The SGX Nifty April 2026 futures are presently up by 3.50 points, indicating a subdued start for the benchmark index today.

Institutional Flows:

On 29 April 2026, provisional data indicated that foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) divested shares amounting to Rs 2,468.42 crore, whereas domestic institutional investors (DIIs) recorded net purchases totaling Rs 2,262.17 crore in the Indian equity market. In April, up to the 29th, foreign institutional investors divested shares amounting to Rs 62,087.60 crore. 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 Thursday, Asian markets predominantly declined, reflecting the overnight downturn in major Wall Street indices. This movement coincided with rising oil prices, influenced by a U.S. blockade of Iranian ports, while the Federal Reserve opted to maintain interest rates at their current levels. Oil prices increased following a media report indicating that President Donald Trump instructed aides to get ready for a prolonged blockade of Iran. Prices continued to rise following a media report indicating that Trump dismissed Iran’s suggestion to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, suggesting that the U.S. naval blockade will persist until an agreement concerning Tehran’s nuclear program is achieved.

Brent crude experienced an increase of approximately 1.96%, reaching around $120 per barrel, whereas U.S. West Texas Intermediate saw a modest rise of 0.2%, settling at $107.09. Overnight on Wall Street, the Dow Jones Industrial Average concluded Wednesday on a downward note as oil prices maintained their upward trajectory due to a U.S. blockade of Iranian ports, coupled with the Federal Reserve’s decision to keep its key interest rate steady. The 30-stock index declined by 280.12 points, representing a decrease of 0.57%, closing at 48,861.81, marking its fifth consecutive day of losses. The S&P 500 slipped 0.04% to finish at 7,135.95, whereas the Nasdaq Composite edged up 0.04% to settle at 24,673.24.

According to Fed Chair Jerome Powell, elevated oil prices “will push up overall inflation” in the near term, as stated during a press conference after the April Fed policy meeting. The recent meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee concluded with a vote of 8-4 to maintain interest rates within the range of 3.5% to 3.75%. This represented the inaugural instance of four FOMC members expressing dissent since October 1992. It is important to note that members articulated various justifications for their voting decisions.

Domestic Market:

The equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty experienced a notable rebound on Wednesday, propelled by increased buying in blue-chip stocks and positive signals from the Asian market. Value buying surfaced in major sectors following the decline observed in the previous session, as broadly stable earnings contributed to a steadier sentiment. Compelling valuations, robust domestic inflows, and opportunistic buying contributed to the upward momentum.

Investor confidence was bolstered by optimism regarding a potential early resolution to the ongoing Middle East conflict, resulting in the Nifty 50 closing above the 24,150 mark, driven by gains in FMCG and auto sectors. The S&P BSE Sensex increased by 609.45 points, reflecting a rise of 0.79%, reaching a total of 77,496.36. The Nifty 50 index experienced an increase of 181.95 points, reflecting a rise of 0.76%, reaching a level of 24,177.65.