0.58% at 29,893.96. The Nifty 50 index fell 43.45 points or 0.49% at 8,748.75.

The trading activity on that day showed that the foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) bought shares worth a net Rs 1,943.41 crore on 8 April 2020, as per provisional data released by the stock exchanges. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) sold shares worth a net Rs 1,757.79 crore on 8 April 2020, as per provisional data.

Key indices may open lower after posting strong gains on Tuesday. Trading of Nifty 50 index futures on the Singapore stock exchange indicates that the Nifty could fall 160 points at the opening bell.

Overseas, Asian stocks were mixed Wednesday as countries in the region continued to put measures in place to battle the coronavirus pandemic.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe declared Tuesday a state of emergency to combat coronavirus infections in major population centers. Singapore also passed a set of laws that bans social gatherings of any size in both private and public areas, as per reports. Meanwhile, China lifted travel restrictions in Wuhan, the virus epicenter in mainland China, effective from Wednesday, marking the end of a lockdown that began on January 23.

In US, stocks finished lower Tuesday, far from session highs, thwarting a second session of gains despite signs that the COVID-19 pandemic may be leveling off in parts of the world. Markets also kept an eye on further planned U.S. measures to help dampen the recessionary impact of shutdowns and business closures intended to limit the epidemic.

In US economic news, the NFIB survey, a monthly snapshot of small businesses, found that the optimism index fell in March to 96.4, an 8.1-point decline and the largest monthly decline in the survey's history.

Back home, domestic shares soared on Tuesday, amid positive global cues, buoyed by tentative signs the coronavirus crisis could be slowing. The barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, spurted 2,476.26 points or 8.97% at 30,067.21. The Nifty 50 index added 708.40 points or 8.76% at 8,792.20.

The trading activity on that day showed that the foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) bought shares worth a net Rs 741.77 crore on 7 April 2020, as per provisional data released by the stock exchanges. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought shares worth a net Rs 422.51 crore on 7 April 2020, as per provisional data.

Domestic stocks are likely to open on a strong note as trading resumes after a local holiday. Stock markets were closed on Monday, 6 April 2020 on account of Mahavir Jayanti.

Trading of Nifty 50 index futures on the Singapore stock exchange indicates that the Nifty could jump 155 points at the opening bell.

On the macro front, India's dominant services sector contracted in March as new business and export demand fell sharply as the coronavirus pandemic wreaked havoc globally, a private survey showed. The Nikkei/IHS Markit Services Purchasing Managers' Index fell sharply to a five-month low of 49.3 in March from February's seven-year high of 57.5, below the 50-mark separating growth from contraction for the first time since October.

Overseas, Asian markets were trading higher on signs of a slowdown in coronavirus-related deaths.

In US, stocks rocketed higher, after a fall in the daily death toll in New York, the country's biggest coronavirus hot spot, fueled optimism a leveling off of the pandemic was on the horizon.

Back home, domestic shares ended with steep losses on Friday, as coronavirus cases showed no signs of abating while negative global cues further impacted sentiments. The barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, slipped 674.36 points or 2.39% at 27,590.95. The Nifty 50 index shed 170 points or 2.06% at 8,083.80.

The trading activity on that day showed that the foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) sold shares worth a net Rs 1,960.97 crore on 3 April 2020, as per provisional data released by the stock exchanges. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought shares worth a net Rs 226.55 crore on 3 April 2020, as per provisional data.

Domestic stocks are likely to open lower as trading resumes after a local holiday as an overnight surge in crude oil prices may impact sentiment. Local stock markets were closed on Thursday (2 April 2020) on account of Ram Navami.

Trading of Nifty 50 index futures on the Singapore stock exchange indicates that the Nifty could fall 66 points at the opening bell.

Overseas, stocks in Asia were little changed in Friday trade. The moves came after an overnight surge in oil prices, which saw U.S. crude futures soaring more than 24%.

On the economic data front, a private survey released Friday showed China's services sector shrank further in March. The Caixin/Markit services Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) for March was at 43 following a record low of 26.5 in February. PMI readings below 50 indicate contraction, while figures above that level signify an expansion.

