The benchmark Indian equity indices, Sensex and Nifty 50, are expected to open higher on Friday, supported by strong global cues and optimism surrounding potential diplomatic progress between the US and Iran.
Investor sentiment improved after reports indicated that global participants were expecting a possible resolution to tensions in West Asia. However, rising crude oil prices continued to remain a key concern for markets.
On Thursday, May 21, 2026, domestic equity benchmarks ended the session marginally lower amid cautious trading activity. The NSE Nifty 50 slipped 4 points or 0.02% to close at 24,655, while the BSE Sensex declined 135 points or 0.18% to settle at 75,183.
GIFT Nifty was trading near the 23,624 mark, up 115 points or 0.49%, indicating a firm start for the Indian stock market.
Asia-Pacific markets opened on a strong note as investors assessed developments surrounding US-Iran peace negotiations in West Asia.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 advanced 1.36%, while the Topix index gained 0.55%. South Korea’s Kospi rose 0.52%, whereas the Kosdaq index surged more than 3%.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index futures traded at 25,568, higher than the previous closing level of 25,386.52, indicating a positive opening for Hong Kong equities.
US equity markets closed higher on Thursday as investors monitored movements in crude oil prices and treasury yields alongside geopolitical developments in West Asia.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 276.31 points or 0.55% to close at 50,285.66. The S&P 500 advanced 0.17% to settle at 7,445.72, while the Nasdaq Composite added 0.09% to end at 26,293.10.
Read More: ITC Declares ₹8 Final Dividend for FY26; Record Date Set for May 27!
Crude oil prices witnessed a sharp increase amid ongoing geopolitical developments.
West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures climbed 1.73% to trade at $98.02 per barrel. Brent crude futures rose 2.27% to $102.33 per barrel.
On COMEX, crude prices gained 1.43% to trade at $97.73 a barrel.
Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) remained net sellers in the Indian equity market on 21 May 2026, selling shares worth ₹1,891.21 crore.
Domestic institutional investors (DIIs), however, provided support to the market as they purchased shares worth ₹2,492.42 crore, according to provisional NSE data.
The US Dollar Index (DXY), which measures the performance of the US dollar against a basket of six major currencies, was trading marginally higher by 0.04% at 99.24.
The Indian rupee appreciated 0.66% to close at 96.19 against the US dollar on 21 May.
Indian markets are expected to witness a positive opening supported by strong global cues, gains across Asian equities and optimism surrounding easing geopolitical tensions. However, elevated crude oil prices may continue to influence investor sentiment and market volatility in the near term.
Want to read stock market updates in Hindi? Angel One News gives comprehensive share market news in Hindi.
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 related documents carefully before investing.
Published on: May 22, 2026, 7:44 AM IST
Team Angel One
We're Live on WhatsApp! Join our channel for market insights & updates
Get the link to download the App
EN