SGX Nifty October 2026 futures increased by 68.50 points, indicating a favourable start for the Nifty 50.
Institutional Flows:
Foreign portfolio investors acquired shares valued at Rs 1,165.92 crore, whereas domestic institutional investors recorded net sales amounting to Rs 3,661.28 crore in the Indian equity market on 16 October 2026, as per provisional data. Foreign Portfolio Investors divested shares amounting to Rs 54,636.85 crore in October up to the 16th, 2026. This follows net selling of Rs 45,536.89 crore in September 2026, while FPIs were net buyers of Rs 17,366 crore in August 2026.
Global Markets:
Dow Jones futures were up 219 points, indicating a robust opening in US equities. Most Asian equity markets experienced a decline on Monday, as technology stocks faced pressure due to concerns regarding the elevated expenses associated with artificial intelligence infrastructure investments and increasing financing costs. Hong Kong markets were closed in observance of a holiday. US equities concluded the trading session on Friday, 16 October 2026, with a notable decline, as technology and semiconductor stocks continued their downward trajectory. The Dow Jones Industrial Average experienced a decrease of 0.34%, settling at 52,002.41, whereas the S&P 500 saw a decline of 1.09%, closing at 7,659.44. The Nasdaq Composite experienced a decline of 2.14%, closing at 26,140.03.
Concerns regarding the sustainability of substantial AI-related investments, coupled with stronger-than-anticipated inflation data from the US, exerted pressure on technology shares and rekindled expectations for additional rate hikes by the Federal Reserve. Crude oil prices experienced a decline following an executive order issued by US President Donald Trump on 16 October, which waived specific sanctions, restrictions, and duties under the recently enacted Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. The action was a consequence of a consensus reached regarding the exports of Russian diesel.
The order does not eliminate all current US sanctions against Russia; numerous measures instituted under previous executive orders continue to be enforced. Brent crude futures experienced a decline of approximately 1.6%, settling at $108.06 per barrel. The relaxation of limitations on specific Russian energy exports has heightened anticipations of increased fuel availability, exerting downward pressure on oil prices. However, geopolitical risks, including tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, continued to cast a shadow over the global energy outlook.
Domestic Market:
The key equity benchmarks concluded the trading session on Friday with gains, marking a continuation of their rally for the second consecutive day, bolstered by purchases in large-cap stocks. Investor attention continued to center on earnings for the September quarter, as the rupee appreciated against the US dollar for the sixth consecutive session. However, broader indices underperformed, with midcap and smallcap indices concluding slightly lower. Brent crude remained elevated near 105 a barrel.
The Nifty concluded above the 23,150 threshold, buoyed by gains in IT and metal stocks, whereas consumer durables and oil & gas shares experienced a downturn. The S&P BSE Sensex increased by 413.66 points, reflecting a rise of 0.56%, reaching a level of 74,729.27. The Nifty 50 index increased by 148.80 points, representing a rise of 0.65%, reaching a level of 23,146.15. During the past two trading sessions, the Sensex and Nifty experienced gains of 2.68% and 2.31%, respectively.
