Indian markets expected to open lower as GIFT Nifty slips, global cues mixed

India's equity markets are projected to start Tuesday on a downbeat note, with the GIFT Nifty trading around 22,663, roughly 0.5% below the previous close of Nifty futures. The decline suggests a tentative opening for the Sensex and Nifty indices.

Analyst Ponmudi R, CEO of Enrich Money, said > "Indian equity markets are likely to remain cautious amid persistently elevated crude oil prices, with WTI crude trading near the $101-per-barrel mark. However, renewed diplomatic efforts involving Iran ahead of key Israeli and U.S. votes could influence geopolitical sentiment, keeping oil prices and global risk appetite sensitive to incoming developments."

On Monday, the BSE Sensex rose 483 points to close at 73,606.75, ending a four-session losing streak, while the NSE Nifty 50 gained 153 points to settle at 22,753.20. The rebound was driven by buying in metal, telecommunications and healthcare stocks.

Religare Broking senior vice-president Ajit Mishra noted > "Markets staged a recovery on Monday after a weak start, with benchmark indices rebounding from their intraday lows as buying emerged at lower levels. The Nifty settled near the day’s high at 22,753.20, snapping its recent losing streak and offering some relief after four consecutive sessions of selling. However, the recovery remains tentative, with elevated crude oil prices, geopolitical uncertainty and concerns over the global interest-rate outlook continuing to weigh on sentiment."

Technical analysts highlighted key support and resistance levels. Sachin Gupta of Choice Equity Broking said the Sensex is likely to trade between 72,500 and 74,400, with the 72,500–73,000 zone acting as immediate support. Vatsal Bhuva of LKP Securities identified the 22,300–22,400 range as important support for the Nifty, noting that a break above 22,800 could open a path toward 23,000.

In the United States, major indices closed higher on Monday: the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose about 150 points, the S&P 500 gained 0.7%, and the Nasdaq Composite increased 0.8%, though each gave back part of its intraday advance.

Asian markets showed varied movement. South Korea’s KOSPI rose 3.9% to 5,682.02, while Japan’s Nikkei 225 increased 1.9% driven by gains in technology stocks. Taiwan’s Taiex index climbed to 46,516.18, up 0.66%.

The outlook remains cautious as investors monitor oil price trends, geopolitical developments and upcoming U.S. Federal Reserve policy discussions.