Sensex Today: Stock Market LIVE Updates; GIFT Nifty Signals Negative Open

Global financial markets faced a sharp downturn on April 13, 2026, as geopolitical tensions escalated between the United States and Iran. The volatility was triggered by President Donald Trump’s order to blockade the Strait of Hormuz following the collapse of peace talks over the weekend.

The blockade order led to an immediate rally in energy prices and a decline in equity and bond markets. Brent crude surged approximately 8%, reaching nearly $103 a barrel, driven by concerns that the blockade would disrupt critical energy flows through the strait.

Impact on Indian Markets and GIFT Nifty

Indian equity benchmarks signaled a negative start for the trading session on April 13, 2026. The GIFT Nifty, which serves as a primary indicator for the Nifty 50 and S&P BSE Sensex, traded significantly lower.

Reports indicated that GIFT Nifty futures were quoted at 23,747, representing a drop of 354 points or 1.47 per cent. Other data points showed the index trading over 300 points or 1% lower at 23,775, while another reading placed the live price at 23,746.00 as of 08:49 AM IST.

Market analysts noted that these levels indicated the Nifty would likely open approximately 352 points negative in the next trading session.

Global Market Contraction

The ripple effects of the US-Iran tensions were evident across Asian and Western futures markets. Asian equities slipped 0.6% at the open on April 13, 2026. Specific indices showed the following movements:

• Nikkei 225 futures (OSE) fell 0.6%
• Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 fell 0.4%
• Japan’s Topix fell 0.2%
• Hang Seng futures rose 0.2%

In the United States, S&P 500 futures dropped between 0.9% and 1% as rising oil prices fueled concerns regarding global economic growth. Euro Stoxx 50 futures also declined by 1.5%.

Currency and Commodity Shifts

The U.S. Dollar strengthened against all major Group-of-10 currencies, acting as a preferred safe-haven asset. Conversely, the Indian rupee faced renewed pressure on April 13, 2026, ending a two-week relief rally. The rupee was expected to open between 93.10 and 93.20 against the U.S. Dollar.

Treasuries declined, which pushed Japan’s 10-year yield to 2.49%, the highest level recorded since 1997. Gold prices fell 1.5% to approximately $4,670 an ounce, as expectations of persistently high interest rates impacted non-yielding assets.

Corporate and Sector Focus

Amidst the broader market volatility, specific stocks remained in focus for investors on April 13, 2026. These included various banking institutions, Bajaj Auto, Tata Motors PV, Vedanta, and Emami.