SGX Nifty December 2025 futures declined by 316.5 points (or 1.36%) in early trade, indicating a weak opening for the Nifty 50 today.
Institutional Flows:
On 20 March 2026, provisional data revealed that foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) divested shares amounting to Rs 5,518.39 crore, whereas domestic institutional investors (DIIs) emerged as net buyers, acquiring shares worth Rs 5,706.23 crore in the Indian equity market. The FIIs have divested shares amounting to Rs 86,780.89 crore in March (up to 20 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:
On Monday, Asia-Pacific markets experienced a significant sell-off, as investors moved away from risk assets in response to the escalating conflict in the Middle East, which has now entered its fourth week. On Saturday, President Donald Trump declared that he would “obliterate” Iran’s power plants if Tehran did not fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz — a crucial channel for global energy flows — within 48 hours. Iran responded assertively, warning that it would target energy infrastructure and desalination facilities in the Gulf should the U.S. proceed with its ultimatum. In the commodities market, Brent crude for May 2026 settlement decreased by 21 cents, or 0.19%, settling at $111.98 a barrel.
Overnight in the U.S., the Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 0.96% to close at 45,577.47. The S&P 500 fell 1.51% to end at 6,506.48, while the Nasdaq Composite futures pulled back by 2% to end at 21,647.611. The three major indices concluded last week on a downward trend, with the S&P 500 experiencing a decline of over 1.5% and dipping below its 200-day moving average for the first time since May. The Dow experienced its first four-week losing streak since 2023, while the Nasdaq also declined by approximately 2% for the week.
Domestic Market:
The domestic market experienced a rebound on Friday following the significant selloff that occurred the day before. The recovery was propelled by declining crude oil prices, optimism surrounding de-escalation in Middle East tensions, and strategic purchasing at reduced levels. However, underlying risks persist, including ongoing foreign investor selling, high crude prices, increasing US bond yields, and a depreciating rupee, which reached a record low of 93 against the dollar. The S&P BSE Sensex surged by 325.72 points, reflecting a 0.44% increase, reaching a total of 74,532.96. The Nifty 50 index rose by 112.35 points, reflecting a gain of 0.49%, reaching a total of 23,114.50.