Sensex, Nifty Seen Opening Lower Amid US-Iran Tensions; HCL Tech, Tech M Shares In Focus

Last Updated:April 22, 2026, 07:58 IST

Sensex, Nifty 50 are likely to open lower on Wednesday, tracking mixed global cues amid caution over the fragile ceasefire between US and Iran

Stocks of HCL Technologies Ltd., Tata Elxsi Ltd., Tech Mahindra Ltd., Trent Ltd., SBI Life Insurance Ltd., Aurobindo Pharma Ltd. and L&T Finance Ltd. will catch investors’ attention Wednesday

The BSE Sensex and Nifty 50 are likely to open lower on Wednesday, tracking mixed global cues amid caution over the fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran, along with continued disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz.

Gift Nifty trends also indicate a weak start, with the index trading near 24,421—at a discount of about 163 points to the previous close of Nifty futures.

Asian markets traded mixed, while Wall Street ended lower overnight after Iran rejected the second round of peace talks. On Tuesday, however, domestic markets posted strong gains, with the Sensex rising 753 points (0.96%) to close at 79,273.33 and the Nifty 50 advancing 211.75 points (0.87%) to 24,576.60.

Siddhartha Khemka of Motilal Oswal Financial Services said markets remain supported by improving macros, easing crude prices, and a strong Q4 earnings season, though geopolitical uncertainty remains a key risk.

Global cues and commodities

Asian equities were mixed as investors assessed developments around the extended US-Iran ceasefire. MSCI’s Asia-Pacific index (ex-Japan) slipped 0.14% after hitting a multi-week high. Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose modestly, while the Topix declined. South Korea’s Kospi and Kosdaq indices also edged lower, and Hong Kong futures indicate a weak opening.

In the US, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.59%, the S&P 500 declined 0.63%, and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 0.59% after talks failed to progress.

The US dollar index hovered near a one-week high amid uncertainty, while crude oil prices eased slightly. Brent crude slipped to around $98 per barrel and WTI declined, even as both benchmarks had risen sharply in the previous session. Gold prices edged higher as safe-haven demand returned.

Earnings in focus

Several companies reported their Q4FY26 results, offering a mixed picture across sectors.

HCL Technologies reported a 10.1% sequential rise in consolidated net profit to Rs 4,488 crore, while revenue remained largely flat at Rs 33,981 crore. However, constant currency revenue declined 3.3% sequentially. The company also announced a dividend of Rs 24 per share.

Persistent Systems posted steady growth, with revenue rising 7.4% quarter-on-quarter to Rs 4,056 crore and net profit increasing 20.4% to Rs 529 crore. Margins, however, saw a slight dip. The company declared a final dividend of Rs 18 per share.

360 ONE WAM reported a weaker quarter, with revenue falling 5.6% and net profit declining 11.8% sequentially. The company announced an interim dividend of Rs 6 per share.

Client DLM saw pressure on performance, with revenue declining 13.8% year-on-year and net profit falling nearly 28%, reflecting margin compression.

Tata Elxsi delivered a strong quarter, with revenue rising 4.2% sequentially and net profit doubling to Rs 220 crore. Margins also improved significantly. The board recommended a dividend of Rs 75 per share.

Rajratan Global Wire reported a 25% rise in revenue, though margins contracted sharply, leading to only marginal profit growth.

Tata Investment Corporation reported declines across revenue, EBITDA, and profit on a year-on-year basis, and declared a dividend of Rs 3.4 per share.

Powerica posted modest revenue growth of 8.3%, while net profit surged significantly year-on-year.

Sunteck Realty delivered strong growth, with revenue rising over 64% and profit increasing 26.5%, although margins declined.

Central Mine Planning & Design Institute reported revenue growth but a sharp decline in profitability due to margin pressure.

Stocks in focus

Among other developments, BEML secured a Rs 590 crore defence contract, while Aurobindo Pharma approved a Rs 800 crore buyback plan.

Hindustan Zinc will consider an interim dividend, and Jayaswal Neco Industries is set to discuss fundraising options.

L&T Finance raised Rs 500 crore via NCDs, while JSW Energy is contesting a Rs 1,447 crore demand notice in court.

PNC Infratech emerged as the lowest bidder for a Rs 3,483 crore NHAI project, and Tata Steel acquired a 26% stake in a renewable energy venture.

Overall, markets are likely to remain volatile, with geopolitical developments and earnings commentary driving near-term direction.

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