In US, stock benchmarks on Thursday finished near the highs of the session, as investors appeared to focus on hope that a detente between some of the biggest oil producers on the planet might be achieved to substantially curb oil production and stabilize battered prices.

US President Donald Trump reportedly tweeted that he had been in contact with Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and that he expected the Saudis and Russia to cut production of 10 million to 15 million barrels a day.

In economic news, the government said that the U.S. trade deficit narrowed to $39.9 billion in February from $45.5 billion in January.

The U.S. Labor Department said Thursday that initial jobless claims surged to more than 6 million last week, reaching a new record as coronavirus-related shutdowns roll through the country.

Back home, the domestic stock market slumped on Tuesday, 1 April 2020 dragged by weakness in IT and banks shares. The barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, tanked 1,203.18 points or 4.08% at 28,265.31. The Nifty 50 index tumbled 343.95 points or 4% at 8,253.80.

The trading activity on that day showed that the foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) sold shares worth a net Rs 1,116.79 crore on 1 April 2020, as per provisional data released by the stock exchanges. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) sold shares worth a net Rs 450.36 crore on 1 April 2020, as per provisional data.

Trading of Nifty 50 index futures on the Singapore stock exchange indicates that the Nifty could fall 36 points at the opening bell.

Overseas, Asian markets were trading mixed on Wednesday following the negative cues overnight from Wall Street amid lingering concerns about the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

In US, stocks ended lower on Tuesday as concerns remain over the spread of COVID-19 in the US and Europe in particular, with economic activity under lockdown amid a rising tally of infections and a mounting death toll.

Back home, domestic shares rallied on Tuesday, mirroring gains in other global stock markets after data showed that manufacturing activity in China rebounded from record lows in March. Stocks also drew support from signs that the lockdown across much of Europe could be starting to have the desired effect of slowing the rate of new confirmed cases. The barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, surged 1,028.17 points or 3.62% at 29,468.49. The Nifty 50 index spurted 316.65 points 3.82% at 8,597.75.

The trading activity on that day showed that the foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) sold shares worth a net Rs 3044.94 crore yesterday, 31 March 2020, as per provisional data released by the stock exchanges. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought shares worth a net Rs 3576.23 crore, yesterday, 31 March 2020, as per provisional data.

Trading of Nifty 50 index futures on the Singapore stock exchange indicates that the Nifty could rise 185 points at the opening bell.

Overseas, most Asian markets were trading higher on Tuesday as factory data from China held out the hope of a rebound in activity even as other countries across the globe all but shut down.

China's official manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) bounced to 52.0 in March, up from a record-low 35.7 in February.

In US, stocks rose on Monday as President Donald Trump followed last week's massive fiscal stimulus package by extending his stay-at-home guidelines, leaving investors to await more signs on the next stages of a deepening economic crisis.

Back home, domestic shares tumbled on Monday as the coronavirus pandemic continued to spook investors. Market participants were concerned about the rising number of COVID-19 cases and the economic fallout of the worldwide lockdowns. The barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, slumped 1,375.27 points or 4.61% at 28,440.32. The Nifty 50 index shed 379.15 points or 4.38% at 8,281.10.

The trading activity on that day showed that the foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) sold shares worth a net Rs 4363.61 crore yesterday, 30 March 2020, as per provisional data released by the stock exchanges. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought shares worth a net Rs 3550.33 crore, yesterday, 30 March 2020, as per provisional data.

Trading of Nifty 50 index futures on the Singapore stock exchange indicates that the Nifty could fall 196 points at the opening bell.

Overseas, most Asian markets were trading sharply lower on Monday on weak risk appetite as the death toll from coronavirus pandemic surged, threatening the global economy as roughly one-third of the planet is on lockdown.

In US, stock indexes ended sharply lower on Friday, failing to get a lasting lift from approval by Congress of a $2 trillion economic stimulus package to counter the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, but equities booked double-digit weekly gains to take back a chunk of losses seen this month.

