SGX Nifty August 2026 futures declined by 21 points, indicating a bearish opening for the Nifty 50 today.

The Reserve Bank of India is set to terminate the FCNR(B) forex swap facility window on 31 August:

The Reserve Bank of India will close the window for mobilising foreign currency non-resident (bank) or FCNR(B) deposits under its special USD-INR forex swap facility on 31 August 2026, following strong forex inflows. As of 13 August, total inflows under the facility amounted to $56.85 billion, comprising $52.30 billion via FCNR(B) deposits, $2.81 billion thru OFCBs, and $1.74 billion thru ECBs. Swaps against eligible FCNR(B) deposits can be accessed with the RBI until 11 September 2026, whereas the facility for ECBs and OFCBs will be available until 31 December 2026.

Institutional Flows:

Foreign portfolio investors acquired shares valued at Rs 508.12 crore, whereas domestic institutional investors recorded net purchases amounting to Rs 356.40 crore in the Indian equity market on 14 August 2026, as per provisional data. Foreign Portfolio Investors acquired shares valued at Rs 11,198.70 crore in August up to 14 August 2026. This follows net cash purchases of Rs 6,731.97 crore in July 2026, while they were net sellers of Rs 53,957.90 crore in June 2026.

Global Markets:

Most Asian markets experienced an upward trend on Monday, although the extent of these gains was moderated by resurfacing worries regarding the Middle East conflict and persistently high crude oil prices. Brent crude remained at approximately $89 a barrel, with advancements toward a US-Iran peace agreement still at an impasse. Additionally, disruptions in tanker traffic thru the Strait of Hormuz continued to highlight supply risks and inflation apprehensions. Japan’s economy experienced an annualised growth rate of 1.1% in the April-June quarter, a deceleration from the preceding quarter and below the market’s anticipated figure of 2%.

GDP increased by 0.3% on a quarter-on-quarter basis, falling short of the anticipated 0.5% projected by economists. On Wall Street, US stocks concluded the trading session on Friday with a decline, as disappointing retail sales figures heightened apprehensions regarding consumer expenditure. The S&P 500 experienced a decrease of 0.17%, settling at 7,785.76. The Nasdaq Composite saw a decline of 0.28%, closing at 26,729.16, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average recorded a reduction of 0.20%, finishing at 53,732.41. Despite the decline, the S&P 500 recorded its third consecutive weekly gain.

US inflation data released last week indicated that consumer prices experienced a modest increase of 0.1% in July, whereas producer prices remained stable. The recent softer inflation readings have led to a decrease in expectations regarding a near-term rate hike by the Federal Reserve. Nonetheless, investors continue to be attentive to the ongoing inflation risks associated with rising energy prices. The minutes of the Fed’s July meeting, scheduled for release on Wednesday, will be scrutinised for insights into the central bank’s policy trajectory.

Domestic Market:

Key benchmark indices reduced significant early losses on Friday as purchasing at lower levels contributed to curbing the decline. The Nifty concluded at 24,366, having rebounded from an intraday low of 24,296.80. The recovery was bolstered by favourable global indicators and a slight appreciation of the rupee relative to the US dollar. A decline in India VIX also indicated easing near-term volatility and supported buying sentiment.

Consumer durables stocks experienced heightened demand, whereas stocks in the pharma, metal, and cement sectors saw a decline. The S&P BSE Sensex declined by 70.71 points, representing a decrease of 0.09%, closing at 78,009.25. The Nifty 50 index experienced a decline of 29.85 points, reflecting a decrease of 0.12%, settling at 24,366.