Indian stock markets extended their gains on Thursday, with the Sensex climbing around 500 points to trade at 77,500 levels in morning deals. The Nifty also rose over 180 points and crossed the 24,150 mark, riding on strong buying interest in auto and realty sectors.

This positive momentum comes after Wednesday’s solid close, when the Sensex had jumped 791 points to settle at 76,991. Thursday’s trade saw broad-based participation, though auto and realty stocks clearly led the rally.

Market participants were seen accumulating shares in auto companies amid expectations of steady demand and supportive government policies. Realty counters too attracted buyers on hopes of improved sentiment in the housing sector and steady progress on infrastructure projects.

Asian markets showed a mixed trend during early Thursday sessions. South Korea’s Kospi rose 5.33 per cent, Japan’s Nikkei jumped 3.87 per cent, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng slipped 1.48 per cent.

Overnight, US markets ended on a mixed note. The Dow Jones gained 0.35 per cent, but the Nasdaq declined 0.43 per cent and the S&P 500 closed marginally lower by 0.10 per cent.

Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) turned net sellers on Wednesday, offloading shares worth ₹1,843 crore. However, domestic institutional investors (DIIs) remained strong buyers with purchases of ₹3,637 crore. Over the last seven days, FIIs have net bought shares worth ₹2,398 crore, providing overall support to the market.

Analysts said the recovery in domestic indices is being driven by a combination of favourable global cues in some pockets and renewed buying in domestic cyclical sectors. The sharp rebound from recent volatility has helped the benchmarks reclaim important psychological levels.

However, traders remain watchful as global factors, including developments around US-China trade tensions and crude oil prices, continue to influence sentiment. The rupee’s movement and upcoming corporate earnings will also be in focus in the coming sessions.

As of now, the market is holding its gains firmly, with several frontline stocks contributing to the upmove. Broader market participation was visible, though mid and small-cap segments showed selective action.

Further details on individual stock performers and sectoral indices are still coming in as trading progresses. The investigation into any unusual volatility, if required, is not on the table at the moment.

The current upswing has brought some relief to investors after a period of choppy trade. Market watchers will now see whether the momentum sustains or if profit-booking emerges at higher levels.

Indian benchmark indices opened on a positive note on Wednesday, June 24, with the Sensex climbing around 200 points to trade at 76,400 levels in early morning deals. The Nifty also gained nearly 50 points and was seen hovering around the 23,900 mark.

This comes after a sharp sell-off on Tuesday, when the markets witnessed heavy profit booking. On Tuesday, the Sensex had tumbled 893 points to close at 76,200, while the Nifty dropped 278 points to settle at 23,824.

Market participants were seen showing interest in select sectors, particularly IT and pharma, which led the recovery. Shares of Tech Mahindra, Infosys, Power Grid, and ICICI Bank rose up to 3 per cent in morning trade, contributing to the overall positive sentiment.

Buying in these counters helped the indices recoup some of the previous session’s losses. However, the broader market mood remained cautious as participants tracked global cues.

Asian markets showed a mixed trend in early Wednesday sessions. While Hong Kong’s Hang Seng edged higher by 0.22 per cent, South Korea’s Kospi slipped 1.10 per cent and Japan’s Nikkei declined 0.38 per cent.

Overnight, US markets ended in the red. The Nasdaq witnessed a sharper fall of over 2 per cent, while the S&P 500 declined around 1.44 per cent. The Dow Jones also closed marginally lower.

Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) turned net buyers on Tuesday, purchasing shares worth ₹183 crore. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) too bought shares worth ₹680 crore. This buying by institutions provided some support to the domestic market.

Analysts noted that after the sharp decline on Tuesday, some bargain hunting was visible, especially in frontline IT and pharma stocks that had underperformed in recent sessions. However, they added that sustained momentum would depend on global risk appetite and upcoming domestic triggers.

Further details on sectoral performance and individual stock movements are still emerging as trading continues. The investigation into broader market volatility, if any regulatory angle develops, remains under watch, though no specific concerns have been flagged so far.

The recovery, though modest, offers some relief to investors after Tuesday’s sharp fall. Market watchers will now keenly monitor how the indices hold key levels in the coming hours.

Reliance Industries Limited's 49th Annual General Meeting got underway in Mumbai on Friday morning, with chairman and managing director Mukesh Ambani set to address shareholders amid some of the highest market expectations in recent memory. Investors and analysts are watching closely for concrete timelines on two long-awaited developments — the public listing of Reliance Jio and Reliance Retail — along with what the conglomerate has planned on the artificial intelligence front.

