Indian stock markets are heading into Monday’s session with investors watching global developments closely after benchmark indices ended the previous week on a cautious note. High crude oil prices, rising global bond yields and geopolitical tensions are expected to remain key factors for the Sensex and Nifty on August 24.

The Nifty 50 slipped around 0.47% during the week to close at 24,252, while the Sensex declined nearly 0.60% and settled at 77,540.83. The broader market performed relatively better, with the SmallCap index gaining about 1.2%, while the MidCap index ended marginally lower.

Friday’s session was largely range-bound. The Sensex gained just 3.11 points to close at 77,540.83, while the Nifty 50 added 20 points, or 0.08%, to finish at 24,252. The two benchmarks have now recorded losses for two consecutive weeks.

Investors are likely to track developments in the US Federal Reserve’s policy outlook, Nvidia’s quarterly results and the ongoing US-Iran conflict, according to market analysts. These global factors could influence investor sentiment at a time when domestic equities are already recovering from a recent correction.

Ponmudi R, CEO of Enrich Money, said crude oil prices, US Treasury yields and the dollar would remain important for Indian equities in the coming week. Movements in the rupee and institutional investment flows are also expected to be closely watched.

The earnings season is another factor that could influence individual stocks, although much of the June-quarter results season has now concluded. With fewer major domestic corporate results left, global macroeconomic developments and geopolitical events could have a greater bearing on the near-term market direction.

Sensex outlook

The Sensex opened Friday with a gap-up of nearly 163 points at 77,701.01 and touched an intraday high of 77,725.67. The gains did not sustain, however, and the index later slipped to 77,445.86 before moving within a narrow range.

According to Hitesh Tailor, Technical Research Analyst at Choice Equity Broking, the index remains around its 50-day exponential moving average but is still below the important 200-day EMA, keeping the broader trend cautious.

The immediate support zone for the Sensex is seen around 77,000-77,380, while the 77,720-78,000 range remains an important resistance area. Tailor said a sustained move above the resistance zone could improve the short-term outlook, while holding above the support area would keep the current consolidation pattern intact.

The Nifty’s performance will also be watched closely after the index closed at 24,252 on Friday. Traders are expected to monitor global markets, crude prices, currency movements and foreign institutional flows before taking fresh positions.

For Monday, market participants may therefore remain cautious rather than expect a one-way move. Any sharp change in global risk sentiment could quickly influence domestic indices, particularly as the market remains sensitive to oil prices, bond yields and geopolitical developments.

South Korean chip stocks fell sharply on Wednesday as rising bond yields and growing concerns over the scale and returns of Big Tech’s artificial intelligence spending triggered a wider selloff in semiconductor shares. The Kospi dropped as much as 6.8 per cent before recovering some ground, while Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix each fell more than 8 per cent at one point. The decline followed a sharp fall in US technology and semiconductor stocks a day earlier, with investors now questioning whether the huge spending behind the AI boom can continue if borrowing costs remain high.

The pressure spread across Asia. A Bloomberg gauge tracking Asian semiconductor stocks fell around 3.2 per cent, while Japan’s Kioxia Holdings dropped as much as 11 per cent and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company fell nearly 2 per cent. The immediate trigger was the rise in US Treasury yields. The 30-year US Treasury yield touched 5.34 per cent on Tuesday, its highest level since 2007, while the 10-year yield moved above 4.7 per cent. Higher yields generally make future corporate earnings less valuable in present terms, putting particular pressure on high-growth technology companies whose valuations depend heavily on expectations of stronger profits several years ahead.

For the AI industry, the concern goes beyond share valuations. Major technology companies are committing enormous amounts of money to data centres, servers, networking equipment and advanced chips, with some of that spending increasingly supported through debt. A Reuters analysis had noted that borrowing by large AI-focused technology companies, often described as “hyperscalers”, has become a factor in the bond market. A Wall Street Journal analysis has also estimated that nine major technology companies have around $3 trillion in off-balance-sheet commitments, much of it connected to AI infrastructure. Investors are therefore asking whether the expected returns from AI will be large enough to justify the cost of building that infrastructure if financing becomes more expensive.

