The GIFT Nifty, an early indicator for the benchmark Nifty 50, is up 1.27% at 23,992 as of 6:53 a.m., signaling a positive opening for Monday's trading session. According to reports from NDTV Profit, equity-index futures for the US (S&P 500) and Europe (Euro Stoxx 50) rose 0.71% and 0.53% respectively, indicating broad-based global market strength. Benchmark indices ended Friday higher, with Nifty 50 closing at 23,719.30, up 0.27%, and Sensex at 75,415.35, up 0.31%. For the week, Nifty rose 0.32% while Sensex gained 0.37%, marking a marginal increase over the period. However, Monday's session faces unique challenges as US markets are closed for Memorial Day holiday, removing the overnight directional cue that Indian traders rely on for opening positioning. As per Univest analysts, the first 15-minute candle after the 9:15 AM IST open will entirely determine Monday's direction, with Asian market cues at 7:00 AM IST and Iran weekend news being key factors to watch.
Several companies reported their Q4 FY26 results post-market hours, with mixed performance across sectors. LIC delivered strong results with net premium income up 11.6% at ₹1.65 lakh crore and net profit surging 23.2% to ₹23,420 crore. The insurance giant also declared a final dividend of ₹10 per share and set May 29 as the record date for a 1:1 bonus issue. Nykaa showed robust growth with revenue up 28.4% at ₹2,648 crore and net profit jumping 286.2% to ₹78.4 crore. In the healthcare sector, Narayana Hrudayalaya reported revenue growth of 75.8% at ₹2,594 crore with net profit up 16.3% to ₹228 crore, while Max Healthcare posted 10% revenue growth at ₹2,664 crore. Trent emerged as a standout performer with a 3.01% gain to ₹4,296, reflecting strong earnings momentum and the Dow Jones reaching a fresh record of 50,580, which extends the consumer discretionary recovery. Aurobindo Pharma reported a 2% year-on-year increase in consolidated profit after tax to ₹9.2 billion in Q4 FY26, compared to ₹9 billion in the corresponding quarter last year. Info Edge showed strong growth with revenue from operations of ₹8.7 billion, marking a 16% year-on-year increase from ₹7.5 billion in the corresponding quarter last year. Page Industries delivered impressive results with net profit up 9% to ₹1.79 billion and revenue from operations rising 14% to ₹12.53 billion in Q4 FY26, with sales volume growing 10.8% to 54.5 million pieces.
Several companies announced significant corporate actions and strategic moves. Eicher Motors plans to acquire a 50% stake in Volvo Financial Services via a ₹750 crore investment, effectively forming a 50:50 joint venture. Maruti Suzuki announced price hikes of up to ₹30,000 across its portfolio effective June, passing on sustained input cost increases to the market. Tata Capital successfully allotted NCDs worth ₹2,950 crore on a private placement basis, while Adani Ports completed the acquisition of Jaypee Fertilisers and announced incorporation of a new subsidiary. Union Bank's board will meet on May 26 to consider fundraising options via QIP, rights issue, or other instruments. The Nifty Private Bank index was the top sectoral outperformer on 22 May, led by Axis Bank (+2.52%), ICICI Bank (+1.91%) and Kotak Mahindra Bank (+1.06%). Bank Nifty at 54,055 and DII buying of ₹6,003.53 crore underpin the sector, with private bank outperformance expected to continue on Monday. Ramco Systems reported exceptional growth with net profit surging 371.75% to ₹250.5 million in Q4 FY26, while revenue from operations increased 19% to ₹1.85 billion and EBITDA margin improved significantly to 24% from 14% a year earlier. Sun TV Network faced challenges with net profit declining 37.4% to ₹2.32 billion and revenue falling 6.2% to ₹8.83 billion in the March quarter.
The rupee rose for the second consecutive session on Friday to close at 95.69 against the US dollar, supported by softening crude oil prices and supposed Reserve Bank intervention. According to NDTV Profit, forex traders found comfort after comments from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio hinted that diplomatic talks linked to the Iran situation were moving in a constructive direction. Nifty May futures is down 0.14% to 23,635.00 at a premium of 19.7 points, while Nifty Options 26th May Expiry shows maximum call open interest at 25,000 and maximum put open interest at 22,500. The currency's strength reflects positive domestic equities and a decline in US treasury yields. With crude at $105.56 and Iran deal negotiations active, energy stocks are the highest-variance sector, with a confirmed deal over the weekend potentially pushing crude below $95 per barrel, which would be the single most positive catalyst for IOC, BPCL and HPCL. Indian benchmark indices traded positive throughout the session and ultimately closed green, with BSE Sensex closing 232 points higher (up 0.3%) and NSE Nifty closing 64 points higher (up 0.2%). Trent, Axis Bank, and ICICI Bank were the top gainers, while Sun Pharma, ITC, and Power Grid Corp were among the top losers. Sectoral indices were trading mixed with healthcare and power sectors witnessing selling pressure, while banking and metal sectors saw buying activity.
Ajmera Realty & Infra India Ltd, Amara Raja Energy & Mobility Ltd, Awfis Space Solutions Ltd, Container Corporation of India Ltd, Entero Healthcare Solutions Ltd, Fiem Industries Ltd, IFB Industries Ltd, Insolation Energy Ltd, Jindal Worldwide Ltd, KSH International Ltd, NBCC (India) Ltd, NESCO Ltd, Pine Labs Ltd, Poly Medicure Ltd, Hitachi Energy India Ltd, Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd, Saksoft Ltd, Shriram Properties Ltd, Sudarshan Chemical Industries Ltd, Suprajit Engineering Ltd, Surya Roshni Ltd, Suzlon Energy Ltd, Yatharth Hospital & Trauma Care Services Ltd are among the companies reporting earnings today. As reported by NDTV Profit, the earnings calendar includes major companies across sectors, with focus on their quarterly performance and management commentary. Nifty Pharma underperformed on 22 May following Sun Pharma's results-driven sell-off to ₹1,840, with the stock market predictions for tomorrow for pharma on Monday being cautiously stabilisation. A Sun Pharma recovery above ₹1,860 would signal the EBITDA margin sell-off was overdone and reverse sector sentiment. Page Industries announced a fourth interim dividend of ₹150 per equity share with a record date of May 27, 2026, to be paid on or before June 19, 2026. Ramco Systems reported strong order bookings of USD 51.7 million for the quarter with a cash balance of USD 13.3 million, providing a robust foundation for future growth.
