GIFT NIFTY futures suggest that Indian equity markets will open higher on Monday, October 26, 2026. This positive outlook comes as crude oil prices sharply decline, even though Asian markets show subdued performance. Investors are closely watching upcoming monetary policy decisions from major central banks and a series of corporate earnings reports this week.
- GIFT NIFTY futures rose 38 points to 22,615, signaling a positive market opening.
- Indian markets had fallen for four consecutive sessions, losing ₹21.63 lakh crore in market capitalization.
- Asian shares traded lower amid cautious investor sentiment ahead of central bank announcements.
- Brent crude oil prices dropped nearly 2% to $109.66 per barrel, easing supply concerns despite ongoing attacks in Saudi Arabia.
- Key companies like IndiGo, Ather Energy, L&T, Paytm, and Maruti Suzuki will release quarterly earnings this week.
- Infosys and Kotak Mahindra Bank recently reported strong quarterly profits, influencing market expectations.
Why Are Indian Markets Expected to Open Higher?
Indian markets are set for a positive start largely due to the sharp fall in crude oil prices. GIFT NIFTY futures, traded at GIFT City in Gandhinagar, advanced by 38 points to 22,615. This rise reflects optimism despite weak cues from Asian markets. Lower crude prices reduce input costs for many companies and ease inflationary pressures, which can boost investor confidence.
What Has Been the Recent Trend in Indian Markets?
Indian equity benchmarks have experienced a decline over the past four sessions. On Friday, the S&P BSE SENSEX closed at 73,123.83, down 125.56 points (0.17%), while the NSE’s NIFTY50 index fell 87.65 points (0.39%) to 22,600. This decline wiped out ₹21.63 lakh crore from the total market capitalization of companies listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE).
How Are Asian Markets Performing?
Asian shares traded lower as investors awaited important monetary policy decisions from central banks later this week. Japan’s Nikkei fell 0.61%, China’s Shanghai Composite dropped 0.51%, South Korea’s KOSPI declined 1.24%, and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index slipped 0.06%. This cautious sentiment reflects uncertainty about global economic conditions and interest rate changes.
What Is the Situation with Crude Oil Prices?
Brent crude futures decreased nearly 2% from a six-month high, settling at $109.66 per barrel. Despite this drop, supply concerns remain due to ongoing attacks on Saudi Arabia’s oil facilities and airport by the Houthi militant group. Saudi Arabia partially restarted operations at its main airport after damage from previous attacks, while continuing to intercept missiles and drones.
Which Companies Are in Focus for Upcoming Earnings?
Investors are paying close attention to the quarterly earnings reports of several major companies for the July to September quarter of the 2026-27 financial year. These include IndiGo, Ather Energy, Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Paytm, Maruti Suzuki, Mazagon Dock, Adani Enterprises, and Vedanta Group entities. Their performance will provide insights into sectoral trends and economic health.
What Are the Recent Earnings Highlights from Infosys and Kotak Mahindra Bank?
Infosys, India’s second-largest IT services company, reported a consolidated net profit of ₹7,823 crore for the second quarter, marking a 6% increase from ₹7,364 crore a year earlier. Sequentially, its net profit rose 0.7% from ₹7,769 crore. Meanwhile, Kotak Mahindra Bank posted a 29% rise in profit after tax to ₹4,212 crore, driven by core income growth and lower provisions. The bank’s net interest income increased 16% to ₹8,459 crore, supported by a 25% jump in net advances, although the net interest margin slightly compressed due to deposit mobilization under the Reserve Bank of India’s concessional swap facility.