The semiconductor industry is particularly exposed because chipmakers sit at the centre of the AI infrastructure cycle. Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are major suppliers of memory chips used in AI servers, while Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company produces advanced processors for some of the world’s largest technology companies. Their shares had benefited strongly from the AI investment boom, leaving them vulnerable when investors began cutting exposure to high-growth technology stocks. The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index fell around 5 per cent on Tuesday, while the Nasdaq Composite dropped 1.33 per cent, with Nvidia, Micron Technology and other AI-linked companies also coming under pressure.

Higher oil prices are adding to the uncertainty. Brent crude moved above $91 a barrel after rising for a fourth consecutive session, while West Texas Intermediate traded around $85. Rising energy costs can make it harder for inflation to cool, potentially keeping central banks cautious about cutting interest rates. That creates another problem for technology companies because elevated rates increase borrowing costs at a time when AI infrastructure spending remains exceptionally high. Investors are also watching the Federal Reserve for clues about inflation, interest rates and the economy, while longer-term Treasury yields continue to rise because of factors including government borrowing, bond issuance and energy prices.

South Korea is particularly sensitive to the semiconductor downturn because chipmakers account for a significant portion of its equity market. The latest fall therefore reflects more than routine profit-taking. It shows that investors are becoming increasingly focused on whether the AI investment cycle can deliver sufficient returns to justify the hundreds of billions being committed to it. If bond yields remain elevated, the pressure could spread beyond semiconductor companies to the wider technology sector. For now, Samsung and SK Hynix remain at the centre of that repricing, with markets weighing strong long-term demand for AI hardware against a more expensive funding environment.

Indian equity markets came under pressure in early trade on Friday, August 14, with the Sensex falling around 300 points to nearly 77,800, while the Nifty 50 declined about 80 points to around 24,300.

The weakness was visible across the market as investors assessed corporate earnings and global market cues. Among individual stocks, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles came under pressure after reporting a sharp decline in quarterly profit.

Tata Motors PV Shares Under Pressure

Shares of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles fell around 5 per cent to ₹332.75 following the company's April-June quarterly results.

The company's profit for the quarter reportedly declined by more than 80 per cent to ₹775 crore. The earnings performance put pressure on the stock during Friday's session.

Investors are also tracking developments related to the company's operations and supply-chain conditions as the market assesses its latest financial performance.

Technocraft Ventures Makes Strong Debut

The primary market saw a strong listing from Technocraft Ventures, an engineering and construction sector company.

The stock was listed on the NSE at ₹284, representing a gain of 43.40 per cent over its issue price of ₹212. On the BSE, the stock opened at around ₹285.

The company's ₹251.88-crore IPO had received strong investor interest, with the issue being subscribed more than 38 times.

The funds raised through the offering are intended to support the company's working capital requirements and other corporate purposes.

LEAP India Shares List at Premium

Shares of pallet and container leasing company LEAP India also made their stock market debut on Friday.

The shares were listed on the NSE at ₹165.90, around 4.34 per cent above the IPO issue price of ₹159. On the BSE, the stock opened at ₹166.

The company's ₹2,480-crore public issue was subscribed around 8.37 times overall.

The company plans to use proceeds from the fresh issue towards debt repayment and working capital requirements.

Asian Markets Trade Mixed

Asian markets showed mixed movement during Friday's session.

South Korea's KOSPI was up around 1.37 per cent, while Japan's Nikkei gained about 0.85 per cent. Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index, however, was trading lower by around 0.93 per cent.

The mixed regional trend provided a varied global backdrop for Indian investors.

Global Cues Remain in Focus

US markets had ended Thursday's session with gains, according to the figures available for August 13.

The Dow Jones gained around 70 points, while the Nasdaq advanced about 215 points. The S&P 500 also closed higher, rising around 50 points.

Investors in India are watching global equity movements, corporate earnings, foreign fund flows and broader economic developments for further direction.

FII Buying Continues Over Seven Days

Foreign institutional investors and foreign portfolio investors recorded net buying of around ₹720 crore over the previous seven trading days, according to the available data.

Domestic institutional investors remained stronger buyers, with net purchases of around ₹8,929 crore over seven days.

Over a 30-day period, DII purchases stood at approximately ₹34,726 crore, while FII/FPI flows remained negative at around ₹2,206 crore.

