Sensex, Nifty live updates | April 13, 2026: Indian equity markets are headed for a weak start on Monday, with GIFT Nifty indicating a sharp gap-down opening after US–Iran talks failed to produce an agreement, reviving fears of a prolonged conflict in West Asia and fresh disruption to global energy supplies.
The risk-off mood deepened after US President Donald Trump announced a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, accusing Iran of failing to honour commitments on keeping the strategic oil route open. The development has sharply escalated concerns over global crude flows, with nearly a fifth of the world’s oil supply passing through the corridor.
Weak opening signal
- GIFT Nifty: 23,778
- Down: 323 points (1.34%)
- Indicates a negative opening for Sensex and Nifty
The weak indication follows a sharp spike in crude prices and broad-based weakness across Asian equities.
Global markets under pressure
Asian markets traded lower as investors digested the collapse of negotiations and rising conflict risk.
- Nikkei 225: down 0.71%
- Kospi: down 0.75%
- CSI 300: down 0.12%
- Hang Seng: lower by nearly 1.5%
Wall Street ended mixed on Friday as investors stayed cautious ahead of the weekend.
- Dow Jones: 47,916.57 (-0.56%)
- S&P 500: 6,816.89 (-0.11%)
- Nasdaq: 22,902.89 (+0.35%)
US futures were also trading lower, reflecting renewed geopolitical stress.
Oil jumps above $100
Crude emerged as the biggest trigger for today’s trade after the Hormuz blockade threat intensified supply concerns.
- Brent crude: $101.91/barrel (+7.05%)
- WTI crude: $104.16/barrel (+7.86%)
The spike in oil is a major negative for India, especially for sectors such as:
- aviation
- paints
- oil marketing companies
- logistics
- autos
A sustained move above $100 per barrel could also worsen inflation expectations and complicate the RBI’s rate trajectory.
Foreign selling pressure remains intense
Foreign portfolio investors continued heavy selling in April.
- April outflow so far: ₹48,213 crore
- 2026 total outflows: near ₹1.8 lakh crore
- March outflow: ₹1.17 lakh crore
The persistent exodus from foreign investors is likely to keep any rebound attempts capped.
Currency and safe-haven watch
The US dollar strengthened after the failed talks, while risk-sensitive currencies weakened.
- Dollar index: stronger for the week
- Yen: dollar rose to 159.78
- Australian dollar and pound: both under pressure
Interestingly, gold and silver futures slipped, suggesting some profit-taking despite geopolitical escalation.
Stock-specific trigger
Mahindra & Mahindra March sales
Mahindra & Mahindra reported a mixed monthly operating update.
- Sales volume: up 22.36% to 1,00,194 units
- Exports: down 6.6% to 4,042 units
- Production: up 13.24% to 1,02,701 units
The strong domestic volume print may keep the stock active despite weak market sentiment.
Technical setup
The broader technical structure remains constructive above the 24,000 zone, but the gap-down opening may test near-term supports quickly.
Key levels to watch:
- Immediate support: 23,700
- Major support: 23,550
- Resistance on bounce: 23,950–24,000
A close below 23,700 could trigger further downside pressure through the session.
