SGX Nifty September 2026 futures increased by 10 points, suggesting a slightly optimistic start for the Nifty 50. However, trading is expected to remain subdued due to mixed global cues and an absence of significant domestic catalysts. Investors are likely to exercise caution in light of increased geopolitical tensions and new US sanctions on Iran, as persistently high oil prices present a potential threat to market sentiment. Sector-specific and stock-specific developments are expected to influence individual counters.
Institutional Flows:
On 24 August 2026, foreign portfolio investors acquired shares valued at Rs 1,181.66 crore, whereas domestic institutional investors recorded net purchases amounting to Rs 2,493.41 crore in the Indian equity market, as per provisional data. Foreign Portfolio Investors acquired shares valued at Rs 13,926.01 crore in August up to 24 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 shares experienced a decline on Tuesday, reflecting a mixed performance on Wall Street as investors adopted a cautious stance in anticipation of a data-intensive week that includes Nvidia’s earnings report, US inflation figures, and Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh’s inaugural speech at Jackson Hole. Wall Street concluded the day with a mixed performance on Monday, as technology and semiconductor stocks faced downward pressure while investors evaluated new economic measures implemented by the US in relation to Iran. The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 0.26%, whereas the S&P 500 experienced a decrease of 0.28%, and the Nasdaq Composite saw a decline of 0.76%. Nvidia experienced a decline of 2.9%, accompanied by decreases in Micron Technology and Broadcom, which collectively exerted downward pressure on the technology-heavy indexes. Investor attention continued to center on the increasing pressure from Washington on Tehran.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent outlined a more stringent sanctions campaign against Iran, cautioning of additional measures against nations and entities that persist in facilitating trade with Tehran and characterising the next phase as a “economic D-Day. The latest measures are designed to heighten pressure on Iran’s remaining economic channels, while markets are closely observing the potential ramifications for oil supplies and the Strait of Hormuz. Oil prices continued their downward trajectory on Tuesday, following a significant drop in the prior session, providing a measure of relief to bond markets. Brent crude settled at approximately $92.17 a barrel on Monday, reflecting a decline of 2.4%, as investors evaluated the ramifications of the most recent US sanctions and their possible effects on the US-Iran conflict. US Treasury yields also eased, with the 10-year yield approximately 4.70% after concluding the previous session close to that level.
The decline followed a decrease in oil prices as investors persistently evaluated the prospects for inflation, government borrowing, and the policies of the Federal Reserve. The immediate focus is likely to remain on Nvidia, which is scheduled to report its second-quarter fiscal 2027 results after the US market close on Wednesday, 26 August. Investors will monitor the US July Personal Consumption Expenditures price index, which serves as the Federal Reserve’s favoured measure of inflation, set to be released on Wednesday. The data may shape anticipations regarding the Federal Reserve’s forthcoming policy decisions. Meanwhile, the Jackson Hole Economic Policy Symposium is set to take place from 27-29 August, with Fed Chair Kevin Warsh poised to deliver his inaugural major address at the event on Friday, 28 August. His remarks will be scrutinised for insights regarding the trajectory of interest rates in the context of ongoing inflationary pressures and high Treasury yields.
Domestic Market:
Key benchmark indices concluded the trading session on a downward trajectory on Monday, with the Nifty declining by 0.14% to 24,219.05, as investor sentiment grew cautious in anticipation of forthcoming details regarding new US sanctions on Iran. The market reversed early gains as geopolitical uncertainty and elevated crude prices weighed on sentiment. However, buying in IT and metals stocks aided the Nifty in recovering from its intraday low of 24,144.30, allowing it to close above 24,200. Major sectors experienced a downturn, with financials serving as one of the primary contributors to this decline.
In the broader market, midcaps experienced a slight increase while smallcaps declined. Brent crude remained elevated near $93 a barrel as markets evaluated the potential ramifications of stricter US sanctions and Iran’s warning to disrupt Gulf oil exports. The S&P BSE Sensex experienced a decrease of 171.72 points, reflecting a decline of 0.22%, closing at 77,369.11. The Nifty 50 index experienced a decline of 32.95 points, representing a decrease of 0.14%, closing at 24,219.05. In the preceding two sessions, the Sensex experienced an increase of 0.82%, whereas the Nifty saw an advancement of 0.72%.