Previous Session

In the previous trading session on August 13, the Sensex gained 114 points and closed at 78,080.

The Nifty, however, ended lower by around 40 points at 24,396, reflecting the mixed trend in the domestic market.

For Friday's session, investors are likely to track the movement of heavyweight stocks, quarterly earnings, IPO listings and overseas market cues as trading progresses.

Indian equity markets opened under pressure on Thursday, August 13, with both benchmark indices witnessing sharp declines amid selling in banking and information technology stocks.

The Sensex fell more than 250 points to around 77,700, while the Nifty 50 declined by over 100 points to trade near 24,300. Banking and IT stocks were among the major sectors facing selling pressure during the session.

The decline comes a day after domestic markets also ended lower, while mixed trends in Asian markets and gains in most major US indices provided limited support to Indian equities.

Banking, IT Stocks Under Pressure

Selling was particularly visible in banking and IT counters during Thursday's trading session. Weakness in these heavyweight sectors weighed on the broader benchmarks.

Investors are also tracking global market movements, foreign fund flows and developments in international markets for further direction.

Asian Markets Mixed

Asian markets were largely positive during the session, although gains varied significantly across major indices.

Despite the positive movement in several Asian markets, Indian equities remained under pressure, indicating that domestic factors and sector-specific selling were influencing sentiment.

US Markets End Mostly Higher

US markets had a mixed session on August 12, with the Dow Jones ending marginally lower while the Nasdaq and S&P 500 gained.

The performance of US markets remains an important external cue for Indian investors, particularly for technology and other globally exposed sectors.

Foreign Investors Buy ₹1,494 Crore

Foreign investor activity has remained mixed in the Indian market. According to the available data, foreign institutional investors and foreign portfolio investors bought shares worth around ₹1,494 crore over the past seven sessions, while their 30-day flow remained negative.

Domestic institutional investors, meanwhile, continued to provide support through buying.

The continued participation of domestic institutional investors has helped provide some cushion against foreign selling pressure.

Markets Fell on Wednesday

The decline on Thursday followed another weak session on Wednesday, August 12.

The Sensex closed 188 points lower at 77,966, while the Nifty declined 36 points to finish at 24,436.

The latest fall has brought both benchmarks further below their previous closing levels, with investors watching whether the indices can stabilise as the trading session progresses.

Global Cues in Focus

Market participants are likely to track global equity trends, institutional fund flows and sector-specific developments during the remainder of Thursday's session.

With banking and IT stocks facing selling pressure, the performance of heavyweight shares could remain crucial for the direction of the Sensex and Nifty in the near term.

Investors will also keep an eye on overseas markets and broader economic developments as they assess the next move in domestic equities.

Muthoot Fincorp, part of the Muthoot Pappachan Group, is planning to raise ₹3,000 crore through an initial public offering (IPO) after filing its Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).

According to the draft documents filed by the company on Wednesday, the proposed IPO will be entirely a fresh issue of shares. There will be no Offer for Sale (OFS), meaning existing shareholders will not sell their holdings as part of the issue.

The funds raised through the IPO are expected to be used to meet the company's future capital requirements, support additional lending and finance business expansion.

Gold Loans Remain Core Business

Muthoot Fincorp is part of the Muthoot Pappachan Group, which traces its origins back to 1887. The company has been operating in the gold loan business for more than two decades and has built its lending operations around secured financing.

Besides gold loans, the company offers several other financial products, including business loans, loans against property, supply-chain financing, digital loans, microfinance and housing loans.

The proposed public issue would provide the company with additional capital to support the expansion of these businesses.

Profit Nearly Triples in FY26

The company's financial performance improved significantly during the financial year ended March 2026.

Muthoot Fincorp's consolidated profit rose nearly threefold to ₹1,848 crore in FY26, compared with ₹607.90 crore in FY25.

Its consolidated revenue from operations increased to ₹11,203.81 crore in FY26 from ₹8,497.69 crore in the previous financial year.

The improvement in profitability comes as the company continues to expand its lending operations across gold loans and other financial services.

Entire IPO Will Be Fresh Issue

The ₹3,000-crore issue will consist entirely of newly issued shares.

