Indices likely to trade range-bound

Benchmark indices are expected to be range-bound on Thursday as global cues are likely to be muted, with the US Federal Reserve expected to keep its interest rates unchanged in its policy meeting.

- Informist

Analysts do not expect major policy decisions by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Union Budget for 2026-27 (Apr-Mar), but they expect select public sector enterprises to witness a pre-budget rally.

The US Fed is widely expected to pause its interest rate-cutting cycle as a steadier jobs market restores a degree of consensus at the central bank after months of growing division, Bloomberg said in a report. Several Fed officials have been signalling that rates are now in the right place, that is, 3.50-3.75%.

While analysts are enthusiastic about the finalisation of the free trade agreement between India and the European Union, they advise caution to investors, saying that the benefits of this deal are expected to come in from the next financial year.