Pre-Market Brief: Nifty 50 Dips Below 24,100; FIIs Turn Net Sellers Ahead of Thursday Open | 20 Aug 2026, 08:00 AM IST
By ThePip Desk
Nifty 50 dips to 24078.30. DIIs show strong buying; FIIs turn net sellers, implying a cautious start for Thursday’s 9:15 AM open.
Based on 19 August 2026 closing prices, captured at 07:45 AM IST on Thursday, 20 August 2026, the Nifty 50 concluded Wednesday’s trading session at 24078.30, marking a −0.32% or −77 points decline. This movement places the benchmark index just below the 24100 level, reflecting a cautious sentiment across the broader market. Similarly, the Nifty Bank index saw a marginal dip of −0.04%, closing at 57239.75, while the NIFTY Midcap 100 also registered a −0.21% decline to 63408.75. The market navigates a divergence in institutional investor activity as it heads into Thursday’s trading.
Index Snapshot
| Name | Close | Change% |
|---|---|---|
| Nifty 50 | 24078.30 | −0.32% |
| Nifty Bank | 57239.75 | −0.04% |
| NIFTY Midcap 100 | 63408.75 | −0.21% |
FII and DII Flows
Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) recorded net selling of ₹510.69 crore on Wednesday, marking their first consecutive sell session after a period of mixed activity. This contrasts with the robust buying sustained by Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs), who injected ₹4353.09 crore into the market during the same session. Over the last five trading days, DIIs have consistently been net buyers, demonstrating strong domestic support with cumulative inflows exceeding ₹16,300 crore. FII activity has been more volatile, with significant net selling on August 17 (₹2535.1 crore) and August 13 (₹510.69 crore), interspersed with buying on other days. The divergence in FII and DII flows remains a key factor influencing market direction.
Top Movers
Among the Nifty constituents, HCL Technologies Ltd. (HCLTECH) saw gains of +2.06%, closing at ₹1324.8. JSW Steel Ltd. (JSWSTEEL) followed with an increase of +1.44% to ₹1285.8, and Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (SUNPHARMA) rose +1.33% to ₹1900. Other notable performers included Eternal Ltd. (ETERNAL) up +1.30% to ₹320, and Wipro Ltd. (WIPRO) gaining +0.84% to ₹179.55. Conversely, Max Healthcare Institute Ltd. (MAXHEALTH) led the losers with a −1.72% drop to ₹997. Coal India Ltd. (COALINDIA) declined −1.70% to ₹400, and Power Grid Corporation Of India Ltd. (POWERGRID) fell −1.68% to ₹263.5. Bajaj Finance Ltd. (BAJFINANCE) was down −1.29% at ₹1080.2, and ITC Ltd. (ITC) closed −1.09% lower at ₹267.05.
What to Watch at 9:15
As the market prepares for the 9:15 AM open on Thursday, investors will closely monitor the continuation of FII selling trends versus sustained DII buying. The Nifty 50’s ability to hold above the 24000 mark will be a key indicator of immediate market sentiment. Individual stock movements, particularly in the IT and financial services sectors, could provide early cues for the day’s direction. Global market signals and any overnight news will also play a role in shaping the initial trading hours.
The market opens on Thursday with a backdrop of moderate index declines and a clear divergence in institutional investor activity.