Movements in Key Global Indices play a vital role in shaping trends within the Indian market. Changes in leading global stock market index values often influence investor sentiment, foreign capital flows, and overall market direction in India.
The impact of these international benchmarks can be seen through multiple channels, including investment trends, market confidence, and currency movements:
US Indices (S&P 500, Dow Jones)
US-based companies, along with the economy, hold substantial influence over the stock markets of the United States. The S&P 500, along with the Dow Jones, serves as a key indicator that measures the economic conditions in the United States.
Indian stock markets often react to major declines in these indices, reflecting broader economic changes.
European Indices (FTSE 100, DAX)
European indices, such as the FTSE 100 and DAX, also play a role in influencing Indian markets. However, they reflect less volatility compared to the US indices.
The economic health of the European Union has a direct effect on Indian companies. These companies can be involved in exports, manufacturing, and trade relations with Europe.
Asian Indices (Nikkei, Hang Seng)
Asia's major indices, such as Nikkei 225 (Japan) and Hang Seng (Hong Kong), influence Indian stocks. They particularly influence sectors like technology, automobiles, and export-oriented industries.
A decline in these indices can suggest broader concerns about economic conditions in Asia. It affects Indian companies that operate within this region.
Commodity Indices and Their Impact
The performance of Indian companies depends significantly on commodity prices, which include oil and metals. Sectors such as energy, mining, and manufacturing depend heavily on these commodities.
The prices of Indian stocks, which represent sectors influenced by global commodity indices, are directly impacted by these indices. The expense affects the operating costs of Indian companies that require imported oil, which may lead to declines in stock value.
Types of Global Stock Market Indices
Different indices track different sectors or regions. Some major world indices track the performance of global economies (e.g., the MSCI World Index), while others focus on specific markets or sectors. Key examples include:
S&P 500: Composed to track the 500 largest US companies
Dow Jones Industrial Average: Tracks 30 large, publicly owned companies in the US
FTSE 100: Includes the 100 largest companies as per the market cap listed on the London Stock Exchange
Hang Seng Index (HSI): It covers companies listed on the stock exchange of Hong Kong
DAX: It tracks the 30 largest German companies from the Frankfurt Stock Exchange
Nikkei 225: Tracks the major 225 blue-chip companies in Japan
By monitoring movements in these global stock market indices, investors can understand how international developments translate into opportunities or risks in the Indian market.