Gift Nifty Slips Ahead of IT Pressure on Sept 22: How Is the Indian Stock Market Likely to Open Today?

Indian equity markets are likely to open under selling pressure on September 22, 2025 as per Gift Nifty levels, led by information technology stocks. Traders remain cautious after US President Donald Trump signed an executive order significantly increasing the H-1B visa application fee.

Trump’s Immigration Move to Hit IT Sector

Over the weekend, Trump raised the H-1B application fee to $100,000 (from the earlier $2,000–5,000), effective September 21. The White House clarified this would be a one time payment.

As per news reports, around 20% of employees at the top five IT services firms are currently based on site. While a knee jerk reaction in IT stocks is likely.

Asian Markets Edge Higher Despite US Policy Overhang

Most Asian markets traded higher on September 22, lifted by optimism around US-China relations:

• Japan’s Nikkei jumped 1.4% after the Bank of Japan unveiled plans to unwind its large ETF holdings
• South Korea’s Kospi rose 0.9%
• Investors cheered reports that Trump and China’s Xi Jinping will meet on the sidelines of the upcoming APEC summit

Wall Street Recap: September 19

On Friday, US markets closed higher, supported by rate-cut expectations:

• S&P 500 gained 0.49%
• Nasdaq Composite advanced 0.72%

The rally came as traders priced in the likelihood of more easing in upcoming Federal Reserve meetings.

Indian Market Recap: September 19

On Friday, Indian equities ended lower amid global caution. The BSE Sensex closed at 82,626.23, down 387.73 points (-0.47%), while the Nifty 50 settled at 25,327.05, losing 96.55 points (-0.38%).

Domestic Cues

Back home, the revised Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates take effect today. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the rollout as the beginning of a “savings festival” and urged citizens to embrace “swadeshi.”

Additionally, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal is set to lead a delegation to the US today in a bid to calm trade tensions between the two countries.

Conclusion

With Gift Nifty signalling a weak opening, Indian equities may face IT-driven pressure today. However, supportive global cues and easing trade tensions could provide some balance, keeping traders focused on both domestic tax reforms and global policy developments.

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