Gift Nifty Today: Sensex and Nifty Likely to Open Lower Amid Weak Global Cues

The benchmark Indian equity indices, Sensex and Nifty 50, are expected to open on a weaker note on Friday, following negative global cues and rising geopolitical uncertainty. 

Investor sentiment remains cautious as markets track developments in West Asia, along with movements in global equities, crude oil prices and currency trends. 

In the previous trading session on March 25, 2026, domestic markets ended strongly in positive territory. The Sensex surged 1205 points, or 1.63%, to close at 75,273.45, while the Nifty 50 gained nearly 394 points, or 1.72%, to settle at 23,306.45. 

Gift Nifty Signals Weak Opening 

Gift Nifty was trading at 23,135.5, down 142.5 points or 0.61% in early trade, indicating a likely gap-down start for Indian indices. 

Early trends suggest a potential decline of nearly 200–230 points, with the Nifty expected to open in the range of 23,000–23,100. 

Asian Markets Trade Lower 

Asian markets witnessed broad-based selling on Friday, reflecting global risk aversion. Japan’s Nikkei 225 declined around 0.9%, while the Topix index slipped 0.4%. 

South Korean markets faced sharper declines, with the Kospi falling 3% and the Kosdaq dropping 1.5%. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 also edged lower by 0.42% in early trade. 

Geopolitical Tensions Remain in Focus 

Geopolitical developments in West Asia continue to weigh on investor sentiment. Tensions between the United States, Israel and Iran remain elevated, with strong statements emerging from all sides. 

U.S. President Donald Trump indicated that Iranian officials are privately pushing for a deal, while warning that delays could lead to serious consequences. He also stated that any potential U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities would be paused until early April. 

Meanwhile, Israel confirmed the killing of a senior Iranian naval commander, signalling the possibility of continued military action in the region. 

Read More: India's Growth Forecast for FY27 Lifted to 7.1% by S&P Global, With Caution on Oil and Geopolitical Risks! 

Wall Street Ends Lower 

U.S. markets closed in the red, reflecting concerns over geopolitical risks and global economic uncertainty. The S&P 500 declined 1.7%, while the Nasdaq Composite dropped 2.4%. 

The Dow Jones Industrial Average also ended lower, falling 1.01% for the session. 

Crude Oil Prices Ease 

Oil prices edged lower as optimism around a potential U.S.-Iran agreement weighed on sentiment. West Texas Intermediate crude slipped around 0.5% to near $94 per barrel, while Brent crude eased approximately 0.93% to around $107 per barrel. 

Currency and Institutional Activity 

The U.S. Dollar Index was marginally lower at 99.89, reflecting slight weakness in the dollar against major global currencies. Meanwhile, the Indian rupee appreciated by 0.10% to close at 93.97 against the dollar in the previous session. 

Foreign institutional investors remained net sellers, offloading equities worth Rs 1,805 crore, while domestic institutional investors provided support with net purchases of Rs 5,430 crore. 

Conclusion 

Indian markets are likely to open on a subdued note, tracking weak global cues and geopolitical uncertainties, with volatility expected to persist as investors monitor further developments. 

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 or 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. 

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