Markets Open Flat as Investors Eye Jackson Hole Ahead of Key Global Cues

Sensex, Nifty Steady as Global Investors Focus on Jackson Hole

Written by: Supriya Kadu

Edited by: Pinky Deshmukh

Last Updated: August 21, 2025

Summary: Nifty and Sensex edged up on August 21, supported by financials and Reliance, as investors looked to Jackson Hole for direction.

Mumbai, August 21, 2025 — Indian stock markets began Thursday’s session on a steady note, extending their winning streak for the sixth day, though gains were modest as investors stayed cautious ahead of key global events.

By mid-morning, the Sensex had added 0.35% to trade at 82,146, while the Nifty 50 was up 0.28% at 25,120. Financial stocks and Reliance Industries were the main drivers. Insurance majors HDFC Life and SBI Life saw sharp buying interest after reports suggested possible tax relief on insurance premiums. At the same time, Reliance rose nearly 1.2%, giving a lift to the energy sector.

The positive momentum follows last week’s rally, which was fueled by optimism around upcoming GST reforms and India’s sovereign rating upgrade from S&P. However, IT stocks cooled off slightly, with traders unwilling to take big bets before the Federal Reserve’s Jackson Hole symposium, where signals on future rate cuts are expected.

Foreign portfolio investors continued to book profits for the third straight day, but steady inflows from domestic institutional investors helped cushion the selling pressure.

UltraTech Cement got a lot of attention today when it said it was going to sell some of its shares in India Cements. CAMS (Computer Age Management Services) advanced after getting RBI approval to shift its payments business, and Jupiter Wagons rallied on securing a ₹215-crore order to supply parts for Vande Bharat trains.