Back home, the Sensex corrected on Friday, breaking its three-day rising streak. The Nifty, however, managed to close with minor gains above 8660 level. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Friday joined the global central banks in slashing interest rates to minimize the damage from Covid-19 crisis. Despite RBI's monetary bazooka, the sentiment was clouded by worries of evolving situation on COVID-19 crisis and its implications on the economy and corporate profitability. The barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex fell 131.18 points or 0.44% at 29,815.59. The Nifty 50 index added 18.80 points or 0.22% at 8,660.25.

The trading activity on that day showed that the foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) bought shares worth a net Rs 355.78 crore on Friday, 27 March 2020, as per provisional data released by the stock exchanges. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought shares worth a net Rs 1703.72 crore, on Friday, 27 March 2020, as per provisional data.

Trading of Nifty 50 index futures on the Singapore stock exchange indicates that the Nifty could rise 155 points at the opening bell.

Overseas, most Asian markets were trading higher on Friday as investors wagered policymakers will roll out additional stimulus measures to combat the coronavirus pandemic after US unemployment filings surged to a record.

The number of Americans filing claims for unemployment benefits surged to a record of more than 3 million last week as strict measures to contain the coronavirus pandemic ground the country to a sudden halt

In US, stocks roared higher on Thursday, closing up for the third day in a row despite a report from the Labor Department that showed unemployment claims soared to a record 3.28 million last week, as the coronavirus pandemic shut down businesses across the nation.

Investors took some comfort from the overnight passage of a historic $2 trillion economic stimulus bill by the Senate, putting it one step closer to being signed into law to mitigate the economic fallout from the outbreak.

Back home, the market extended rally for the third day on Thursday, supported by banks and FMCG stocks. Trading was volatile due to expiry of monthly derivatives contracts. The barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, jumped 1,410.99 points or 4.94% at 29,946.77. The Nifty 50 index spurted 323.60 points or 3.89% at 8,641.45.

The trading activity on that day showed that the foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) sold shares worth a net Rs 484.78 crore yesterday, 26 March 2020, as per provisional data released by the stock exchanges. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) sold shares worth a net Rs 769.93 crore, yesterday, 26 March 2020, as per provisional data.

Trading of Nifty 50 index futures on the Singapore stock exchange indicates that the Nifty could rise 54 points at the opening bell.

Trading could be volatile as traders roll over positions in the F&O segment from the near month March series to April series. The March 2020 F&O contracts expire today, 26 March 2020.

Overseas, most Asian markets were trading lower on Thursday as investors await the passage and details of a $2 trillion stimulus package in the United States to combat the economic fallout from the coronavirus.

In US, stocks on Wednesday finished well off their highs and the Nasdaq turned negative in the final minutes of trade, as the passage of a $2 trillion economic rescue package appeared to hit a snag.

Back home, the domestic stock market surged on Wednesday, tracking strong global shares. The rally was triggered by the US policymakers reportedly clearing a $2 trillion stimulus package to fight against fast-spreading coronavirus. The Nifty settled above the 8,300 mark, backed by strength in index major Reliance Industries and private sector banks. The barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, surged 1,861.75 points or 6.98% at 28,535.78. The Nifty 50 index jumped 516.80 points or 6.62% at 8,317.85.

The trading activity on that day showed that the foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) sold shares worth a net Rs 1893.36 crore yesterday, 25 March 2020, as per provisional data released by the stock exchanges. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought shares worth a net Rs 737.98 crore, yesterday, 25 March 2020, as per provisional data.

The market may open lower today. Sentiment maybe hit after Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday, 24 March 2020, called for a nationwide lockdown starting midnight. The duration of the lockdown will be 21 days, added Modi. Modi said the 21-day lockdown was necessary to break the chain of the COVID-19 virus, adding that social distancing is the only option to combat the virus outbreak.

Trading of Nifty 50 index futures on the Singapore stock exchange indicates that the Nifty could fall 191 points at the opening bell.

Overseas, Asian markets extended their gains on Wednesday as the US Congress appeared to be close to a deal on a roughly US$2 trillion stimulus package to battle the coronavirus, which set off a historic surge in US equities.

In US, stocks on soared Tuesday, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average notching its biggest one-day point gain ever and its best percentage gain since 1933, a day after plumbing the lowest levels since 2016, amid growing optimism that Congress will come to an agreement on a fiscal stimulus package aimed at combating the economic impact of the coronavirus epidemic.

