Gift Nifty Today: Sensex and Nifty Set for Negative Start Despite Ceasefire Extension

The benchmark Indian equity indices, Sensex and Nifty 50, are likely to open on a negative note on Wednesday, tracking subdued global cues and lingering concerns around geopolitical tensions in West Asia. 

Investor sentiment remains cautious despite the extension of the US-brokered ceasefire, as market participants fear that the conflict could persist longer than anticipated. 

In the previous trading session on April 21, 2026, domestic markets ended on a strong note. The Nifty 50 gained 211.75 points, or 0.87%, to close at 24,576.60, while the Sensex rose 753.03 points, or 0.96%, to settle at 79,273.33. 

Gift Nifty Signals Weak Opening 

Gift Nifty was trading at 24,430 in early trade, down 145 points or 0.59%. The index touched a high of 24,607 and a low of 24,287.5, indicating a likely gap-down start for the Indian equity benchmarks. 

Asian Markets Trade Mixed 

Asian equities opened on a mixed note on Wednesday as investors remained wary of geopolitical risks despite temporary easing measures. 

Japan’s Nikkei 225 edged up 0.14%, while the Topix declined 0.67%. South Korea’s Kospi gained 0.16%, whereas the Kosdaq slipped 0.42%. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng futures signal a softer start compared to the previous close. 

US Markets End Lower 

Wall Street closed in the red in the previous session as geopolitical concerns weighed on sentiment. 

The S&P 500 fell 0.63% to close at 7,064.01, while the Nasdaq Composite declined 0.59% to 24,259.96. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 293.18 points, or 0.59%, to end at 49,149.38. 

However, US futures edged higher in late trading after the ceasefire extension announcement, offering limited support to global markets. 

Read More: Nestle India Q4 FY26 Results: Net Profit Jumps 26%, Revenue Up 23%, ₹5 Final Dividend Announced! 

Crude Oil Prices Ease 

Oil prices traded marginally lower in early trade. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude slipped 0.15% to $89.53 per barrel, while Brent crude edged down 0.08% to $98.45 per barrel, reflecting easing supply concerns. 

FII and DII Activity 

Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) remained net sellers, offloading equities worth Rs 1,770.66 crore. In contrast, domestic institutional investors (DIIs) were net buyers, purchasing shares worth Rs 2,064.72 crore, providing some support to the market. 

Currency Market Update 

The US Dollar Index edged lower by 0.06% to 98.33, indicating slight weakness in the dollar against a basket of major currencies. 

The Indian rupee depreciated by 0.39% to close at 93.49 against the US dollar, reflecting pressure from global uncertainties and capital outflows. 

Conclusion 

Global uncertainty, mixed cues from Asian markets and persistent geopolitical concerns are likely to weigh on investor sentiment, suggesting a cautious and potentially weak start for Indian equities in today’s session. 

Disclaimer: This article 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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