Indian equity markets remained closed on Thursday on account of Bakrid, while commodity (MCX) trading will resume later in the evening, market officials confirmed. The holiday came as Asian stock indices slid sharply and crude oil prices jumped amid renewed tensions in the Middle East, denting investor sentiment ahead of the weekend.

Markets closed for Bakrid

The BSE and NSE did not operate on Thursday because of the Bakrid public holiday, a routine annual closure. Commodity exchanges, including MCX, were inactive until late afternoon; trading is scheduled to restart at 5:00 pm IST, exchange notices showed. Stock broking desks said most overseas markets were open, leaving Indian investors to track global cues remotely.

Asian markets slide

Asian equities suffered notable declines on Thursday. South Korea’s KOSPI dropped about 3.1% in early trade, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng fell roughly 2.3% and Japan’s Nikkei eased around 1.2%, exchange feeds indicated. Market strategists linked the weakness to a sharp rise in crude oil and lingering geopolitical worries after fresh US-Iran tensions.

US markets firmed; mixed signals

Wall Street closed modestly higher on Wednesday, with the Dow Jones adding 0.36% and the Nasdaq nearly flat, data showed. But that limited uplift failed to translate into Asian gains overnight. “US markets were steady, but the spike in oil and heightened risk aversion in Asia outweighed the follow-through,” a Hong Kong-based strategist said on condition of anonymity.

FIIs net sellers

Data compiled by exchange sources showed continued foreign institutional investor (FII/FPI) outflows. Over the past 30 days, FIIs sold equities worth about ₹45,374 crore, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) remained net buyers, purchasing roughly ₹71,654 crore over the same period. In the latest seven-day window, FIIs were net sellers to the tune of around ₹7,069 crore, compared with DII buys of ₹15,043 crore.

Domestic indices fell earlier

On Wednesday, when markets were open, the BSE Sensex closed down 142 points at 75,868 and the Nifty 50 slipped 7 points to finish at 23,907. Banking stocks underperformed, brokers said, reflecting profit-taking after a recent rally and sensitivity to macro and liquidity expectations.

Crude surge fuels concerns

A key immediate trigger was a near 4% rise in Brent crude to about $98 per barrel on Thursday, traders said, citing renewed US-Iran tensions. Higher oil directly affects inflation and input costs globally and is particularly sensitive for India, which imports an estimated 80–85% of its crude needs. “When oil spikes, the trade deficit and inflation outlook worsen, the rupee can weaken, and corporate margins—especially for fuel-intensive sectors—come under pressure,” an equity economist noted.

Why oil hits Indian markets

Analysts explained that rising crude increases import bills, pressuring the rupee and raising costs for manufacturers, transporters and airlines. That squeezes corporate profits and can erode equity valuations. Retail inflation risks could also prompt tighter monetary stance expectations, adding to investor caution.

Ground-level cues

On the trading floors and at brokerage firms in Mumbai’s Dalal Street, traders spent the holiday monitoring late-session commodity trades and global headlines. “We were more focused on oil and flows from FIIs. With markets closed, clients expect a quiet holiday but want updates before the close in the US,” said a Mumbai broker who declined to be named.

What to watch next

Market participants will watch MCX’s evening session for any volatility in energy contracts and refine positions ahead of Friday’s truncated session. The rupee’s movement versus the dollar, upcoming US economic data, and any further geopolitical developments will be key near-term drivers. Investors will also track central bank commentary and domestic macro prints that could influence DII behavior.

For now, the Bakrid holiday gave local investors a pause to reassess exposures while global factors—especially a resurgent crude oil price—kept risk sentiment subdued. If oil maintains elevated levels into next week, strategists warn, Indian markets may face renewed pressure once trading resumes fully.

Sensex Climbs 400 Points to 75,700; Nifty Crosses 23,790 

Indian equity benchmarks opened on a firm note on Thursday, May 21, with the Sensex rising over 400 points to trade near 75,700 levels and the Nifty advancing to 23,790 in early morning deals. Strong buying interest was visible in PSU bank and metal stocks, lifting broader market sentiment.

The 30-share BSE Sensex was quoting at 75,700 with a gain of around 400 points, or 0.50 per cent. The broader NSE Nifty 50 climbed about 130 points, or 0.55 per cent, to hover around 23,790. The rally followed a modestly positive close on Wednesday, when the Sensex ended at 75,318 and Nifty at 23,659 after recovering from early losses.

Sectoral Strength in PSU Banks and Metals

PSU banking stocks led the charge amid renewed domestic institutional interest. Several public sector lenders traded higher as investors bet on steady credit growth and policy continuity. Metal shares also attracted buyers, tracking firm global commodity cues and expectations of sustained demand in key sectors.

Traders pointed to selective buying in frontline names even as foreign institutional investors remained net sellers. Data showed FIIs offloaded shares worth ₹1,597 crore on Wednesday, though domestic institutional investors countered with purchases of nearly ₹1,968 crore.

Positive Asian Cues Support Sentiment

Sentiment received a boost from sharp gains across several Asian markets. South Korea’s KOSPI surged over 7 per cent, while Japan’s Nikkei climbed nearly 3.6 per cent. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng ended marginally higher. The upbeat regional mood came after Wall Street closed in the green on Wednesday, with the Dow Jones, Nasdaq, and S&P 500 all posting decent gains.

Market participants remained watchful of global factors, including crude oil prices and currency movements. Despite some pressure on the rupee in recent sessions, domestic buying helped indices stay resilient.

Market Breadth and Volumes

Market breadth was largely positive in the initial hours, with advances outpacing declines on both BSE and NSE. Midcap and smallcap segments also saw selective participation, though gains were more pronounced in largecaps. Turnover remained healthy as traders adjusted positions ahead of key global earnings triggers and domestic developments.

Analysts noted that the indices have been consolidating in a range in recent weeks. The current upmove could test immediate hurdles if buying sustains through the day. Key support levels for Nifty are seen around 23,500-23,600, while resistance lies near 23,900-24,000.

FII-DII Dynamics in Focus

The contrasting behaviour of foreign and domestic investors continues to shape near-term flows. While FIIs have been net sellers over the past month, DIIs have provided strong support with consistent buying. This cushion has helped the market absorb global volatility stemming from geopolitical tensions and monetary policy signals from major economies.

Outlook for the Day

Traders will now watch for sustained momentum in PSU banks and metals. Any fresh trigger from global markets, particularly US tech earnings, could influence the trajectory in later hours. Analysts remain cautiously optimistic, citing steady domestic macros and resilient corporate earnings in select pockets.

As the trading session progresses, focus will remain on whether the indices can hold above psychological levels and extend the morning gains. Investors are advised to monitor global cues closely while maintaining strict risk management in the current volatile environment.

The market is expected to trade with a positive bias if buying in key sectors continues, though profit-booking at higher levels cannot be ruled out.