SGX Nifty September 2026 futures increased by 75 points, suggesting a favourable opening for the Nifty 50. The prospect of an imminent India-US trade deal bolstered sentiment, following remarks from US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, who indicated that the deal is “almost” finalised in principle, with only legal and technical details remaining to be addressed.
Institutional Flows:
On 21 August 2026, foreign portfolio investors divested shares amounting to Rs 542.71 crore, whereas domestic institutional investors recorded net purchases totalling Rs 2,124.14 crore in the Indian equity market, as per provisional data. Foreign Portfolio Investors acquired shares valued at Rs 14,117.65 crore in August up to 21 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:
Asian stocks exhibited a largely subdued performance on Monday, as the ascent of government bond yields globally persisted in dampening risk appetite. Bond yields in Japan, France, and Germany have reached multiyear highs, with U.S. long-term yields also staying elevated. Investors continued to express apprehension regarding the potential for the U.S.-Iran conflict to persist, which could sustain elevated oil prices and contribute to inflationary pressures. President Donald Trump has issued a warning regarding the imposition of penalties on nations that persist in their trade relations with Iran, while Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has cautioned about the potential for secondary sanctions. Iran has dismissed the threats, while Washington is anticipated to unveil further sanctions on Monday. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s decision to at least double the size of planned buybacks of longer-dated government debt to $4 billion per operation from $2 billion initially provided relief to the bond market.
However, the gains quickly dissipated, as Treasury yields rebounded amid ongoing investor concerns regarding inflation, government borrowing, and the overall fiscal outlook. U.S. stocks demonstrated greater stability on Friday following data that indicated ongoing economic strength and a notable increase in services-sector activity. The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 0.98%, the S&P 500 experienced a gain of 0.43%, and the Nasdaq Composite saw an advancement of 0.44%. S&P Global’s flash PMI indicated a significant acceleration in U.S. services activity for August, with the Services PMI increasing to 56.8 from July’s 54.6. In individual stocks, Ross Stores experienced an increase of 4.4% after the discount retailer elevated its full-year earnings guidance in light of quarterly results that surpassed expectations.
In the upcoming week, market participants will direct their attention toward the quarterly earnings report from AI chipmaker Nvidia, as well as results from software firms such as Intuit, Salesforce, and CrowdStrike. Markets will be closely observing whether Nvidia’s results and outlook can maintain investor enthusiasm surrounding artificial intelligence. The U.S. economic calendar features the July Personal Consumption Expenditures price index, which is the Federal Reserve’s preferred measure of inflation, scheduled for release on Wednesday, 26 August. Markets will also turn to the Federal Reserve’s Jackson Hole symposium from 27-29 August, where Fed Chair Kevin Warsh is scheduled to speak on Friday. Investors will seek indications regarding the trajectory of interest rates, especially following the stronger-than-anticipated services activity in August, which has heightened apprehensions about inflationary pressures.
Domestic Market:
The domestic equity benchmarks concluded the trading session on Friday with minimal movement, as ongoing geopolitical tensions related to Iran and high crude oil prices contributed to a cautious sentiment among investors. Brent crude remained stable at approximately $94 per barrel, as increasing bond yields in developed markets exerted pressure on risk appetite and diminished the attractiveness of emerging-market equities. Selective buying in heavyweight stocks contributed to mitigating the downside, as the Nifty concluded above 24,250, bolstered by advancements in metals and private banking shares.
FMCG and auto stocks, however, continued to experience downward pressure. Technically, the Nifty is poised to encounter support within the 24,100-24,000 range, whereas the 24,300-24,400 area constitutes the immediate resistance band. The S&P BSE Sensex concluded the trading session at 77,540.83, reflecting a modest increase of 3.11 points or 0.00%. The Nifty 50 index experienced an increase of 20.15 points, reflecting a gain of 0.08%, reaching a level of 24,252.
