Indian equity markets are set for a holiday-shortened week driven by global cues, FPI inflows, and major Q2 earnings, with special Muhurat trading marking the start of Samvat 2082.
Key Market Drivers This Week
- Global cues and foreign fund flows to influence sentiment
- Q2 earnings from heavyweight companies like Reliance, HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank
- Muhurat trading session on October 21 (1:45 pm – 2:45 pm)
- FPI inflows of nearly ₹6,480 crore in October after three months of outflows
Holiday Schedule and Trading Hours
Both BSE and NSE will remain closed for regular trading on Tuesday due to Diwali. A special Muhurat trading session will be conducted on October 21 between 1:45 pm and 2:45 pm, marking the beginning of Samvat 2082. Markets will also remain shut on Wednesday for Diwali Balipratipada.
Heavyweight Earnings to Set Market Direction
The truncated week will see investors reacting to quarterly results from major companies including Reliance Industries, HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank. According to Ajit Mishra, SVP – Research at Religare Broking Ltd, the event-heavy week will keep traders alert as earnings from sectoral leaders continue.
“The Q2 FY26 earnings season will remain in focus with key updates expected from Colgate, Hindustan Unilever, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, and SBI Life Insurance,” Mishra added.
FPIs Return as Buyers After Three Months
Foreign portfolio investors have turned net buyers after consistent outflows over the past three months, infusing nearly ₹6,480 crore into Indian equities so far in October. This rebound is attributed to strong domestic macroeconomic indicators and improving global risk sentiment.
Pravesh Gour, Senior Technical Analyst at Swastika Investmart, noted that upcoming results from FMCG and pharma majors will be key sentiment drivers. “Any relief in US-China trade tensions could further boost investor mood,” he added.
Market Resilience Despite Global Headwinds
Indian equities ended last week strongly, with the Sensex climbing 1,451.37 points (1.75%) and the Nifty advancing 424.5 points (1.67%).
Ponmudi R, CEO of Enrich Money, observed that domestic markets have shown remarkable resilience despite global volatility from renewed trade tensions, US banking stress, and commodity fluctuations. “The strong liquidity and unwavering investor confidence have helped Indian markets scale fresh 52-week highs,” he said.
