Pre-Market 17 September 2026: Fed Rate Hike In Focus; GIFT Nifty Hints At Negative Start

Indian equities are set to enter Thursday’s session after Wednesday’s rebound. The Fed decision, oil prices and global cues will be on the radar as trade resumes.

Indian Markets Recap

Indian benchmarks closed higher on Wednesday after the sharp fall in the previous session. The Nifty 50 gained 99 points, or 0.43%, to close at 23,217.60, while the Sensex rose 332.63 points, or 0.45%, to 74,336.45.

Nifty FMCG rose 1.63%, while Nifty PSU Bank gained 1.44%. Metal, auto and media stocks also ended higher. IT and pharma stocks, however, moved in the opposite direction after their recent outperformance.

Brent crude remained around $108 a barrel, while the rupee settled at 95.95 against the US dollar.

Global Markets

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 1.21% to close at 51,461.90. The S&P 500 added 0.45% to close at 7,551.81. The Nasdaq Composite index fell 0.01% to close at 25,978.42.

In Europe, the FTSE 100 closed at 10,688.47, up 0.28%. France’s CAC 40 finished 0.62% higher at 8,140.59.

Asian markets followed the positive trend. Japan’s Nikkei 225 gained 0.69% to 63,923, while South Korea’s Kospi added 1.37% to 6,717.97.

GIFT Nifty Update

At 7:37 am on 17 September 2026, GIFT Nifty was trading at 23,204, down 63 points. The movement points to a negative start for Indian equities.

Nifty Technical View

• Nifty 50 is sitting close to the 23,100-23,000 support zone.

• Consolidation could continue unless the index reclaims and sustains above 23,600.

• A sustained move above that level could bring 23,800 into focus, while a break below the lower support zone would keep 23,000 on the radar.

What To Watch For In Thursday's Trade?

The Fed’s policy decision will set the tone for today’s session. Domestic traders will also track the rupee, oil prices and the response of banking and large-cap stocks after Wednesday's rebound. Any fresh change in Middle East supply conditions could quickly feed into crude and currency markets.

Also Read - US Fed Meeting Highlights: Rate Hike Expected As Markets Await Kevin Warsh's Guidance