Nifty Flat with Positive Bias: August Futures Rise
By ThePip Desk
India’s Nifty index closed flat with a positive bias on Thursday, as August 2026 futures traded higher, supported by falling oil prices and RBI’s positive rural economy outlook.
India’s Nifty index concluded Thursday’s trading session largely flat, albeit with a positive bias, closing below the 24650 mark. Nifty August 2026 futures demonstrated strength, settling at a premium over the spot market.
Key Market Metrics
- Nifty August 2026 Futures: 24738.00
- Futures Premium: 102.00 points
- Nifty Spot Closing: 24636.00
The market found support from multiple factors, including a reduction in crude oil prices. This dip followed an agreement between Iran and Oman concerning a proposed shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz, easing geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
Further positive sentiment stemmed from Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Sanjay Malhotra’s remarks. He highlighted the increasing resilience of India’s rural economy and agriculture sector, attributing this to expanded irrigation, greater farm mechanization, and improved crop varieties.
Sectoral Performance & Movers
Buying activity in index heavyweight stocks, notably Reliance Industries and State Bank of India, helped sustain modest gains throughout the session. This support contributed to the index’s range-bound trade.
- Sectors Piling Up Positions: PSU Bank, Chemicals, Oil & Gas
- Sectors Witnessing Selling: Realty, Media, Auto
In the Futures & Options segment, specific stocks saw significant movements. Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, Hindustan Aeronautics, and Kalyan Jewellers India emerged as the top gainers.
- Top F&O Gainers: Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, Hindustan Aeronautics, Kalyan Jewellers India
- Top F&O Losers: Blue Star, Power Grid Corporation of India, Lodha Developers
Analysis of the index option segment revealed concentrated Open Interest. Maximum OI was observed in the 23900 – 24100 call and 23900 – 24100 put options, indicating the market’s expected trading range.