Under a fresh issue, the company creates and sells new shares to investors. The money raised goes directly to the company and can subsequently be used for purposes such as strengthening capital, expanding operations or supporting lending activities.

In contrast, an Offer for Sale involves existing shareholders selling their shares to public investors. In that case, the proceeds go to the shareholders selling their holdings rather than to the company.

Since Muthoot Fincorp's proposed IPO does not include an OFS component, the entire issue proceeds will be available to the company, subject to the terms outlined in the final offer documents.

Capital to Support Future Lending

The company plans to use the IPO proceeds to meet its future capital requirements and support its lending activities.

Additional capital could allow Muthoot Fincorp to expand its loan book and strengthen its ability to finance customers across its various lending segments.

The company has not yet announced the final IPO dates, price band or other issue-related details. These will be determined at a later stage, subject to regulatory approvals and market conditions.

Muthoot Pappachan Group Background

Muthoot Fincorp operates under the Muthoot Pappachan Group, a financial services group with roots dating back more than a century.

Its presence in gold financing has made it an established player in India's non-banking financial services sector. The company has gradually diversified into multiple lending categories while retaining gold loans as its core business.

The proposed IPO will mark an important step in the company's plans to raise additional capital from public markets and support its next phase of growth.

 Indian equity markets opened lower on Monday, August 10, with the benchmark Sensex declining around 100 points to trade near 78,400, while the Nifty50 was down about 30 points at around 24,550. Selling pressure was visible across key sectors, particularly energy, banking and FMCG stocks.

The decline came despite positive signals from major Asian markets and gains recorded by US equities in the previous session. Investors are also tracking fresh initial public offerings (IPOs), foreign and domestic institutional flows, and broader global market trends for direction.

Sensex, Nifty Trade Lower

The Sensex was trading around 78,400, down nearly 100 points during the session. The Nifty50 was also under pressure, slipping approximately 30 points to around 24,550.

Energy and banking stocks were among the major areas witnessing selling activity, while FMCG shares also faced pressure. The movement suggests that investors remain cautious despite a relatively positive trend in overseas markets.

The domestic market had ended the previous week on a weaker note. On Friday, August 7, the Sensex declined 455 points to close at 78,499, while the Nifty fell 65 points to settle at 24,570.

Two IPOs Open for Subscription

Investor attention is also focused on the primary market, with the IPOs of Molbio Diagnostics and Dhoot Transmissionopening for subscription on Monday.

Molbio Diagnostics is looking to raise around ₹939.70 crore through its IPO, while Dhoot Transmission aims to raise approximately ₹3,066.89 crore.

Both issues will remain open for investors until August 12. The simultaneous opening of the two IPOs gives investors additional options in the primary market at a time when the secondary market is witnessing volatility.

Asian Markets Remain Positive

The weakness in Indian equities was not reflected across major Asian markets. Several key regional indices were trading higher on Monday.

South Korea's KOSPI was at 6,307, gaining 57 points or 0.77%. Japan's Nikkei climbed 1,325 points, or 2.02%, to 66,931. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index also advanced 153 points, or 0.59%, to 25,821.

The positive regional cues, however, have not been sufficient to push Indian benchmarks higher in early trading.

US Markets Ended Higher

Indian investors are also taking cues from the US market's performance on Friday, August 7.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 152 points, or 0.28%, to close at 54,037. The Nasdaq Composite advanced 342 points, or 1.30%, to 26,691, while the S&P 500 rose 48 points, or 0.62%, to finish at 7,758.

The gains in US equities provide a relatively supportive global backdrop, although domestic factors continue to influence Indian markets.

Institutional Flows Provide Support

Foreign investors have remained active in Indian equities over the past week. According to the available data, Foreign Institutional Investors (FII/FPI) bought shares worth around ₹1,966 crore over the last seven trading days.

Over the latest reported period, FII/FPI buying stood at approximately ₹480 crore. However, their 30-day net position remained negative at around ₹7,464 crore.

Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs), meanwhile, have provided stronger support. DII buying stood at around ₹6,196 crore over seven days and approximately ₹31,601 crore over the past 30 days.