Ambani opened proceedings by welcoming shareholders before congratulating Prime Minister Narendra Modi on becoming India's longest-serving elected prime minister. The formal business of the AGM then commenced, with the market bracing for a series of announcements that could reshape the group's near-term trajectory.

The Jio IPO has arguably been the most talked-about listing in Indian corporate history for the past several years. As the country's largest telecom operator by subscriber base, Jio commands a valuation that would rank it among the biggest public debuts on Indian exchanges. Ambani is expected to provide a definitive timeline today, or at the very least signal that the process is moving forward — something shareholders have been waiting for through multiple AGM cycles.

Reliance Retail is the other headline. The business has grown into one of the group's most important engines, powered by aggressive store expansion, a widening customer base, and increasing traction in quick-commerce and digital retail channels. Analysts have noted the business is structurally ready for a listing; the question has always been timing and market conditions.

Alongside the IPO discussions, AI strategy is expected to feature prominently. Reliance has been making moves in the technology space and observers expect Ambani to lay out the group's ambitions in artificial intelligence — whether through partnerships, proprietary infrastructure, or new platforms targeting India's scale.

The AGM comes against a mixed financial backdrop. RIL's quarterly revenue rose sharply — up nearly 13% sequentially in the March 2026 quarter to Rs 3.25 lakh crore from Rs 2.88 lakh crore in the preceding three months. But on an annual basis, the picture is more complicated. Profit after tax fell over 15% year-on-year in FY26, dropping to Rs 80,787 crore from Rs 95,610 crore in FY25. The decline is likely to invite some shareholder questions, even as management points to longer-term investments and sectoral pressures as contributing factors.

On the markets, Reliance shares were trading flat at Rs 1,325 apiece on the BSE ahead of the meeting. The stock has shed roughly 7.5% since the last AGM in 2025, adding pressure on Ambani to deliver announcements that can rekindle investor confidence.

Further details from the AGM are awaited as proceedings continue through Friday.

Indian equity markets extended their winning streak on Thursday as investors responded positively to global developments, particularly the easing of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The benchmark BSE Sensex gained 254.36 points to close at 77,409.98, while the NSE Nifty settled comfortably above the key 24,000-mark, reflecting sustained investor confidence.

The latest gains came after reports confirmed that the United States and Iran had signed a memorandum aimed at ending the recent conflict between the two nations. The development has been closely watched by global financial markets because of its potential impact on energy supplies and inflation trends worldwide.

According to market participants, the decline in crude oil prices played a significant role in supporting investor sentiment. Lower oil prices are generally viewed as beneficial for the Indian economy, which relies heavily on crude imports. Reduced energy costs can help contain inflation, improve corporate profitability, and ease pressure on the country's trade balance.

Oil Prices Ease

Global crude oil prices witnessed a sharp correction following the peace agreement. Brent crude, the international benchmark, slipped to around $77 per barrel, marking its lowest level in more than three months. Market data indicates that oil prices have fallen significantly from the highs recorded during the peak of the Iran conflict.

The agreement was signed by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian after US President Donald Trump formally endorsed the framework in Versailles, France. Reports suggest that investors interpreted the development as a major step toward restoring stability in global energy markets.

The decline in crude prices also helped offset concerns arising from weakness in certain sectors of the domestic market. Analysts believe that if oil prices remain under control, sectors dependent on fuel and transportation costs could see improved earnings prospects in the coming quarters.

Mixed Sector Performance

Despite the overall gains in benchmark indices, sectoral performance remained mixed. Information Technology stocks emerged as the weakest segment of the market, witnessing notable selling pressure during the session. Consumer Durables and Oil & Gas shares also traded in negative territory.

On the other hand, media-related stocks recorded strong gains, helping support broader market sentiment. Other sectors displayed selective buying as investors shifted their focus toward companies expected to benefit from improving economic conditions.

Asian markets delivered mixed signals. South Korea's KOSPI and Japan's Nikkei posted gains, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng index ended lower. Meanwhile, US markets had closed in negative territory during the previous session, with the Dow Jones, Nasdaq, and S&P 500 all recording losses.

Foreign institutional investors continued to remain cautious. Data showed that foreign investors have been net sellers over the past week, while domestic institutional investors maintained their buying momentum. Market experts believe strong domestic participation has helped offset foreign outflows and provided stability to Indian equities.

The Indian currency also faced pressure during the day. The rupee weakened by 21 paise and settled at 94.71 against the US dollar. Currency traders attributed the decline to global dollar strength and ongoing volatility in international markets.

