Fed Decision, Crude Oil to Set Indian Equities' Course Next Week

The upcoming week is expected to be pivotal for Indian equities as key global events converge on the markets. The US Federal Reserve's policy decision and crude oil prices will drive market sentiment, with the Nifty entering a crucial support zone after posting its fifth consecutive weekly decline.

Indian markets will remain closed on Monday for Ganesh Chaturthi, giving investors their first opportunity to react to global cues on Tuesday. The focus then shifts to the US Federal Reserve's interest rate decision and economic projections scheduled for Wednesday, September 16.

The Nifty ended Friday at 23,398.10, down 79.70 points or 0.34 per cent, while the Sensex closed at 74,781.76, down 120.83 points or 0.16 per cent. Sectoral performance remained mixed, with Nifty Realty emerging as the biggest laggard and healthcare stocks performing well.

The US Federal Reserve's rate decision is expected to be a key trigger for markets, with investors pricing in a high probability of a 25-basis-point rate hike following recent inflation data. Global monetary policy cues from the Bank of England and Bank of Japan will also remain in focus.