Back home, the domestic market ended the volatile session with robust gains on Tuesday, amid recovery in global stock markets. Global stock markets reacted positively to the US Federal Reserve's open-ended asset purchase program on Monday, as well as other measures to keep the market functioning. The S&P BSE Sensex jumped 692.79 points or 2.67% at 26,674.03. The Nifty 50 index climbed 190.80 points or 2.51% at 7,801.05.

The trading activity on that day showed that the foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) sold shares worth a net Rs 2153.35 crore yesterday, 24 March 2020, as per provisional data released by the stock exchanges. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought shares worth a net Rs 1553.66 crore, yesterday, 24 March 2020, as per provisional data.

Trading of Nifty 50 index futures on the Singapore stock exchange indicates that the Nifty could rise 382 points at the opening bell.

Overseas, Asian markets were trading sharply higher after the US Federal Reserve launched unlimited bond buying and other fresh steps and the US Congress appeared closer to a deal on a massive stimulus package to boost the world's largest economy hammered by the coronavirus.

In US, stocks booked sharp losses on Monday as the rapidly rising number of coronavirus cases across the nation overshadowed the Federal Reserve's pledge to buy unlimited bonds and bolster emergency lending facilities to support the flow of credit into the economy.

The central bank's unscheduled announcement comes as investors remain unhappy with a lack of government action to address the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Back home, key domestic benchmarks crashed on Monday after the rapidly spreading coronavirus pandemic sent major Indian states into a lockdown. Investors feared that the Covid-19 outbreak could bring economy to a grinding halt. The barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex crashed 3,934.72 points or 13.15% at 25,981.24. The Nifty 50 index slumped 1,135.20 points or 12.98% at 7,610.25.

The Sensex and the Nifty hit lower circuit limit of 10% in morning trade. The market resumed trading at 10:43 IST for pre-opening session. Normal trading started from 10:58 IST.

The trading activity on that day showed that the foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) sold shares worth a net Rs 2989.29 crore yesterday, 23 March 2020, as per provisional data released by the stock exchanges. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought shares worth a net Rs 1082.24 crore, yesterday, 23 March 2020, as per provisional data.

Trading of Nifty 50 index futures on the Singapore stock exchange indicates that the Nifty could crash 1,044 or 13.5% points at the opening bell.

Taking note of the continued abnormally high volatility in the market due to coronavirus scare, Sebi has come up with various measures, including revision of market wide position limit, to ensure orderly trading and settlement, effective risk management, price discovery and maintenance of market integrity.

These measures will kick-in from the beginning of trading today, 23 March 2020 and will be in effect for a period of one month. The position would be reviewed thereafter and appropriate view taken thereon.

Sebi has revised market wide position limit (MWPL). For stocks in F&O segment meeting certain criteria, MWPL may be revised to 50% of the existing levels.

The margin for stocks meeting specific criteria will be increased, apart from having revised position limits in equity index derivatives (futures and options).

Sebi also proposed to raise margin for non-F&O stocks in cash market to 40% in a phased manner. The proposed margins would only be applied in the cash market and may be applicable for a period of one month.

The regulator also proposed flexing of dynamic price bands for F&O stocks. Currently, the bands are relaxed in the event of market trends in either direction. In addition to the existing requirements, the dynamic price bands may be flexed only after a cooling-off period of 15 minutes from the time of meeting the existing criteria specified by stock exchanges for flexing.

Sebi and stock exchanges will continuously monitor the market developments and review the position and take any further suitable actions as may be required.

Overseas, Asian markets were trading sharply lower on Monday on growing anxiety over the fallout from the Covid-19 coronavirus as no certainty was in sight on how long it would continue.

Stocks were hammered as a rising tide of national lockdowns threatened to overwhelm policymakers' frantic efforts to cushion what is likely to be a deep global recession.

In US, stock indexes finished another bruising week with sharp losses as panic over the coronavirus outbreak refused to abate, amid the acceleration of the global death toll. Investors haven't yet been comforted by the government's response to limit the economic impact of COVID-19 pandemic, whose severity and duration is unclear.