Looking ahead, investors are expected to closely monitor crude oil movements, global economic developments, and institutional investment flows. Market participants will also keep an eye on upcoming corporate earnings and macroeconomic indicators that could influence trading direction in the near term.

With the Indian stock market recording gains for five consecutive sessions, attention will now shift to whether benchmark indices can sustain their momentum amid evolving global and domestic factors.

Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) have intensified their selling spree in the Indian capital markets, pulling out a staggering ₹62,853 crore from equities in just the first 15 days of June.

Data released by the National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL) reveals that this latest round of selling has pushed the total foreign fund outflow from Indian equities to an unprecedented ₹2.87 lakh crore in 2026 so far. The aggressive offloading marks a sharp escalation compared to the entire calendar year of 2025, which saw a comparatively lower withdrawal of ₹1.66 lakh crore.

Global headwinds trigger risk aversion

Market observers point out that a combination of escalating geopolitical frictions, lingering concerns over global macroeconomic growth, and a persistently weak domestic currency have soured sentiment for overseas investors. The sustained exit highlights a broader rebalancing strategy among global fund managers.

"Investors are currently navigating an environment of extreme uncertainty regarding the future of interest rates of major central banks, geopolitical developments, and global growth," said Himanshu Srivastava, Principal Manager Research at Morningstar Investment Research India.

Premium valuations squeeze allocations

Apart from global triggers, India’s own market dynamics have prompted overseas fund managers to recalibrate their exposure. Analysts notes that Indian equities have been trading at a premium relative to several other emerging market peers, making the risk-reward ratio less attractive in a high-interest-rate environment.

This expensive valuation has forced FPIs to adopt a highly selective and cautious allocation strategy. Rather than broad-based buying, funds are moving capital toward developed markets and safer, fixed-income assets to shield portfolios from emerging market volatility.

Currency depreciation worsens outflows

The sharp depreciation of the domestic currency has further compounded the exodus. Despite consistent interventions by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to check volatility and stabilize trading bands, the rupee has weakened by nearly 6% since the start of 2026, and around 10% over the past twelve months.

Rupee vs US Dollar Trajectory (Recent Trend)

[Mid-80s Level] -------- 6% YTD Decline --------> [Near 95 Level]

Moving from its previous mid-80s comfort zone, the currency has slipped to nearly 95 against the US dollar. This persistent slide erodes dollar-denominated returns for foreign funds, effectively forcing tactical exits from the cash market.

Selling pressure shows late moderation

While the aggregate numbers for June paint a grim picture, the pace of liquidation showed visible signs of deceleration toward the end of the second week. The tapering indicates that while risk-aversion remains the dominant theme, the absolute intensity of institutional selling might be hitting a temporary plateau.

On Friday, net FPI outflows in the cash market dropped to a modest ₹1,082 crore. This is a substantial reduction from the heavy multi-thousand-crore sessions witnessed earlier in the month, offering a brief breathing space for domestic institutional investors (DIIs) who have been absorbing the selling pressure.

Crude correction offers macro relief

On the macroeconomic front, a sharp correction in international oil benchmarks has provided a silver lining. Brent crude prices have slipped below the $87 per barrel mark, driven by recent diplomatic developments and expectations surrounding a potential peace framework between the US and Iran.

"For a large oil-importing country like India, this is major positive news," stated V K Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Investments. He noted that the drop in energy costs comes at a crucial time, given that India is currently navigating a balance of payments deficit estimated at approximately $60 billion for FY27.

Policy interventions to support capital

Recognizing the vital role FPI flows play in managing the Current Account Deficit (CAD) and balancing external accounts, the government and the central bank have rolled out targeted administrative measures.

                 Key Policy Steps to Stabilize Capital Flows            

|  RBI to absorb hedging costs on FCNR deposits raised by commercial banks|

|  Expansion of the operational scope of the forex swap window           |

|  Easing of investment limits for NRIs and OCIs in the equity segment   |

|  Streamlining access to government securities via the FAR channel     |

Debt market provides counter-balance

Interestingly, while foreign capital is fleeing Indian equities, it is finding a steady home in the domestic debt segment. In contrast to the equity rout, foreign investors pumped over ₹13,200 crore into debt securities via the Fully Accessible Route (FAR) during the first half of June.

This fixed-income inflow has pushed total debt investments through the FAR channel to roughly ₹28,000 crore for the current calendar year, underscoring foreign institutional confidence in India's sovereign bond yields despite equity market turbulence.

