Below we have listed out five major events that might be the deciding factor in today's trade
Benchamrk indices on Wednesday closed higher second day in a row ahead of Federal Reserve policy meeting.
The benchamark BSE Sensex closed higher by 139.42 points, to 33,136.18, while the Nifty 50 rose 30.90 points to close at 10,155.25.
But what mood currency and equity markets would be in today, below we have listed out five major events that might be the deciding factor in today's trade.
1. Fed hikes rates
The Federal Reserve raised the key lending rate for the first time this year to its highest level in a decade, citing a stronger outlook for US economic growth.
Newly installed Fed Chairman Jerome Powell presided over his first meeting, which raised the federal funds rate to 1.5-1.75 percent, a move that will affect all types of loans, from homes to cars to student debt.
In his first press conference as Fed chief, Powell pointed to the factors that have boosted the economic outlook in recent months, including "more stimulative" fiscal policy, in the wake of the massive tax cuts Congress passed in December.
2. Stocks jump after Fed sees strong US economy; oil prices rise
A rise in oil prices to a six-week high and signs that US inflation remains in check helped reverse a day-long decline in world equity markets Wednesday.
The Federal Reserve raised benchmark U.S. interest rates by 0.25 percentage point, as expected, at the conclusion of a two-day policy meeting and said growth in the U.S. economy continues to look strong.
The Fed's measures of inflation were little changed, helping reassure investors that the US central bank may not raise rates more than three times this year.
"The positive for the market is that the focus on future rate hikes seems more due to a Fed view of a better economy than necessarily inflation prevention. If the economy can grow with moderate inflation, that is certainly the ideal situation for stocks," said Rick Meckler, president at LibertyView Capital Management in Jersey City, New Jersey.
3. Trump set for China tariff announcement on Thursday, trade war fears grow
President Donald Trump will announce tariffs on Chinese imports on Thursday, a White House official said, in a move aimed at curbing theft of US technology and likely to trigger retaliation from Beijing and stoke fears of a global trade war.
There was no indication of the size and scope of the tariffs, which US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said on Wednesday would target China's high-technology sector and could also include restrictions on Chinese investments in the United States. Other sectors like apparel could also be hit.
4. ICICI Securities IPO to open today
The subsidiary of ICICI Bank, ICICI Securities would be opening its initial public offering for subscription today.
The issue consists of an offer for sale of up to 7,72,49,508 equity shares by promoter ICICI Bank, which includes reservation of up to 38,62,475 shares for purchase by the ICICI Bank shareholders.
5. Sebi plans amending norms for cos undergoing insolvency proceedings
Sebi plans to bring in additional disclosure requirements for listed corporates undergoing insolvency resolution process as well as amend norms pertaining to minimum public shareholding norms and other provisions for such entities, a senior official said.
(With inputs from agencies)
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 "5 things to know before Sensex, Nifty start trade today")
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