Investors Await Fresh Triggers

The market is likely to remain sensitive to sector-specific movements, institutional flows, global cues and developments in the primary market. With the Sensex and Nifty beginning the week in negative territory despite gains in Asian and US markets, investors may continue to watch whether buying support emerges at lower levels.

The performance of banking, energy and FMCG stocks, along with subscription trends in the two IPOs, could remain among the key factors influencing market sentiment during Monday's trading session.

Indian consumers could soon face higher prices for several everyday products, while major developments in the stock market, automobile policy and corporate regulation are shaping the economic outlook. Rising input costs are prompting leading FMCG companies to consider price increases, even as four of India's 10 most valuable companies added a combined ₹1.43 lakh crore to their market capitalisation last week.

The developments come against a backdrop of changing commodity prices, foreign investment flows and policy measures aimed at improving fuel efficiency and reducing vehicle emissions.

FMCG Companies Consider Price Hikes

Prices of commonly used products such as biscuits, soaps, edible oils and other FMCG items could rise in the coming months as companies face higher input costs.

Industry players are reportedly preparing to increase prices during the September quarter, citing rising raw material expenses linked partly to geopolitical tensions. Companies had already raised product prices by an average of around 2–5 per cent during the April-June quarter.

The potential price increases could add pressure on household budgets, particularly as FMCG products form a significant part of everyday consumption.

Companies are expected to assess commodity prices, demand conditions and consumer affordability before deciding the extent of any further increase.

SBI Leads Market Cap Gains

Four companies among India's top 10 most valuable firms recorded a combined increase of approximately ₹1.43 lakh crore in market capitalisation last week.

State Bank of India emerged as the biggest gainer, with its market value rising by around ₹63,922 crore. Reliance Industries, Tata Consultancy Services and Larsen & Toubro were the other companies that recorded gains.

The movement came despite a weak finish to the domestic equity market on Friday. The Sensex declined 455 points to close at 78,499, while the Nifty fell 65 points to 24,570.

Hybrid and EV Cars May Get Cheaper

A draft of new Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards released by the Centre could influence vehicle prices from April 1, 2027.

The proposed framework seeks to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions from passenger vehicles. Under the new norms, manufacturers could have greater incentives to sell fuel-efficient vehicles, including hybrids, electric vehicles and ethanol-compatible models.

Petrol and diesel vehicles with higher emissions could become relatively more expensive if manufacturers face greater compliance costs or penalties.

The proposed policy is part of the government's broader effort to improve vehicle efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of road transport.

Foreign Investors Return

Foreign investors continued to put money into Indian equities during the opening phase of August. Foreign investors invested approximately ₹12,921 crore in the Indian market during the first week of the month, according to the data cited in the report.

Foreign inflows had also remained positive in July, when around ₹20,200 crore entered Indian equities. Lower crude oil prices were identified as one of the factors supporting investor sentiment.

The direction of foreign flows will remain important for the domestic market, particularly amid global interest-rate expectations, geopolitical developments and currency movements.

ED Files Chargesheet Against Reliance Infra

The Enforcement Directorate has filed a chargesheet against Reliance Infrastructure Ltd, former director Satish Seth and others under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The chargesheet was filed on August 8 before the special PMLA court at the Dwarka district court complex in New Delhi.

According to the allegations cited in the report, the case relates to suspected irregularities involving four National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) road projects. Investigators have alleged financial irregularities amounting to around ₹187 crore, including the alleged use of purportedly fraudulent invoices and diamond imports in the suspected money-laundering transactions.

The allegations remain subject to judicial proceedings, and the filing of a chargesheet does not by itself establish guilt.

Market Outlook Remains Mixed

The combination of rising consumer-product costs, changing vehicle regulations, corporate developments and foreign investment flows points to a mixed economic environment.

While strong market-cap gains among some large companies and renewed foreign investment indicate pockets of investor confidence, higher input costs could put pressure on consumer-facing businesses and household spending.

For investors and consumers alike, commodity prices, corporate earnings, policy changes and global economic developments are likely to remain key factors in determining the direction of the Indian economy in the months ahead.

Indian benchmark equity indices opened lower on Friday, with the BSE Sensex declining more than 300 points and the NSE Nifty slipping below the 24,600 mark, tracking weakness in global markets and selling pressure in banking stocks.