Back home, the market surged on Friday, as recovery in global stock markets triggered bargain hunting in domestic shares. The key indices came off day's high after Maharashtra announced lockdown across major cities in the state. However, the state government clarified that stock exchanges, clearing corporations, depositories, stockbrokers and Sebi registered participants will be exempted from the lockdown. The barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, jumped 1627.73 points 5.75% at 29,915.96. The Nifty 50 index was surged 482 points or 5.83% at 8,745.45.

The trading activity on that day showed that the foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) sold shares worth a net Rs 3345.95 crore on Friday, 20 March 2020, as per provisional data released by the stock exchanges. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought shares worth a net Rs 2431.24 crore, on Friday, 20 March 2020, as per provisional data.

Trading of Nifty 50 index futures on the Singapore stock exchange indicates that the Nifty could rise 78 points at the opening bell.

Overseas, most Asian markets were trading higher on Thursday following the overnight rebound in the US and European markets, as massive relief packages announced by global central banks and governments to ease the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic boosted investor sentiment.

In US, stocks closed modestly higher on Thursday, in another volatile session, as central banks and governments pledged support for the economic shocks from the coronavirus pandemic.

Back home, the market extended losses for the fourth straight session on Thursday. Concerns over the coronavirus epidemic overshadowed the steps taken by global central banks for reviving the economy. The US Federal Reserve, the Bank of Canada, the Bank of England, the Bank of Japan, the European Central Bank and the Swiss National Bank have announced coordinated actions to enhance liquidity provision in financial markets to tackle disruption caused by coronavirus outbreak. Trading was also volatile throughout the day on account of weekly expiry of index options on the NSE. The S&P BSE Sensex, fell 581.28 points or 2.01% at 28,288.23. The Nifty 50 index lost 205.35 points or 2.42% at 8,263.45.

The trading activity on that day showed that the foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) sold shares worth a net Rs 4622.93 crore yesterday, 19 March 2020, as per provisional data released by the stock exchanges. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought shares worth a net Rs 4367.43 crore, yesterday, 19 March 2020, as per provisional data.

Trading of Nifty 50 index futures on the Singapore stock exchange indicates that the Nifty could fall 290 points at the opening bell.

Overseas, Asian markets were trading lower on Thursday amid concerns various policy moves by governments and central banks will not be enough to stop the coronavirus pandemic causing a severe recession.

The European Central Bank (ECB) said it is launching a new, expanded program to buy financial assets in a bid to calm markets as monetary authorities struggle to counter the devastation the virus outbreak is wreaking on the global economy.

The ECB will buy 750 billion euro ($820 billion) in bonds through 2020, with Greek debt and non-financial commercial paper eligible under the programme for the first time.

In US, stocks finished sharply lower on Wednesday, but off session lows after Congress passed the first of two planned bills providing some relief from the economic damage the coronavirus pandemic is inflicting on businesses and consumers.

Back home, the market crashed on Wednesday amid concerns over rising coronavirus cases and tough stance by the Supreme Court on the adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues of telecom operators. Sentiment further deteriorated after S&P lowered India's growth forecast to 5.2% in 2020 amid coronavirus fears. The barometer index, S&P BSE Sensex dropped 1,709.58 points or 5.59% at 28,869.51. The Nifty 50 index fell 498.25 points or 5.56% at 8,468.80.

The trading activity on that day showed that the foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) sold shares worth a net Rs 5085.35 crore yesterday, 18 March 2020, as per provisional data released by the stock exchanges. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought shares worth a net Rs 3636.44 crore, yesterday, 18 March 2020, as per provisional data.

Trading of Nifty 50 index futures on the Singapore stock exchange indicates that the Nifty could rise 13 points at the opening bell.

Overseas, Asian markets were trading mixed on Wednesday as concerns about the widening coronavirus epidemic weighed against hopes policy support would combat its economic fallout.

In US, stocks rebounded on Tuesday, helped by the White House backing an $850 billion federal stimulus plan and a Federal Reserve move to backstop the commercial paper market by providing short term funding to businesses hit by the coronavirus pandemic.

