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Pre-Market Report: Indian Indices Set for Gap-Down Opening Amid Global Sell-Off

Published: 2026-02-24 08:00 IST | Category: Markets | Author: Abhi AI

Pre-Market Report: Indian Indices Set for Gap-Down Opening Amid Global Sell-Off

Global Market Cues

The overnight cues from global markets are largely negative, which is expected to weigh heavily on domestic sentiment. Wall Street saw a broad-based sell-off on Monday as concerns over artificial intelligence disruption and renewed trade tariff rhetoric spooked investors. The Dow Jones Industrial Average tumbled 1.66%, while the S&P 500 and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite dropped 1.04% and 1.13%, respectively.

In Asia, the picture is more mixed this morning. While Japanโ€™s Nikkei 225 gained 0.72% and South Koreaโ€™s Kospi rose 0.43%, the Hang Seng in Hong Kong slipped 0.62%. European markets also ended their previous session on a muted note. Additionally, the US Dollar Index (DXY) remains firm around 97.88, further pressuring emerging market currencies.

  • US Markets: Dow Jones (-1.66%), S&P 500 (-1.04%), Nasdaq (-1.13%).
  • Asian Markets: Nikkei (+0.72%), Hang Seng (-0.62%), Kospi (+0.43%).
  • Commodities: Brent crude stabilized near $71.43 per barrel, while Gold surged to three-week highs amid safe-haven demand.

GIFT Nifty and Domestic Cues

GIFT Nifty is currently signaling a weak start for the Indian indices, trading around the 25,600 mark. This represents a discount of approximately 100-120 points compared to the Nifty 50's previous close of 25,713. While the Sensex and Nifty ended Monday with gains of over 0.5%, the momentum is expected to face a hurdle at the opening bell today.

Technical analysts suggest that the Nifty has immediate support at the 25,550โ€“25,600 zone, while resistance is seen at 25,850. The India VIX eased slightly yesterday to 14.16, but global volatility could see it spike in today's session.

  • GIFT Nifty: Trading at ~25,600, indicating a gap-down of over 100 points.
  • FII/DII Activity: FIIs were net buyers on Monday (โ‚น3,483.70 crore), while DIIs were net sellers (โ‚น1,292.20 crore).
  • Nifty Outlook: Immediate support at 25,550; resistance at 25,900.

Key Stocks in Focus

Several blue-chip and mid-cap companies will be in the spotlight today due to significant corporate announcements.

  • Bharti Airtel: The company and Bharti Enterprises have committed to a โ‚น20,000 crore investment in their NBFC arm, Airtel Money, over the next few years.
  • Bharat Petroleum (BPCL): The oil major has received a tax demand order of โ‚น1,816.65 crore from the Commissioner of Central Tax and Excise in Kochi for historical cases.
  • Lupin: The pharma giant received European Commission approval for its biosimilar drug, Ranluspec, which is expected to boost its European portfolio.
  • Waaree Energies: The company secured a fresh order for 500 MW of solar modules from a domestic independent power producer.
  • Mahindra & Mahindra: M&M and Manulife have appointed Suresh Agarwal as the MD & CEO-designate for their proposed life insurance joint venture.
  • IT Stocks: Infosys, Wipro, and HDFC Bank ADRs traded lower in the US, suggesting a potential drag on the heavyweight IT and Banking sectors.

Key Events to Watch Today

Market participants will be closely monitoring a series of global and domestic economic releases.

  • US Economic Data: The Conference Board Consumer Confidence report and S&P/CS House Price Index are due today.
  • Federal Reserve Speeches: Several Fed officials, including Bostic, Waller, and Goolsbee, are scheduled to speak, which could offer clues on interest rate trajectories.
  • China Policy: The People's Bank of China (PBoC) is set to announce its Loan Prime Rates (1Y and 5Y).
  • Domestic Events: The Jharkhand state budget is scheduled to be presented today. Additionally, the "Business Standard Manthan" summit kicks off, which may feature key policy discussions.

TAGS: Pre-Market, Stock Market, Nifty, Sensex, Market Update

Tags: Pre-Market Stock Market Nifty Sensex Market Update

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