1106: Marketbuzz Podcast with Ekta Batra: Sensex, Nifty 50 likely headed for muted opening

Indian benchmark indices — Sensex and Nifty 50 — are likely to make a flat start in the trading session of September 28, as global markets continue to weigh down sentiment. Investor confidence worldwide is experiencing a dip, primarily due to the surge in crude oil prices and rising yields. Brent crude prices have surged to approximately $97 per barrel, marking the highest level witnessed in 2023, attributed to factors like a constrained global supply.

In the recent overnight session, the US market witnessed a downturn, while European markets concluded at a six-month low. Asian markets, on the other hand, demonstrated a mixed trend. Notably, in China, property developer Evergrande Group has decided to halt trading in Hong Kong, along with its electric vehicle and property services divisions, following reports suggesting the arrest of founder Hui Ka Yan by authorities.

Adding to the mix, as September approaches its end with two trading sessions remaining, Indian equities are on track to experience their first outflows from Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPI) in seven months. FPIs have withdrawn over $1.5 billion from Indian equities this month, prompted by rising bond yields and a stronger US Dollar, leading them to exercise caution and reevaluate their positions.

September 28 also marks the settlement day for the futures and options contract for the September series. On the macroeconomic front, India's core industry data is scheduled for release later in the day, while globally, the US GDP and initial jobless claims are awaited for further insights.

Tune in to the podcast for more news and cues ahead of today’s session