Stock market opening today: Will Sensex, Nifty rise or fall?
Stock markets are likely to open on a muted note on Monday as elevated crude oil prices continue to keep investors cautious about inflation and interest rates. GIFT Nifty futures were trading at 23,338 at 7:49 am, indicating a largely flat start for the Nifty 50, which closed at 23,346.40 on Friday.
The Sensex had ended Friday at 74,294.96, down 19.63 points or 0.03%. The Nifty, meanwhile, gained 75.80 points or 0.33%. Both indices, however, recorded their sixth consecutive weekly decline last week, their longest losing streak in six years.
Crude oil prices will remain one of the biggest factors for Indian equities this week. Brent crude futures eased 2.2% to $101.6 a barrel as investors looked for a recovery in shipments from Saudi Arabia despite continuing attacks by Yemeni Houthis.
The decline in oil prices offers some relief, but crude remains above $100 a barrel, keeping concerns around inflation and interest rates alive.
"Brent crude's retreat offers some relief, but prices remain elevated as the unresolved Middle East conflict leaves the market vulnerable to renewed flare-ups and supply disruptions," said Hariselvan Radhakrishnan, founder and CEO of HST Wealth.
For India, sustained high crude prices remain important as they can affect inflation, the trade balance and the interest-rate outlook.IRAN-US TENSIONS IN FOCUS
Geopolitical developments will also be closely watched after Iran and the US exchanged fresh threats on Sunday.
US President Donald Trump warned Iran of further economic consequences and threatened its leadership if it did not reach a deal, while Iran's military said it would retaliate against any fresh attack.
The conflict has continued to add uncertainty to global energy markets, with concerns that any further escalation could disrupt oil supplies and push crude prices higher again.
The primary market will also remain in focus as the Rs 23,000 crore NSE IPO is scheduled to close for subscription on Monday.
The IPO has already attracted strong demand, adding to the liquidity pressure on the secondary market. Investors have been closely watching the primary market after a series of IPOs in recent weeks.
The NSE issue is therefore likely to remain a key market focus even as investors assess broader global and domestic cues.FII SELLING SHOWS SOME RELIEF
Foreign institutional investors turned buyers on Friday, purchasing Indian shares worth Rs 599.54 crore, according to provisional data.
This came after six consecutive sessions of net selling. However, FII outflows remain significant. Foreign investors have sold $2.20 billion worth of Indian shares so far in September, taking year-to-date outflows to $26.26 billion.
The return to buying on Friday could provide some support, but the broader trend of foreign outflows remains an important concern for the market.
The opening cues point to a cautious start, with GIFT Nifty indicating limited movement from Friday's close. The direction during the session is likely to depend on crude oil prices, developments in the Iran-US conflict, FII flows and activity in the primary market.
After six straight weekly declines, investors will also be watching whether bargain buying can support the market or whether continued concerns around crude oil and global macroeconomic conditions keep sentiment subdued.
(Disclaimer: The views, opinions, recommendations, and suggestions expressed by experts/brokerages in this article are their own and do not reflect the views of the India Today Group. It is advisable to consult a qualified broker or financial advisor before making any actual investment or trading choices.)- EndsPublished By: Sonu VivekPublished On: Sep 21, 2026 09:04 IST
