Indian stock benchmarks are set for a positive start today, October 29, as GIFT Nifty signals a recovery. The gains follow a steady performance in US markets and consistent buying by institutional investors, even as global geopolitical tensions and interest rate uncertainty keep caution levels elevated.
Indian equity markets are expected to see a positive start today, October 29, 2026, as trading begins. The GIFT Nifty, which tracks Indian stocks trading in global markets, is pointing toward a gain of around 55 points, hovering near the 22,789 level. This potential recovery comes after a session on October 28 where both the Sensex and Nifty closed in the red, largely due to selling pressure in the information technology and energy sectors.
The boost in sentiment comes from a steady performance in US stock markets. Major indices like the Dow Jones, S&P 500, and Nasdaq closed higher after the US Federal Reserve decided to keep interest rates unchanged. While the decision provided temporary relief, investors are still waiting for clear signals regarding future policy changes, which will be a key factor for market direction in the coming months.
Institutional investors continue to be a pillar of support for Indian shares. On October 28, foreign institutional investors brought in ₹871 crore, while domestic institutional investors added ₹643 crore to their holdings. This consistent buying helps stabilize the market even when global macroeconomic concerns create volatility. For retail investors, these inflows often act as a signal of institutional confidence in the local market despite temporary dips.
Energy and technology sectors will be closely watched today. IT stocks are sensitive to US interest rate news, as they often depend on the spending capacity of their US-based clients. On the other hand, a decrease in oil prices, with Brent crude easing toward $114 per barrel, may offer some relief for the energy sector and help lower import costs for the country. Gold prices also saw a minor dip, as investors remain cautious amid the lack of new policy guidance.
Investors may track how the global energy situation evolves, particularly regarding Middle East developments, as this has been a primary cause of concern recently. As the trading session progresses, the market will likely respond to how these international factors influence domestic stock movements, balancing the current liquidity support against global uncertainty.