Pre-Market Report: Indian Markets Closed for Good Friday; Global Sentiment Remains Positive

Global Market Cues

The global financial landscape showed significant resilience during the overnight session as investors reacted to potential de-escalation signals in the Middle East. US markets ended higher on Thursday, April 2, with technology stocks leading the charge. The Nasdaq Composite surged 1.2%, the S&P 500 gained 0.7%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.5%.

In Europe, major indices posted even stronger gains as the Stoxx 600 climbed 2.5%, while Germany's DAX and the UK's FTSE 100 rose 2.7% and 1.9%, respectively. Asian markets on Friday morning are also trading in the green, with Japan's Nikkei 225 advancing over 1.7% on hopes that the Strait of Hormuz might partially reopen for maritime traffic.

• US markets closed higher on Thursday (Nasdaq +1.2%, S&P 500 +0.7%) as de-escalation hopes outweighed earlier panic.
• European indices witnessed a broad-based relief rally, with the DAX gaining nearly 3%.
• Brent crude prices remain volatile, hovering around $109 per barrel, though equity markets have temporarily looked past the energy shock.
• The US 10-year Treasury yield stood steady near 4.31%.

GIFT Nifty and Domestic Cues

The Indian benchmark indices, Nifty 50 and Sensex, are closed today for the Good Friday holiday. Trading will resume on Monday, April 6, 2026. Despite the domestic holiday, the GIFT Nifty—the offshore derivative of the Nifty 50—is active and provides a gauge of international sentiment toward Indian equities.

As of early Friday morning, the GIFT Nifty is trading near the 22,824 level, reflecting a marginal decline of approximately 0.09% from its previous close. This suggests a consolidated start in the offshore market, even as global equities rally.

• Indian markets (NSE and BSE) are closed today, April 3, 2026, for Good Friday.
• GIFT Nifty is trading at 22,824.5, down 0.09%, indicating a quiet session for Indian derivatives in the international market.
• The Indian Rupee saw a strong recovery in the previous session, rebounding from record lows of 94.96 following suspected RBI intervention.

Key Stocks in Focus

While there is no trading today, several stocks will remain on investor radars when the market reopens on Monday, following significant moves in the previous session and upcoming corporate actions.

• IT Giants (TCS, Infosys, Wipro): The IT sector showed strong resilience on Thursday, gaining over 2% ahead of the Q4 FY26 earnings season starting next week.
• Defence PSUs (BEL, HAL): These stocks remained volatile despite bullish calls from global brokerages like Goldman Sachs; they will be closely watched for stability on Monday.
• Tata Motors & Tata Steel: These stocks were under pressure in recent sessions due to fuel cost concerns and global supply chain disruptions.
• Dividend/Bonus Stocks: Companies like Unifinz Capital and Jash Engineering will be in focus next week as they approach their ex-dividend and record dates.

Key Events to Watch Today

With the Indian markets shut, the primary focus for domestic investors will be the continued development of geopolitical headlines and global commodity price movements.

• Good Friday Holiday: Major global markets, including those in the US, UK, and Germany, are also closed today, which will likely lead to thin trading volumes globally.
• US Jobs Data: Investors will be eyeing the upcoming US non-farm payrolls report for clues on the Federal Reserve's interest rate trajectory.
• Q4 Earnings Preparations: Domestic investors will spend the long weekend preparing for the start of the Q4 earnings season, with heavyweights like TCS and Infosys set to report next week.

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

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