<h1>Markets open higher on Fed rate-cut hopes and US-China trade optimism; banks, industrials, consumers lead gains ahead of FOMC</h1> Equity benchmarks opened higher, driven by expectations of a Federal Reserve rate cut and prospects of a US-China trade deal; the benchmark indices rose modestly with gains concentrated in lenders, industrials and consumer discretionary segments while select financials and consumer staples lagged. Market participants cited softer US inflation, strong US equity performance, and continued foreign institutional inflows alongside robust domestic institutional buying as supportive factors. Net foreign selling contrasted with substantial domestic purchases. Oil held near mid-$60s per barrel. The outlook hinges on the upcoming FOMC decision and progress in US-China trade talks.