🚀 Indian Markets Pre Market Report Today, Apr 24, 2026: GIFT Nifty Signals Mild Positive Start, Crude Oil & Iran-US Tension Remain Biggest Risk

📌 Opening Snapshot: Indian Markets Pre Market Report Today

Indian Markets Pre Market Report Today: Indian markets are likely to open on a cautiously positive note today, April 24, 2026, as GIFT Nifty traded near 24,229–24,259 in early morning trade, indicating a mild recovery attempt after Thursday’s sharp fall. However, the overall mood is still fragile because Brent crude remains above $100, the rupee is under pressure near the 94-per-dollar zone, and the Iran–US tension around the Strait of Hormuz continues to dominate global risk sentiment.

The market may try to recover in the first hour, but traders should avoid aggressive long positions unless Nifty sustains above the 24,300–24,500 resistance zone. The key focus today will be on crude oil, rupee movement, FII selling, Infosys reaction after Q4 results, Reliance Q4 result expectations, and global headlines from the Middle East.

🌍 Global Cues: US, Europe and Asian Market Setup

🇺🇸 US Market Closing Numbers

Wall Street closed lower on April 23 as investors booked profits after record highs and reacted to renewed Iran-related oil supply concerns.

Crude oil also jumped sharply, with WTI settling at $95.85 and Brent settling at $105.07 after signs of escalation in the Middle East.

🇪🇺 Europe Market Closing Numbers

European markets ended mostly flat but cautious. The STOXX 600 closed at 614.20, almost unchanged. France’s CAC 40 rose 0.9%, while Spain’s IBEX 35 fell 0.7%. The main concern was the collapse of US-Iran peace talks and the impact of high energy prices on European growth.

🌏 Asian Market Morning Update

Asian markets were mixed this morning. Japan’s Nikkei 225 gained up to 0.9%, while Topix rose 0.4%. South Korea’s Kospi slipped 0.3%, Hong Kong Hang Seng futures were lower, and Australia’s ASX 200 was down 0.5%. Oil remained the biggest pressure point for Asian equities.

🇮🇳 GIFT Nifty Today Morning Update

GIFT Nifty Futures: around 24,229–24,259
Change: around +104 to +135 points
Indication: Mild positive opening likely

NSE’s early morning market snapshot showed GIFT Nifty Futures at 24,229, up 104.50 points at 7:10 AM IST, while an earlier snapshot showed 24,259.50 at 6:58 AM IST. This suggests that Indian markets may open slightly higher, but the upside may remain limited if crude oil stays firm.

📉 Previous Session Indian Market Outlook

Indian markets closed sharply lower on April 23, dragged by financials, autos, IT, foreign selling, crude oil pressure and rupee weakness.

Reuters reported that 13 of 16 major sectors declined, with auto stocks down 2.4%, financials down 1.4%, and IT also under pressure. Pharma was the only strong pocket, helped by Cipla’s gain after US FDA approval news.

📊 Indian Markets Pre Market Report Today’s Current Key Levels: Nifty 50, Bank Nifty and Sensex

🔹 Nifty 50 Key Levels

Last close: 24,173.05

Immediate support:

• 24,139
• 24,098
• 24,031

Major support zone:

• 24,000–23,900

Immediate resistance:

• 24,273
• 24,314
• 24,381

Major resistance zone:

• 24,500–24,600

Moneycontrol’s trade setup shows that if Nifty breaks below 24,100, the index may move towards 24,000–23,900. On the upside, 24,500–24,600 remains the key supply zone.

🔹 Bank Nifty Key Levels

Last close: 56,305

Immediate support:

• 56,215
• 56,061
• 55,812

Major support zone:

• 55,900–55,800

Immediate resistance:

• 56,713
• 56,866
• 57,115

Major resistance zone:

• 57,000–57,500

Bank Nifty has weakened after slipping below key moving averages. If it breaks below 55,800, further downside towards 55,500 and 55,200 cannot be ruled out.

🔹 Sensex Key Levels

Last close: 77,664

Support zone: 77,000–77,100
Resistance zone: 78,200–78,300

For Sensex, the near-term outlook remains cautious. A bounce may face selling pressure unless supported by strong buying in banks, Reliance, Infosys and heavyweight private financials.

