Indian equity markets are likely to make positive start on Monday despite weak cues from global markets. Traders are likely to adopt a wait-and-watch approach ahead of the release of the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) for February. However, some cautiousness may come due to persistent geopolitical tensions along with continued outflows by foreign institutional investors. 

Some of the key factors to be watched: 

Fitch raises India’s GDP growth projection for FY26 to 7.5%: Fitch Ratings has raised India’s GDP growth forecast marginally to 7.5 per cent for FY26 with domestic demand being the biggest growth driver this year. 

India well-placed to deal with any situation on crude oil, fuel amid West Asia supply shock: Union Minister Piyush Goyal has said that India is well-placed to deal with any situation on crude oil and fuel, as the West Asia crisis disrupts gas shipments and shipping routes. 

India needs to emerge as global medtech manufacturing hub: Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal has said that India must move beyond its identity as the Pharmacy of the World to emerge as a global medtech manufacturing hub. 

Indian aluminium producers seek RoDTEP relief to stay competitive: The Aluminium Association of India (AAI) has urged the government to exempt aluminium products from the recent RoDTEP rate cut as it would help Indian exporters remain competitive in the international market.

Diamond sector’s stocks will be in watch: The Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) has said India's gems and jewellery exports grew 3.86 per cent year-on-year to $2,680.79 million (Rs 24,340.05 crore) in February, following the industry's diversification into other markets.  

On the global front: The US markets ended lower on Friday as investors' focus shifted to the Federal Reserve’s policy decision amid surging crude oil prices. Asian markets are trading mostly in red on Monday following the broadly negative cues from Wall Street on Friday. 

Back home, Indian equity benchmarks booked losses for the third consecutive day on Friday, with the Sensex falling over 1450 points and Nifty dropping below 23,200 mark, dragged by heightening conflict in West Asia and surging oil prices. Besides, heavy selling in global markets, persistent foreign fund outflows and weakness in the rupee also dented investors' sentiments. Finally, the BSE Sensex fell 1470.50 points or 1.93% to 74,563.92 and the CNX Nifty was down by 488.05 points or 2.06% to 23,151.10.

Some of the important factors in trade: 

India, Chile to enhance cooperation in trade, investment, pharma, technology: With an aim of strengthening cross-border relations, India and Chile have agreed to enhance cooperation in trade, investment, health and pharmaceuticals, science and technology, and other sectors. 

India’s retail inflation rises to 3.21% in February: Retail inflation in the country moved up to 3.21 per cent in February compared to 2.74 per cent in the preceding month. The inflation data is based on the new CPI series with base year 2024.

No fuel shortage in India owing to West Asia crisis: Petroleum Minister Hardeep Puri has said that there is no shortage of petrol, diesel and kerosene in the country on account of the West Asia crisis, adding that spreading rumours or false narratives is unnecessary.