Back home, the market reversed intraday gains and fell sharply in late trade on Tuesday, amid fears of a likely global recession following the coronavirus outbreak. US President Donald Trump acknowledged on Monday that the US economy may be heading toward a recession because of the coronavirus but predicted growth would bounce back strongly. Trump warned that the outbreak could last into July or August. The barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, slipped 810.98 points or 2.58% at 30,579.09. The Nifty 50 index lost 230.35 points or 2.50% to settle at 8,967.05.

The trading activity on that day showed that the foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) sold shares worth a net Rs 4044.69 crore yesterday, 17 March 2020, as per provisional data released by the stock exchanges. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought shares worth a net Rs 3422.12 crore, yesterday, 17 March 2020, as per provisional data.

Trading of Nifty 50 index futures on the Singapore stock exchange indicates that the Nifty could rise 138 points at the opening bell.

Overseas, most Asian markets were trading lower on Tuesday a day after Wall Street's historic market rout, as the coronavirus remained a major risk to economic growth.

In US, the Dow ended nearly 3,000 points lower on Monday, capping an ugly session for Wall Street that saw circuit breakers temporarily halt trading for 15 minutes, amid rising fears that fresh Federal Reserve stimulus won't be enough to combat the threat of lost jobs and wages from the coronavirus outbreak.

Back home, the market resumed sell-off on Monday after a day's halt as investors respond to a rapidly escalating economic hit from the coronavirus and a massive emergency move by the US Federal Reserve to ease policy. The barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, slumped 2,713.41 points or 7.96% at 31,390.07. The Nifty 50 index crashed 757.80 points or 7.61% at 9,197.40.

The trading activity on that day showed that the foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) sold shares worth a net Rs 3809.93 crore on yesterday, 16 March 2020, as per provisional data released by the stock exchanges. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought shares worth a net Rs 2614.54 crore, yesterday, 16 March 2020, as per provisional data.

Trading of Nifty 50 index futures on the Singapore stock exchange indicates that the Nifty could plummet 416 points at the opening bell.

Overseas, Asian stocks were slammed on Monday and the dollar battered after emergency rate cuts in the United States and New Zealand, and a raft of steps by policymakers worldwide failed to stem the rout in markets spooked by the broadening fallout of the coronavirus.

The Federal Reserve on Sunday said it would cut its key interest rate nearly to zero, buy hundreds of billions of dollars in bonds to provide more liquidity to the financial market, ease reserve requirements on banks, and lower the cost of borrowing from the central bank in a series of efforts to ward off the economic dangers of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The announcements, which came as Asian markets prepared to open on Monday, are seen as an indication of the Fed's worry about the economy as COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, leads to widespread disruption. The Fed had previously cut its benchmark federal funds rate by half a percentage point less than two weeks ago. Both rate moves came outside of a scheduled Fed monetary policy meeting.

In US, stocks booked one of their biggest daily gains on Friday after President Trump declared a national emergency to combat the coronavirus epidemic, a day after the Dow and the S&P 500 index suffered their biggest one-day plunge since the October 1987 crash.

The national emergency declaration unleashes $50 billion of funds to help contain the COVID-19 pandemic, but financial market conditions are expected to remain volatile in the wake of this week's global market carnage.

Back home, the domestic stock market ended with robust gains on Friday, as value buying emerged after the benchmark indices hit lower circuit limit in opening deals. The S&P BSE Sensex, surged 1,325.34 points or 4.04% at 34,103.48. The Nifty 50 index spurted 365.05 points or 3.81% at 9,955.20. Trading was halted in early session after benchmark indices dropped by 10% to hit the lower circuit.

The trading activity on that day showed that the foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) sold shares worth a net Rs 6027.58 crore on Friday, 13 March 2020, as per provisional data released by the stock exchanges. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought shares worth a net Rs 5867.90 crore, on Friday, 13 March 2020, as per provisional data.

Local stocks are likely to see gap-down opening on weak global cues. Trading of Nifty 50 index futures on the Singapore stock exchange indicates that the Nifty could crash 705 points at the opening bell.

The Quick Estimates of Index of Industrial Production (IIP) with base 2011-12 for the month of January 2020 stood at 137.1, which is 2% higher as compared to the level in the month of January 2019. The cumulative growth for the period April-January 2019-20 over the corresponding period of the previous year stood at 0.5%.

