Stock Markets to Track Q4 Earnings, Foreign Fund Inflows, and Global Cues This Week

New Delhi, May 18 — Indian stock markets are set for a pivotal week, with investor sentiment expected to hinge on corporate Q4 earnings, foreign fund flows, and global economic developments, analysts said.

Focus Shifts to Earnings Amid Stabilizing Geopolitics​

With the recent stabilization in India-Pakistan tensions and no major geopolitical disruptions in sight, the spotlight is firmly on domestic earnings and macroeconomic indicators. Puneet Singhania, Director at Master Trust Group, noted that the ongoing corporate earnings season will dominate investor attention.

“There is growing optimism around the possibility of an early India-US trade deal, which could provide further support to market sentiment,” he added.

Anticipated Q4 Results from Key Corporations​

Major companies set to report their quarterly earnings this week include:

• Power Grid Corporation of India
• Hindalco Industries
• ONGC
• Sun Pharmaceutical Industries
• ITC
• JSW Steel

Ajit Mishra, SVP – Research at Religare Broking Ltd, said, “With no major global or domestic events scheduled, the market’s focus is expected to shift towards domestic earnings and high-frequency economic data for directional cues.”

Foreign Fund Flows Turn Supportive​

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) have notably shifted their stance. After selling equities worth ₹1,16,574 crore in the first quarter of 2025, they turned net buyers in April. The buying momentum accelerated in May, with a net inflow of ₹23,778 crore up to May 16.

Siddhartha Khemka, Head of Research – Wealth Management at Motilal Oswal Financial Services, emphasized that market participants will keep a close watch on FII activity, especially as their renewed interest continues to sustain the current market rally.

Global Trade and Economic Signals in Play​

Analysts are also monitoring developments around a potential India-US trade agreement, following US President Donald Trump's reiterated claim that New Delhi may remove tariffs on American goods. Any concrete progress on this front could further boost investor confidence.

VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services, said, “With the global trade scenario improving after the pause in the US-China trade war and the end of the India-Pak conflict, the investment climate has clearly become more favourable.”

Strong Weekly Gains Set the Tone​

Last week, the BSE Sensex surged by 2,876.12 points, marking a 3.61 percent gain, while the NSE Nifty jumped 1,011.8 points, or 4.21 percent. This strong performance sets a bullish undertone heading into a week dominated by earnings and economic data.