GIFT Nifty Opening Update
GIFT Nifty opened today at 23,289.50. It is down -521.00 points (-2.19%) from yesterday’s close of 23,800.00— so the trend is negative.
The Indian stock market benchmark indices, the BSE Sensex and Nifty 50, are anticipated to open significantly lower on Thursday, reflecting global market weakness due to apprehensions regarding increasing crude oil prices. Trends in GIFT Nifty indicate a potential gap-down opening for the benchmark indices, currently trading around the 23,240 level — reflecting a discount of nearly 536 points from the previous close of Nifty futures. “Indian equities are set for a sluggish beginning, as initial indicators from Gift Nifty suggest a significant gap-down opening amid declining global sentiment.” The change in risk appetite is a response to the weakness observed in US and Asian markets, driven by a mix of hawkish policy signals and rising geopolitical tensions,” stated Hariprasad K.
On Wednesday, however, the domestic market concluded on a positive note, extending gains for the third consecutive session, with the Nifty 50 closing above the 23,700 mark. The Sensex increased by 633.29 points, representing a rise of 0.83%, closing at 76,704.13. Meanwhile, the Nifty 50 saw an uptick of 196.65 points, also a gain of 0.83%, finishing at 23,777.80. In light of the ongoing US-Iran conflict and the upcoming US Fed policy announcement, attention is expected to be directed towards these stocks on Thursday, March 19, 2026 —
Equities to Monitor:
- HDFC Bank announced that its part-time Chairman and Independent Director, Atanu Chakraborty, has resigned effective immediately, referring to the reasons outlined in his resignation letter.
- Manappuram Finance on Wednesday announced that its subsidiaries, Asirvad Micro Finance and Manappuram Home Finance, have received approvals from the Reserve Bank of India for an indirect change in control and management by Bain Capital.
- Vedanta’s board is scheduled to convene on Monday, March 23, to evaluate and sanction the third interim dividend on equity shares for FY26.
- Nazara Technologies has disclosed that its wholly owned subsidiary, Nazara Technologies UK, has finalized agreements to acquire a 50% controlling interest in Bluetile Games SL and BestPlay Systems SL for a total consideration of $100.3 million (Rs 918 crore).
- UltraTech Cement has finalized an Energy Supply Agreement, in addition to Share Subscription and Shareholders’ Agreements, to secure a 26.18% ownership in Sunsure Solarpark Seven Private Limited for a maximum of Rs 19.2 crore.
- Zydus Lifesciences and Torrent Pharmaceuticals have established a licensing and supply agreement to collaboratively market the diabetes treatment drug Semaglutide Injection in India.
- United Breweries has obtained the necessary environmental clearance for its planned greenfield brewery in Uttar Pradesh. The facility is set to be established at the Industrial Manufacturing & Logistics Cluster in Unnao, targeting an annual production capacity of 1.3 million hectolitres.
- NATCO Pharma’s board is set to convene on March 24 to assess a scheme of arrangement for the demerger of its agrochemicals business into its wholly owned subsidiary, Natco Crop Health Sciences Ltd, on a going-concern basis.