Indian markets eye cautious start as Sensex, Nifty 50 sit near key levels

Markets open steady as investors await fresh global and domestic cues

Written by: Supriya Kadu

Edited by: Pinky Deshmukh

Last Updated: January 12, 2026

Summary: Sensex and Nifty 50 are expected to open modestly amid mixed global cues and sector movements.

Indian markets were set for a cautious start on Monday, with early indicators showing investors were waiting for new triggers ahead of the trading session. GIFT Nifty futures suggested to a muted start for Dalal Street, reflecting traders' patient stance following recent global market volatility.

Global cues were mixed — U.S. markets ended last week with uneven performances, and Asian indices showed a similar patchy pattern in early trade. That backdrop influenced sentiment here, with both the Sensex and Nifty 50 expected to open in a narrow range rather than make a sharp move either way.

Several major stocks were monitored before the market opened. RIL, TCS, HCLTech, and Dmart have all experienced a lot of activity in recent days, and their price adjustments could have an impact on the current market trend. Midcap and smallcap equities, which are sensitive to global sentiment fluctuations, are also expected to attract attention as traders assess their readiness to take risks.

Sector signals pointed to a mixed situation. The technology and consumer sectors displayed some strength, but worries in the financial and energy industries caused caution. Commodity prices, particularly crude oil, were closely studied for their potential impact on inflation predictions and industrial performance.

Another important topic was foreign institutional investor (FII) flows. Overseas buying or selling can have an outsized impact on market direction, especially when domestic triggers are thin. With global markets showing uneven momentum, traders were keenly watching how foreign funds behaved in recent sessions.

As the trading day continued, corporate news—such as quarterly results, earnings estimates, or management commentary—would also be crucial in influencing views on specific stocks or industries.

For the time being, early signs indicated that markets would begin on a balanced note, with buyers and sellers testing each other's resolve while waiting for clearer directional signals. With major indices sitting around significant technical levels, even little movements in big names might influence how the session unfolds.