Gift Nifty signals weaker start for Nifty; geopolitical risk keeps investors cautious
Indian equity markets are expected to open on a flat to negative note, with Gift Nifty around 25,590 signalling a possible 40-point gap down at the start of trade.
Indian equity markets are likely to open on a flat to negative note amid escalating geopolitical tensions in Iran. Gift Nifty 25,590 signals that Nifty may lose 40 points at open.
Ponmudi R, CEO of Enrich Money, said the Indian stock market is likely to open on a cautious to slightly softer note, tracking a weaker overnight close on Wall Street and subdued sentiment across Asian equities, which are likely to keep investors in a risk-averse mode. “The recent US–Iran negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme concluded without a breakthrough, heightening concerns over the possibility of a US strike and the risk of a broader Middle East conflict. Amid rising uncertainty over the next US course of action regarding Iran, and in the absence of fresh domestic catalysts, investor participation is likely to remain cautious and selective. As a result, sentiment is expected to stay guarded, with markets continuing to oscillate within a defined range and witnessing intermittent bouts of volatility rather than a clear, conviction-led directional move,” he added.
Meanwhile, Asian stocks are down in early deals on Friday; among them, Korea’s Kospi was the worst affected, falling over 2 per cent.
Hariprasad K, Livelong Wealth, said: Institutional activity remained mixed on Thursday. DIIs continued to provide support, emerging as strong net buyers with inflows of ₹5,031 crore, while FIIs turned net sellers, recording outflows of ₹3,465 crore in the cash segment, he said.
“In derivatives, FIIs remain net bullish in index options but bearish in index futures, reflecting a cautious and neutral stance. The total Open interest (OI) positioning in the derivatives segment reflects a mild bearish skew, indicating that the broader market may continue to exhibit a medium-term negative bias unless it witnesses a clear and sustained breakout from critical levels,” he added.
Published on February 27, 2026
