Gift Nifty Today: Sensex and Nifty Set for a Steady Start as Crude Prices Surge

The benchmark Indian equity indices, Sensex and Nifty 50, are expected to witness a muted yet slightly positive opening on Monday, supported by firm cues from Gift Nifty and mixed global signals. 

Investor sentiment remains cautious as escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia and a sharp surge in crude oil prices weigh on risk appetite. 

On Friday, April 17, 2026, domestic markets ended on a strong note, with the Nifty 50 rising 157 points, or 0.65%, to close at 24,354, while the Sensex advanced 505 points, or 0.65%, to settle at 78,494. 

Gift Nifty Signals Positive Opening 

Gift Nifty was trading at 24,464 in early trade, up 44 points or 0.18%, indicating a mildly positive start for the domestic benchmarks. 

The index touched a high of 24,700 and a low of 24,446, reflecting some volatility in early morning trade. 

Asian Markets Trade Higher 

Asian equities opened largely higher on Monday, even as investors remained watchful of developments in the Middle East. 

Japan’s Nikkei 225 gained 0.62%, while the Topix rose 0.68%. South Korea’s Kospi advanced 0.27%, although the Kosdaq slipped 0.52%. 

Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 declined 0.39%, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng futures indicated a positive opening. 

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US Futures Decline on Rising Tensions 

US stock futures fell on Sunday night following heightened tensions between the United States and Iran after the seizure of an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel. 

Futures linked to the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 452 points, or 0.9%, while S&P 500 futures declined 0.8% and Nasdaq 100 futures fell 0.65%. 

Crude Oil Prices Surge Sharply 

Crude oil prices rallied sharply amid renewed geopolitical friction in West Asia, raising concerns over supply disruptions. 

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures surged 7.40% to $90.05 per barrel, while Brent crude futures climbed around 6% to $96.93 per barrel. 

The sharp rise in oil prices could weigh on inflation expectations and impact market sentiment in oil-importing countries like India. 

Conclusion 

While Gift Nifty indicates a positive start, elevated crude oil prices and geopolitical uncertainties may limit upside in domestic markets. Investors are likely to remain cautious and track global developments closely. 

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. 

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