Trade Setup for Today: Global Cues and Block Deals Shape Market Sentiment

2 min read     Updated on 18 Mar 2026, 08:01 AM
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Shraddha JScanX News Team
Overview

GIFT Nifty up 0.49% at 23,667, indicating a positive opening for Indian markets. US markets closed mixed, with NASDAQ up 0.44%. Asian markets varied, Nikkei 225 surging 2.06%. Crude oil rises 0.55% to $94.01. USD/INR at 92.31. FIIs sold net ₹4,741.22 Cr, while DIIs bought net ₹5,225.32 Cr. Significant block deals in Urban Company, with SBI Mutual Fund buying 35,063,090 shares. Key corporate actions include dividends from MIDHANI and BANCOINDIA.

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*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.

Market Overview

As markets open on March 18, 2026, global cues and significant block deals are setting the tone for today's trading session. The GIFT Nifty indicates a positive start, while mixed performances in US and Asian markets provide a nuanced backdrop.

GIFT Nifty Update

GIFT Nifty is trading at 23,667, up 114.5 points or 0.49% from the previous close, suggesting a positive opening for domestic indices.

US Markets

US markets closed with mixed results:

Index Change Closing Price
NASDAQ +0.44% 23,042.00
Dow Jones +0.10% 47,014.25
S&P 500 Futures +0.25% 6,790.50

Asian Markets

Asian markets are showing varied performances:

Index Change Current Level
Nikkei 225 +2.06% 54,804.94
Hang Seng -0.03% 25,859.98

Commodity Trends

Key commodities are experiencing mixed movements:

Commodity Price Change
Crude Oil $94.01 +0.55%
Natural Gas $2.98 -1.52%
Gold $5,006.90 -0.03%
Silver $79.37 -0.69%

Currency Updates

The USD/INR pair is trading at 92.31, down 0.05% from the previous close.

FII/DII Activity

Recent institutional activity shows contrasting trends:

Investor Type Date Buy (₹ Cr) Sell (₹ Cr) Net (₹ Cr)
FII 2026-03-17 11,903.71 16,644.93 -4,741.22
DII 2026-03-17 16,762.65 11,537.33 5,225.32

Block Deals

Significant block deals were reported in Urban Company:

Buyer/Seller Quantity Avg Price
SBI Mutual Fund (Buyer) 35,063,090 ₹109.85
ABG Capital (Seller) 17,410,090 ₹109.85
DF International Partners II LLC (Seller) 17,653,000 ₹109.85

Latest Update for Urban Company

  • Urban Company has announced analyst and investor meetings from March 16-24, 2026, including Non-Deal Roadshows in Edinburgh and London.
  • The company has submitted its Amended and Restated ESOP Trust Deed to stock exchanges.
  • Urban Company is collaborating with ILO to increase E-Shram registrations among service workers.
  • Shareholders approved four special resolutions related to Employee Stock Option Scheme amendments.
  • The company's InstaHelp service has achieved 50,000 daily bookings within one year of launch.

Key Corporate Actions

Several companies have announced corporate actions for today:

Company Action Type Details
MIDHANI Interim Dividend ₹0.85 per share
BANCOINDIA Interim Dividend ₹8.00 per share
GAUDIUMIVF Quarterly Result Announcement -
GABRIEL Extraordinary General Meeting -

Multiple other companies, including Superior Finlease, Leading Leasing Finance, and Yash Trading & Finance, are also holding Extraordinary General Meetings today.

As the market opens, investors will be closely watching these global cues, block deals, and corporate actions to gauge market sentiment and potential trading opportunities.

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