Global markets present a mixed picture ahead of the trading session, with Wall Street showing divergence between tech and industrial indices. While Asian markets have largely turned positive, crude oil prices have taken a notable hit, adding a layer of complexity to the opening sentiment.

GIFT Nifty Update

GIFT Nifty is trading at 23,341.50, up 44.50 points or 0.19% from the previous close of 23,297. The futures contract opened at 23,330 and has traded within a range of 23,307 to 23,350.50. This modest gain suggests a firm but cautious opening for the NSE and BSE.

US Markets

Wall Street ended with mixed results overnight. The NASDAQ Composite led gains, driven by technology stocks, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped slightly. The E-Mini S&P 500 futures also showed positive momentum.

Index	Price	Change (%)
NASDAQ Composite	26,532.01	+0.35%
E-Mini S&P 500	7,739.00	+0.34%
Dow Jones Industrial Average	51,703.64	-0.18%

Asian Markets

Asian indices are mostly in the green, with Japan's Nikkei 225 showing strong gains. Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index also posted positive returns, contributing to a generally optimistic sentiment across the region.

Index	Price	Change (%)
Nikkei 225	65,018.95	+1.38%
Hang Seng Index	24,908.93	+0.64%
FTSE 100	10,659.13	-0.27%
S&P/TSX Composite	35,806.65	-0.19%

Commodity Trends

Crude oil prices faced significant downward pressure, with WTI Crude Oil dropping over 2%. Precious metals like gold and silver also saw minor declines, while copper and platinum remained relatively stable.

Commodity	Price	Change (%)
Crude Oil (WTI)	93.96	-2.21%
Cotton	81.21	-3.87%
Natural Gas	2.87	-1.37%
Gold Futures	4,404.10	-0.47%
Silver Futures	66.96	-0.29%
Copper	6.73	+0.56%
Platinum	1,808.55	+0.12%

Currency Updates

The US Dollar remained steady against the Indian Rupee, holding near the 95.86 level. The Euro weakened slightly against the Dollar.

Currency Pair	Price	Change (%)
USD/INR	95.86	0.00%
EUR/USD	1.15	-0.07%

FII/DII Activity

On September 18, both Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) and Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) were net buyers. FIIs added ₹599.54 crore, while DIIs invested ₹1,019.69 crore. However, monthly data shows FIIs as net sellers, while DIIs remain net buyers for the month.

Investor Type	Date	Net Buy/Sell (₹ Cr)
FII/FPI	2026-09-18	+599.54
DII	2026-09-18	+1,019.69
FII/FPI (Monthly)	Sep 2026	-7,040.94
DII (Monthly)	Sep 2026	+36,218.68

Key Global Events

No specific global events or policy announcements are highlighted in the current data set that would drastically alter market direction beyond the standard economic indicators reflected in index movements.

Corporate Actions

Several companies have corporate actions scheduled for today, including Annual General Meetings (AGMs) and dividend payouts:

• Dividends: AB Infrabuild (₹0.01), Alicon Castalloy (₹3.00), Jai Corp (₹0.50), CG-VAK Software & Exports (₹1.00), Sreeleathers (₹1.00), Krishival Foods (₹0.35), Jeena Sikho Lifecare (₹4.50), All E Technologies (₹1.50), Cargotrans Maritime (₹0.70), Silicon Rental Solutions (₹1.00), ITCONS E-Solutions (₹0.15), Bright Outdoor Media (₹0.50).
• AGMs: RTS Power Corporation, Trejhara Solutions, Manorama Industries, Consolidated Finvest & Holdings, Alfa ICA, APT Packaging, Asian Warehousing, ECOS Mobility & Hospitality, PG Foils, Pavna Industries, Dynavision, Advait Energy Transitions, Premier Energies, GMR Power & Urban Infra, Artemis ADR Marketplace, Blue Jet Healthcare, Transindia Real Estate, SCI Land & Assets.

Conclusion

The session begins with GIFT Nifty indicating a firm start around 23,341. Mixed cues from Wall Street, where tech outperformed industrials, are balanced by strong gains in Asian markets like the Nikkei. The drop in crude oil prices may provide some relief to inflation concerns, while steady FII buying on the last trading day supports domestic sentiment. Traders should monitor the impact of corporate actions, particularly dividends and AGMs, on specific stock movements.

Global markets present a mixed picture ahead of the NSE and BSE opening bell, driven by a sharp correction in energy prices and a robust rally in US technology stocks. While Wall Street’s tech-heavy indices surged, the broader market sentiment remains cautious due to significant selling pressure from foreign investors and a steep drop in crude oil values.

