NEW DELHI: Market sentiment this week will be shaped by global trends, key inflation data, and foreign investor activity. Investors will also keep a close watch on monsoon progress and updates on international trade talks, according to market experts.“Going forward, market participants will focus on key macroeconomic data for further cues. High-frequency indicators such as CPI inflation will be closely tracked to gauge demand trends and the central bank’s next steps,”Ajit Mishra, SVP, Research, Religare Broking Ltd told news agency PTI.“Additionally, the progress of monsoon and sowing patterns will be monitored due to their implications for rural consumption,” Mishra noted.Global trade discussions and US bond yield fluctuations will remain significant factors influencing market sentiment, he added.The benchmark indices witnessed substantial gains on Friday, with rate-sensitive sectors leading the rally following RBI’s substantial 50 basis points rate reduction.The BSE Sensex concluded at 82,188.99, rising by 746.95 points or 0.92%, while NSE Nifty surpassed 25,000, finishing at 25,003.05, up by 252.15 points or 1.02%.The previous week saw BSE benchmark gaining 737.98 points or 0.90%, whilst Nifty advanced 252.35 points or 1%.“We expect Indian markets to witness a gradual up-move, supported by positive sentiment following higher-than-anticipated rate cut by the RBI and optimism surrounding a potential US-India trade agreement with officials from both sides meeting in New Delhi to finalise the first phase of the proposed deal,” Siddhartha Khemka, Head, Research, Wealth Management, Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd, said.“Meanwhile, global headwinds, including unexpected shifts in US tariffs and ongoing geopolitical tensions, may induce volatility,” he added.The aggressive RBI rate cut, backed by cooling inflation and a steady GDP outlook, is likely to support investor confidence amidst the ongoing global uncertainties, noted Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Investments Ltd.