Indian equity markets are set for a measured start on Tuesday as investors track global geopolitical developments and ongoing corporate earnings announcements. Early indicators show a marginal uptick in Gift Nifty, suggesting a limited positive opening for domestic benchmarks.
As of around 7:15 am, Gift Nifty was trading at 24,369.50, up 28 points or 0.12%, indicating that the market opening is unlikely to be sharp or b. This follows a modest decline in US equity markets on Monday.
US markets ended lower after three consecutive weeks of gains, with the decline attributed primarily to rising tensions between the United States and Iran. The escalation has raised questions over the durability of a recently established temporary ceasefire, increasing caution among global investors.
Global markets presented mixed signals. While US equities closed lower, Asian markets showed mild gains on Tuesday amid expectations that diplomatic engagement between Iran and the United States could progress, potentially easing tensions in the Middle East. According to Tokyo trading hours, S&P 500 futures rose 0.1%, Hang Seng futures gained 0.4%, Japan’s Topix remained largely flat, and Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 advanced 0.2%.
For Indian markets, several factors are expected to influence direction, including mixed global cues, developments in US-Iran relations, the ongoing corporate earnings season, and domestic economic data along with sectoral movements. Investors are also focused on quarterly earnings announcements from major companies.
Key companies scheduled to report fourth-quarter results include HCL Technologies, Nestle India, 360 One WAM, Cyient DLM, Persistent Systems, Tata Elxsi, and Tata Investment Corporation, along with several midcap and smallcap firms. The outcomes are expected to impact the IT, FMCG, and midcap segments.
Among corporate developments, PNB Housing Finance reported a 14.4% increase in net profit to ₹648.7 crore for the January–March quarter, with net interest income rising 8.2%. The board has recommended a dividend of ₹8 per share for FY26.
NELCO reported a profit of ₹1.09 crore for the quarter compared with a loss in the same period last year, alongside a 17.3% increase in revenue.
Indosolar posted a profit of ₹42 crore, while revenue declined sharply, reflecting operational challenges.
SML Isuzu, part of the Mahindra Group, reported improvements in both profit and revenue, indicating stability in the commercial vehicle segment.
TVS Motor Company announced a partnership with Hyundai Motor Company to develop and manufacture electric micromobility three-wheelers, as part of its expansion strategy in the electric vehicle segment.
JSW Steel entered into a joint venture agreement with South Korea’s POSCO to establish a 6 MTPA greenfield steel plant in Odisha, marking a significant investment in India’s steel sector.
AU Small Finance Bank will consider a fund-raising proposal, including a potential qualified institutional placement and other options, on April 27, the same day it is scheduled to announce its quarterly results.
Vedanta stated that its demerger plan will take effect from May 1, following which the company will operate as separate entities across metals, aluminium, and power segments.
According to analysts, the market is currently in a “cautious bullish trend,” with modest gains in Gift Nifty and strength in Asian markets indicating a stable start to trading.
