Markets Set to Open Marginally Down Over Global Cues 

Mumbai, April 30: Indian equity markets likely to open marginally lower on Thursday as Gift Nifty trades gap down amid mixed triggers – ongoing diplomacy around Iran that is hopeful, while crude heads past $119 a barrel and the Federal Reserve splits three ways, keeping rates unchanged. 

Gift Nifty 

Gift Nifty Futures for expiry May 26 2026 were trading down by 10.50 points or 0.04% at 24,099.50 (at 08: 17 am) on April 30, indicating Nifty 50 will open around Wednesday’s close of 24,177.65 with a slight gap down. 

Asian Markets 

Asian stocks traded lower on Thursday morning. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng declined 0.81% to 25,900.05 and Japan’s Nikkei dropped 1.02% to 59,304.62 as high oil prices and Fed fallout weigh on risk sentiment. Pakistan’s KSE 100 led losses, declining 1.54% to 1,65,823.88, while Malaysia’s KLCI shed 0.78%. Indonesia’s JSX Index bucked the trend, rising 0.41% to 7,101.23. Vietnam’s HNX 30 rose 0.77%. 

US Markets 

US stocks closed mixed on Wednesday – Dow slipped 0.57% to 48,861.81, the S&P 500 declined marginally by 0.04% to 7,135.95, while Nasdaq eked out a small gain of 0.04% to 24,673.24 after the Fed kept interest rates unchanged between 3.5% and 3.75% as expected in a largely nodular meeting that was the most divided since 1992 and likely Powell’s last as chair. 

Iran War 

The mood is cautious rather than alarmed. While Trump’s latest Iran diplomacy has not produced a breakthrough, there are indications that back-channel communication continues. Mediator Pakistan is actively trying to prevent further escalation, and both sides are reportedly still exchanging messages on a potential deal, even as Trump publicly urged Tehran to “get smart soon” and sign an agreement. The US president held talks with oil executives on Wednesday, discussing the possibility of a months-long naval blockade of Iran’s ports — but that the conversation happened at all suggests Washington is still calculating, not simply acting. For markets, the signal is one of prolonged uncertainty rather than imminent catastrophe. 

Oil Prices 

Brent crude oil extended its rally for the ninth straight session on Thursday, climbing $1.91 or 1.62% to $119.94 a barrel. Prices climbed on fears that Iran supply will remain curtailed. The more active July contract traded at $111.38 per barrel, up 0.85% after jumping 5.8% on Wednesday – pushing India’s oil import bill higher. 

Wednesday Session 

BSE Sensex traded higher by 609.45 points or 0.79% to close at 77,496.36 while Nifty 50 gained 181.95 points or 0.76% to settle at 24,177.65 on Wednesday. 

Sources: 

bseindia.com 

nseindia.com