Trade Setup for Today: Key Things to Know Before the Opening Bell on July 31, 2026
GIFT Nifty futures indicate a modest 0.15% gain at 24,429 points, supported by strong US market performance with NASDAQ surging 2.75% overnight. Asian markets show mixed signals with Nikkei jumping 4.64% while Hang Seng dips 0.42%. FII inflows of ₹3,623.51 crore provide positive momentum, though commodity weakness with crude oil down 1.70% and gold declining 0.48% adds caution. USD/INR remains stable at 95.67. Key focus on IIFL Finance block deals worth ₹748 crore and 227 companies scheduled for corporate actions today.
*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
Global markets present a mixed picture as we head into today's trading session, with Asian indices showing resilience while commodity prices face headwinds. Here's what traders need to know before the opening bell.
GIFT Nifty Update
GIFT Nifty futures are trading at 24,429.00, up 35.50 points or 0.15% from the previous close of 24,393.50. This modest gain suggests a cautiously optimistic start for domestic indices, with the day's range spanning from 24,387.00 to 24,452.00.
US Markets
American indices delivered a strong performance overnight, with technology stocks leading the charge:
| Index | Close | Change | Change % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dow Jones | 52,229.06 | +613.92 | +1.19% |
| NASDAQ | 25,135.99 | +672.05 | +2.75% |
| S&P 500 (E-Mini) | 7,491.75 | +19.25 | +0.26% |
The NASDAQ's impressive 2.75% surge reflects renewed optimism in the technology sector, while the Dow's solid gains indicate broad-based market strength.
Asian Markets
Asian markets showed mixed but generally positive momentum:
| Index | Price | Change | Change % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nikkei 225 | 64,736.25 | +2,868.82 | +4.64% |
| Hang Seng | 25,750.45 | -108.44 | -0.42% |
| FTSE 100 | 10,897.27 | -11.14 | -0.10% |
Japan's Nikkei delivered an exceptional performance with a 4.64% surge, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng faced minor selling pressure.
Commodity Trends
Commodity markets experienced mixed trading with energy and precious metals under pressure:
| Commodity | Price (USD) | Change | Change % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crude Oil | 82.17 | -1.42 | -1.70% |
| Gold Futures | 4,140.60 | -20.00 | -0.48% |
| Silver Futures | 58.85 | -0.17 | -0.28% |
| Natural Gas | 2.77 | +0.01 | +0.29% |
| Copper | 6.49 | -0.01 | -0.17% |
Crude oil's 1.70% decline and gold's weakness suggest some risk-on sentiment, while natural gas managed modest gains.
Currency Updates
The USD/INR pair remained stable at 95.67, showing minimal movement with a tight range between 95.65 and 95.68. The EUR/USD traded at 1.15, down 0.13%.
FII/DII Activity
Institutional flows showed contrasting patterns on July 30:
| Category | Buy (₹ Cr) | Sell (₹ Cr) | Net (₹ Cr) |
|---|---|---|---|
| FII/FPI | 17,431.96 | 13,808.45 | +3,623.51 |
| DII | 17,979.63 | 19,843.66 | -1,864.03 |
Foreign investors continued their buying spree with net inflows of ₹3,623.51 crore, while domestic institutions were net sellers to the tune of ₹1,864.03 crore.
Block Deals
| Company | Buyer/Seller | Shares | Price (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| IIFL Finance | AMERICAN FUNDS INSURANCE SERIES GLOBAL SMALL CAPITALIZATION FUND (Buyer) | 166,203 | 590.00 |
| IIFL Finance | FIH MAURITIUS INVESTMENTS LTD (Seller) | 6,339,355 | 590.00 |
| IIFL Finance | SMALLCAP WORLD FUND INC (Buyer) | 6,173,152 | 590.00 |
Latest Update for IIFL Finance
IIFL Finance witnessed significant block deal activity worth ₹748.04 crore involving approximately 12.68 million shares at ₹590.00 per share. The company recently held its 31st AGM on July 24, 2026, where shareholders approved key resolutions including NCD issuance and enhanced borrowing limits. The company reported a remarkable 161% surge in net profit to ₹713.13 crore for Q1FY26, with consolidated revenue rising 32.7% year-on-year to ₹3,919.15 crore.
Key Global Events
Today marks an important day for corporate actions with 227 companies scheduled for various activities including dividend distributions, AGMs, and quarterly results. Notable dividend announcements include Coal India (₹5.50 interim), Britannia Industries (₹90.50 final), and Eicher Motors (₹82.00 final).
Conclusion
The trading setup suggests a cautiously optimistic start with GIFT Nifty indicating modest gains. Strong US market performance, particularly in technology stocks, and robust FII inflows provide positive momentum. However, commodity weakness and mixed Asian cues warrant careful stock selection. Traders should monitor the significant corporate action calendar and focus on stock-specific opportunities rather than broad market plays.
15
Create Custom Screeners 
Access 200+ Pre-built Filters 
Use 50+ Readymade Screener 
