GIFT Nifty rises by over 100 points; Asian markets fall amid AI spending concerns

The GIFT Nifty indicator signaled a possible sluggish opening for the Nifty50 index, while Asian markets traded lower at the start of trading.

According to data from Monday, October 19, 2026, GIFT Nifty futures traded without significant fluctuations but with a negative bias, reaching the level of 23,112.

Asian-Pacific markets showed a sharp decline, reflecting the sentiment observed on Wall Street last Friday. Investors were concerned about the pace of growth in artificial intelligence development. Specifically, the Japanese Nikkei 225 fell by 1.15 percent, and the Korean Kospi fell by 0.12 percent.

Last Friday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500 closed down by 0.34 percent and 1.09 percent, respectively, while the Nasdaq Composite ended the session with a drop of 2.14 percent.

Brent oil decreased during the Asian session after the US lifted sanctions and tariffs on Russian oil, which weakened supply concerns. December futures traded at 108.10, corresponding to a fall of 1.5 percent.

Gold and silver futures rose by 0.26 percent and 0.35 percent, respectively.

Decline in Asia-Pacific Markets

Asia-Pacific markets traded significantly lower, linked to movements on Wall Street last Friday. The main factor influencing investors was concerns about the speed of artificial intelligence infrastructure development. For instance, Japan's Nikkei 225 and South Korea's Kospi showed declines of 1.15% and 0.12%, respectively.

Rise in US Stock Market Futures

US stock market futures showed an increase on Monday morning as oil prices fell after the US eased restrictions on Russian oil. Dow Jones and S&P 500 futures rose by 0.46% and 0.7%, respectively. However, last Friday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500 closed down by 0.34% and 1.09%, and the Nasdaq Composite ended trading with a drop of 2.14%.

Second Quarter Results Update

On Monday, the release of second-quarter results (Q2FY27) is scheduled for companies such as Bajaj Finance, Bhansali Engineering Polymers, Delta Corp, Elevate Campuses, Gallantt Ispat, HFCL, Hindustan Zinc, Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA), Jaiprakash Power Ventures, Just Dial, L&T Technology Services, Piramal Finance, SML Mahindra, Sobha, Tatva Chintan Pharma Chem, UltraTech Cement, Union Bank of India, and Waaree Renewable Technologies.

The Indian stock market continued to rise on Friday, with the Sensex and Nifty indices opening in positive territory. However, the growth on this day was more moderate compared to Thursday. In the first trading hour, the Sensex increased by approximately 400 points, while the Nifty showed a gain of over 100 points. Meanwhile, the Bank Nifty experienced fluctuations.

Previously, on Thursday, the market saw active buying, and both major indices reached one of the highest daily gains in the last four months. The rise was supported by shares in the banking sector, IT companies, and Reliance Industries, as well as easing crude oil prices and positive signals from global markets, which bolstered investor confidence.

Nevertheless, despite the current growth, certain risks remain. High crude oil prices, inflation concerns, and ongoing tensions in the Middle East may prompt investors to exercise caution.

On Thursday, the BSE Sensex closed at 74,315.61 points, showing a rise of 1,533.72 points, or 2.11%. During trading, the Sensex peaked at 74,330.29 points, an increase of 1,548.4 points. This level marked the highest closing for the Sensex in the last three weeks. Similarly, the NSE Nifty 50 concluded trading at 22,997.35 points, corresponding to a rise of 374.65 points or 1.66%. This was the highest Nifty level since September 25th. Shares in the banking and IT sectors, along with the rise in Reliance Industries shares, helped support the market.

One of the key drivers of the stock market's growth was the positive signals coming from global exchanges. Growth resumed in stocks related to Artificial Intelligence (AI), and investor confidence increased due to expectations regarding company quarterly reports. Furthermore, the yield on long-term US government bonds, or traders, fell to its lowest level since September.

There were concerns that the pace of AI sector development might slow down. There were also speculations that the US Federal Reserve might keep interest rates unchanged at its next meeting. When US bond yields decrease, investments in riskier assets like stocks become more attractive to investors, which can support sentiment in emerging markets.

