Premarket Report – March 18, 2026
Premarket Updates
- GIFT Nifty Up: GIFT Nifty futures at 23,662 (+0.35%), signaling firm opening on banking rally and moderated FII selling with positive global cues.
- Asia Markets Firm: Nikkei up 1.28%; Shanghai steady amid recovery in global risk appetite.
- Bank Nifty Futures: Bank Nifty futures at 55,008 (+0.83%); strong buying in banking sector on domestic flows.
- Midcaps Firm: Nifty Midcap futures near 12,750 (+1.04%) with broader market participation.
- Rupee Steady: USD/INR at 92.35, flat on balanced flows despite crude correction.
- FII Flows Negative: Foreign investors net sellers of Rs 4,741 cr on Mar 17; DIIs counter with Rs 5,225 cr buys.
- Sector Focus: Banking leads on strong support; energy monitors crude dip; IT tracks global tech; macro and earnings in spotlight.
- IT Futures: Nifty IT steady tracking global tech cues and domestic consolidation.
Global Market Insights
US Markets (Close Mar 17)
- Dow Jones: 46,993.26 (+0.10%)
- S&P 500: 6,716.09 (+0.25%)
- Nasdaq: 22,479.53 (+0.47%)
- VIX (CBOE): 22.37 (-4.85%)
US indices edge higher on tech strength and easing volatility; VIX drops as risk appetite improves.
Asia & Europe (Mar 18 Premarket)
- Shanghai Composite: steady
- Nikkei 225: +1.28%
- FTSE Futures: +0.18%
- DAX Futures: +0.23%
Asian markets open firm on positive US cues; Europe futures higher with cautious optimism.
Commodities & Forex
- Brent Crude: $102.25 (-1.13%)
- Gold: steady on dollar moves
- US Dollar Index: Steady on haven flows
Crude corrects on easing supply risks; gold holds amid mixed dollar flows.
Indian Market Pulse
Key Indices (Premarket)
- GIFT Nifty Futures: 23,662 (+0.35%)
- Nifty 50 (Mar 17 Close): 23,581.15 (+0.74%)
- Sensex (Mar 17 Close): 76,070.84 (+0.75%)
- India VIX: 19.79 (-8.38%)
Markets eye positive open on banking strength and global rally; VIX cools sharply.
Key Futures (Premarket)
- Nifty 50 Futures: ~23,650 (+0.40%)
- Nifty Bank Futures: 55,008 (+0.83%)
- Nifty IT Futures: Steady
- Nifty Midcap Futures: ~12,750 (+1.04%)
Futures point to positive start with banks and midcaps showing resilience on flows.
Top Movers (Recent Close)
| Gainers | Losers |
|---|---|
| Banking and auto plays | Energy on crude correction |
| FMCG and select midcaps | Import-sensitive cyclicals |
| Domestic-driven sectors | Volatility-hit segments |
Banking and domestic themes lead on DII support; energy lags on crude dip.
Latest Global & Indian Market News
Nifty Closes Above 23,580
Sensex gains 568 pts led by banking; broader market participation on Mar 17 close.
FII Selling Moderates to Rs 4,741 cr
DIIs step in with Rs 5,225 cr buys; flows improve from prior sessions.
US Markets Edge Higher; Nasdaq +0.47%
Dow and S&P gain modestly on tech; VIX eases further as sentiment improves.
Asia Opens Firm; Nikkei +1.28%
Regional indices rise on US cues; Europe futures also positive.
Banking Stocks Surge
Sector leads rally; focus shifts to upcoming earnings and domestic growth.
Crude Dips 1% to $102.25
Brent corrects on easing geopolitical supply risks; India import bill eases.
India VIX Cools to 19.79
Volatility drops over 8% amid positive market breadth and global cues.
Q1 Earnings Season Underway
India Inc results begin; macro data and global trade updates in focus.
Options Analysis
Nifty 50 Options Open Interest (OI)
Highest Call OI at elevated strikes suggests overhead resistance; Put OI building at key supports.
| Strike | Call OI (Lakhs) | Put OI (Lakhs) |
|---|---|---|
| 23,500 | Moderate | High |
| 23,600 | Increasing | Significant |
| 23,700 | High | Building |
| 23,800 | Peak Call OI | Lower |
Chart: Nifty 50 OI distribution (indicative; levels adjusted to recent range).
Disclaimer: Market data is based on the latest available information. GIFT Nifty price and other futures data are indicative and must be verified in real-time before trading. Investments are subject to market risks.
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