Stock Market Today: Five Key Factors to Watch for Sensex and Nifty 50 on September 22

Mumbai, September 22, 2026: Indian equity markets are set for a closely watched trading session as global cues remain supportive. Asian markets opened higher, while US equities advanced in the previous session, with the Nasdaq closing at a record high. Investors in India will be tracking global market momentum, Gift Nifty, crude oil prices and other key indicators before the opening bell.

Here are five major factors that could influence the Sensex and Nifty 50 during Tuesday's session.

1. Gift Nifty Signals

Gift Nifty will be one of the first indicators watched by domestic traders before the Indian market opens.

Its movement can provide an early indication of how overseas investors are positioning ahead of the trading session. A positive movement in Gift Nifty, alongside stronger Asian markets, could set the tone for the opening, although actual market direction can change after trading begins.

2. Nasdaq Hits Record Closing High

US markets provided a positive global cue after the Nasdaq reached a record closing high in the previous session.

Strength in technology stocks and broader investor sentiment in the US market can influence Asian equities through global risk appetite.

Investors in India will be watching whether the strength in US equities carries into domestic technology and other growth-oriented stocks.

3. Asian Markets Trade Higher

Asian markets were trading higher on Tuesday, adding another positive signal for regional equities.

Movements in major Asian markets can influence investor sentiment in India, particularly during the opening hours. However, individual markets can respond differently to domestic economic data, currency movements and policy developments.

4. Crude Oil Prices in Focus

Crude oil prices remain an important factor for Indian markets because India imports a substantial portion of its energy requirements.

Changes in oil prices can influence inflation expectations, the country's import bill, corporate costs and the Indian rupee.

A sharp movement in crude oil could therefore become an important factor for sectors such as aviation, transportation, paints, chemicals and other oil-sensitive businesses.

5. Global Market Sentiment

Investors will also monitor developments across global financial markets, including US bond yields, the dollar, foreign institutional flows and upcoming economic data.

Global risk appetite can affect the flow of foreign capital into emerging markets, including India.

Domestic investors will simultaneously track corporate developments, sector-specific news and technical levels for the major indices.