Key triggers for the coming week

Going forward, the direction of foreign fund flows will likely be dictated by a busy global regulatory calendar. According to Pavitra Mukherjee, Deputy Vice President-Research at Bajaj Broking, institutional desks will closely track four key variables:

• The progress of ongoing geopolitical negotiations between the US and Iran.

• The upcoming policy rate decision and commentary from the US Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC).

• The Bank of Japan’s (BOJ) monetary policy stance and interest rate trajectory.

• Forward-looking policy guidance from other systemic central banks.

Domestic equity benchmarks staged a modest recovery during early trading on Tuesday, led by buying interest in auto and realty shares. The Sensex climbed around 200 points to hover near the 73,700 mark, while the Nifty advanced over 70 points to trade above 23,200.

The uptick comes a day after the market witnessed a sharp selloff, erasing most gains from the previous week. Investors appeared to be selectively accumulating stocks, though broader sentiment remained guarded.

Auto and Realty Lead the Pack

Sectoral indices showed a clear bias. The auto index gained nearly a percent, with heavyweights like Mahindra & Mahindra and Maruti Suzuki contributing to the rise. Realty stocks also saw renewed interest, possibly on expectations of steady demand.

Banking and IT shares, however, showed mixed trends. While some frontline banking counters recovered minor losses, others remained under pressure. According to dealers, the buying was largely driven by domestic institutional investors (DIIs), who have been net buyers in recent sessions.

Mixed Signals from Global Peers

Overseas, Asian markets offered a mixed picture. South Korea’s Kospi jumped over 3.7 per cent, while Japan’s Nikkei added nearly a per cent. On the other hand, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng slipped 0.6 per cent, weighed down by concerns over China’s economic recovery.

Overnight cues from Wall Street were also uneven. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 0.16 per cent, but the Nasdaq and S&P 500 ended higher, supported by technology stocks. That divergence kept Indian investors cautious about chasing sharp upsides.

FII Selling Continues Unabated

Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) remained net sellers for yet another session. Provisional data showed they offloaded equities worth roughly Rs 5,556 crore on Monday. In contrast, DIIs stepped in with purchases of about Rs 5,165 crore.

Over the past 30 days, FIIs have pulled out more than Rs 81,500 crore from Indian markets, while DIIs have pumped in over Rs 1 lakh crore. This ongoing tug-of-war between foreign and domestic money has kept the indices range-bound despite intermittent rallies.

Recap: Monday’s Sharp Fall

Just a day earlier, the market had ended in the red. The Sensex tumbled 719 points to close at 73,524 on June 8, while the Nifty dropped 244 points to settle at 23,123. Traders attributed that decline to profit-booking in financials and lingering concerns over global interest rates.

The recovery on Tuesday morning, therefore, is being viewed as a technical pullback rather than a change in trend. “We are seeing selective buying, but volumes are not very high,” a Mumbai-based dealer said, requesting anonymity.

What to Watch

Market participants will now track the movement of the rupee against the dollar and any fresh commentary from US Federal Reserve officials. Additionally, monthly auto sales data and progress of the monsoon remain near-term triggers for broader sentiment.

For now, the indices are holding small gains. But with FIIs still on the selling side, traders are advised to remain nimble, as volatility is unlikely to ease completely.

Domestic indices fall after heavy FII selling; Sensex down 0.96% and Nifty near 23,300 amid mixed Asian cues

Indian equity markets opened sharply lower on Wednesday, with the BSE Sensex plunging about 700 points to trade around 73,900 and the Nifty50 slipping roughly 200 points to near 23,300, as foreign institutional investors offloaded large chunks of stock and information-technology names faced the steepest selling pressure.

Early trade movement

The Sensex was down 0.96% in early trade, while the Nifty fell about 0.80%. Losses were broad-based but most pronounced in the IT pack, which saw consistent declines from the opening bell. Market participants said sentiment turned cautious after heavy net outflows by FIIs in the previous session.

FII selling and flows

Data compiled by exchanges shows foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) sold equities worth about ₹8,363 crore on Tuesday. Over the past seven days, FIIs are net sellers to the tune of around ₹33,381 crore, and their 30‑day net outflow stands near ₹71,074 crore. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs), led by mutual funds, remained net buyers; DIIs bought approximately ₹9,589 crore on Tuesday and have added about ₹31,463 crore over the last week.

