Indian markets set for muted start as global cues stay mixed

Indian equities are set to open on a muted note on Friday, 18 September, as global cues remain mixed. The pre‑market Gift Nifty hovered near 23,348 points, a premium of roughly 15 points over the prior close of Nifty futures. In the last trading session, the two main benchmarks finished with opposite moves. The Sensex slipped 21.86 points, or 0.03%, closing at 74,314.59. Meanwhile, the Nifty 50 rose 53 points, a 0.23% gain, to end at 23,270.60. The flat trend on the Gift Nifty live chart reinforces the expectation of little volatility at the open. Analysts advise watching key resistance and support zones, as geopolitical concerns continue to influence sentiment. Traders should note the narrow divergence between the indices, which could signal a short‑term balance between buying and selling pressure. The muted opening is likely to reflect the mixed signals from overseas markets, where mixed earnings reports and cautious policy stances have kept investors on the fence. Trading volume is expected to stay below the daily average, adding to the subdued atmosphere. Investors may keep an eye on commodity prices, especially crude oil and gold, which often affect market direction. Overall, the market appears poised for a cautious start pending further cues from global developments.