Gift Nifty Today: Sensex and Nifty Likely to Open Higher Amid Positive Early Signals

The benchmark Indian equity indices, Sensex and Nifty 50, are expected to open on a positive note on Monday, supported by early gains in Gift Nifty despite mixed global market signals. 

Investor sentiment remains cautious as markets continue to monitor geopolitical developments in West Asia, movements in crude oil prices, and upcoming monetary policy decisions from the US Federal Reserve. 

In the previous trading session on March 13, domestic markets ended sharply lower amid global uncertainty and selling pressure. The Sensex declined 1,470.50 points, or 1.93%, to close at 74,563.92, while the Nifty 50 dropped 488.05 points, or 2.06%, to settle at 23,151.10. 

Gift Nifty Signals Positive Opening 

Early indicators suggest a rebound in domestic markets. Gift Nifty was trading around 23,340 in early trade, up about 137 points or nearly 0.59%. The index recorded a high of 23,396 and a low of 23,255 during the session. 

The positive movement suggests that Indian benchmark indices could open higher as traders react to early derivative market signals. 

Asian Markets Trade Mixed 

Asia-Pacific markets began the session on a mixed note. Japan’s Nikkei 225 slipped 0.12%, while the Topix index declined 0.11%. In contrast, South Korea’s Kospi gained around 0.95%, and the Kosdaq traded near flat levels. 

Meanwhile, Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 index fell approximately 0.31% in early trading, reflecting cautious sentiment across regional markets. 

West Asia Conflict Remains a Key Concern 

Geopolitical tensions in West Asia continue to remain a major factor influencing global financial markets. The conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran has intensified following coordinated airstrikes carried out on February 28. 

In response, Iran has launched multiple missile and drone attacks targeting Israeli-linked assets and shipping routes near the Strait of Hormuz. Given the region’s critical role in global energy supply, investors are closely monitoring the situation for any escalation that could impact crude oil prices and market stability. 

US Federal Reserve Meeting in Focus 

Global investors are also preparing for the upcoming US Federal Reserve policy meeting scheduled to begin on March 17, with the interest rate decision expected on March 18. 

The central bank’s benchmark interest rate currently stands in the range of 3.5% to 3.75%. Market participants will closely analyse the Fed’s commentary for signals regarding the future path of monetary policy. 

Wall Street Ends Lower 

US equity markets ended Friday’s session in negative territory. The S&P 500 declined 0.61% to close at 6,632.19, while the Nasdaq Composite fell 0.93% to finish at 22,105.36. 

The Dow Jones Industrial Average also slipped 119.38 points, or 0.26%, ending the session at 46,558.47. 

Dollar and Commodity Prices in Focus 

The US Dollar Index continued its upward momentum and is currently hovering near the 100 mark, the highest level since April 2025. The index has gained approximately 1.5% over the past five trading sessions. 

Meanwhile, crude oil prices remained elevated amid geopolitical tensions. US crude traded near $98.7 per barrel, while Brent crude hovered around $103.7 per barrel in early trading. 

FII and DII Activity 

Foreign institutional investors remained heavy sellers in the Indian market during the previous session. According to provisional data, FIIs sold equities worth ₹10,716 crore on March 13, marking the largest outflow since October 28, 2025. 

Domestic institutional investors, however, provided some support to the market by purchasing shares worth ₹9,977 crore. 

Read More: Gift Nifty Today: Sensex and Nifty Likely to Open Lower as Global Markets Decline! 

Conclusion 

While early signals from Gift Nifty suggest a positive opening for Indian benchmark indices, investors are likely to remain cautious amid geopolitical tensions, elevated commodity prices, and the upcoming US Federal Reserve policy decision. Market direction during the session may largely depend on global developments and institutional investment flows. 

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.