Indian shares set for positive start after Fed holds rates steady; elevated oil weighs

Indian shares are poised for a steady opening on Thursday, following the US Federal Reserve's decision to keep interest rates unchanged, as anticipated. However, concerns over high oil prices are keeping investors on guard. The Nifty 50 futures, a key benchmark, were trading at 22,708 as of 7:35 a.m. IST, suggesting a subdued start for the market. The benchmark Nifty 50 had closed at 22,698.85 on Wednesday.

The Federal Reserve maintained interest rates on Wednesday, deferring any adjustments to borrowing costs until after the upcoming US midterm elections. They cited ongoing data as they await additional insights into inflation, which remains "elevated," according to the Fed. Higher interest rates tend to boost the appeal of Treasuries and the US dollar, potentially making emerging market equities, including India, less appealing to foreign investors.

On Wednesday, Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) purchased Indian shares amounting to 8.72 billion rupees ($91.58 million), marking the second consecutive day of buying. However, they had already sold $3.74 billion worth of shares in October.

Brent crude futures are hovering around $115 per barrel, with traders evaluating the risks posed by potential conflicts in the Middle East to regional energy supplies. Indian equity markets have declined in six of the past seven trading sessions due to elevated oil prices, raising worries about the potential ripple effects on inflation, interest rates, and the value of the Indian rupee.