Indian equity markets witnessed a volatile start to the week on Monday after remaining closed on Friday for Muharram. Benchmark indices opened with modest gains but soon turned negative amid selling pressure in IT and select heavyweight stocks. Persistent Systems emerged as the biggest loser after announcing its proposed $1.14 billion acquisition of Germany-based Nagarro. Investors are closely tracking global geopolitical developments, crude oil prices, foreign institutional investor (FII) activity, monsoon progress and the upcoming first-quarter earnings season for further market direction.

Indian benchmark indices ended Thursday with modest gains after surrendering most of their intraday rally during monthly derivatives expiry. The Sensex settled at 77,100.47, up 109 points, while the Nifty closed at 24,056, gaining 34 points. Markets remained closed on Friday on account of Muharram before resuming trade today.

Market participants are closely tracking first-quarter earnings, monsoon progress, crude oil prices, foreign institutional investor (FII) flows, geopolitical developments involving the US and Iran, RBI measures and key global economic data, all of which are expected to influence investor sentiment throughout the week.

GIFT Nifty traded marginally higher at 24,098.50, indicating a flat-to-positive start for Indian equities. Investors remained cautious ahead of key domestic triggers and global developments despite supportive cues from overnight US markets.

Waaree Energies, Kotak Mahindra Bank, HDFC Bank, Strides Pharma and Persistent Systems remained among the key stocks in focus following corporate announcements, sector-specific developments and analyst commentary likely to influence trading activity during the session.

Asian equities opened weaker despite reports suggesting the US and Iran had stepped back from immediate escalation. Oil prices pared gains while US futures edged higher, reflecting cautious optimism among investors ahead of key economic data releases.

Gold prices continued their decline as stronger oil prices and expectations of prolonged higher US interest rates reduced demand for the safe-haven asset. Investors remained focused on geopolitical tensions and the Federal Reserve's policy outlook.

The US dollar remained on course for its strongest monthly performance in nearly a year. Traders awaited crucial US employment data while monitoring tensions in the Gulf, both of which could influence future Federal Reserve policy decisions.

Technical analysts believe the Nifty has room to advance towards the 24,300–25,000 range if it decisively breaks above key resistance levels. However, they continue advising investors to remain selective amid ongoing market volatility.

Foreign institutional investors reduced the pace of equity outflows during June, helped by easing crude oil prices and improving market sentiment. February remains the only month in 2026 in which overseas investors were net buyers of Indian equities.

Anchor investors, including Ares Management, Cerberus Capital Management, Deutsche Bank, Davidson Kempner and Farallon Capital, extended loan-to-value relaxations until September 30, supporting the Shapoorji Pallonji Group's refinancing efforts.

India, China and Hong Kong are among the few major markets where the largest listed companies have lost market-cap share over the past year, reflecting slower participation in the global artificial intelligence-driven equity rally.

Power Finance Corporation and REC approved their merger proposal. REC shareholders will receive 88 PFC shares for every 100 REC shares held, creating what is expected to become India's largest power financing institution after regulatory clearances.

Analysts believe Persistent Systems' proposed acquisition of Germany-based Nagarro could strengthen its European presence and diversify revenue streams. However, the deal's size and integration costs are expected to pressure the stock in the near term.

Economists believe the Reserve Bank of India's recent foreign currency inflow measures may provide short-term relief to the country's balance of payments. However, structural external sector risks continue to remain a concern.

The Indian rupee opened at 94.35 per US dollar, almost unchanged from the previous close of 94.3950, as traders awaited fresh global cues and monitored geopolitical developments affecting currency markets.

Technology companies globally continue raising capital through equity sales, prompting comparisons with the dot-com era. Investors are increasingly concerned that rising equity issuance could pressure valuations and increase financial risks across the sector.

Gold prices slipped after renewed US-Iran tensions pushed crude oil prices higher and strengthened expectations of prolonged higher US interest rates. Spot gold declined 0.7%, while silver also traded lower during early commodity market activity.

Indian benchmark indices began Monday's session on a positive note after the long weekend. The Sensex gained around 100 points while the Nifty crossed the 24,100 mark, supported by buying in select heavyweight stocks before momentum faded.

