Markets Open Mixed as Investors Await Fed Decision

Benchmark indices opened flat to negative on Monday morning as investors adopted a cautious stance ahead of the US Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision later this week. The Nifty 50 opened marginally higher at 25,118.90 but slipped to 25,097.20, down 16.80 points or 0.07 per cent from its previous close of 25,114.00. The Sensex opened at 81,925.51 and was trading at 81,912.16, up 7.46 points or 0.01 per cent.

Market analysts remain cautiously optimistic despite the mixed opening, with several pointing to technical strength and regulatory reforms as positive catalysts. The recent reforms announced by SEBI are likely to have a positive impact on investor sentiments. The market regulator has approved key changes to Foreign Portfolio Investors Regulations to simplify compliance and attract more global capital.

Bajaj Finance emerged as the top gainer in early trade, rising 2.02 per cent to ₹1,023.50 from its previous close of ₹1,003.25. The stock opened at ₹999.00 and touched a high of ₹1,025.70 with significant trading volume of 38.78 lakh shares. Coal India followed with a gain of 0.99 per cent to ₹398.25, while Adani Ports added 0.79 per cent to trade at ₹1,404.10.

Infrastructure and engineering stocks also showed strength, with Larsen & Toubro gaining 0.60 per cent to ₹3,601.20.