Stock Market Today: GIFT Nifty Signals Weak Opening for Sensex, Nifty 50; Wipro, Nestlé and Tech Mahindra in Focus
Indian equity markets are expected to face a cautious start on Thursday, October 15, as weakness across global technology stocks, rising crude oil prices and concerns about US inflation weigh on investor sentiment. The Sensex and Nifty 50 will also be influenced by fresh quarterly earnings from major companies, including Wipro, Nestlé India and Tech Mahindra.
GIFT Nifty is an important indicator of the market’s potential opening direction. However, its latest live reading should be checked before publication, as futures prices can change quickly before the Indian market opens.
The previous session ended lower. On Wednesday, October 14, the Nifty 50 declined 99 points, or 0.44%, to close at 22,622.70, while the BSE Sensex fell 0.34% to 72,781.89. Higher oil prices and continued foreign investor outflows weighed on sentiment.
1. GIFT Nifty and Global Market Cues
Investors will monitor GIFT Nifty for clues about the opening direction of domestic benchmarks. A weaker futures signal can indicate a lower start, but it does not guarantee how the market will trade throughout the session.
Global markets are facing pressure after US inflation data came in hotter than expected. Asian shares fell on Thursday, led by sharp losses in South Korea and weakness in Japan. Technology and artificial-intelligence-linked stocks were among the sectors under pressure.
The direction of global technology shares is particularly relevant for Indian IT companies, which generate a substantial portion of their revenue from overseas clients.
2. US Inflation and Federal Reserve Policy
Fresh concerns about US inflation have raised questions about the future path of interest rates. Higher rates can increase borrowing costs and put pressure on equity valuations, particularly in sectors where share prices depend heavily on expectations of future growth.
Reuters reported that the stronger US inflation reading increased market expectations of another Federal Reserve rate increase. Investors will watch further economic data and comments from central-bank officials for clues about monetary policy.
For Indian markets, changes in US bond yields, the dollar and global risk appetite can influence foreign portfolio investment and currency movements.
3. Crude Oil Prices Remain a Key Risk
Crude oil remains another important factor for Indian equities. Higher oil prices can increase India's import bill and add pressure to inflation, corporate costs and the current-account balance.
Energy supply concerns have pushed oil prices higher amid renewed tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, according to Reuters.
Investors will monitor energy prices closely because sustained increases could affect sectors such as aviation, paints, chemicals, logistics and oil-dependent manufacturing.
4. Wipro Q2 Results in Focus
Wipro is scheduled to announce its September-quarter results on October 15. Investors will look at revenue growth, operating margins, demand conditions and management's outlook for the coming quarter.
Analysts have highlighted weak demand, pricing pressure and the potential impact of artificial intelligence on traditional IT services as factors to watch. The company's guidance for the next quarter could be particularly important in shaping market expectations.
The results may also influence sentiment towards other listed Indian IT companies.
5. Nestlé India and Tech Mahindra Earnings
Nestlé India is also scheduled to report its Q2 FY2027 results on Thursday. Investors will focus on sales growth, demand, product volumes, margins and the impact of input costs.
Brokerage previews have pointed to the possibility of improved revenue growth, supported by consumer demand and distribution strength, although actual results may differ from estimates.
Tech Mahindra is another major company on the earnings calendar. Investors will examine its revenue performance, profitability, deal wins and commentary on demand from global clients. Its results could provide additional information about the recovery prospects of the IT services sector.
What Should Investors Watch Today?
Market participants will track several developments during Thursday's session:
• GIFT Nifty's latest movement before the opening bell.
• Asian market performance and overnight US trading.
• Crude oil prices and developments affecting global energy supplies.
• Wipro, Nestlé India and Tech Mahindra's quarterly results.
• Foreign institutional investor activity and the movement of the rupee.
• Company guidance and broader market breadth after Wednesday's decline.
A weak opening does not necessarily mean that the market will remain lower throughout the day. Corporate earnings, global cues and intraday buying or selling can change the direction of both benchmark indices.
Market takeaway: Thursday's trading is likely to be shaped by a combination of global risk sentiment and domestic earnings. Investors should verify live market data and company announcements before making trading decisions.