During early trade, the Sensex was trading around 78,600, down nearly 300 points or 0.40 per cent, while the Nifty 50 fell around 50 points, or 0.20 per cent, to 24,580.

Banking Stocks Under Pressure

Banking shares emerged as the biggest laggards in early trading, dragging the broader market lower. Investors booked profits in several financial counters after recent gains.

In contrast, information technology (IT) stocks witnessed buying interest, helping limit losses in the broader indices despite the weak market sentiment.

Asian Markets Trade Mostly Lower

The cautious mood was also reflected across major Asian equity markets.

South Korea's Kospi declined around 1.15 per cent, while Japan's Nikkei slipped nearly 0.98 per cent in early trade. Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index traded marginally higher, indicating mixed investor sentiment across the region.

Market participants continued to monitor global economic developments, bond yields and expectations surrounding major central bank policy decisions.

US Markets End Lower

Overnight, Wall Street closed in negative territory.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 464 points (0.85 per cent), while the Nasdaq Composite edged lower by 0.06 per cent. The S&P 500 also ended the session with a decline of 0.18 per cent, reflecting cautious investor sentiment.

The weak performance in US equities weighed on Asian markets at the opening.

Foreign Investors Remain Selective

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) remained nearly neutral in the latest trading session, while Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) continued to provide support to the market.

Over the past seven trading sessions, foreign investors have made net purchases of approximately ₹2,408 crore worth of Indian equities. However, on a rolling 30-day basis, FIIs continue to remain net sellers.

Domestic institutional investors have maintained steady buying, helping cushion volatility in the market.

Previous Session Ended Higher

Despite Friday's weak opening, Indian markets had ended the previous session on a positive note.

On Thursday, the Sensex gained 374 points, supported by buying in select heavyweight stocks and positive investor sentiment during the latter half of the trading session.

Market analysts expect investors to remain focused on global market cues, corporate earnings, foreign fund flows and sector-specific developments for further direction.

Indian benchmark indices moved in opposite directions during early trade on Tuesday, with the BSE Sensex gaining around 200 points to trade near 78,850, while the NSE Nifty slipped about 150 points to around 24,600. The unusual divergence between the two key indices prompted clarification from the National Stock Exchange (NSE), which said the movement was linked to the recently introduced Closing Auction Session (CAS) framework rather than any technical glitch.

New CAS Framework Behind Index Divergence

According to the NSE, the contrasting movement between the Sensex and Nifty is a result of the newly implemented Closing Auction Session mechanism for derivative-linked stocks.

The exchange explained that the revised framework has created temporary differences between spot and futures prices of certain securities, influencing index calculations differently. NSE stressed that the variation does not indicate any trading disruption or technical malfunction.

Global Cues Support Market Sentiment

Domestic equities also drew support from improving global factors, including softer crude oil prices, easing geopolitical tensions and continued foreign institutional investment into Indian financial assets.

Market participants said these developments helped sustain buying interest in select heavyweight stocks, supporting the Sensex despite weakness in parts of the broader market.

However, investor sentiment remained cautious as global markets continued to assess recent US Federal Reserve policy signals and corporate earnings, limiting broad-based gains.

Asian Markets Trade Lower

Major Asian markets traded in negative territory during the session.

South Korea's Kospi declined around 0.83%, Japan's Nikkei fell approximately 0.66%, while Hong Kong's Hang Sengslipped nearly 0.30%, reflecting cautious investor sentiment across the region.

Wall Street Ends Higher

Overnight, US equity markets closed firmly higher.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 693 points (1.32%), while the Nasdaq Composite advanced 2.13%. The S&P 500 also ended the session 1.48% higher, supported by strong technology stocks and positive corporate earnings.

Foreign Investors Continue Buying

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) maintained their buying momentum in Indian equities.

Over the past seven trading sessions, FIIs recorded net purchases of ₹7,805 crore, indicating renewed confidence in Indian markets despite global uncertainty. Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) also remained net buyers, providing additional support to market sentiment.

Although FIIs continue to show buying interest in the short term, their net activity over the past month remains in negative territory, reflecting intermittent profit-booking.

Previous Session Closed Higher

Indian benchmark indices had ended Monday's session on a strong note.