Regional markets and global cues

Asian markets presented a mixed picture on Wednesday. South Korea’s Kospi was marginally higher, while Japan’s Nikkei jumped over 2.5% in early trading. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng, however, fell more than 1.5%. In the US, major indexes had closed with modest gains on Tuesday—Dow Jones rose around 229 points, the S&P 500 added roughly 10 points and the Nasdaq was largely flat—lending a muted backdrop to Asian sessions.

Analysts’ read

“Foreign selling remains the dominant near-term theme,” said a market strategist at a Mumbai-based brokerage, requesting anonymity. “That, combined with profit-taking in large-cap ITs after recent run-ups, is weighing on indices. Internals are weak and breadth is negative in morning trade.” Analysts added that any fresh triggers—earnings updates, macro data or commentary from global central banks—could amplify the moves.

Sector impact

IT stocks led declines, with several mid- and large-cap software names recording sharp losses. Financials, consumer discretionary and select industrial stocks also traded lower. Defensive sectors such as utilities and certain FMCG names showed relative resilience. Brokers pointed to renewed concerns around margin compression and discretionary spending in key global markets as reasons investors pared back exposure to technology names.

Short-term context

Markets had rallied on Tuesday, when benchmark indices closed higher by about 383 points after a day of buying. That rebound, however, was followed by renewed selling from overseas investors, reversing gains. Traders said positioning ahead of domestic macro releases and global cues could keep volatility elevated through the week.

Ground-level cues

On the trading floor at the Bombay Stock Exchange this morning, dealers described brisk offloading in large-cap IT scripts and rotation into cash-heavy defensive names. “The mood is cautious; traders are trimming positions and waiting for clearer directional cues,” said a dealer on the floor.

What to watch next

Investors will look to domestic data due later in the week and any commentary from global central banks for fresh direction. Quarterly earnings from large corporates in coming sessions could also influence sentiment, particularly in the beaten-up IT sector. Market participants will keep a close eye on FII flow data, as sustained outflows could prolong the weakness.

Bottom line

The market’s early weakness on Wednesday was driven largely by heavy FII selling and profit-taking in IT stocks, leaving benchmarks down nearly 1% for the Sensex and about 0.8% for the Nifty. With regional cues mixed and global markets having closed modestly higher overnight, traders said volatility is likely to remain a feature in the short term.

Indian equity markets staged a recovery on Tuesday after a weak start, with both benchmark indices ending in the green. The Sensex settled at 74,649.84, gaining 382 points over the previous close, while the Nifty50 climbed 101 points to finish at 23,483.55. The recovery came a day after both indices took a sharp hit on June 1, when the Sensex had shed 508 points and the Nifty had slipped 165 points to close at 23,382.

IT Stocks Lead the Charge

Tuesday's rebound was driven largely by information technology shares, which saw strong buying interest across the board. On the National Stock Exchange, Nifty IT emerged as the top sectoral gainer, surging 4.25% by close. Most other sectoral indices also ended in positive territory. Nifty Pharma, Financial Services, and a handful of other segments were exceptions, closing with marginal losses even as broader sentiment turned positive through the session.

South Korea Leapfrogs India

Away from the trading floors, a significant shift in the global pecking order drew attention. South Korea's stock market has overtaken India to become the world's sixth-largest by total market capitalisation. According to Bloomberg data, the combined market cap of South Korean listed companies has surged 86% this year to reach $5 trillion, roughly ₹475 lakh crore.

India's market cap, by contrast, has slipped to around $4.8 trillion, or approximately ₹456 lakh crore. The Korean surge has been led in large part by its heavyweight semiconductor companies, which have been riding a sustained wave of global demand for artificial intelligence infrastructure. Earlier this year, Taiwan had already moved ahead of India on the same measure, making South Korea the second Asian market to do so in quick succession.

Asian Markets See Mixed Trade

The mood across Asian markets on Tuesday was uneven. South Korea's KOSPI fell 154 points, or 1.45%, to 8,634, even as the country's overall market cap milestone drew attention. Japan's Nikkei dropped sharply by 1,101 points, or 1.64%, to close at 65,833. Hong Kong's Hang Seng bucked the trend, gaining 242 points — up 0.97% — to end at 25,641.

Wall Street Closed on a Positive Note

US markets provided a stable backdrop heading into Tuesday's session. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 46 points to close at 51,079, while the Nasdaq rose 114 points to 27,087. The S&P 500 gained 20 points, finishing at 7,600. The mild but consistent gains on Wall Street offered some reassurance to domestic investors navigating a volatile stretch.

