Gift Nifty Signals Positive Open Amid US-Iran Uncertainty

Indian equity markets are set for a cautiously positive open, with Gift Nifty signaling an upward start for the Sensex and Nifty 50. HDFC and ICICI Bank are in focus, suggesting that large-cap financial stocks will drive early session direction. The domestic setup contrasts with a mixed broader environment across Asian markets. US stock futures declined as uncertainty around US-Iran peace talks added geopolitical pressure to global sentiment. The tension between diplomatic progress and renewed friction in US-Iran negotiations is feeding risk aversion in US futures, with a direct knock-on effect on Asian market momentum. Traders will watch whether domestic institutional buying in banking heavyweights like HDFC and ICICI can insulate the Nifty 50 from external headwinds. The interplay between global risk-off signals and a Gift Nifty positive read will likely define intraday volatility. Any escalation in US-Iran talks or a shift in US futures trajectory before the Indian open could quickly reprice the early positive bias.