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Informist, Friday, Sept. 25, 2026

 

By Adhithya Aji

 

MUMBAI – Stock indices are expected to be range-bound as elevated crude oil prices due to the West Asia war are likely to cloud investor sentiment. The November futures of Brent crude were over $105 per barrel, and US bond yields were above 5% as well. These cues provided no comfort for Indian equity markets. 

 

"Near-term market volatility could remain elevated amid developments in global interest rates, inflation and geopolitical conditions," Sorbh Gupta, head of equity at Bajaj AMC, said in a note. However, domestic liquidity and improving earnings provide support to the medium-term outlook for markets. "The outlook remains constructive, although investors may need to remain selective. Auto ancillaries, healthcare and select private banks also offer risk-reward opportunities," Gupta said. However, the information technology sector warrants caution due to the potential impact of artificial intelligence-led disruption, pricing pressures, hiring trends, and slower discretionary technology spending, Gupta added. Banking sector fundamentals remain healthy, with credit growth and asset quality trends providing support, he said.

 

The November futures of Brent Crude oil were over $105 per barrel, over 44% higher than levels before the start of the US-Iran war in West Asia. In a major development, Iran proposed a seven-day roadmap aimed at ending the war. The proposal seeks to implement conditions in the memorandum of undertsanding signed by both countries in June. This includes an end to military action in the region and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts said easing crude oil prices was the only factor that would give the markets space to rise. Reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is necessary for crude oil prices to fall.  

 

Foreign institutional investors were net sellers of Indian stocks Thursday. They sold shares worth INR 50.27 billion after buying on Wednesday. Meanwhile, domestic investors continued their active participation and bought stocks worth INR 43.01 billion.

 

The Nifty 50 is expected to be range-bound as 23000 is providing strong support for the index but is not sustaining at higher levels, according to Jatin Gedia, senior vice-president, technical research at Teji Mandi Investment Technologies. Until and unless the Nifty closes above 23400, the overall market market structure is expected to remain negative, Gedia added. If the 50-stock index fall below 23000, it could touch 22700-22600 levels, the analyst said.  End

 

US$1 = INR 95.81

IST, or Indian Standard Time, is five-and-a-half hours ahead of GMT

 

Edited by Avishek Dutta

 

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