SGX Nifty March 2026 futures increased by 106.50 points, indicating a robust start for the Nifty 50 today.
Institutional Flows:
On 17 March 2026, provisional data indicated that foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) divested shares amounting to Rs 4,741.22 crore, whereas domestic institutional investors (DIIs) recorded net purchases totaling Rs 5,225.32 crore in the Indian equity market. The foreign institutional investors have divested shares amounting to Rs 70,989.96 crore in March (up to 17 March 2026). This comes after their cash sales of Rs 6,640.78 crore in February and Rs 41,435.22 crore in January 2026.
Global Markets:
Asian markets experienced an uptick on Wednesday as investors evaluated Japan’s trade data and anticipated the U.S. Federal Reserve’s decision on interest rates. Markets anticipate that the Fed will maintain interest rates in the range of 3.5% to 3.75% this Wednesday in the U.S. In terms of data, Japanese exports saw a year-on-year increase of 4.2% in February. Exports experienced a 16.8% increase in the previous month. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East shows no signs of abating, leaving investors in a state of uncertainty. Recent assaults on the energy infrastructure of the United Arab Emirates have intensified concerns regarding potential extended supply interruptions in light of the ongoing conflict with Iran.
The events occurred after a drone strike targeted the largest ultra-sour gas development globally, a fire broke out in the UAE’s Fujairah Oil Industry Zone, and a tanker sustained damage close to the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. In a recent turn of events, Iran escalated its assaults on U.S. assets in the Middle East and Israel on Wednesday, seemingly in response to the overnight killing of the nation’s security chief, Ali Larijani, as the ongoing conflict continues without resolution.
Overnight in the U.S., the S&P 500 experienced an increase as Wall Street continued to leverage the momentum observed in the prior session, influenced by developments in the Iran war. The broad market index finished the day with a gain of 0.25%, closing at 6,716.09, while the Nasdaq Composite saw an increase of 0.47%, ending at 22,479.53. The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 46.85 points, representing a 0.1% rise, closing at 46,993.26.
Domestic Market:
Domestic equity indices concluded Tuesday’s session with notable gains, continuing their upward trend for the second straight day, influenced by favorable global signals. Nonetheless, sentiment stayed wary due to worries surrounding the US-Iran conflict in the Middle East and high crude oil prices, which persist in impacting investor confidence. In light of these challenges, strategic purchasing at reduced prices contributed to the markets maintaining their momentum and finishing in positive territory.
The Nifty closed above the 23,550 level, bolstered by advances in metal and auto sectors, although declines in IT and FMCG stocks limited further gains. The S&P BSE Sensex increased by 567.99 points, reflecting a rise of 0.75%, reaching a total of 76,070.84. The Nifty 50 index increased by 172.35 points, reflecting a rise of 0.74%, reaching a total of 23,581.15. During the last two trading sessions, the Sensex and Nifty experienced increases of 2.02% and 1.86%, respectively.