Amid the general uptrend, the decision by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) attracted investor attention. On Thursday, SEBI announced that settlements for futures and options trades on stocks and indices expiring will now be based on the volume-weighted average price over the last 30 minutes of regular trading. Previously, SEBI had decided on settlement based on the Closing Auction Session (CAS).

After objections from market participants, SEBI changed its stance. According to brokerage firm Jefferies, this change could help reduce sharp market volatility on expiration day and provide relief to brokers whose orders might have remained at lower levels previously.

Despite the overall upward trend, several issues persist for investors. The price of Brent Crude is holding around $106 per barrel. Investors are closely monitoring events such as tensions in the Middle East and the possible easing of US sanctions against tankers linked to Iran. If crude oil prices remain high for an extended period, it could increase costs for importing countries like India. This, in turn, may affect inflation, corporate profits, and overall market sentiment. Analysts believe that the market recovery is not yet fully sustainable, and high oil prices and inflation risk may keep investors on edge.

In upcoming trading sessions, investor focus will be on company results, signals regarding US interest rates, crude oil prices, and the situation in the Middle East. If global markets continue to show positive signs and company reports meet expectations, the market may receive support. However, rising oil prices or intensifying inflationary concerns could once again trigger volatility. Therefore, despite the recent growth, it is crucial to monitor the market direction.

GIFT Nifty predicted a negative start to trading for Nifty50 as global stock markets showed a downturn. Asian markets declined during early trading.

According to data from Thursday, October 15, 2026, GIFT Nifty indicated an expectation of a negative opening for Nifty50 against the backdrop of a general decline in global stocks, a fall in semiconductor stocks, and increased bets on further interest rate hikes in the US. Futures traded at 22,603.50 points, which was 46 points lower.

Asia-Pacific markets declined at the start of trading on Thursday morning, reflecting similar overnight movements in Wall Street indices after data was published showing that inflation in the US rose faster than expected. South Korea's Kospi plummeted by more than 7 percent, leading losses in the region. Japan's Nikkei 225 index fell by almost 5 percent.

Overnight, the Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500 closed down by 0.09 percent and 1.11 percent, respectively. The Nasdaq Composite index finished trading down by 1.9 percent.

Brent crude oil prices fell by almost 2 percent as the US considered easing restrictions on the shadow fleet amid continued rising transportation costs due to persistent hostility in the strategic shipping route of West Asia. December futures traded at $104.21 per barrel on the Intercontinental Exchange, down 1.73 percent.

Gold and silver futures rose by 1.24 percent and 0.47 percent, respectively.

Second Quarter Results Today

Companies Angel One, HDFC Asset Management Company, HDFC Life Insurance Company, Nestle India, and Tech Mahindra will announce their results on Wednesday.

Initial Public Offerings Today

Subscriptions for initial public offerings (IPOs) of companies such as Tonbo Imaging India, Zetwerk, Bonfiglioli Transmissions, Sahajanand Medical Technologies, and Shellz India will open in the primary market. IPOs for Fusion CX and Ravita Engineering Services will enter the second day of subscription, and the Vaibhav Vyapaar IPO will begin its final day of trading on Thursday.

GIFT Nifty at 22,649

GIFT Nifty traded at 22,649 points, remaining unchanged.

Brent Crude Falls More Than 1%

Brent crude oil prices dropped by almost 2 percent as the US contemplated easing restrictions on the shadow fleet amid ongoing increases in delivery costs due to constant tension in the strategic maritime route of West Asia. December futures were valued at $104.21 per barrel on the Intercontinental Exchange, down 1.73 percent.

Asia-Pacific Markets Fall Amid Kospi Decline of Over 7%

Asia-Pacific markets declined at the start of trading on Thursday morning, following similar overnight movements in Wall Street indices after data showed accelerating inflation growth in the US. South Korea's Kospi fell by more than 7 percent, leading the decline in the region. Japan's Nikkei 225 index decreased by almost 5 percent.

US Index Futures Fall Due to Fears of Faster Rate Hikes

Following an unsatisfactory session on Wall Street, US index futures traded in a lower range during the Asian session, as the strong inflation report intensified fears of faster interest rate hikes in the US. Dow Jones and S&P 500 futures fell by 0.03 percent and 0.39 percent, respectively.