Pre-Market 20 April 2026: What To Expect After Nifty Above 24,300; GIFT Nifty Signals Gap-Up

Indian equity markets head into Monday after closing higher in the previous session, with buying seen in select sectors.

Sentiment remained steady. Volatility eased, and participation widened across the market.

The Sensex rose 292.80 points (0.38%) to end at 78,111.24. The Nifty 50 added 156.80 points (0.65%) to settle at 24,353.55 on 17 April 2026.

What Happened In Friday’s Session?

Markets stayed firm through the day, with buying seen in consumer and metal stocks.

IT stocks, however, remained under pressure after weaker-than-expected quarterly earnings. Heavyweights such as HDFC Bank, Reliance Industries and Hindustan Unilever supported the indices.

Market breadth remained positive. A large number of stocks advanced compared to declines. Both benchmark indices closed higher for the second straight week, gaining around 1.2% during the period.

Volatility eased further. India VIX declined to 17.20, indicating reduced near-term risk.

Global Cues After Market Hours

Global markets ended the week on a strong note.

In the US, indices closed higher. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 868 points (1.79%), while the S&P 500 rose 1.20%. The Nasdaq Composite also advanced 1.52%.

The gains came after comments from US President Donald Trump indicating a pause in further escalation in Lebanon, which supported risk sentiment.

Markets are also tracking developments around US–Iran talks. Optimism around a potential ceasefire has helped reduce concerns over disruptions in key energy routes.

European markets also closed higher. The FTSE 100, DAX and STOXX 600 all closed with gains.

Oil And Commodities In Focus

Brent crude was around $90.38 per barrel, down over 9%. WTI crude dropped over 10% to around $83.85.

The fall suggests that concerns around supply have eased. That has helped sentiment stay stable.

GIFT Nifty Update

The GIFT Nifty was near 24,700, up 280 points (1.15%) as of 18 April 2026. This points to a gap-up start for domestic markets.

The index is now near the 24,700 level, which may act as a key zone in the near term.

Technical Levels To Watch

Markets are approaching important levels after the recent upmove.

• Immediate resistance is seen near the 24,400 zone

• A move above this could push the index towards 24,800–25,000

• On the downside, support is placed between 23,700 and 24,000

The broader structure remains positive, with higher support levels forming.

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What Should Investors Expect Today?

The session may begin on a strong note, tracking firm global cues.

Focus will remain on developments around the US–Iran talks and earnings announcements.

After recent gains, markets may see some volatility during the day. The key will be whether the index sustains above resistance levels.

Sources:

The Economic Times

Business Today