The Indian stock market started the new week on a flat note, with benchmark indices trading in the green. The Sensex opened at 81,979.30, up 0.09%, while the Nifty opened at 25,134.50, up by 0,08%. The Nifty Bank also began the session at 54,905, up 0.18%.
Analysts say the cautious mood comes ahead of the US Federal Reserve’s rate decision this week, coupled with global trade worries and persistent foreign fund outflows.
“Domestic equities may see a cautious opening with a negative bias ahead of this week’s US Fed interest rate decision, although a rate cut is widely expected. However, investors are trading cautiously on worries that a more decisive decision on tariffs by the Trump administration in the near term could spark major correction in various financial assets, including equity markets. Technically, Nifty has a biggest support at its 100-DMA at 24851 mark, while the benchmark index could gain strength only above the 25,670 level,” said Prashanth Tapse, Senior VP (Research), Mehta Equities.
Let’s take a look at the key factors to watch out for in today’s trading session –
Top gainers in early trade
In the Sensex pack, the leading gainers in the opening deals include Trent, HDFC Bank, Bharat Electronics, Sun Pharma among other stocks.
Key laggards
On the flip side, the top laggards dragging the market down in early trade are Bajaj Finserv, NTPC, Bajaj Finance, TCS.
Nifty outlook
Market watchers expect some volatility around current levels as the index hovers near its August peak.
“Being in the vicinity of August peak, a pull back is expected. Favoured view expects such dips to be arrested at either 25070 or 24980, followed by resumption of uptrend aiming 25400-600. This may take a while though. Slippage past 24930 could however signal a pause to the near term uptrend, but we see 24700 as a firm support,” said market veteran Anand James.
FIIs extend selling streak
Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) continued their exit from Indian equities in September. Up to September 13, FIIs sold stocks worth Rs 11,169 crore, NSDL data showed.
This pushed the total FII outflow in 2025 to Rs 1,82,109 crore.
“Higher valuations in India vis a vis other markets like China, Hong Kong and South Korea have nudged FIIs to sell in India and buy in cheaper markets. This strategy has worked so far this year since these cheaper markets have hugely outperformed India in 2025 till date,” said Dr. VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Investments.