The Sensex surged 544 points to settle at 78,639, while the Nifty climbed 390 points to close at 24,774, supported by broad-based buying across banking, financial and heavyweight stocks.

Analysts expect market participants to closely monitor corporate earnings, global economic indicators, foreign fund flows and commodity prices for further direction in the coming sessions.

The National Stock Exchange (NSE) has extended the normal trading hours for the equity derivatives or Futures & Options (F&O) segment by 10 minutes, effective Monday, August 3. From now on, F&O trading will remain open until 3:40 PM, instead of the earlier closing time of 3:30 PM.

The move has been introduced to align the derivatives market with the Closing Auction Session (CAS) that is being implemented in the cash segment. The change is aimed at improving price discovery, ensuring smoother coordination between cash and derivatives markets, and bringing Indian market practices closer to global standards.

Why Has NSE Extended F&O Trading Hours?

According to an NSE circular, the extension is part of the rollout of the new Closing Auction Session in the cash market. Synchronising the closing time of equity derivatives with the auction-based closing process in the cash segment is expected to enhance market efficiency and reduce pricing discrepancies.

The exchange clarified that there will be no changes to other trading sessions, including the pre-open session or the trade modification window.

What is the Closing Auction Session (CAS)?

The Closing Auction Session is a dedicated trading window conducted at the end of the trading day. During this period, market participants place buy and sell orders to determine a single, fair closing price for eligible securities.

The auction mechanism is designed to improve transparency and provide a more accurate closing price, particularly for stocks that have derivative contracts.

The same price bands and pre-trade risk management rules applicable to the cash market's Closing Auction Session will also apply to the derivatives segment.

Changes in Closing Price Calculation

While the methodology for calculating the closing price of derivatives contracts remains unchanged, the time window used for the calculation has been revised.

The Volume Weighted Average Price (VWAP) used to determine the closing price will now be calculated using trades executed between 3:10 PM and 3:40 PM, reflecting the extended market hours.

Automatic Cancellation of Certain Orders

NSE also said that if the operating price range for stock futures is reset after the Closing Auction Session begins in the cash market, the exchange will issue a notification.

Any pending orders lying outside the revised price range will be automatically cancelled, in line with existing exchange rules.

Brokers Asked to Update Systems

The exchange has advised brokers to update their trading applications and contract files before the revised timings take effect. Functional changes related to the new system will also be available for testing during upcoming mock trading sessions to ensure a smooth transition.

How the Closing Auction Session Will Work

The Closing Auction Session will be conducted every trading day from 3:15 PM to 3:35 PM, following a structured process:

• 3:15 PM – 3:20 PM: Transition phase from continuous trading to the auction session. The reference price will be calculated based on the VWAP of trades executed between 3:00 PM and 3:15 PM.

• 3:20 PM – 3:25 PM: Both market orders and limit orders can be placed.

• 3:25 PM – 3:30 PM: Only limit orders will be accepted. Market orders cannot be modified or cancelled during this phase. Order entry will close randomly between 3:28 PM and 3:30 PM.

SEBI's Phased Implementation

The Closing Auction Session is being introduced in phases under SEBI guidelines issued on January 16. In the first phase, only stocks with listed derivatives contracts will have their closing prices determined through the auction mechanism.

For all other securities in the cash market, the closing price will continue to be calculated using the VWAP of trades executed during the final 30 minutes of regular trading.

What is the F&O Market?

The Futures & Options (F&O) market is a segment of the stock market where investors trade derivative contracts whose value is linked to an underlying asset such as shares or indices. These contracts are commonly used for hedging risks as well as speculative trading.

What is VWAP?

Volume Weighted Average Price (VWAP) is the average trading price of a stock calculated after considering both its price and the volume of shares traded. It is widely used by traders and institutions to assess the average price at which a stock has traded during a specific period.

Indian equity benchmark indices opened on a positive note on Friday, July 31, with buying interest visible in automobile, media, metal and pharmaceutical stocks amid supportive global market cues.

In early trade, the BSE Sensex was up around 50 points, trading near 78,050, while the NSE Nifty 50 gained about 30 points to trade around 24,350.

