SGX Nifty October 2026 futures declined by 94 points, indicating a subdued start for the Nifty 50. India’s Index of Core Industries experienced a year-on-year growth of 7.9% in September 2026 on a provisional basis, an increase from the 5.9% recorded in August, as per data released by the government on 21 October 2026. August’s growth rate was adjusted upward from the initial estimate of 4.8% to 5.9%.
Iron ore production achieved the most significant growth at 18.4%, trailed by electricity at 11.4%, coal at 10.7%, refinery products at 10.3%, cement at 9.8%, and steel at 4.9%. In September, production figures for fertiliser, natural gas, and crude oil experienced declines of 11.7%, 4.6%, and 1.4%, respectively. The government reported that coal, refinery products, steel, and iron ore have been the primary contributors to the recent growth in the core sector.
Institutional Flows:
Foreign portfolio investors acquired shares valued at Rs 1,022.32 crore, whereas domestic institutional investors recorded net purchases amounting to Rs 1,614.32 crore in the Indian equity market on 21 October 2026, as per provisional data. Foreign Portfolio Investors divested shares amounting to Rs 52,482.59 crore in October, up to the 21st of the month in 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:
Asian indices experienced a decline on Thursday, 22 October 2026, as apprehensions regarding artificial intelligence expenditure and rising tensions in the Middle East counterbalanced the positive impact of robust US corporate earnings. Investor sentiment continued to exhibit caution, even in light of the gains observed on Wall Street during the preceding session. Markets evaluated the earnings reports from leading technology firms, the projections for AI infrastructure investment, and the potential threats to energy supply stability in the Gulf region. Increasing crude oil prices have heightened inflation worries in anticipation of forthcoming central bank decisions. The Bank of Korea maintained its benchmark seven-day repurchase rate at 3.00% on Thursday, after a series of rate hikes in July and August. In September, consumer inflation in South Korea moderated to 2.9%, down from 3.1% in August, yet it continues to exceed the central bank’s target of 2%. Robust semiconductor exports alongside ongoing inflationary pressures have maintained attention on the potential for additional monetary tightening.
Oil prices experienced an uptick in early Asian trading on Thursday, driven by escalating tensions in the Middle East that have intensified worries regarding potential supply disruptions. Brent crude futures increased by $1.29, representing a 1.2% rise, reaching $110.11 per barrel. The increase was a consequence of assaults in Saudi Arabia, which included a drone strike on an oilfield and an attack on an airport in Dammam. The United States has mandated the departure of certain diplomats and their family members from missions in Saudi Arabia. Reports of attacks on shipping in the Gulf of Oman have heightened apprehensions regarding the security of regional oil supplies. US stocks advanced on Wednesday, 21 October 2026, buoyed by corporate earnings and a resurgence of interest in AI-related shares. The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 360.21 points, representing a 0.69% gain, concluding at 52,856.09. The S&P 500 increased by 44.60 points, reflecting a rise of 0.58%, reaching a level of 7,757.17.
Meanwhile, the Nasdaq Composite saw an advancement of 278.04 points, corresponding to a gain of 1.05%, culminating at 26,702.86. Meta Platforms reported revenue of $64.60 billion for the quarter ended 30 September 2026, reflecting a 26% increase compared to the previous year. Net income increased to $9.86 billion from $2.71 billion a year prior, while diluted earnings per share rose to $3.83 from $1.05. However, the results included a charge of $9.89 billion associated with a legal settlement involving US state solicitors general. Excluding this charge, diluted earnings per share would amount to $7.40. Meta has projected fourth-quarter revenue between $73 billion and $76 billion, while also increasing its full-year expense outlook to a range of $175 billion to $179 billion. Investors will closely observe its capital expenditure strategies and the returns generated from its AI investments.
Tesla reported third-quarter revenue of $28.05 billion, reflecting stability compared to the same period last year. Net income attributable to common stockholders declined by 43% to $787 million, whereas adjusted earnings per share of $0.48 surpassed analyst expectations. The company generated $1.53 billion in free cash flow during the quarter. Tesla has revised its forecast for capital expenditure in 2026, reducing it from $25 billion to $20 billion. Its shares declined by 3.2% in after-hours trading subsequent to the results. Investors will evaluate the ramifications of the updated expenditure forecast on the company’s prospective growth and investment strategies.
Domestic Market:
The domestic equity benchmarks concluded lower for the second consecutive session on Wednesday, as escalating crude oil prices and selling pressure in heavyweight stocks dampened investor sentiment. The Nifty 50 concluded its trading session beneath the 22,850 threshold. The index relinquished its initial gains before rebounding from intraday lows, driven by purchasing activity in IT stocks. The broader market also experienced a decline. Consumer durables, metal, and auto shares experienced a decline, whereas IT and cement shares managed to defy the prevailing weak market trend.
Brent crude surpassed $110 a barrel, intensifying apprehensions regarding India’s import expenditures, inflationary pressures, and corporate profit margins. The S&P BSE Sensex experienced a decrease of 143.21 points, representing a decline of 0.19%, settling at 73,709.69. Meanwhile, the Nifty 50 saw a reduction of 77.60 points, equivalent to a drop of 0.34%, closing at 22,811.35. In the two consecutive trading sessions, the Sensex experienced a decline of 1.36%, whereas the Nifty 50 recorded a decrease of 1.45%.
