Indian equity benchmark indices are expected to commence trading on a positive note today, Monday, April 20, 2026. This optimism follows Gift Nifty futures on the NSE International Exchange trading 47 points, or 0.18 per cent, higher at 24,467. The positive sentiment is also bolstered by a strong performance across Asian markets and comes amid ongoing talks between the United States and Iran aimed at resolving geopolitical tensions, including issues surrounding nuclear weapons.
Global Market Performance Boosts Sentiment
The positive outlook for Indian markets mirrors trends observed across global bourses. On Monday, Asian equities were largely trading in the green. South Korea's KOSPI added 81 points, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng rose by 251 points. Japan's Nikkei 225 index zoomed 588 points to reach 59,069, indicating robust regional investor confidence.
Friday's trading session on Wall Street also concluded with significant gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average surged 868 points, or 1.79%, closing at 49,447. The S&P 500 advanced 85 points to 7,126, and the Nasdaq Composite climbed 366 points to 24,468, setting a positive tone for the week ahead.
Expert Outlook on Nifty Levels
Market analysts are providing crucial insights into the immediate support and resistance levels for the Nifty 50 index.
Sudeep Shah, Head – Technical and Derivatives Research at SBI Securities, stated, "The immediate resistance for Nifty is placed in the 24430-24450 zone. Any sustainable move above this zone could result in Nifty extending its up move towards 24600, followed by 24800 in the short term. On the downside, the zone of 24200–24180 is likely to act as an immediate support.”
Ponmudi R, CEO at Enrich Money, commented, "Nifty 50 is currently in a recovery phase, consolidating within the 24,100–24,400 range, reflecting improving sentiment along with a gradual pickup in momentum. Immediate resistance is placed near the 24,400 zone, and a sustained breakout above this level could extend the rally towards the 24,800–25,000 range. On the downside, immediate support is seen near the 24,000 level, followed by a stronger base around 23,800, which continues to act as a key demand zone. Momentum indicators are improving, with RSI trending higher near the 57 mark; however, confirmation of a sustained uptrend will require a decisive breakout above resistance levels."
Previous Session's Performance and Top Gainers
In the previous trading session on Friday, benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty closed higher, buoyed by improved prospects for a Middle East resolution and a reversal in Foreign Institutional Investor (FII) flows to net buying.
- The Sensex rose 504.86 points, or 0.65 per cent, to close at 78,493.54.
- The Nifty gained 56.80 points, or 0.65 per cent, to settle at 24,353.55.
Among the Sensex constituents, Hindustan Unilever (HUL) emerged as the top gainer, advancing 4.75% to Rs 2,241.10. Other notable performers included:
- Power Grid Corporation of India: +1.86%
- Reliance Industries: +1.61%
- Bharat Electronics (BEL): +1.56%
- Tech Mahindra: +1.41%
- Titan Company: +1.34%