October 20, 2025 : India’s stock market is set to open higher today on bank earnings and positive global cues on easing US-China trade tensions.
Gift Nifty futures were trading at 25,979.00 points as of 8:49 am, indicating that the benchmark Nifty 50 will open above Friday’s one-year high close of 25,709.85.
India’s top two private sector lenders—HDFC Bank Ltd. and ICICI Bank Ltd.—reported higher-than-expected profits for the September quarter, along with an improvement in their asset quality on Saturday. Reliance Industries Ltd. missed quarterly profit estimates due to weakness in the legacy oil-to-chemicals segment, but its revenue came in above forecast.
“Revival in retail growth and rising visibility on low-teens consolidated EBITDA growth in FY26 should help (Reliance Industries) stock re-rate,” brokerage firm Jefferies said in a report.
Nifty 50 Cues
Benchmark Nifty 50 closed at a one-year high last week as optimism over an earnings rebound and growing expectations of a December rate cut buoyed sentiment.
Foreign investors bought Indian shares worth ₹309 crore on Friday, as per provisional data. This was their sixth session of buying in nine trading days.
Elsewhere in Asia, China and Hong Kong stocks led the markets higher after a heavy selloff last week, buoyed by signs of easing US-China trade tensions.
On Friday, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he expects to meet this week with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in Malaysia to try to forestall an escalation of US tariffs on Chinese goods that President Donald Trump said was unsustainable.
Stocks To Watch Today
- Emirates NBD Bank PJSC has agreed to buy a 60% stake in RBL Bank Ltd. for $3 billion, in what is seen as the biggest foreign-investment deal in India’s banking sector.
- UltraTech Cement Ltd. reports about 75% jump in consolidated net profit on a 20% rise in revenue for the September quarter.
- Punjab National Bank posts higher profit for the second quarter, while its asset quality improves.
Summary :
Gift Nifty trends suggest a positive start for Indian markets, with Sensex and Nifty 50 expected to rise following strong quarterly results from major banks.