Bulls Clock In Early: Nifty Gains 64 Points as Most Sectors Turn Positive

Benchmark Indices Open on a Positive Note

Indian stock markets opened higher on September 18, 2026, as domestic equities and derivatives tracked positive momentum across major financial exchanges in Mumbai. The benchmark Nifty 50 index opened up by 64.10 points, or 0.28 percent, landing at 23,334.70, while the BSE Sensex advanced 260.65 points, or 0.35 percent, to open at 74,575.24. According to exchange trading records, early pre-open and opening trade data highlighted broad participation across prominent market sectors, setting an optimistic tone for the trading session.

Sector Performance and Leading Movers

Sector performance reports published by the National Stock Exchange indicated widespread green across key industrial groups during the opening minutes. Nifty Metal led the sectoral gainers with a 0.39 percent uptick, followed closely by Nifty PSU Bank up 0.36 percent and Nifty Fin Service rising 0.27 percent. Additional support came from Nifty Realty, Nifty Media, Nifty Bank, Nifty Energy, Nifty FMCG, Nifty Auto, and Nifty Pharma. Conversely, Nifty IT opened lower, slipping 0.04 percent. On the Nifty 50 index contributor front, top pullers included Eternal, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Bajaj Finance, Bharti Airtel, and Indigo, while TCS, TMPV, Tata Steel, SBI Life, Kotak Bank, and Cipla acted as early draggers.

Derivatives and Futures Contract Activity

Derivatives market data captured active positioning across near-month index contracts during the morning bell. The Nifty 29 September 2026 futures contract opened at 23,379.00, reflecting a 0.20 percent gain with an open interest of 176.7 lakh shares and a volume of 1,430 lots. Meanwhile, the Sensex 24 September 2026 futures contract opened at 74,640.00, advancing 90.15 points or 0.12 percent with an open interest of 0.9 lakh. Exchange trading desks noted that rollover percentages and lot parameters remained stable as traders adjusted positions for the upcoming expiry cycles.

Official Sources Section

• National Stock Exchange (NSE) Market Operations and Sector Performance Reports

• Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) Index Opening Statistics and Exchange Filings

• Multi-Asset Trading Terminal Data Feeds and Derivative Segment Disclosures

Quote Section

According to official exchange statements and market opening bulletins, benchmark indices reflected resilient buying interest across financial services, metal counters, and banking equities during early trade. Trading floor reports indicated that institutional participation remained steady as market participants evaluated macro-economic signals.

Why It Matters

The early session trajectory dictates intraday liquidity and risk appetite for retail and institutional participants active in Indian equities and derivatives. Sector-specific momentum, particularly in banking and metal indices, guides portfolio adjustments and options pricing across major expiry cycles.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Nifty 50 opened higher by 64.10 points at 23,334.70 on September 18, 2026.

• BSE Sensex advanced 260.65 points to open at 74,575.24.

• Nifty Metal led sector gains with a 0.39 percent increase.

• Nifty IT emerged as the sole major sector opener in the red, down 0.04 percent.

FAQ Section

What were the opening levels for Nifty 50 and Sensex?

The Nifty 50 opened at 23,334.70, while the BSE Sensex opened at 74,575.24 on September 18, 2026.

Which sector performed best during the market open?

Nifty Metal led sector performance with a 0.39 percent gain during early trade.

How did derivative contracts perform in pre-open trade?

The Nifty 29 September 2026 futures contract opened at 23,379.00, registering a 0.20 percent increase.

Which stocks acted as top pullers on the Nifty index?

Eternal, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Bajaj Finance, Bharti Airtel, and Indigo served as the primary positive contributors.

Sources: National Stock Exchange, Bombay Stock Exchange & Securities and Exchange Board of India