The broader market sentiment remained positive as investors tracked strong overnight gains on Wall Street and mixed-to-positive trends across Asian markets.

Sectoral Buying Supports Market

Early trading witnessed buying across several key sectors, including automobiles, metals, pharmaceuticals and media, helping benchmark indices remain in positive territory.

Market participants are also keeping a close watch on corporate earnings, global trade developments and foreign institutional investment trends for further direction.

Asian Markets Show Mixed Performance

Major Asian markets traded with mixed momentum on Friday.

Japan's Nikkei advanced sharply, while South Korea's Kospi also traded higher. Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index slipped marginally during the session.

The positive sentiment across most Asian markets provided support to domestic equities despite cautious global cues.

Wall Street Ends Higher

US markets closed firmly in the green on July 30, boosting investor confidence globally.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 614 points (1.19%), while the Nasdaq Composite surged 679 points (2.78%). The S&P 500 also climbed 121 points (1.66%), supported by strength in technology stocks and improving investor sentiment.

Foreign Investors Return as Buyers

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) remained net buyers in the Indian equity market.

Latest exchange data showed FIIs purchased shares worth approximately ₹3,624 crore during the previous trading session. Over the past seven trading days, foreign investors have made net purchases of around ₹5,673 crore.

Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs), however, were net sellers during the latest session, though they continue to remain significant net buyers over the past month.

Previous Session Ends in Green

On July 30, benchmark indices had also settled with gains.

The Sensex rose 274 points to close at 77,928, while the Nifty 50 advanced 67 points to end the session at 24,317, extending the market's positive momentum ahead of the final trading day of the month.

Investors Eye Global and Domestic Triggers

Market analysts expect volatility to continue as investors assess quarterly earnings, global economic developments, foreign fund flows and policy-related announcements. The movement of global equity markets and institutional investment activity is likely to remain the key driver for Indian equities in the near term.

Indian equity benchmark indices opened on a cautious note on Wednesday, July 30, with the market trading largely flat after the previous session's strong rally. The BSE Sensex hovered around 77,650, while the NSE Nifty 50 traded close to the 24,200 mark during early trade.

Buying interest was visible in automobile and information technology (IT) stocks, helping the benchmarks remain stable. However, weakness in banking and real estate shares limited broader market gains, keeping the indices range-bound.

Auto, IT Stocks Support Market

Sector-wise, investors showed renewed interest in auto and IT counters amid selective buying. On the other hand, profit booking in banking and realty stocks weighed on overall market sentiment.

Market participants are expected to remain focused on quarterly earnings, global cues, and upcoming macroeconomic data for further direction.

Two IPOs Open for Subscription

Primary market activity also remained in focus as MV Electrosystems Ltd. and Juniper Green Energy Ltd. opened their initial public offerings (IPOs) for subscription on July 30.

• MV Electrosystems aims to raise ₹290 crore through its public issue.

• Juniper Green Energy plans to mobilise around ₹1,800 crore.

Both IPOs will remain open for bidding until August 3.

Asian Markets Mixed

Asian equity markets presented a mixed picture during morning trade.

• Nikkei (Japan) rose 1.28% to 62,218.

• Kospi (South Korea) gained 0.41% to 5,687.

• Hang Seng (Hong Kong) slipped 0.39% to 25,759.

The mixed performance reflected cautious investor sentiment following weakness in the US markets.

US Markets End Lower

Wall Street closed sharply lower on July 29 as investors reacted to fresh economic concerns and profit booking.

• Dow Jones Industrial Average: 51,594 (-2.19%)

• Nasdaq Composite: 24,443 (-1.74%)

• S&P 500: 7,316 (-1.52%)

The weak US close influenced sentiment across global markets despite selective gains in Asia.

Foreign Investors Continue Selling

Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) remained net sellers over the past week, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) continued to provide support.

The sustained buying by domestic institutions has helped offset continued foreign outflows in recent sessions.

Previous Session

On July 29, Indian markets ended with strong gains. The Sensex surged 889 points to settle at 77,655, while the Nifty advanced 265 points to close at 24,250, driven by broad-based buying across key sectors.

With markets consolidating after Tuesday's rally, investors are likely to track corporate earnings, global market movements, foreign fund flows, and developments in the primary market for fresh trading cues.