🧾 Open Interest, Put-Call Ratio and India VIX

The derivatives setup is still cautious.

Nifty Options Data

• Maximum Call OI: 24,500 strike, around 1.06 crore contracts
• Maximum Put OI: 24,000 strike, around 69.73 lakh contracts
• Key resistance: 24,300–24,500
• Key support: 24,000–24,200
• PCR: around 0.85, showing cautious sentiment

Fresh Call writing near 24,200–24,500 means traders are not expecting a smooth rally unless the index breaks above this zone with volume.

Bank Nifty Options Data

• Maximum Call OI: 57,000 strike
• Maximum Put OI: 55,000 strike
• Immediate resistance: 56,500–57,000
• Immediate support: 56,000–55,800

India VIX

India VIX closed at 18.59, up 1.58%. A move above 19–20 may again increase fear in the market, while a fall below 16 can bring comfort for bulls.

🏦 FII and DII Data

Institutional flows remain a concern.

For April so far, FIIs remain strong sellers, while DIIs are trying to absorb part of the pressure. Kotak Neo data shows month-to-date FII selling of about ₹47,536 crore, while DIIs bought around ₹34,778 crore.

This means the market needs either strong domestic buying or easing crude pressure to sustain a meaningful recovery.

🛢️ Commodity Market Update: Crude Oil, Gold and Silver

Crude Oil

Crude remains the biggest risk for India.

• Brent crude: settled near $106.02/bbl
• WTI crude: settled near $96.85/bbl

The MCX crude oil contract surged as US-Iran talks stalled and restrictions around the Strait of Hormuz continued to worry global energy markets.

Gold and Silver

• MCX Gold: around ₹1,52,142 per 10 grams, down 0.34%
• MCX Silver: around ₹2,42,213 per kg, down 2.48%

Gold and silver remained volatile as higher crude, a stronger dollar and interest-rate concerns affected precious metals.

💱 Currency Market Update

The rupee remains under heavy pressure.

• Rupee close: 94.1050 per US dollar
• USDINR futures: around 94.0925

Reuters reported that the rupee fell for the fourth straight session, its worst losing streak since mid-January, as crude oil stayed above $100 and the Iran-US situation added pressure.

A weak rupee is negative for import-heavy sectors and may increase inflation risk if crude stays elevated.

⚔️ Iran-US War / Global News Impact on Indian Market

The market is still reacting to the Middle East conflict.

Key updates:

• Iran displayed control over the Strait of Hormuz after commandos stormed a cargo ship.
• US-Iran peace talks have not shown clear progress.
• Crude oil prices are rising because traders fear supply disruption.
• India is vulnerable because high crude increases import costs, weakens the rupee and pressures inflation.

For Indian markets, this means:

• Oil marketing companies may stay under pressure.
• Paints, aviation, logistics and auto may react negatively to higher fuel costs.
• Export-focused IT and pharma may get some currency support, but weak global spending can cap upside.
• Banks may stay volatile due to FII selling and macro uncertainty.

🧑‍💻 Q4 Results Focus: Two Major Growth Stocks

1️⃣ Infosys Q4 FY26 Result Update

Infosys reported strong Q4 numbers, but guidance remains a key concern.

Key numbers:

• Net profit: ₹8,501 crore, up around 21% YoY
• Revenue: ₹46,402 crore, up 13.4% YoY
• Dividend: ₹25 per share
• FY27 revenue growth guidance: 1.5%–3.5% in constant currency

The result beat estimates, but the FY27 growth guidance was weaker than analyst expectations. Infosys ADRs also reacted negatively in the US because investors were worried about AI-led spending caution and weak discretionary demand.

Technical outlook: Infosys may remain volatile today. A gap-down or weak opening is possible if ADR weakness reflects in domestic trade. Long-term investors can watch for accumulation only on deeper corrections, while short-term traders should avoid chasing early moves.

2️⃣ Reliance Industries Q4 Result Today

Reliance Industries will be in focus as its board meets today, April 24, to consider Q4 FY26 results and a dividend. The market will closely watch O2C margins, Jio ARPU, retail growth, debt levels, and any Jio IPO-related commentary.

