GIFT Nifty Signals Strong Start As Asian Markets Advance Despite Wall Street Weakness | June 18, 2026

GIFT Nifty traded higher early Thursday, indicating a positive opening for Indian equities after benchmark indices ended Wednesday’s session with gains despite profit-taking at higher levels.

The GIFT Nifty on NSE IX rose 129.50 points, or 0.54%, to 24,085, suggesting a firm start for the domestic market.

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Investor sentiment has improved amid easing geopolitical tensions in West Asia and a sharp correction in crude oil prices, which has helped alleviate concerns around inflation and India’s external sector.

Technical Levels to Watch

Market participants would be closely watching the 24,000 mark on the Nifty as an immediate support level. A move below this could open the door for a decline towards 23,800, while a sustained break above 24,100 may support a rise towards 24,300.

Weekly expiry of BSE options is also expected to keep volatility elevated. India VIX, which gauges market volatility, declined 1.3% to close at 13.19 on Wednesday, indicating easing risk perception.

U.S. Markets End Lower

Wall Street ended in negative territory overnight after the Federal Reserve signalled that interest rates could rise further to address inflation pressures.

The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite each fell more than 1%. Investors reacted to comments from Fed Chair Kevin Warsh and policymakers’ projections indicating higher borrowing costs later this year.

However, U.S. equity futures recovered in Asian hours. S&P 500 futures gained 0.8%, while Nasdaq futures advanced more than 1%.

Asian Markets Trade Higher

Asian equities largely moved higher on Thursday despite weakness in U.S. markets. Japan’s Topix rose 1.6%, while a broader gauge of Asian stocks advanced 0.5%. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 traded near flat levels, and Euro Stoxx 50 futures gained 0.6%. Hang Seng futures, however, slipped 0.3%.

The gains came as lower oil prices and easing tensions in West Asia improved risk appetite across global markets.

Oil Prices Extend Decline

Crude prices continued to soften after the U.S. and Iran signed an interim agreement that is expected to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and restore oil flows. Brent crude slipped more than 1% in early Asian trade, falling below $79 per barrel.

Meanwhile, the U.S. dollar remained near a two-month high as expectations of additional Federal Reserve tightening supported the currency.

Institutional Flows Remain Positive

According to exchange data, foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) were net buyers of Indian equities worth ₹101 crore on Wednesday. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) continued their buying trend, purchasing shares worth ₹1,561 crore.

With geopolitical concerns showing signs of easing and crude prices retreating from recent highs, market participants will track global cues and technical levels for further direction during Thursday’s session.