The all India Consumer Price Index (CPI), slipped to 6.58% in February following easing food prices, according to data released by the National Statistics Office.

Overseas, stocks plunged in Asia on Friday, as fears of economic fallout from the coronavirus crisis deepened and the meltdown in the US, the world's biggest economy, battered confidence around the globe.

In US, stocks tumbled on Thursday with both the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500 index suffering their worst day since the 19 October, 1987 “Black Monday” crash.

Stock prices plunged despite a move by the Federal Reserve to offer some $1.5 trillion worth of funding to keep credit flowing through financial markets to businesses as governments move to restrict the movement of people in an attempt to contain the coronavirus pandemic.

Back home, domestic stock market plunged on Thursday, tracking steep losses in other global equity markets. The S&P BSE Sensex, slumped 2,919.26 points or 8.18% at 32,778.14. The Nifty 50 index crashed 868.25 points or 8.30% at 9,590.15. The selloff was triggered by the World Health Organisation (WHO) declaring the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) as a global pandemic. Following this, the US President Donald Trump announced to ban all travel from Europe to the United States for 30 days, except from the United Kingdom, to contain coronavirus blow.

The trading activity on that day showed that the foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) sold shares worth a net Rs 3475.29 crore yesterday, 12 March 2020, as per provisional data released by the stock exchanges. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought shares worth a net Rs 3918.24 crore, yesterday, 12 March 2020, as per provisional data.

Trading of Nifty 50 index futures on the Singapore stock exchange indicates that the Nifty could crash 491 points at the opening bell.

Industrial production and manufacturing production data for January along with Inflation rate for February will be announced today, 12 March 2020.

Overseas, Asian stocks were trading lower on Thursday after US President Donald Trump said the United States will suspend all travel from Europe as he unveiled measures to contain the coronavirus epidemic that has extracted a heavy human and economic toll worldwide.

Traders also took their lead from a global rout as the World Health Organization declared the spread of the new virus was officially a pandemic.

In US, stocks slumped on Wednesday, with the Dow ending in bear-market territory for the first time in more than a decade, after the World Health Organization designated the global spread of COVID-19 a pandemic, unnerving investors already disappointed with the lack of an economic policy response from the Trump administration.

Back home, the Sensex ended with small gains while the Nifty ended almost flat after a volatile trading session on Wednesday. Gains were capped as investors continued to worry about the unabating spread of the coronavirus. The barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, rose 62.45 points or 0.18% at 35,697.40. The Nifty 50 index shed 2.55 points or 0.02% at 10,448.90.

The trading activity on that day showed that the foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) sold shares worth a net Rs 3515.38 crore yesterday, 11 March 2020, as per provisional data released by the stock exchanges. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought shares worth a net Rs 2835.46 crore, yesterday, 11 March 2020, as per provisional data.

Trading of Nifty 50 index futures on the Singapore stock exchange indicates that the Nifty could fall 103 points at the opening bell.

Overseas, most Asian stocks were trading lower on Wednesday as doubts regarding the US stimulus package dragged down equities and US stock futures.

In US, stocks closed sharply higher on Tuesday after a volatile session that restored about half of the losses seen Monday when stocks saw the biggest one day fall since the 2008 financial crisis.

Tuesday's rebound was partly fuelled by a White House push to persuade Congress to agree to a fiscal stimulus package that may include a payroll tax cut to mitigate the economic impact of the COVID-19 epidemic.

Back home, domestic shares plummeted on Monday (9 March 2020) as panic gripped financial markets amid the double threat of a coronavirus-driven global recession and an oil-price war. The barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, tanked 1,941.67 points or 5.17% at 35,634.95. The Nifty 50 index slumped 538 points or 4.90% at 10,451.45.

Market was closed on Tuesday on account of Holi.

The trading activity on that day showed that the foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) sold shares worth a net Rs 6595.56 crore on Monday, 9 March 2020, as per provisional data released by the stock exchanges. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought shares worth a net Rs 4974.80 crore, on Monday, 9 March 2020, as per provisional data.