Indian equity benchmark indices, the Sensex and Nifty, started the trading session on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, on a positive note amid mixed global cues after crude oil prices cooled slightly following reports that US President Donald Trump postponed a potential military strike on Iran. While the 30-share BSE Sensex gained 126.23 points or 0.16 per cent to start the session at 75,441.27, the Nifty added 25.35 points to open at 23,675.30. In the last trading session, the Sensex closed at 75,315.04 and the Nifty 50 at 23,649.95. Similarly, the broader indices traded in the green in the opening session. While the BSE Midcap Select Index gained 90.09 points, the BSE Smallcap Select Index added 36.14 points or 0.44 per cent, to trade at 8,284.82.
From the Sensex pack, Infosys, Tech Mahindra, TCS, HCL Tech and Bajaj Finance were in green with Infosys leading the pack by gaining 3.13 per cent in the early trade. On the other hand, Titan, Eternal. UltraTech Cement, Power Grid, and BEL were in the red, with Titan being the top loser by falling over 0.75 per cent.
In early trade, market breadth was positive, with 2,058 stocks advancing against 697 stocks declining on the NSE. 73 stocks remained unchanged.
What did Gift Nifty indicate?
Gift Nifty, an early indicator for the Nifty 50, hinted at a cautious start as it opened with a loss of 68.5 points at 23,686, compared to the previous close of 23,617.50. Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) extended their buying momentum and bought equities worth Rs 2,813.69 crore on May 18. Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) turned buyers, purchasing equities worth Rs 2,682.12 crore.
“Both Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) and Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) remained net buyers, helping stabilise sentiment after recent sharp corrections. Sustaining these institutional inflows will remain critical for bulls if markets attempt to build further upside momentum,” said Hariprasad K, SEBI-registered Research Analyst and Founder, Livelong Wealth.
Asian Markets Today
Asian markets traded mixed as oil prices softened after President Donald Trump signalled a pause on additional military action. Japan’s Nikkei 225 was down by 415.95 points or 0.68 per cent at 60,400 at the time of writing the report. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng was up by 96.82 points or 0.38 per cent. However, South Korea’s Kospi traded in the red with a drop of 3.80 per cent at the time of writing the report. But Shanghai’s SSE Composite index was up by 0.93 points or 0.02 per cent.
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(This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, financial, or other advice.)
