The SGX Nifty May 2026 futures are presently down by 7.00 points, indicating a likely flat opening for the benchmark index today.
Institutional Flows:
On 21 May 2026, provisional data indicated that foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) divested shares amounting to Rs 1,891.21 crore, whereas domestic institutional investors (DIIs) engaged in net purchases totalling Rs 2,492.42 crore within the Indian equity market. The FIIs have divested shares amounting to Rs 27,788.18 crore thus far in May (up to 21 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:
Asian markets experienced an uptick on Friday as investors evaluated the diplomatic initiatives between the U.S. and Iran aimed at achieving a peace agreement in the Middle East. Tehran’s intention to retain its enriched uranium stockpile domestically, as reported by the media, may complicate negotiations with Washington. This development comes as President Donald Trump has prioritised the dismantling of Iran’s nuclear program as a key objective of his military strategy against the nation. On the data front, Japan’s core inflation moderated more than anticipated in April, reaching its lowest level since March 2022, thereby diminishing the argument for an early rate hike by the Bank of Japan. Core inflation, excluding fresh food prices, registered at 1.4%, a figure that is lower than the widely reported 1.7% and below the 1.8% recorded in March.
Overnight on Wall Street, the Dow Jones Industrial Average achieved a record close Thursday amid fluctuations in oil prices and Treasury yields, as traders expressed optimism for a resolution to the Middle East conflict. The blue-chip index experienced an increase of 276.31 points, representing a rise of 0.55%, culminating in a closing record of 50,285.66. The S&P 500 advanced 0.17% to 7,445.72, while the Nasdaq Composite increased 0.09% to end at 26,293.10.
Domestic Market:
The key equity indices concluded the trading session on Thursday with slight declines, as speculation regarding potential RBI intervention to stabilise the rupee created unease among investors. Reports indicated that the Reserve Bank of India is contemplating a variety of strategies to stabilise the currency, which may include a rate hike, supplementary currency swaps, and attracting dollars from foreign investors.
Ongoing foreign institutional investor selling and profit-taking at high valuations continued to dampen sentiment, while lacklustre global indicators contributed to the downward pressure. The Nifty fell beneath the 23,700 threshold, influenced by significant declines in IT and FMCG sectors. The S&P BSE Sensex experienced a decrease of 135.03 points, reflecting a decline of 0.18%, closing at 75,183.36. The Nifty 50 index experienced a decline of 4.30 points, representing a decrease of 0.02%, closing at 23,654.70.