New Delhi: April 20, 2026 is going to be a very bustling day for the Indian stock market. On one hand, the increasing tension in the Middle East and the uncertainty over the Strait of Hormuz has spoiled the mood of the global markets, while on the other hand, on the domestic front, some relief news is also coming from the banking sector. At present, there is a ‘wait and watch’ situation among investors, because the risk appetite seems to be decreasing due to global uncertainties.
Mixed trend of American and Asian markets
Talking about global markets, there is a weak trend in American futures. A decline of more than 400 points has been recorded in Dow Futures, the effect of which is also visible on the Asian markets. However, it is worth noting that last Friday the American markets had closed with a rise of about two and a quarter percent, but the new geopolitical circumstances have dampened that enthusiasm.
Weak signals of GIFT Nifty
Nifty, considered the most important gift for the beginning of the Indian market, has disappointed the investors a bit. Gift Nifty, which was showing a strong gain of 400 points till Friday evening, has reduced to a nominal gain of only 100 points on Monday morning. This clearly means that the Indian stock market may open with limited gains today and the volatility in the market may be quite high.
Crude oil gained momentum, dollar also strengthened
Due to increasing tension in the Middle East, crude oil prices have risen sharply. Crude oil, which had earlier fallen below $90, has now jumped by about 6 percent and crossed $95 per barrel. This rise in oil prices may increase the risk of inflation across the world. At the same time, the dollar has strengthened due to the tussle between America and Iran, due to which pressure is being seen on gold prices.
Banking Sector: HDFC Bank results give hope
Amidst all the global concerns, a good news has come from HDFC Bank for Indian investors. The bank has presented excellent results for the fourth quarter. The bank’s profit has increased by more than 9 percent and asset quality has also improved. Apart from this, the bank has also announced a dividend of Rs 12 per share, which can revive the banking shares today.
Note: Investing in the stock market is subject to risk. Prices fluctuate depending on market conditions. This information is for general awareness only and should not be taken as financial advice of any kind.
Comments are closed.