GIFT Nifty predicts negative market opening; Asian markets decline; gold reaches three-month high

The stock markets showed a mixed picture: the Sensex index stagnated, while Nifty traded below the 24,250 mark. Stocks in the information technology, oil, and gas sectors exerted downward pressure on the market.

According to market updates for Friday, August 21, 2026, the benchmark indices Nifty50 and Sensex rose slightly amid the weakening of the global rally in the stock market, as the yield on long-term US Treasury bonds stabilized. By 9:17 AM, Sensex increased by 49.70 points, or 0.06 percent, reaching 77,587.42, and Nifty50 rose by 17.75 points or 0.07 percent, totaling 24,249.60.

In broader market segments, Nifty MidCap fell by 0.04 percent, while Nifty SmallCap showed a growth of 0.44 percent.

During trading, BSE Sensex opened with a negative trend and traded with little change, registering a decline of 19.18 points or 0.02 percent to the level of 77,518.54.

Before the market opened, the Nifty 50 index reached 24,284.05, showing an increase of 52.20 points or 0.22 percent. Simultaneously, BSE Sensex demonstrated an increase of 164.46 points or 0.21 percent, setting a preliminary level of 77,702.18.

The currency market also noted the strengthening of the rupee against the US dollar: the rupee opened at 95.64 against the dollar, compared to the closing level of 95.71 on Thursday.

Preliminary view on Nifty50

The Nifty index recovered after the key support zone around 24,000 after filling the gap left during the rally on July 29, 2026. It is predicted that sustained trading above the 24,250 level could lead the index to the 24,400–24,450 zones, which are likely to serve as strong resistance areas. The overall chart structure remains sideways as the index continues to consolidate in the range of 23,600–24,700 at close.

In the Initial Public Offering (IPO) sphere, it was announced that the IPO of Augmont Enterprises will open for subscription on Friday with a target of raising 825 crore rupees. Additionally, the second day of subscription for the book-built issue of Tempsens Instruments (India) is valued at 650 crore rupees.

In global markets, the Asia-Pacific region traded with mixed sentiment on Friday morning, following the sharp decline in Washington's markets the previous day due to rising bond yields. Japan's Nikkei 225 index fell by 0.65 percent, while South Korea's Kospi rose by 0.47 percent.

Regarding commodities, oil prices rose amid escalating tensions between the US and Iran. October futures on the International Exchange traded at $93.84 per barrel, up by 0.64 percent. The Secretary of State for Finance stated that Washington would create the most coordinated economic isolation against Iran.

Early trading indicators for GIFT Nifty, an early indicator of Nifty50, showed growth, suggesting a potentially positive start to trading. According to data from Thursday, August 20, 2026, GIFT Nifty indicated that Nifty50 might break its seven-day winning streak at the open, as Asian markets rose and global bond yields declined. Futures traded at 24,217 points, an increase of 98 points.

Asian-Pacific markets demonstrated growth amid falling bond yields after the US announced plans to buy back long-term Treasury bonds to lower borrowing costs. The South Korean stock market, represented by Kospi, rose by 6 percent, while Japan's Nikkei 225 increased by 1.3 percent.

Overnight, the Dow Jones and S&P 500 indices increased by 0.22 and 0.21 percent, respectively. The Nasdaq Composite gained 0.16 percent.

Brent crude continued to rise for the fifth consecutive day amid heightened tensions. This followed a statement by US President Donald Trump about conducting an unprecedented economic war operation against Iran. According to Bloomberg, this statement came after Iran was accused of failing to reach an agreement with Washington.

Brent crude futures for October delivery traded on the Intercontinental Exchange at $92.08 per barrel, up 0.53 percent. Meanwhile, gold futures lost previous gains after touching their highest level since June, while silver futures showed growth.

Initial Public Offerings (IPOs)

The Initial Public Offering of Tempsens Instruments (India) is set to open for subscription on Thursday. This book-built offering is valued at 650 crore rupees. Gaja Alternative Asset Management will also continue its IPO on the second day, aiming to raise 550 crore rupees from the primary market. In the SME segment, the IPOs of Dhanwel Hybrid Seeds and Mopshop Distribution open for subscription on the second day. The final subscription day is scheduled for the IPOs of Shankesh Jewellers and Sunshine Pictures.

US Stock Trading: Futures Rise

US stock futures traded higher during Asian trading hours, supported by a weakening US dollar and declining bond yields. Dow Jones and S&P 500 futures rose by 0.04 and 0.15 percent, respectively. Overnight, the Dow Jones and S&P 500 indices increased by 0.22 and 0.21 percent, and the Nasdaq Composite increased by 0.16 percent.

Market Updates: Good Morning Readers!

This message is a live broadcast covering market events from Business Standard. Topics include: markets, market news, Asian markets, US markets, stock market trading, stocks, IPOs, and SME IPOs. The material was first published on August 20, 2026, at 7:52 AM IST.

GIFT Nifty, which serves as an early indicator of the Nifty index's performance, traded lower, reflecting negative global signals. According to data from Tuesday, August 18, 2026, GIFT Nifty signaled a likely continuation of losses for the Nifty50 index amid rising oil prices driven by concerns over Middle East tensions. Futures for this indicator were valued at 24,303.50, representing a decline of 90 points.

Asian-Pacific markets showed a mixed picture on Tuesday morning as traders analyzed the interaction between the US and Iran. Japan's Nikkei 225 index fell by 1.05 percent, while South Korea's Kospi index rose by 1.12 percent.

US stock futures fell overnight as traders assessed the inflation outlook following the surge in oil prices, which occurred against the backdrop of persistent geopolitical tension. The Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500 closed down by 0.51 percent and 0.52 percent, respectively. The Nasdaq Composite finished trading down by 0.32 percent.

Oil prices rose sharply after the ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran expired on Monday, with current negotiations remaining stalled. October futures traded 0.09 percent higher on the Intercontinental Exchange, reaching $91.13 per barrel. Gold and silver futures traded down by 0.21 percent and 0.85 percent, respectively.

IPO Information

On Tuesday, subscriptions opened for Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) of Shankesh Jewellers and Sunshine Pictures. Horizon Industrial Parks and Lalithaa Jewellery Mart are in the second day of subscription. In the SME IPO segment, Technocrats Plasma Systems, ENS Enterprises, and Skytech Infinite Platform received IPOs on the final subscription day.

Live Market Updates: GIFT Nifty at 24,300

During the live broadcast, it was noted that GIFT Nifty was trading at 24,300, showing a drop of 93 points. It was also emphasized that oil prices rose due to the assessment of US-Iran relations, as the ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran expired on Monday, and negotiations remain stalled.

Asian Markets Show Mixed Dynamics

Asia-Pacific markets showed mixed results on Tuesday morning as traders studied the dynamics between the US and Iran. As mentioned earlier, Japan's Nikkei 225 fell by 1.05%, while South Korea's Kospi rose by 1.12%.