The Indian stock market opened higher on Friday, September 18, 2026, with the Sensex and Nifty gaining in early trade. Easing crude oil prices, positive global market cues and buying at lower levels supported sentiment, although geopolitical concerns and continued foreign investor selling remained a drag on the market.
At 9:23 a.m. IST, the Nifty 50 was up 0.20% at 23,315.80, while the BSE Sensex gained 0.22% to reach 74,474.19.
The early gains came despite continued concerns over tensions in the Middle East and selling by foreign investors. Softer oil prices and stronger overseas markets, however, provided some support to domestic equities.
Why Is the Indian Stock Market Up Today?
One of the key factors supporting Indian equities was the decline in crude oil prices. Brent crude fell around 0.9% to nearly $104 per barrel on Friday.
Investors appeared encouraged by expectations that alternative routes could help maintain some oil supplies from the Middle East despite ongoing conflict-related disruptions. Lower crude prices are important for India because the country depends heavily on oil imports.
A sustained decline in crude prices could help reduce import costs and inflationary pressure while providing some support to the rupee. However, oil prices remain elevated, keeping energy costs an important factor for investors.
Global Markets Provide Support
Positive international cues also lifted sentiment. US equities recovered on Thursday as oil prices and Treasury yields declined.
The S&P 500 advanced 1.1%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.6%. The Nasdaq performed strongly, rising 1.7%.
Asian markets also opened higher on Friday. South Korea’s Kospi gained around 2.1%, while Japan’s Nikkei was up approximately 0.8%. The stronger global backdrop provided additional support to Indian equities at the start of trading.
Bargain Buying After Recent Market Weakness
Buying at lower levels also contributed to Friday’s opening gains as investors looked for opportunities following recent market weakness.
The Nifty 50 had closed at 23,270.60 on September 17, gaining 53 points or 0.23%. The Sensex, however, ended the previous session at 74,314.59, down 21.86 points or 0.03%.
Early market breadth was positive, with 15 of the 16 sectors trading higher, according to Reuters. The small-cap and mid-cap indices also rose around 0.2%.
Tata Group stocks were among those under pressure. TCS, Tata Motors PV, Tata Investment and Tata Chemicals declined between around 2.5% and 7% after gaining earlier in the session.
FII Selling Remains a Key Concern
Foreign investor outflows continued to weigh on the market. According to NSE data, foreign institutional investors sold shares worth ₹3,208.76 crore on September 17. During the same session, domestic institutional investors purchased equities worth ₹3,617.75 crore.
Foreign institutional investors have sold around ₹17,810 crore so far in September. Continued domestic institutional buying has provided some support, but foreign fund outflows remain an important market factor.
For the September 18 trading session, investors are keeping an eye on crude oil prices, developments in the Middle East, foreign fund flows, the rupee and global bond yields. The impact of the US Federal Reserve’s rate decision on global liquidity is also being watched.
The early rise in Indian equities therefore comes amid a mix of supportive global signals, softer oil prices and bargain buying, while geopolitical risks and foreign selling continue to influence market sentiment.