Asian markets rise amid tech stock gains and positive signals from GIFT Nifty

According to data, GIFT Nifty signals a moderate opening for the Nifty50 index. Asian markets showed mixed dynamics as traders analyzed the decision of the US Federal Reserve System.

As of Friday, September 18, 2026, GIFT Nifty indicated that the Nifty50 benchmark might start trading with some restraint, but with a positive trend, as rising oil prices compensated for previous losses, and Asian markets grew. Futures traded at 23,345 points, which is 13 points higher.

Asian-Pacific markets advanced on Friday morning as market participants disregarded the strict policy of the US Federal Reserve System and resumed buying assets related to artificial intelligence (AI). Japan's Nikkei 225 and South Korea's Kospi rose by 0.56% and 2.06%, respectively.

Overnight, the Dow Jones and S&P 500 indices closed up 0.61% and 1.14%, while the Nasdaq Composite finished the session with a gain of 1.69%. Brent crude oil prices fell during Asian trading hours as supply concerns slightly eased; investors hoped to find alternative routes to secure supplies from the West Asia region. September futures were valued at $104.02 per barrel on the Intercontinental Exchange.

Gold futures dropped by 0.32%, while silver futures increased by 0.21%.

Initial Public Offerings (IPOs)

The National Stock Exchange (NSE) began the second day of subscription for its IPO. Additionally, the IPOs of Sonaselection India, SpectraA Technology Solutions, and Kheria Autocomp entered the second stage of subscription. The IPOs of SS Retail, Jindal Supreme, and Hero Motors are in the third day of subscription.

IPO Listing

Asian markets rose ahead of the Bank of Japan's interest rate decision. Asian-Pacific markets advanced on Friday morning as traders looked past the strict policy of the US Federal Reserve System and resumed buying AI-related assets. They are also awaiting the results of the Bank of Japan's interest rate decision, which is expected to be published later today.

Japan's Nikkei 225 and South Korea's Kospi rose by 0.56% and 2.06%, respectively.

US Stock Futures Dynamics

US stock futures showed stability on Friday morning as traders awaited the results of the Bank of Japan's meeting. Dow Jones futures rose by 0.07%, and S&P 500 futures fell by 0.01%. Overnight, the Dow Jones and S&P 500 indices closed up 0.61% and 1.14%, while the Nasdaq Composite ended trading with a gain of 1.69%.

At the market open, Sensex and Nifty50 showed a sharp decline. Asian markets were falling amid rising bond yields and oil prices, which negatively affected investor sentiment.

Asian-Pacific region markets traded significantly lower, reflecting similar overnight movements on Wall Street. Traders assessed inflation prospects against the backdrop of high oil prices and rising bond yields. Japan's Nikkei 225 and South Korea's Kospi indices fell by 3% and 2.6%, respectively.

On Thursday, the Dow Jones and S&P 500 indices closed down by 0.6% and 0.58%, respectively, while the Nasdaq Composite finished the session down by 0.65%. The yield on the benchmark 10-year US Treasury bond hovered around the 5% mark, settling at 4.95% on Thursday.

Oil prices lost previously achieved gains after approaching the nearly $110 per barrel mark due to escalating tensions in the Middle East, impacting supply forecasts. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia informed OPEC that its oil production for the last month decreased to its lowest level since 1990. September futures on the International Exchange traded at $107.8 per barrel, down 1.09%.

Gold and silver futures declined by 0.84% and 1.5%, respectively, as interest rate hike expectations by the US Federal Reserve increased following data showing growth in the producer price index last month and revised July data.

Initial Public Offering Today

On Friday, subscriptions will open for Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) of Manika Plastech, Injecto Polymers, and Century Business Media. The second day of subscription will be open for IPOs from Veegaland Developers, Maharaja & Speedex, Om Galaxy, Raksan Transformers, and Panchatv Bharat. In the main market segment, the final subscription day for IPOs from Rentomojo, Asset Reconstruction, Manipal Payment & Identity Solutions, Steamhouse India, LCC Projects, and Karamtara Engineering.

In the SME segment, the final subscription day will also begin for Infrax Renewable, Vinod Texworld, and Amtech Esters.

According to updates, Sensex opened 704 points or 0.94% lower at 74,198 points due to surges in oil prices and bond yields. Nifty was at 23,270 in pre-market trading, which was 207.50 points or 0.88% lower. In pre-market trading, Sensex fell by 593 points or 0.79% to 74,308.

The Rupee opened weaker against the US dollar, dropping 24 paisa to 95.69 from 95.45 at the end of Thursday, according to Bloomberg data. Wipro's CTO stated that the company's AI initiatives have boosted productivity equivalent to the output of 20,000 employees who were redeployed within the Indian IT company.

Vodafone Idea, State Bank of India, Texmaco Rail and Engineering, Punjab National Bank, HDFC Bank, YES Bank, and oil marketing companies are in focus for Friday's trading session.

GIFT Nifty at 23,333

GIFT Nifty was indicated at 23,333, which is 151 points lower. Oil prices recovered from the daily low of $107.29 per barrel amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, putting pressure on supply forecasts. September futures on the International Exchange reached $108 per barrel, up 0.34%, after previously reaching $110.