Pre-Market 17 April 2026: What To Expect After Sensex Fell 122 Points; US–Iran Talks In Focus

Indian equity markets head into Friday’s session after ending slightly lower in the previous trade, with profit booking seen in select heavyweights.

The Sensex fell 122.56 points (0.16%) to close at 77,988.68, while the Nifty 50 slipped 34.55 points (0.14%) to settle at 24,196.75 on 16 April 2026.

What Happened In Thursday’s Session?

Markets opened higher but faced selling pressure at elevated levels. From the day’s high, the Sensex corrected by over 1,000 points. Heavyweights such as HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank and Bharti Airtel shares weighed on the indices.

Despite the weakness in benchmarks, the Nifty Midcap 100 index rose 0.63%, while the Nifty Smallcap 100 index gained 0.89%.

The broader strength also lifted overall market capitalisation, which rose to around ₹461 lakh crore.

Global Cues After Market Hours

In the US, indices opened higher. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by 0.24%. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite also moved slightly higher.

Geopolitical developments are still in focus. Reports indicate that the US and Iran are holding indirect talks to extend the ceasefire beyond 22 April. However, there is still no clarity on the next round of discussions, keeping uncertainty in place.

Asian markets were negative. Japan’s Nikkei fell by 0.88%, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng declined by 0.63%. China’s Shanghai Composite also fell.

European markets showed mixed reactions. FTSE 100 rose while CAC 40 fell.

Oil And Commodities In Focus

Crude oil prices rose 1.4% to $96.24, with markets tracking developments around US–Iran talks.

Any clarity on the ceasefire and supply routes could influence prices in the near term.

GIFT Nifty Update

GIFT Nifty was trading at 24,172.50, up 1.50 points (0.01%) as of 16 April 2026. This suggests a flat start for Indian markets.

Technical Levels To Watch

Markets are now near important levels after recent consolidation.

• Immediate resistance is seen in the 24,320–24,350 range for the Nifty 50 index

• A move above this zone could push the index towards 24,500–24,525

• On the downside, support is placed between 24,000 and 23,900

For the Sensex, resistance is placed near 78,500–78,700, while support is seen around 77,300–77,000. The formation of a small bearish candle suggests some indecision in the near term.

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What Should Investors Expect Today?

The session may begin on a flat note, tracking steady global cues.

Developments around the US–Iran talks will remain in focus. Any updates on the ceasefire could influence sentiment.

After recent gains, markets may remain range-bound. The focus will be on whether the index holds above support levels.

Sources:

Business Today

Mint

Reuters

CNBC TV18