FIIs Continue to Pull Out

Institutional flow data continued to reflect a cautious foreign investor stance. Foreign institutional investors net sold shares worth ₹3,912 crore in Tuesday's session. Over the past seven days, net FII outflows stand at ₹26,060 crore, and over the last 30 days the figure has climbed to nearly ₹59,875 crore — close to ₹60,000 crore in a single month.

Domestic institutional investors have been absorbing much of that pressure. DIIs bought shares worth ₹5,109 crore on Tuesday, with net purchases totalling ₹25,694 crore over the past week and ₹87,778 crore over the past month, providing a significant cushion against foreign outflows.

What to Watch Next

With South Korea and Taiwan both now ahead of India by market cap, attention will likely turn to whether a sustained recovery in IT and other export-linked sectors can help domestic markets regain ground. The near-term trajectory will depend on global cues, the pace of FII outflows, and upcoming macro data. For now, Tuesday's rebound offered some relief after a rough Monday, though the broader picture remains one of cautious consolidation.

Indian equity benchmarks opened on a weak note on June 2, with the Sensex falling around 200 points to trade near the 74,100 level. The Nifty also dropped nearly 100 points, hovering around 23,300 in morning deals.

Selling pressure was visible across multiple sectors. Pharma, healthcare, and banking counters saw the most intense selloff, while information technology stocks bucked the trend and attracted fresh buying interest.

Pharma, banking shares under pressure

Heavyweights from the Nifty Bank and Nifty Pharma indices led the decline. Traders cited profit booking after recent gains in defensive sectors. “Investors are rotating money into IT on expectations of a US demand revival, while pharma and PSU banks are seeing some profit-taking,” a Mumbai-based dealer said on condition of anonymity.

The Nifty Bank index slipped over 250 points, dragged by private and public sector lenders. Meanwhile, the Nifty IT index rose nearly half a percent, with majors like Infosys and HCL Tech contributing to the gains.

South Korea overtakes India as sixth-largest market

In a significant global development, South Korea has now overtaken India to become the world’s sixth-largest stock market. According to Bloomberg data, the combined market capitalisation of South Korea’s listed companies surged 86% this year to touch $5 trillion (approximately ₹475 lakh crore).

The sharp rise has been driven by chip-making giants benefiting from the global artificial intelligence boom. In contrast, India’s total market cap has slipped to $4.8 trillion (around ₹456 lakh crore) amid recent foreign outflows and valuation concerns.

This reshuffling underscores how AI-linked demand is reshaping global equity rankings, even as Indian markets grapple with mixed signals from foreign investors.

Mixed cues from Asian peers

Other Asian markets displayed a mixed trend during the morning session. Japan’s Nikkei tumbled over 1,100 points or 1.64%, tracking losses on Wall Street futures. South Korea’s Kospi fell 1.45% to 8,634. However, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index bucked the trend, rising 0.97% to 25,641.

Overnight, US markets closed with modest gains. The Dow Jones added 46 points, the Nasdaq rose 114 points, and the S&P 500 ended 20 points higher. “US resilience is providing some support, but domestic factors like FII selling are weighing on sentiment,” said a research head at a domestic brokerage.

FIIs continue selling spree

Foreign institutional investors have remained net sellers through May. Data shows that over the past 30 days, FIIs have offloaded Indian equities worth nearly ₹60,000 crore. On the other hand, domestic institutional investors stepped in with net purchases of over ₹87,700 crore during the same period.

In the last seven days alone, FII selling stood at around ₹26,060 crore, while DIIs bought ₹25,694 crore. This tug-of-war between foreign and domestic funds has kept the market range-bound despite pockets of strength.

What lies ahead?

The market had closed lower on June 1 as well, with the Sensex falling 508 points to end at 74,267. Analysts expect volatility to persist through the week, driven by global cues and monthly derivatives expiry. Attention will also remain on the progress of the southwest monsoon and any policy signals from central banks.

For now, investors are advised to stay selective. “IT and select largecaps may continue to see buying, but broader markets could remain choppy,” the dealer added.

Early buying interest pushes benchmarks higher; IT stocks lead gains while oil prices cool on US-Iran peace signals

Indian equity markets started Friday on a firm footing, with the Sensex comfortably trading above the 76,000 level and the Nifty inching closer to the psychological 24,000 mark during early deals. The uptick followed a truncated holiday-shortened week and came amid mixed cues from global peers.

The 30-share Sensex was seen hovering around 76,150 levels, up nearly 280 points from its previous close, while the broader Nifty traded near 23,980, showing gains of about 70 points. The market remained closed on Thursday, May 28, on account of Bakri Eid.

