The SGX Nifty May 2026 futures are currently trading 158 points higher, indicating a favorable opening for the benchmark index today.

Institutional Flows:

On 20 May 2026, provisional data indicated that foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) divested shares amounting to Rs 1,597.35 crore, whereas domestic institutional investors (DIIs) emerged as net purchasers, acquiring shares valued at Rs 1,968.35 crore in the Indian equity market. The foreign institutional investors have divested shares amounting to Rs 25,896.97 crore thus far in May (up to 20 May 2026). This follows their cash sales of Rs 70,135.46 crore in April, Rs 122,540.41 crore in March and Rs 6,640.78 crore in February.

Global Markets:

Asia-Pacific markets commenced trading on Thursday with an upward trajectory, reflecting the positive momentum from Wall Street. This rise comes amid increasing optimism regarding a potential resolution to the Middle East conflict, which has contributed to a decline in oil prices. U.S. President Donald Trump indicated that Washington was in the “final stages” of negotiations with Iran, as reported by sources, which contributed to an increase in investor optimism.

Japan’s Nikkei 225 surged more than 3% following the publication of the nation’s most recent trade statistics. Exports increased at the most rapid rate since January, climbing 14.8% in April, propelled by a surge in semiconductor shipments. Imports increased by 9.7% year-on-year, surpassing the anticipated growth of 8.3%, as reported by government data. The country’s trade balance narrowed to 301.9 billion yen in April, from 643 billion yen in March.

Overnight in the U.S., the Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 645.47 points, representing a rise of 1.31%, and concluded at 50,009.35. The S&P 500 rose 1.08% to 7,432.97, while the Nasdaq Composite added 1.54% and ended at 26,270.36.

Domestic Market:

Benchmark indices exhibited a notable recovery from initial declines on Wednesday, with the Sensex bouncing back by nearly 800 points from its intraday low and the Nifty finishing above 23,650. The market rebound was propelled by value buying at reduced levels, a decline in crude oil prices, and optimism regarding the de-escalation of tensions in the Middle East following reports of Chinese oil tankers transiting through the Strait of Hormuz.

The S&P BSE Sensex advanced 117.54 points or 0.16% to 75,318.39, recovering from the day’s low of 74,529.41. The Nifty 50 index experienced an increase of 41 points, reflecting a rise of 0.17%, reaching a level of 23,659.