GIFT Nifty Today: Sensex and Nifty Set for a Quiet Start Amid Hopes of US-Iran Resolution

The benchmark Indian equity indices, Sensex and Nifty 50, are expected to open on a subdued yet slightly positive note on Tuesday, supported by improving global sentiment. 

Investor confidence has shown signs of stabilisation amid renewed hopes of a possible resolution to the ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran, although caution continues to prevail. 

On Monday, April 20, 2026, domestic markets ended largely flat, reflecting a lack of strong directional cues. The Nifty 50 edged up 11 points, or 0.03%, to close at 24,365, while the BSE Sensex gained 27 points, or 0.03%, to settle at 78,520. 

GIFT Nifty Signals Mildly Positive Opening 

GIFT Nifty was trading around the 24,447 mark in early trade, up 80 points or 0.33% from the previous close, indicating a likely steady to slightly higher opening for the domestic indices. 

Asian Markets Trade Higher 

Asian equity markets opened on a firm footing on Tuesday, supported by optimism over a potential easing of geopolitical tensions in West Asia. 

Japan’s Nikkei 225 advanced 0.52%, while the Topix index traded marginally higher. South Korea’s Kospi gained 1.58%, and the Kosdaq rose 0.90%. Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng futures pointed to a positive start. 

US Markets End Lower 

US equity markets closed slightly lower on Monday as geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran escalated over the weekend. 

The S&P 500 declined 0.24% to close at 7,109.14, while the Nasdaq Composite slipped 0.26% to 24,404.39. The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged lower by 4.87 points, or 0.01%, to settle at 49,442.56. 

Crude Oil Prices Ease 

Crude oil prices witnessed a decline amid easing concerns. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures fell 0.98% to $86.57 per barrel, while Brent crude slipped 0.59% to $94.92. On COMEX, crude prices dropped 1.72% to $88.07 per barrel. 

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FII and DII Activity 

Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) remained net sellers, offloading equities worth ₹937.75 crore. In contrast, domestic institutional investors (DIIs) were net buyers, purchasing shares worth ₹2,742.88 crore on April 20, 2026. 

Rupee and US Dollar Movement 

The US Dollar Index (DXY), which tracks the dollar against a basket of major currencies, rose slightly by 0.04% to 98.09. 

The Indian rupee depreciated by 0.20% to close at 93.12 against the US dollar, reflecting ongoing currency market pressures. 

Conclusion 

While improving global cues and hopes of easing geopolitical tensions may lend support to the markets, persistent uncertainty is likely to keep gains in check, resulting in a cautious trading session for domestic equities. 

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