Indian Shares Poised for Modest Open as Global Cues Firm, Oil Eases; Sensex, Nifty in Focus

Indian shares are seen opening slightly higher Thursday, supported by firm global markets and easing crude prices as investors weigh the U.S. Federal Reserve's rate decision and major U.S. tech earnings. The Sensex and Nifty fell about 0.5% and 0.2% respectively on Wednesday as IT stocks slid. The Fed held rates at 3.75-4% in a 10-2 split vote, upgrading its economic assessment to "strong" while noting elevated inflation. Chair Kevin Warsh offered no clear December signal, though markets price a 78% hike probability, down from 84% before the meeting. Brent crude fell about 1% toward $114 a barrel, retreating from four-year highs on diplomatic efforts to end the Middle East war. The rupee closed at 95.28 against the dollar. FIIs net bought Rs. 871.83 crore of shares Wednesday, while DIIs bought Rs. 643.35 crore. The World Bank forecast global commodity prices to surge 23% in 2026.