Pre-Market 21 April 2026: What To Expect After Sensex At 78,520; Oil Rises, GIFT Nifty Indicates Flat Start

Indian equity markets head into Tuesday after ending almost unchanged in the previous session.

The day saw sharp swings, but gains did not hold at higher levels.

The Sensex rose 27 points to close at 78,520. The Nifty 50 added 11 points to finish at 24,365 on 20 April 2026.

What Happened in Monday’s Session?

Markets opened weak but saw a recovery during the first half of the session.

However, gains were not sustained. The Nifty faced resistance near the 24,450–24,500 zone and slipped towards the close.

PSU banks and select metal stocks supported the indices. Names like SBI, ICICI Bank, JSW Steel and NTPC were among the key contributors. On the other hand, IT stocks remained under pressure.

Global Cues After Market Hours

Global markets showed mixed trends after Indian trading hours.

In the US, indices eased from recent highs. The S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average, and Nasdaq slipped after a strong rally last week.

Sentiment was affected by fresh tensions around the US–Iran situation. Concerns over the ceasefire further weighed on risk appetite.

Oil prices moved higher. US crude rose around 6%, reflecting renewed uncertainty around supply routes.

Asian markets, however, were positive. Japan’s Nikkei rose 1.31%, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng gained 0.13%. China’s Shanghai Composite also moved higher.

European markets traded lower. The FTSE 100, CAC 40 and DAX declined during the session.

GIFT Nifty Update

GIFT Nifty was around 24,423.50, up 82 points (0.34%) as of 20 April 2026.

The uptick is modest and suggests a flat start. Early trade may stay within a narrow range. The index is still close to the 24,400 mark, which remains important in the near term.

Technical Levels To Watch

Markets are now near key levels after recent consolidation.

• Immediate resistance is seen around 24,450–24,500

• A move above this zone could push the index towards 24,650

• On the downside, support is placed between 24,230 and 24,100

The inability to move past resistance suggests some caution at higher levels.

Also Read - Post Market, 20 April 2026

What Should Investors Expect Today?

The session may start on a steady note, in line with mixed global cues.

Focus will stay on developments around the US–Iran situation. Oil prices are reacting to these headlines, and markets are watching closely.

After the recent sideways move, the market will possibly stay in a narrow range.

Sources:

CNBC TV18

Reuters