Pre-Market Brief: Nifty 50 Closes Lower at 24366.00; FIIs Turn Buyers Ahead of Open | 17 Aug 2026, 08:00 AM IST
By ThePip Desk
Indian equities saw a muted close on Friday, with the Nifty 50 dipping slightly to 24366.00. FIIs registered net buying, while DIIs also added to positions, setting the stage for Monday’s 9:15 AM open.
Good morning, traders. Indian equity markets concluded the previous week with a subdued performance on Friday, 16 August 2026. All major indices registered minor declines, with the Nifty 50 closing just below the 24400 mark. Based on 16 August 2026 closing prices, here’s a snapshot of the market ahead of today’s 9:15 AM IST open.
| Index | Close | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Nifty 50 | 24366.00 | −0.12% |
| Nifty Bank | 57491.10 | −0.25% |
| NIFTY Midcap 100 | 63782.15 | −0.53% |
FII and DII Flows
Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) were net buyers in the last trading session on 14 August 2026, recording an inflow of ₹508.12 crore. Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) also showed buying interest, with a net inflow of ₹356.4 crore. Over the past five sessions, FII activity has been mixed, with two sessions of net buying and three of net selling. Notably, DIIs have consistently been net buyers in four out of the last five sessions, indicating sustained domestic support in the market.
Top Movers on Friday
Among the Nifty 50 constituents, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd. (+3.73%) emerged as the top gainer, closing at ₹8920.5. Bharti Airtel Ltd. followed with a +2.73% increase, reaching ₹1992.1. Other significant gainers included Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd. (+2.53%), Adani Enterprises Ltd. (+2.37%), and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (+1.41%).
On the downside, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd. led the losers, declining by −4.32% to ₹334.5. JIO Financial Services Ltd. saw a −2.56% drop, closing at ₹249.05. Asian Paints Ltd. (−2.15%), Hindalco Industries Ltd. (−1.60%), and Oil & Natural Gas Corporation Ltd. (−1.46%) were also among the top decliners.
What to Watch at 9:15 AM IST
As the market opens this Monday, investors will be closely monitoring global cues and any fresh news developments that may emerge overnight. The mixed FII activity alongside consistent DII buying suggests a cautious yet supported sentiment. Individual stock movements, particularly among the top movers from Friday, could influence early trading. The Nifty 50’s ability to hold above key support levels will be a crucial factor for intraday direction.
The market is expected to open with cautious sentiment, with attention on early FII/DII activity and global market performance.