NIFTY50, SENSEX Today: Flat Opening Expected as Wall Street Gains, Oil Prices Rise and FIIs Stay Positive
New Delhi, August 4: Indian benchmark indices NIFTY50 and BSE Sensex are expected to open on a cautious note on Tuesday, August 4, with GIFT NIFTY indicating a largely flat start despite strong gains on Wall Street overnight. Investors are likely to remain focused on global market trends, crude oil prices, foreign institutional investor (FII) activity, corporate earnings and geopolitical developments in West Asia before taking fresh positions.
According to early market indicators, GIFT NIFTY futures slipped around 6 points to 24,646, suggesting a muted opening for domestic equities. The subdued indication comes after Indian markets extended their winning streak on Monday, when both benchmark indices rallied sharply to their highest closing levels in nearly five months.
The BSE Sensex surged 544 points, or around 0.7%, to settle at 78,639, while the NIFTY50 climbed 391 points, or nearly 1.6%, to finish at 24,774. The rally was largely driven by easing geopolitical concerns in West Asia, declining crude oil prices during the previous session and sustained buying by institutional investors.
Monday also marked the first trading session conducted under the newly introduced Closing Auction Session (CAS) mechanism. The National Stock Exchange recorded a turnover of approximately ₹1,276.2 crore during the closing auction, while the Bombay Stock Exchange reported turnover of around ₹10.8 crore.
Among the most actively traded stocks during the Closing Auction Session on the NSE were ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Reliance Industries, Infosys, Bharti Airtel, Bajaj Finance, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), CG Power, Eternal and Axis Bank, reflecting strong institutional participation in heavyweight counters.
Market Opens Flat as Investors Track Global Cues, Oil Prices and Institutional Activity
Indian stock markets are expected to begin Tuesday’s trading session on a cautious note, with benchmark indices likely to open nearly flat amid mixed global signals. Early indications from GIFT NIFTY futures suggest limited movement at the opening bell as investors assess overnight gains on Wall Street, fresh developments in West Asia, foreign institutional investment trends and key corporate earnings.
After registering four consecutive sessions of gains, the domestic equity market enters August 4 with benchmark indices trading near their highest levels in almost five months. Market participants are expected to remain focused on geopolitical developments, crude oil prices and company-specific announcements that could influence trading sentiment throughout the day.
GIFT NIFTY futures were trading marginally lower by around six points near the 24,646 mark, indicating a flat-to-cautious start for Indian equities. Asian markets also traded with limited momentum, reflecting investor caution after fresh geopolitical developments involving Iran and the Strait of Hormuz triggered another rise in crude oil prices.
Benchmark Indices Extend Winning Streak
Indian equities continued their upward momentum on Monday as easing geopolitical concerns and lower crude oil prices supported investor confidence. The BSE Sensex climbed 544 points, or around 0.7%, to close at 78,639, while the NSE NIFTY50 surged 391 points, or nearly 1.6%, ending the session at 24,774.
The rally marked the fourth consecutive day of gains for both benchmark indices, taking them to their strongest closing levels in nearly five months. Market sentiment was supported by broad-based buying across sectors along with continued institutional participation.
Monday also marked the first trading session under the National Stock Exchange’s new Closing Auction Session (CAS) mechanism. During the auction window, the NSE recorded turnover of approximately ₹1,276.2 crore, while the BSE reported turnover of around ₹10.8 crore.
ICICI Bank emerged as the most actively traded stock during the closing auction on the NSE, followed by HDFC Bank, Reliance Industries, Infosys, Bharti Airtel, Bajaj Finance, Tata Consultancy Services, CG Power, Eternal and Axis Bank.
Global Markets Remain Cautious as Geopolitical Tensions Resurface
Global market sentiment remained mixed ahead of Tuesday’s trading session after fresh developments in West Asia pushed crude oil prices higher once again. Investors closely monitored reports surrounding Iran, the Strait of Hormuz and ongoing diplomatic efforts, with concerns over global energy supplies returning to the forefront.
