Sensex, Nifty opening: Will stock market rise or fall today?

GIFT Nifty futures were trading at 23,909.50 as of 8:08 am, indicating that the Nifty 50 may open above Thursday's close of 23,775.10.

In Short

• Markets to open higher on strong TCS earnings, global cues
• Nifty futures indicate opening above Thursday’s close
• Crude oil prices below $100 ease inflation concerns

Stock markets are likely to open higher on Friday, supported by strong earnings from Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and positive global cues.

GIFT Nifty futures were trading at 23,909.50 as of 8:08 am, indicating that the Nifty 50 may open above Thursday’s close of 23,775.10.

The strong start comes after a sharp rally this week, with the Nifty rising 4.7% and the Sensex gaining 4.5%, helped by easing tensions in West Asia following a temporary ceasefire between the United States and Iran.

Aakash Shah, Technical Research Analyst at Choice Equity Broking Private Limited, said, “Equity markets are expected to open on a mildly positive note on Friday, tracking firm cues from GIFT Nifty, which is trading around 23,800, up ~30 points. However, the overall undertone may remain cautious after a sharp decline in the previous session."

TCS RESULTS LIFT SENTIMENT

Investor sentiment is also supported by better-than-expected results from Tata Consultancy Services.

The company reported a 9.7% rise in revenue and a 12.2% increase in net profit for the March quarter. It also said that demand remains steady despite the rise of artificial intelligence tools.

Analysts said the company’s outlook remains stable even as global uncertainty continues.

“Management commentary suggests that while macro uncertainty persists, the outlook is more constructive versus prior quarters,” said analysts led by Vikas Ahuja of Antique Stock Broking.

OIL PRICES REMAIN BELOW $100

Crude oil prices remained below $100 per barrel in early trade, offering some relief to global markets.

As of around 8:25 am, Brent crude was trading near $96.37 per barrel, up 0.45%, while WTI crude was at $98.58, up 0.73%.

Lower oil prices are positive for India as they help reduce pressure on inflation and the economy.

FII SELLING CONTINUES

Despite the positive cues, foreign investors continued to sell Indian equities.

Data shows that foreign institutional investors sold shares worth about Rs 1,711.19 crore in the cash market on Thursday.

They also sold Rs 84.26 crore in index futures and Rs 124.28 crore in stock futures. In addition, FIIs sold Rs 458.42 crore in stock options.

However, there was some buying in index options worth Rs 2,320.01 crore.

Domestic institutional investors, on the other hand, remained buyers, purchasing shares worth Rs 955.90 crore.

Asian markets were trading about 0.9% higher, supporting sentiment.

However, concerns remain over the durability of the ceasefire between the United States and Iran, especially after continued tensions involving Israel and Lebanon.

Iran has flagged ongoing strikes as a key concern in its agreement with the US, which may keep markets cautious.

Markets are expected to open on a strong note, supported by earnings and global cues.

However, the day’s trend will depend on how global developments unfold and whether foreign selling continues.

Investors are likely to remain cautious even as the broader trend stays positive in the near term.

(Disclaimer: The views, opinions, recommendations, and suggestions expressed by experts/brokerages in this article are their own and do not reflect the views of the India Today Group. It is advisable to consult a qualified broker or financial advisor before making any actual investment or trading choices.)

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