Gift Nifty Signals Positive Opening in Indian Markets Today, Trades Over 100 Points Higher

Indian stock markets are set for a positive start on Monday, with Gift Nifty trading at 23,930, up 102 points or 0.43%. The futures are trading nearly 160 points above Friday’s Nifty close of 23,767.45, indicating a gap-up opening for domestic equities.

The positive sentiment comes after geopolitical tensions in West Asia eased temporarily, improving global risk appetite. Investors also welcomed the sharp decline in crude oil prices, which has eased concerns over inflation and supported markets worldwide.

Ponmudi R, CEO of Enrich Money, said, “Indian equities are likely to begin the week on a positive note, as investors take comfort from a temporary easing in geopolitical tensions, lifting risk sentiment across global markets. Market sentiment strengthened

after the Trump administration signalled a pause in further military strikes on Iran to allow diplomatic efforts to continue, easing immediate concerns over a broader regional conflict.”

He added that the diplomatic overture has also triggered a sharp retreat in crude oil prices, with WTI falling more than 6% from recent highs near $93 per barrel to around $84, while Brent has eased to approximately $88 after briefly crossing the psychologically important $100 mark last week.

“A sustained decline in energy prices would help unwind some of the inflationary pressures that have unsettled financial markets in recent weeks, supporting global growth expectations and reducing the risk of a more hawkish policy stance from the Federal Reserve. Even so, investors are likely to remain cautious, with developments in the Middle East continuing to be the primary driver of market sentiment and commodity prices,” Ponmudi said.

On the technical front, Ponmudi R said Nifty continues to trade with a cautious undertone despite the expected positive opening. The 23,800-24,000 zone remains the immediate resistance area, and a sustained move above 24,000 could pave the way for an advance towards 24,200. On the downside, immediate support is placed in the 23,700-23,600 zone, while a breach below 23,600 could lead to another round of selling towards 23,500-23,300.

On Friday, Indian benchmark indices ended lower for the fifth straight session as investors remained cautious over geopolitical tensions, elevated oil prices and global trade uncertainties. The Sensex fell 331.62 points, or 0.43%, to close at 76,059.77, while the Nifty 50 declined 102.15 points, or 0.43%, to settle at 23,767.45. Despite the losses, both indices recovered sharply from their intraday lows as buying emerged in banking and IT stocks.

The positive indication from Gift Nifty suggests Dalal Street could begin the week on a firm footing. However, investors will continue to closely monitor crude oil prices and geopolitical developments, which are expected to remain the key drivers of market direction in the near term.