Indian Equities Start Thursday in Positive Territory Amid Energy and Currency Headwinds

The Nifty50 and the Sensex were moving in a narrow range as global equities logged losses after the US Federal Reserve delivered its first rate hike since 2023. 

Indian equity markets opened slightly higher on Thursday, September 17, 2026, with the Nifty 50 and BSE Sensex registering modest gains as market participants closely monitored global economic factors, currency fluctuations, and elevated commodity prices. Brent crude continued to trade above the key 100 dollar per barrel threshold, keeping persistent pressure on India's import bill and broader inflation outlook. Meanwhile, the domestic currency experienced marginal downward movement against the United States dollar, amplifying cost pressures for dollar-denominated imports. While individual counters across the market experienced notable buying interest and sharp selling pressure respectively, overall sentiment remained cautious. Investors continue to evaluate shifting global interest-rate expectations, foreign institutional flows, and geopolitical developments to gauge the upcoming direction for domestic equities.