The SGX Nifty April 2026 futures are presently up by 168.50 points, indicating a positive opening for the benchmark index today.
Institutional Flows:
On 02 April 2026, provisional data indicated that foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) divested shares amounting to Rs 9,931.13 crore, whereas domestic institutional investors (DIIs) recorded net purchases totaling Rs 7,208.41 crore in the Indian equity market. The foreign institutional investors divested shares amounting to Rs 18,262.28 crore in April (up to 02 April 2026). The cash sales recorded were Rs 122,540.41 crore in March, Rs 6,640.78 crore in February, and Rs 41,435.22 crore in January 2026.
Global Markets:
On Monday, stocks in Japan and South Korea experienced an uptick, while the majority of Asian markets remained closed due to holidays. Investors were closely analyzing the recent developments in the Middle East conflict that unfolded over the weekend. On Sunday, President Donald Trump reiterated his threats to target Iran’s power plants and civilian infrastructure beginning Tuesday, contingent upon Tehran’s complete reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The crucial oil chokepoint located between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula was responsible for approximately one-fifth of global oil supplies prior to the onset of the conflict involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran, which began on February 28. In a strongly worded social media post, Trump declared his intention to bring “Hell” to Iran following the rescue of an American airman by U.S. forces last week. He subsequently shared information regarding a “Tuesday 8 P.M. Eastern Time” deadline, though he did not provide further details.
The White House on Sunday informed MS NOW that the date has been established as the new deadline for Iran to finalize an agreement with the U.S. Trump announced a press conference “with the Military” scheduled for 1 p.m. on Monday at the Oval Office. Iran has responded to Trump’s ultimatum regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that the vital waterway will only be fully reopened once compensation for the damages incurred from the conflict is addressed. Tehran has persisted in its strikes on economic and infrastructure targets within the neighboring Gulf region, notably including Kuwait’s oil headquarters. On Sunday, eight members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and their allies increased their production quotas by 206,000 barrels per day for May. However, this adjustment seems primarily symbolic, given that the ongoing conflict has limited shipments from multiple members.
On Thursday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average experienced a decline amid fluctuating trading conditions, as oil prices spiked in response to President Donald Trump’s statements indicating that the conflict in Iran would persist for several weeks. The blue-chip Dow experienced a decrease of 61.07 points, representing a decline of 0.13%, and concluded the trading session at 46,504.67. The S&P 500 increased by 0.11%, closing at 6,582.69, while the Nasdaq Composite rose by 0.18%, finishing at 21,879.18.
Domestic Market:
The key benchmark indices experienced significant volatility on Thursday, rebounding from a pronounced early sell-off to finish the day with modest gains. The benchmarks commenced trading on a downward trajectory and quickly faced increased pressure. The Sensex experienced a significant decline of over 1,588 points, while the Nifty fell by 496 points in early trading, as unfavorable global indicators unsettled market sentiment. Selling pressure was evident at the market open, with all sector indices showing declines, with the exception of IT, which remained in positive territory. The market commenced on a negative note following recent comments from Donald Trump indicating potential strong measures against Iran, which led to a decline in Asian indices.
Increasing US Treasury yields, a stronger dollar, and Brent crude climbing above $107 per barrel have heightened concerns about inflation. The decline in India’s manufacturing PMI to a four-year low intensified the existing pressure. Nonetheless, the significant drop initiated a consistent rebound. During the mid-morning session, the benchmark indices remained within a narrow range, indicating a temporary halt in selling activity. Momentum accelerated after midday. The Nifty established a pattern of higher lows and higher highs, reflecting a distinct change in intraday sentiment. The afternoon saw a swift rebound, driving the index closer to the day’s peak of 22,782. In the closing hour, there was a slight pullback in profits, yet the index remained resilient. The Nifty concluded the session close to the peak of the day at 22,713. The rebound was bolstered by robust performance in IT and metal sectors.
Nonetheless, the rebound showed insufficient buying confidence. Market participants are exercising caution, as tensions in the Middle East contribute to heightened volatility and restrict short-term directional clarity. The S&P BSE Sensex increased by 185.23 points, reflecting a rise of 0.25%, reaching a level of 73,319.55. The Nifty 50 index increased by 33.70 points, reflecting a gain of 0.15%, closing at 22,713.10. Over the past two trading sessions, the Sensex experienced an increase of 1.90%, while the Nifty saw a rise of 1.70%.