Buy or sell stocks, Dec. 16 -- Following soft global market sentiments, the Indian stock market is expected to open on a cautious note on Tuesday. Major equity indices of the US stock market closed lower amid a risk-off sentiment ahead of key economic data releases, including non-farm payrolls, retail sales, and inflation figures, which could influence the future course of monetary policy. Asian markets also opened lower, with cautious traders paring positions ahead of the Bank of Japan's crucial monetary policy decision later this week.

On the domestic front, persistent FII outflows and continued pressure on the rupee near record lows remain key near-term headwinds. However, strong participation from domestic institutional investors and...