GIFT Nifty Today: Sensex and Nifty Eye Positive Start as Crude Slips Below $110 | May 19, 2026

Indian equity markets are expected to open on a positive note on Tuesday, supported by firm global cues and easing crude oil prices. 

Investor sentiment improved after reports suggested that US President Donald Trump had postponed a planned attack on Iran, leading to a decline in crude oil prices from recent highs. 

Despite improving global cues, market participants are expected to closely monitor crude oil prices, the rupee’s movement and foreign investor activity amid continuing geopolitical uncertainty in West Asia. 

Sectors linked to energy, commodities and exports are likely to remain in focus as fluctuations in oil prices and currency markets continue to influence overall trading sentiment. 

Previous Session: Markets End Flat After Volatile Trade 

Indian benchmark indices ended nearly unchanged on Monday May 18, 2026, following a volatile trading session. 

The Sensex gained 77.05 points, or 0.10%, to close at 75,315.04, while the Nifty 50 edged up 6.45 points, or 0.03%, to settle at 23,649.95. 

GIFT Nifty Signals Positive Opening 

GIFT Nifty was trading 0.43% higher during early morning trade, indicating a firm start for domestic benchmark indices. 

The positive indication comes amid easing crude oil prices and improved sentiment across several Asian markets. 

Read More: Odisha Government Hikes DA by 2% to State Employees and Pensioners! 

Asian Markets Trade Higher 

Asia-Pacific markets traded mostly higher on Tuesday as investors assessed global geopolitical developments and movements in energy prices. 

Japan’s Nikkei 225 advanced 0.68%, while the broader Topix index gained 1.16%. Australia’s ASX 200 rose 1.08% in early trade. 

However, South Korea’s Kospi slipped 1.06%, while the small-cap Kosdaq traded largely flat. 

Crude Oil Prices Ease 

Crude oil prices declined slightly after reports indicated that the United States may delay any immediate military action involving Iran. 

US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell 1% to $107.28 per barrel, while Brent crude declined 2.7% to $109.11 per barrel in early trade. 

The moderation in oil prices may provide some relief to emerging markets, including India, which remains heavily dependent on crude imports. 

US Markets End Mixed 

Wall Street indices ended on a mixed note on Monday as investors reacted to global geopolitical developments and economic uncertainty. 

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 159.95 points, or 0.32%, to close at 49,686.12. 

Meanwhile, the S&P 500 slipped 0.07% to 7,403.05, while the Nasdaq Composite declined 0.51% to settle at 26,090.73. 

US Dollar Remains Stable 

The US Dollar Index (DXY), which tracks the dollar against a basket of six major currencies, was trading at 99.07 on Tuesday morning. 

The index measures the relative strength of the US dollar against currencies including the Euro, British Pound, Japanese Yen, Swiss Franc and Swedish Krona. 

FII and DII Activity 

Foreign institutional investors remained net buyers in the Indian equity market for the third consecutive session on May 18. 

FIIs purchased equities worth ₹2,814 crore, while domestic institutional investors continued their buying support with equity purchases worth ₹2,682 crore during the session. 

Conclusion 

Positive global cues, easing crude oil prices and sustained institutional buying are likely to support Indian equities at the opening bell. However, investors are expected to remain cautious amid geopolitical uncertainty and volatility in global commodity markets. 

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