Early Gains on D-Street

Investors appeared to shrug off the modest losses from the last trading session. On May 27, the Sensex had closed 142 points lower at 75,868, while the Nifty slipped 7 points to end at 23,907. Banking shares had witnessed the maximum selling pressure that day.

However, Friday’s early session saw renewed buying interest across select pockets, though sectoral performance remained mixed. Nifty IT emerged as the top gainer, rising 1.74 per cent, while Consumer Durables and Chemical indices traded in the red.

Expert Sees Rangebound Moves

Arun Mantri, founder of Mantri Finmart, said the Nifty is likely to trade within a broad range of 23,600 to 24,100 points in the coming sessions. Market participants are advised to adopt a “buy on dips” strategy, given the prevailing support levels and lack of major negative triggers domestically.

“The range is likely to hold unless there is a fresh global shock. Investors with a medium-term view can look at accumulating quality names on declines,” Mantri reportedly said.

Oil Dips on US-Iran Talks

Sentiment got a minor boost from cooling crude prices. Brent crude eased to around $93 per barrel on Friday following reports that peace talks between the United States and Iran were underway. Lower oil prices are typically viewed as positive for India, a major net importer of crude.

US Vice-President JD Vance told the BBC that a formal agreement to end the conflict was “very close” but cautioned that key differences remained unresolved. “It’s too early to say when or if an agreement will be finalised, though negotiators are very close,” Vance said. The proposed deal reportedly includes a 60-day ceasefire extension and formal discussions on Iran’s nuclear programme.

Rupee Recovers Marginally

The Indian rupee strengthened by 5 paise to settle at 95.53 against the US dollar on a provisional basis, aided by softer crude prices and early equity inflows. However, the currency remains under broad pressure given the sustained strength of the greenback overseas.

Global Cues Offer Mixed Support

Overnight, US markets ended marginally higher. The Dow Jones added 25 points (0.05 per cent) to close at 50,669, while the Nasdaq surged 243 points (0.91 per cent) and the S&P 500 rose 43 points (0.58 per cent). Most Asian markets advanced on Friday, with South Korea’s KOSPI jumping nearly 2 per cent, Japan’s Nikkei climbing 1.86 per cent, and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng edging up 0.25 per cent.

FIIs Remain Net Sellers

Foreign institutional investors continued their selling spree, offloading shares worth ₹1,043 crore on May 27. Over the last seven days, FII outflows stood at ₹2,629 crore, while in the past 30 days, they have pulled out nearly ₹42,905 crore. In contrast, domestic institutional investors remained net buyers, pumping in ₹3,821 crore on the same day.

Market participants will closely track progress on the US-Iran negotiations and crude price movements in the coming sessions. For now, the early morning momentum suggests some resilience, though analysts caution that sustained upmoves would require broader participation beyond IT stocks.

Indian Markets Open Cautious as Nifty Slips to 23,450, Sensex Crashes 500 Points; Rupee Hits Record Low of 96.90

Domestic equity benchmarks began trading on a decidedly cautious note Wednesday morning, with the Sensex tumbling over 500 points and the Nifty sliding to the 23,450 level as persistent foreign outflows and sticky crude oil prices weighed on investor sentiment.

The 30-share BSE Sensex dropped 512 points to touch 74,689 within the first hour of trade, while the broader Nifty50 declined to 23,447, down nearly 170 points from its previous close. The sell-off was broad-based, though some defensive pockets showed resilience.

Heavyweights lead the decline

Blue-chip stocks came under significant pressure. Tata Steel, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Eternal Ltd, Mahindra & Mahindra, Maruti Suzuki, Bajaj Finance, and State Bank of India were among the major losers dragging the Sensex lower. Market participants attributed the weakness to sustained selling by foreign institutional investors.

Mixed signals across sectors

Sectoral performance remained uneven. Nifty Media, Realty, Chemicals, and PSU Bank indices traded in the red, reflecting broad risk aversion. In contrast, Nifty Pharma emerged as the top gainer, rising 0.23 per cent as investors rotated into defensive healthcare names amid global uncertainty.

Rupee plunges to unprecedented low

The Indian rupee weakened by 20 paise to open at 96.90 against the US dollar – its weakest level on record. The currency’s slide comes as crude oil prices remain stubbornly above the $110 per barrel mark, raising concerns over India’s import bill and current account deficit.

“The combination of elevated oil prices and persistent FII outflows is putting double pressure on the rupee,” a currency dealer at a public sector bank said, requesting anonymity.

