Indian stock markets are anticipated to open on a flat to negative note on Friday amid mixed global cues, with a focus on US-China dealings. The Gift Nifty at 23,675 suggests a dip of approximately 50-60 points for the Nifty.
Hariprasad K, a SEBI-registered research analyst and founder of Livelong Wealth, noted that investors remain cautious due to geopolitical tensions, particularly after Chinese President Xi Jinping indicated that issues surrounding Taiwan could escalate into larger conflicts involving the US and China. “While markets are currently focused on positive diplomatic developments, geopolitical headlines are expected to remain a major source of global volatility,” he warned.
Domestically, the ongoing earnings season is set to be a significant stock-specific catalyst today. Major firms like Tata Steel, Cochin Shipyard, SAIL, and Gland Pharma are slated to announce their quarterly results, highlighting metals, defense, and pharma sectors as important areas to monitor during today’s trading.
In early deals on Friday, equities across the Asia-Pacific region have generally exhibited downward trends.
In this context, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) have eased their selling activities. Ponmudi R, CEO of Enrich Money, stated that FIIs turned net buyers in the prior trading session, providing some short-term support to market sentiment. “However, sustained and consistent institutional inflows will be vital to bolster broader market confidence and facilitate a stronger recovery,” he added. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) continue to lend stability through persistent domestic buying.
Overall, market sentiment is expected to remain cautious and driven by headlines, with crude oil prices, currency trends, institutional flows, and global geopolitical issues serving as key influences on Indian equities in the near term, according to Ponmudi.
Despite some recent improvement in sentiment, Hariprasad emphasized that the markets remain highly influenced by headlines due to geopolitical uncertainties and fluctuations in crude oil prices. From a risk-management standpoint, he suggested avoiding aggressive overnight leveraged positions until there is greater global stability.
Published on May 15, 2026.