The benchmarks erased their opening gains as selling pressure intensified across IT and heavyweight stocks. The Sensex slipped around 50 points while the Nifty tested the 24,050 level amid cautious investor sentiment.

Analysts highlighted HDFC Short Term Debt Fund, ICICI Prudential Short Term Fund and Axis Short Term Fund among the preferred choices for investors with one-to-three-year investment horizons seeking stable returns and moderate interest-rate risk.

Selling pressure accelerated during morning trade, dragging the Sensex down more than 200 points. Weakness in IT shares and profit booking across sectors weighed on market sentiment despite supportive macroeconomic factors.

VK Vijayakumar of Geojit Investments said Brent crude remaining below $73 is positive for India despite ongoing US-Iran tensions. However, he cautioned that weak monsoon conditions and first-quarter earnings expectations continue to pose challenges for markets.

Persistent Systems shares plunged close to 8% after announcing its proposed $1.14 billion acquisition of Germany-based Nagarro. Investors remained cautious about the acquisition's financial impact despite analysts highlighting its long-term strategic benefits.

HDFC Bank shares climbed above Rs. 800, signalling a steady recovery after months of sustained declines. Investors are watching whether the stock can maintain momentum and break above key resistance levels in upcoming sessions.

Nifty 50 traded in a narrow range above the 24,000 mark, reflecting cautious investor sentiment. The index remained resilient despite intraday volatility as traders awaited fresh domestic and global market triggers.

The Sensex hovered above the 77,100 mark in volatile trade, reflecting cautious investor sentiment. Traders tracked corporate developments, global cues, crude oil prices and foreign fund flows for directional momentum.

HDFC Bank, Persistent Systems, ICICI Bank, Ramco Systems, BSE and Himadri Specialty Chemical featured among the day's most actively traded stocks, reflecting heightened investor participation and stock-specific action.

Anubhav Plast led the list of the day's most volatile stocks, while Uhm Vacation, IITL Projects, Euphoria Infotech, ABATE AS Industries and Newtrac Foods witnessed sharp price swings during trade.

Viceroy Hotels shares rose after the board approved raising up to Rs. 107 crore through a rights issue for eligible public shareholders. The stock gained nearly 2% during intraday trade.

Lupin shares gained nearly 2% after receiving USFDA tentative approval for Enzalutamide tablets used to treat prostate cancer. The approval covers 40 mg, 80 mg, 120 mg and 160 mg strengths.

Anubhav Plast surged over 623% to top the gainers' list, while Mahalaxmi Rubtech fell 20% to lead losers. Tirupati Forge, Omaxe and Uhm Vacation also witnessed sharp price movements.

Gold and silver prices declined as easing US-Iran tensions dampened safe-haven demand, while crude oil edged higher on supply concerns. Investors now await fresh economic data for clues on Federal Reserve policy.

Markets remained range-bound with Nifty struggling above its 100-day EMA. Analysts see support at 23,900 and resistance at 24,170, while Sensex is expected to trade between 76,400 and 77,400.

Ajanta Pharma shares surged to a fresh high above Rs. 3,400, extending their ongoing rally. Strong buying interest and improving momentum kept the pharmaceutical stock among the market's top outperformers.

Adani Green Energy remained near recent highs despite mild profit booking. The stock continued to trade with strong momentum after a sharp rally, reflecting sustained investor interest in the renewable energy sector.

Adani Energy Solutions said its board will meet on July 1 to consider raising funds through equity shares or other securities via multiple permissible routes. The stock traded nearly 2% lower.

Tata Communications traded near the Rs. 2,000 mark after staging a sharp recovery in recent sessions. The stock maintained bullish momentum as investors closely monitored its next breakout above key resistance levels.

Ashoka Buildcon shares edged higher after securing a $35.42 million highway construction project in Guyana. The overseas order boosted investor sentiment, with trading volumes rising more than 55% over the five-day average.

Power Grid Corporation revoked its exclusion order against KEC International, allowing the company to participate in fresh tenders and contracts. Despite the development, KEC International shares traded over 2% lower.

The Delhi Cabinet has approved a new Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy, expected to take effect from July 1. The policy mandates that only electric auto-rickshaws can be newly registered from January 1, 2027, while new two-wheeler registrations must be electric from April 1, 2028. It also offers a Rs. 1 lakh scrapping incentive for eligible BS-IV four-wheelers to accelerate cleaner mobility adoption.