GIFT Nifty Update

GIFT Nifty futures are trading at 23,338.50, down 21.50 points or 0.09% from the previous close of 23,360. This slight decline suggests that domestic indices may open with minimal gap-down or flat, reflecting the neutral stance amidst conflicting global signals.

US Markets

Wall Street closed on a positive note, led by strong gains in the technology sector. The NASDAQ Composite jumped 1.68%, adding 436.30 points to close at 26,435.73. The Dow Jones Industrial Average also posted gains, rising 0.61% or 316.14 points to 51,799.04. However, the E-Mini S&P 500 futures showed slight weakness, dipping 0.07% to 7,701.50.

Index	Price	Change (%)	Change (Points)
NASDAQ Composite	26,435.73	+1.68%	+436.30
Dow Jones Industrial Average	51,799.04	+0.61%	+316.14
E-Mini S&P 500	7,701.50	-0.07%	-5.75

Asian Markets

Asian markets started the day on a positive trajectory. The Nikkei 225 in Japan rose 0.77%, gaining 491.92 points to reach 64,628.17. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index also advanced by 0.71%, adding 175.20 points to close at 24,779.50. European markets also showed strength, with the FTSE 100 climbing 1.19% to 10,816.14.

Index	Price	Change (%)	Change (Points)
Nikkei 225	64,628.17	+0.77%	+491.92
Hang Seng Index	24,779.50	+0.71%	+175.20
FTSE 100	10,816.14	+1.19%	+127.67

Commodity Trends

The most significant mover in commodities was Crude Oil, which witnessed a sharp decline. WTI Crude Oil fell 5.17%, dropping $5.27 to $96.64 per barrel. This substantial drop could pressure oil marketing companies and benefit downstream sectors like paints and textiles. Precious metals remained relatively stable, with Gold Futures slipping slightly by 0.26% to $4,388.30. Silver Futures edged up 0.23% to $66.25. Platinum gained 0.53% to $1,790.35, while Natural Gas declined 1.62% to $2.85.

Commodity	Price	Change (%)	Change (Value)
WTI Crude Oil	96.64	-5.17%	-5.27
Gold Futures	4,388.30	-0.26%	-11.40
Silver Futures	66.25	+0.23%	+0.15
Platinum	1,790.35	+0.53%	+9.45
Natural Gas	2.85	-1.62%	-0.05

Currency Updates

The Indian Rupee showed slight stability against the US Dollar. USD/INR traded at 95.92, down marginally by 0.02 from the previous close of 95.94. The Euro also strengthened slightly against the Dollar, with EUR/USD rising 0.02% to 1.1482.

Currency Pair	Price	Change (%)	Change (Value)
USD/INR	95.92	-0.02%	-0.02
EUR/USD	1.1482	+0.02%	+0.0002

FII/DII Activity

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) continued their selling spree, netting out ₹3,208.76 crore on September 17. This follows a similar trend over the past week, where FIIs have been net sellers. In contrast, Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) provided support, buying ₹3,617.75 crore worth of stocks. The monthly data shows FIIs have sold ₹4,431.72 crore so far in September, while DIIs have added ₹31,581.24 crore.

Investor Type	Date	Buy (₹ Cr)	Sell (₹ Cr)	Net (₹ Cr)
FII/FPI	2026-09-17	8,761.71	11,970.47	-3,208.76
DII	2026-09-17	14,105.01	10,487.26	+3,617.75

Key Global Events

The sharp drop in crude oil prices is likely due to shifting global demand expectations and supply dynamics. Meanwhile, the rally in US tech stocks indicates continued investor confidence in the growth sector despite broader economic uncertainties. Traders should monitor how the energy sector reacts to the oil price plunge and whether the tech-led global momentum translates into domestic IT and auto sector gains.

Corporate Actions

Several companies are going ex-dividend today. Key dividends include: * **KRBL:** Final dividend of ₹4.50 * **Shervani Industrial Syndicate:** Final dividend of ₹2.50 * **Balu Forge Industries:** Final dividend of ₹0.15 * **Ceinsys Tech:** Final dividend of ₹3.50 * **Rashtriya Chemicals & Fertilizers:** Final dividend of ₹1.34 * **Krsnaa Diagnostics:** Final dividend of ₹2.00

Additionally, several companies are holding their Annual General Meetings (AGMs) today, including Raconteur Global Resources, Krishnaveer Forge, Vishal Mega Mart, and Healthcare Global Enterprises.

Conclusion

The trading session is set to begin with a cautious tone. While global tech gains and Asian market strength provide some support, the heavy FII outflows and a significant drop in crude oil prices may introduce volatility. Domestic investors will likely watch the banking sector closely, given the Nifty Bank Index's recent weakness, while energy stocks may face headwinds from the falling oil prices.