Technical outlook: RIL can decide the market direction today because of its large index weight. If results expectations remain positive and crude volatility does not hurt sentiment badly, the stock may support Nifty. However, weak O2C commentary or pressure on margins can cap market recovery.

🏛️ SEBI Updates and Market Impact

The most important current regulatory theme for traders remains SEBI’s stricter framework around algorithmic trading and F&O risk controls.

SEBI’s official circular on safer participation of retail investors in algorithmic trading was issued earlier, and implementation timelines were extended through a later circular. The framework focuses on approval, identification and audit trails for algo orders.

Market impact:

• Retail API/algo traders need more compliance.
• Brokers will be more careful with order tagging and risk controls.
• Intraday and F&O traders may face stricter execution rules.
• This is positive for long-term market safety but may reduce aggressive speculative activity.

🧾 Indian Markets Pre Market Report Today’s IPO Market Update

Primary market activity is selective.

Current IPO

Adisoft Technologies SME IPO

• Open: Apr 23–Apr 27, 2026
• Price band: ₹163–₹172
• Issue size: around ₹74 crore
• Listing expected: Apr 30, 2026

Existing / Recently Closed IPOs

Mehul Telecom IPO

• Price band: ₹96–₹98
• Closed: Apr 21
• Subscription: around 41.81x
• Listing: Apr 24

Citius Transnet InvIT IPO

• Issue price: ₹100
• Subscription: around 20.43x
• Listing expected: Apr 29

Upcoming IPO Watch

Amba Auto Sales & Services SME IPO is expected to open from Apr 27–Apr 29 with a price band of ₹130–₹135. NSE IPO, Reliance Jio IPO and OYO IPO remain in the upcoming watchlist but without final dates.

📌 Sector Watch for Today

Positive / Defensive Watch

• Pharma: may stay defensive after previous session strength.
• IT: stock-specific reaction after Infosys result.
• FMCG: may attract defensive buying if market volatility rises.
• Exporters: may benefit from weaker rupee, but global demand risk remains.

Negative / Cautious Watch

• Auto: pressure due to crude and inflation concerns.
• Banks: weak Bank Nifty structure and FII selling.
• Aviation and logistics: higher fuel cost risk.
• OMCs and paint companies: crude-sensitive sectors may remain volatile.

💼 Investment View: Short Term and Long Term

Short-Term View

Short-term traders should remain selective. The market may open positive because of GIFT Nifty, but the larger structure remains cautious below Nifty 24,500–24,600. Avoid overtrading in the first 30 minutes. Crude oil, rupee and Bank Nifty will decide intraday direction.

Indian Markets Pre Market Report Today’s Long-Term View

Long-term investors should not panic, but fresh buying should be staggered. Good quality large-cap banks, IT leaders, pharma, consumption and energy transition stocks can be accumulated only on dips. Avoid low-quality momentum stocks in a volatile macro environment.

🔮 Indian Markets Pre Market Report Today’s Market Forecast: 5 Key Points

1. Opening likely mildly positive as GIFT Nifty indicates a recovery attempt.
2. Nifty must sustain above 24,300 for intraday confidence; otherwise selling may return.
3. Crude oil above $100 remains the biggest risk for India’s inflation, rupee and market sentiment.
4. Bank Nifty below 56,700 stays weak, with 55,800 as the crucial downside level.
5. Infosys and Reliance will be key stock-specific triggers for today’s market direction.

👉Further reading

Bullish Indian Markets Weekly View (Apr 20–Apr 24, 2026): Key Levels, Q4 Results, IPOs, FII/DII Data & Market Outlook

Top 5 Indian Stocks Q4 Results Analysis (FY26) With CMP, Fundamentals, Technical View, Dividend, Peers & Investment Outlook

Stock Market 101 – Lesson 26: Management Discussion (MD&A): How to Read Promoter Confidence

Rupee Volatility and RBI Action: Why India’s Currency Shock Matters to Every Investor Right Now

⚠️ Disclaimer:

This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not investment advice, stock recommendation, or trading call. Stock market investments are subject to market risk. Please consult a SEBI-registered financial advisor before making any investment or trading decision.