Markets open higher; IT stocks lead gains as Nifty eyes 24,000

Markets began the trading day on a positive note on September 4, 2026, with the Sensex up 490 points and the Nifty 50 gaining 41 points. This followed a strong performance overnight on Wall Street, where major indices climbed 1.2%, 1.1%, and 1.4%. The IT sector was the standout performer, with IT companies leading the market gains.

Tech Mahindra, TCS, and Wipro all saw increases of 1.44%, 1.32%, and 1.27% respectively. Reliance Industries and Infosys also gained 1.21% and 1.14% respectively. The Nifty 50 opened at 23,910.90, up 40.90 points or 0.17% from the previous day's close. However, some companies faced selling pressure, with Grasim Industries, Eicher Motors, and Maruti Suzuki slipping.

Wall Street's recovery was driven by the indication from US Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller that another rate hike may not be necessary if inflation remains moderate. The US 10-year Treasury yield eased, providing relief to risk assets globally. Asian markets also showed positive momentum, with Nikkei 225 and Kospi indices gaining over 0.5% and 1% respectively.

However, Brent crude held near $96 per barrel, and WTI crude was within the $91-92 range, driven by ongoing US-Iran tensions. The focus remains on the US non-farm payrolls report later in the day. A weaker-than-expected reading could further support the Federal Reserve's cautious stance, while a stronger-than-expected report could reignite tightening expectations.

Domestic factors, such as a surge in private investment in Q1 FY27 compared to Q1 FY26, also added positive sentiment. Analysts caution that rising bond yields pose a downside risk to equity markets. Forecasters suggest that as long as the market stays below key levels, bearish sentiment could persist, with potential downside risks around 23,800-23,750 for the Nifty and 76,000-75,700 for the Sensex.