The Indian market is particularly sensitive to movements in major global indices. The influence of these indices can be observed through shifts in foreign investment patterns. It can also include market sentiment and currency fluctuations.
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 experience heavy selling pressure when these indices experience major declines following significant economic transformations or 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 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 top 225 blue-chip companies in Japan