Global cues remain unfavourable

Overnight losses on Wall Street set a grim template. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed 322 points lower at 49,364, while the Nasdaq shed 220 points. The S&P 500 declined 49 points to 7,354.

Asian markets followed suit on Wednesday morning. South Korea’s KOSPI tumbled 2.83 per cent (142 points) to 7,131. Japan’s Nikkei fell 1.30 per cent (786 points) to 59,764, and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng slipped 0.86 per cent (237 points) to 25,561.

FIIs continue selling spree

Provisional data showed foreign institutional investors offloaded equities worth ₹2,458 crore in the previous session, adding to the month-long exodus. Over the past 30 days, FIIs have sold Indian shares worth over ₹54,000 crore. In contrast, domestic institutional investors have stepped in as buyers, picking up ₹3,802 crore worth of stocks on Tuesday and nearly ₹65,000 crore over the past month.

Previous session’s slide lingers

On Tuesday, the Sensex had ended 114 points lower at 75,201, while the Nifty closed down 32 points at 23,618. Wednesday’s opening decline extends that losing momentum.

No Indian firm in global top-100 club

In a separate development, a Bloomberg report noted that not a single Indian company now features among the world’s 100 most valuable firms by market capitalisation. As recently as early 2025, three Indian entities – Reliance Industries, HDFC Bank, and Tata Consultancy Services – had been part of that elite list. Persistent declines in domestic stock markets have eroded their valuations, pushing them out of the global ranking.

Analysts expect market volatility to continue in the near term, with all eyes on the rupee’s trajectory and further FII activity.

Indian Markets Open in the Red on Tuesday: Sensex Falls 700 Points

Indian equity benchmarks started the trading week on a cautious note on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, with both the BSE Sensex and Nifty50 slipping in early deals. The decline mirrored mixed but largely subdued trends across Asian markets, as investors weighed the impact of government austerity measures and rising global crude oil prices.

The BSE Sensex dropped around 700 points to touch 77,300 levels in intra-day trade. The Nifty50 similarly shed about 200 points to hover near 23,600. Market participants appeared wary despite a mildly positive close in US indices the previous night.

Mixed cues from Asian peers

Trading in the region remained uneven. South Korea’s KOSPI fell sharply by 1.52 per cent to 7,725, reflecting broader risk aversion. Japan’s Nikkei, however, gained 0.62 per cent to 62,805, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng rose modestly by 0.29 per cent to 26,489. This mixed performance added to the hesitant mood back home.

Back-to-back selling by foreign investors has also contributed to the pressure. Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded shares worth ₹18,724 crore over the last seven days, data showed. In contrast, Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) continued to provide support with net buying of nearly ₹5,940 crore in the recent session and over ₹19,966 crore in the past week.

Monday’s sharp sell-off

The weakness on Tuesday followed a heavy sell-off the previous day. On Monday, May 11, the Sensex had tumbled 1,313 points to close at 76,015, while the Nifty50 dropped 360 points to settle at 23,815. Persistent concerns over fiscal tightening and elevated oil costs weighed on sentiment.

Rising oil prices and austerity concerns

Analysts pointed to multiple global and domestic factors. Crude oil prices have been climbing, raising worries about India’s import bill and inflation outlook. At the same time, reports of government austerity measures aimed at controlling expenditure have created uncertainty among market players regarding growth-supportive spending in the coming months.

A dealer at a domestic brokerage noted that participants were adopting a wait-and-watch approach ahead of key global cues and upcoming domestic data releases. “The combination of FII outflows and commodity price volatility is keeping the market under check,” he said, requesting anonymity.

Broader market breadth

Most sectoral indices opened lower, with banking, energy, and auto stocks facing selling pressure. IT and select FMCG counters showed relative resilience. Market breadth remained negative, with more stocks declining than advancing on the BSE.

Global markets overnight

Wall Street ended on a positive note on Monday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 95 points to 49,704, the S&P 500 gained 14 points to 7,413, and the Nasdaq Composite added 27 points to 26,274. These marginal gains offered limited comfort to Indian investors amid Asia’s mixed signals.

What lies ahead

Traders will now watch global oil movements, the rupee’s trajectory, and any fresh cues on government spending plans. The coming sessions are expected to remain range-bound unless fresh triggers emerge. Experts suggest that sustained DII buying could limit downside, but FII flows and global risk appetite will play a decisive role.

The market mood reflects a balance between caution over near-term headwinds and underlying confidence in domestic economic resilience. Investors remain focused on how policymakers navigate the current global uncertainties.