According to market reports, Tehran denied claims that direct talks with Washington were taking place, stating that discussions were instead being conducted through Oman regarding issues linked to the Strait of Hormuz. The development came after US President Donald Trump said negotiations with Iran were underway, describing them as Tehran’s “last chance” to reach an agreement aimed at ending the prolonged regional conflict.
The renewed geopolitical uncertainty lifted crude oil prices after several sessions of decline. Brent Crude futures gained around 1.3% to trade near 75 dollars per barrel, raising concerns that a sustained rise in energy prices could once again increase inflationary pressures across major economies. Since India imports a significant portion of its crude oil requirements, higher oil prices remain an important factor influencing domestic inflation, corporate profitability and investor sentiment.
Asian Markets Trade Mixed Ahead of Indian Session
Most major Asian equity markets traded cautiously during early Tuesday trade as investors reacted to higher crude oil prices and awaited further geopolitical clarity. Japan’s Nikkei index slipped around 0.5%, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng declined nearly 0.5%. South Korea’s KOSPI also traded lower by approximately 0.24%, reflecting weak regional sentiment.
China’s Shanghai Composite remained relatively stable but was marginally lower, indicating that investors across Asia preferred a cautious approach before taking fresh positions. The subdued performance across regional markets is expected to influence the opening sentiment for Indian equities, although strong domestic institutional support could help limit downside volatility.
Wall Street Ends Strong on Easing Inflation Concerns
Despite cautious trading in Asia, US markets closed firmly higher overnight, providing some support to global investor confidence. Wall Street rallied after falling crude oil prices during Monday’s US session eased concerns that inflation could accelerate again, boosting expectations that economic conditions may remain supportive for corporate earnings and financial markets.
The benchmark S&P 500 advanced approximately 1.48%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed around 1.32%. Technology stocks outperformed the broader market, helping the Nasdaq Composite surge more than 2.1%, reflecting renewed buying interest in growth-oriented companies.
Market participants will continue monitoring global economic data, developments in the Middle East and movements in crude oil prices, as these factors are expected to influence investor sentiment across international as well as Indian equity markets throughout the trading session.
FII and DII Buying Continues to Support Domestic Markets
Institutional investment remained supportive for Indian equities in the previous trading session. According to NSE data, Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) were net buyers of shares worth approximately ₹922 crore, while Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) purchased equities worth around ₹1,517 crore.
The continued buying by both foreign and domestic institutional investors has helped strengthen overall market sentiment despite periodic global volatility. Investors will closely monitor whether institutional inflows remain consistent during the coming sessions, particularly as corporate earnings announcements and international developments continue to shape market direction.
Stocks to Watch Today: Dabur, DLF, IREDA, LIC Among Key Counters in Focus
Several listed companies are expected to remain in focus during Tuesday’s trading session following important corporate announcements, quarterly earnings, regulatory developments and strategic partnerships. Investors are likely to closely track these stocks as company-specific news could trigger significant price movement during the day.
Dabur India
FMCG major Dabur India is expected to remain under pressure after the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) prohibited the company from marketing several food products using “100%” claims. According to the food regulator, such labelling violates existing food safety and labelling regulations and may mislead consumers.
The products covered under the prohibition include honey, cow ghee, virgin coconut oil, sesame oil, apple cider vinegar, coconut water, coconut milk and several other food items carrying similar claims. Investors will closely monitor the company’s response and the potential impact of the regulatory action on its brand positioning and product sales.
DLF
Real estate developer DLF reported a modest increase in consolidated net profit for the June quarter despite a sharp decline in total income. The company posted a net profit of ₹793.90 crore, up around four percent compared to the corresponding quarter of the previous financial year.
However, total income declined significantly to ₹1,605.56 crore from nearly ₹2,980.88 crore a year earlier. Investors are expected to assess the company’s earnings quality, project pipeline and future sales outlook before taking fresh positions in the stock.
