15 September 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : Indian stock markets are likely to open on a positive note on Tuesday, September 15, after the holiday break, with GIFT Nifty indicating gains of around 77–80 points. However, elevated crude oil prices, rising US bond yields and uncertainty ahead of the Federal Reserve meeting are expected to limit investor optimism.
GIFT Nifty Signals Positive Opening
GIFT Nifty was trading higher ahead of the Indian market’s reopening, pointing to a potentially firm start for the Sensex and Nifty 50.
The positive indication comes after Indian equities ended the previous week under pressure, with the Nifty 50 closing at 23,398.10 and the Sensex at 74,781.76 on Friday.
Crude Oil Above $106
The biggest concern for Indian investors remains the sharp rise in crude oil prices.
Brent crude was trading around $107 per barrel, after rising more than 1% in Asian trade. Oil prices have climbed sharply this month amid continuing geopolitical tensions in West Asia, disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz and fresh attacks affecting Saudi energy infrastructure.
Higher crude prices are particularly important for India because the country relies heavily on imported oil. A sustained increase can raise inflationary pressure, widen the import bill and put pressure on the Indian rupee.
US Fed Meeting in Focus
Investors are also closely watching the US Federal Reserve’s policy meeting.
Markets are pricing in a strong probability of a 25-basis-point rate hike, which would be the first such increase in more than three years, according to market reports. The Fed’s decision and its guidance on future rate moves could influence global equity flows and emerging markets, including India.
US Treasury Yields Add Pressure
US Treasury yields have also moved higher, with the 10-year yield touching 5%, increasing the attractiveness of US assets and potentially putting pressure on emerging-market currencies and equities.
Higher US yields can encourage foreign investors to shift money towards dollar-denominated assets, creating additional challenges for Indian markets.
Rupee Under Pressure
The Indian rupee closed at around ₹95.55 per US dollar before the holiday and is expected to remain under pressure as crude prices and US yields rise.
Traders are watching the ₹95.80 per dollar level closely. A sustained move beyond that level could increase the possibility of the rupee weakening towards ₹96.
FII Selling Remains a Concern
Foreign investor flows remain another factor weighing on sentiment.
Foreign institutional investors sold Indian equities worth around ₹930.9 crore, while domestic institutional investors bought shares worth approximately ₹1,968.17 crore in the previous session.
Domestic buying has provided some support, but sustained foreign selling could limit any recovery in benchmark indices.
Markets Face Mixed Global Signals
Global cues remain mixed ahead of the Fed decision.
Asian markets were subdued as investors assessed rising oil prices, geopolitical risks and higher bond yields. US equities also ended lower previously, although futures and GIFT Nifty pointed to some recovery in sentiment.
What Investors Will Watch Today
Market participants are likely to track crude oil movements, the rupee-dollar exchange rate, foreign institutional activity and developments in West Asia.
The Fed meeting will remain the biggest global event of the week, with investors looking beyond the immediate rate decision to assess the central bank’s outlook for subsequent policy moves.
Positive Start, But Caution Remains
The GIFT Nifty signal suggests Indian equities could begin the session on a stronger footing after the holiday. However, the broader environment remains challenging.
With Brent above $106, US yields elevated and the Fed decision approaching, investors may remain cautious despite the positive opening indication.