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

The benchmark Indian equity indices, Sensex and Nifty 50, are expected to open lower on Friday, tracking weakness across global markets and continued geopolitical uncertainty. Investor sentiment remains cautious as markets react to the ongoing conflict involving Iran and its potential impact on global energy supplies and inflation. 

Global risk appetite has weakened as rising oil prices and geopolitical tensions add pressure on equities. The sharp fall in US markets overnight and weakness in Asian markets during early trading hours are also expected to weigh on domestic equities. 

Gift Nifty Signals Weak Opening 

Gift Nifty was trading at around 23,558 as of 7:20 AM IST, down 159 points or 0.67%. The futures contract traded within a range of 23,489.5 to 23,885.5 during the early session, suggesting that the Nifty 50 could open with a gap-down in today’s trade. 

The negative indication follows the previous session’s decline in domestic markets, reflecting cautious investor sentiment ahead of global developments. 

Asian Markets Track Wall Street Lower 

Asian equities traded lower in early trading on Friday, following declines on Wall Street. A broad gauge of Asian shares slipped about 0.5% as investors assessed the economic implications of escalating geopolitical tensions and rising oil prices. 

Japan’s Nikkei 225 dropped nearly 2%, while the broader Topix index declined about 1.4%. South Korea’s Kospi fell close to 3%, reflecting sharp selling pressure across the region. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index was also expected to open lower. 

Read More: Gift Nifty Today: Sensex and Nifty 50 Likely to Open Weak Amid Global Uncertainty! 

Commodities Remain Volatile 

Commodity markets continued to remain volatile, particularly energy prices. Brent crude traded close to US$100 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude hovered near US$96 a barrel. 

The surge in oil prices comes amid fears of supply disruptions after Iran pledged to keep the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed. The critical shipping route is responsible for a large share of global oil transportation, and any prolonged disruption could significantly impact energy markets. 

Meanwhile, gold prices moved slightly higher but remained on track for a second consecutive weekly decline as the US dollar strengthened. Spot gold rose about 0.4% to US$5,099.98 per ounce in Singapore, while silver gained 0.4% to US$84.18. 

Wall Street Ends Sharply Lower 

US markets closed significantly lower in the previous session, with major indices touching their lowest levels of 2026. The decline reflected growing concerns about inflationary pressures from higher energy prices and persistent geopolitical risks. 

The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped nearly 740 points, closing below the 47,000 mark for the first time this year. The S&P 500 declined 1.5% to settle at 6,672.62, while the Nasdaq Composite fell 1.8% to close at 22,311.98. 

Indian Market Recap 

Indian benchmark indices ended lower for the second consecutive session on Thursday, mirroring weak global cues. The Nifty 50 declined 227.70 points, or 0.95%, to close at 23,639.15. 

The BSE Sensex dropped 829.29 points, or 1.08%, to settle at 76,034.42 on the weekly derivatives expiry day. During intraday trading, both indices fell as much as 1.3% before recovering slightly towards the close. 

Sector-wise, auto and FMCG stocks were among the top losers on the NSE. However, the broader market performed relatively better compared to the benchmark indices. The Nifty Midcap 150 index fell about 0.2%, while the Nifty Smallcap 250 declined around 0.4%. 

Conclusion 

With Gift Nifty signalling a negative start and global markets under pressure, Indian equities may witness cautious trading in the near term. Investors are likely to closely monitor geopolitical developments, crude oil price movements and global market trends for further direction. 

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.