Thomas Cook (India)
Travel services company Thomas Cook (India) reported a decline in first-quarter profitability due to geopolitical disruptions in West Asia that affected travel demand. The company’s consolidated net profit fell around 13.4 percent year-on-year to ₹63.7 crore, while total income also declined to approximately ₹2,153 crore.
Market participants will monitor management commentary regarding international travel demand, holiday bookings and the outlook for the remainder of the financial year.
IREDA
State-owned Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) delivered another strong quarterly performance, reporting a 37 percent increase in net profit to ₹337 crore. Revenue from operations also rose to around ₹2,250 crore, reflecting continued growth in renewable energy financing.
The strong earnings are expected to keep the stock in focus as investors evaluate future loan growth, asset quality and funding expansion plans amid increasing investments in India’s clean energy sector.
Bharat Electronics, Stove Kraft, SBI Funds Management and LIC
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) announced a strategic collaboration with Esri India to work on defence projects involving Geographic Information Systems (GIS), GeoAI and location intelligence technologies. The partnership is expected to strengthen BEL’s capabilities in defence technology and advanced geospatial solutions.
Stove Kraft Limited reported a sharp 63.5 percent year-on-year jump in consolidated net profit to ₹17.05 crore, supported by robust revenue growth during the June quarter. Strong demand across its kitchen appliance and cookware business helped improve financial performance.
SBI Funds Management also posted steady quarterly results, reporting a three percent increase in standalone profit after tax to approximately ₹873 crore, while total income registered healthy year-on-year growth.
Meanwhile, Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) will remain under close watch after reports indicated that the government is planning to divest a portion of its stake through an Offer for Sale (OFS) at a floor price of ₹382 per share. Investors will closely monitor official announcements regarding the timing, size and structure of the proposed stake sale, as it could influence trading activity in the insurance major.
Key Factors Investors Should Monitor During Tuesday’s Trading Session
Market participants are expected to keep a close watch on several domestic and international developments that could influence trading sentiment throughout Tuesday’s session. Apart from quarterly earnings and company-specific announcements, investors will monitor movements in global equity markets, crude oil prices, foreign institutional investment trends and geopolitical developments in West Asia.
The trajectory of Brent crude remains particularly important for Indian markets. Any sustained rise in oil prices could increase concerns over imported inflation, widen the country’s trade deficit and impact sectors that are heavily dependent on energy costs. Conversely, stable or declining crude prices would continue to support sectors such as automobiles, aviation, paints and consumer goods.
Foreign Institutional Investor (FII) activity will also remain under focus after overseas investors extended their buying in the previous session. Continued support from both FIIs and Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) could provide stability to the broader market despite mixed global cues.
Corporate Earnings and Global Developments to Drive Market Direction
Investors are also expected to react to the latest quarterly earnings announced by listed companies, with stock-specific action likely across sectors including banking, financial services, real estate, renewable energy, FMCG and consumer products. Management commentary on future demand, margins, capital expenditure and business outlook will remain equally important for determining investor sentiment.
Globally, developments surrounding the Middle East, particularly negotiations involving Iran and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, are expected to remain key market-moving factors. Any escalation in geopolitical tensions could increase volatility across global equity, commodity and currency markets.
Outlook for NIFTY50 and SENSEX
After ending Monday’s session at fresh five-month highs, both the NIFTY50 and the BSE Sensex enter Tuesday with positive technical momentum. However, the relatively flat indication from GIFT NIFTY suggests that investors may adopt a cautious approach at the opening bell while assessing overnight global developments.
If institutional buying continues and global sentiment remains supportive, Indian equities could attempt to extend their winning streak. However, volatility may increase during the session as traders react to crude oil movements, international news flow and company-specific developments.
Overall, Tuesday’s market is expected to be driven by a combination of global cues, institutional flows, earnings announcements and geopolitical developments, making stock-specific opportunities likely even if benchmark indices witness limited movement during the opening hours.
