Stock market outlook: Sensex, Nifty flat start expected as GIFT Nifty dips

Indian stock markets are expected to open flat on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, as GIFT Nifty traded around 22,800, down nearly 29 points from the previous close, signaling a muted start for the Sensex and Nifty. On Tuesday, both benchmark indices fell for a second consecutive session to six-month lows, pressured by elevated crude oil prices and rising global bond yields. The Nifty 50 closed 0.42% lower at 22,683, while the Sensex declined 0.40% to 72,480, with broader markets also dropping over 0.50%. Asian markets opened higher on Wednesday, with South Korea's Kospi rising 1.17%, Japan's Nikkei 225 gaining 1.4%, and Taiwan's TAIEX up 1.14%. US stock futures ended lower for a second day on Tuesday, with the Dow falling 0.3%, S&P 500 down 0.2%, and Nasdaq edging 0.1% lower.