Allied Blenders & Distillers shares surged nearly 6% after Jefferies reaffirmed its 'Buy' rating with a Rs. 780 target price, boosting investor confidence in the liquor maker's growth prospects.

CLSA retained its 'High Conviction Outperform' rating on Persistent Systems with a Rs. 6,520 target, saying the Nagarro acquisition could deliver around 6% earnings accretion despite the premium valuation.

JPMorgan downgraded Astral and Supreme Industries to 'Neutral', citing valuation risks, slower chemicals growth and potential pressure from PVC price corrections following the proposed business restructuring.

Nomura maintained its 'Buy' rating on Dr Reddy's Laboratories after the USFDA issued seven Form 483 observations, expecting regulatory approval and product launch during Q4 FY27.

Nifty 50 closed below the crucial 24,000 mark after witnessing sustained selling pressure through the session. Weak market breadth and profit booking kept the benchmark under pressure despite a late recovery attempt.

The Sensex ended 372 points lower at 76,728.37 after broad-based profit booking weighed on market sentiment. Weakness in auto and heavyweight stocks offset gains in pharma, healthcare and metal counters.

Jefferies retained its 'Buy' rating on Kotak Mahindra Bank, saying CEO succession could create short-term uncertainty, while leadership quality remains crucial for long-term growth and valuation.

Gold prices declined while crude oil gained around 1% amid shifting global sentiment. The US dollar remained firm against the rupee, with investors tracking commodity prices and geopolitical developments for market cues.

Investec reaffirmed its 'Buy' rating on Astral with a Rs. 1,710 target, expecting the proposed chemicals demerger to improve execution, transparency and long-term shareholder value.

The Nifty Smallcap index fell for a second consecutive session despite gains in Ather Energy, Meesho and Welspun Corp, reflecting continued selling pressure across the broader market.

Persistent Systems, HDFC Bank, MCX, Ramco Systems and Bharti Airtel dominated trading volumes, while Anubhav Plast emerged as the most volatile stock, reflecting heightened investor activity across select counters.

Anubhav Plast soared over 623% to lead the gainers, while Uhm Vacation dropped nearly 20% to top the losers' list as sharp stock-specific moves dominated trading across broader markets.

Shrikant Chouhan of Kotak Securities said benchmark indices ended lower as profit booking intensified. He sees 24,000 on Nifty and 76,800 on Sensex as key support levels. A break below could trigger further weakness, while sustained trade above these levels may push the indices towards 24,200 and 77,500.

LKP Securities' Rupak De said Nifty remained under pressure after slipping below the hourly 50-EMA, with bearish momentum indicators signalling caution. However, he expects the short-term trend to remain positive above 23,800 and recommends a buy-on-dips strategy, with 24,200 acting as immediate resistance.

Market experts believe lower margin requirements, better liquidity, dedicated market makers and supportive regulations are essential for developing India's long-term futures and options market beyond weekly expiry contracts.

Vinod Nair of Geojit Investments said investors remained cautious due to uncertainty over the US-Iran truce, weak Q1FY27 earnings expectations, inflation and monsoon concerns. He added that pharma and healthcare stocks outperformed, while easing FII outflows and global AI sentiment could improve market confidence.

Indian benchmark indices ended lower as profit booking intensified across key sectors. The Sensex declined 372 points, while the Nifty slipped below the 24,000 mark. Pharma and healthcare stocks outperformed, whereas auto and IT shares remained under selling pressure amid cautious investor sentiment.

Dr Reddy's Laboratories emerged among the top community-trending gainers, while Infosys, Axis Bank and Larsen & Toubro traded lower. ICICI Bank and Wipro remained largely stable amid mixed investor sentiment.

Persistent Systems, HDFC Bank, MCX and Ramco Systems dominated trading volumes, while Kush Industries, National Oxygen and Bang Overseas featured among the session's most volatile stocks amid heightened market activity.

Laxmipati Engineering, Silver Pearl Hospitality and Tirupati Forge led the gainers, while Uhm Vacation, Hindustan Adhesives and S.V.J. Enterprises topped the losers as stock-specific volatility dominated trading.

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