Indian equity markets are set to begin trading on June 1 with investors closely tracking global market trends, commodity prices and a series of corporate developments. Early indicators suggested a cautious start, with GIFT Nifty trading marginally higher at 23,705 in early trade. Market participants are expected to monitor overseas cues, geopolitical developments and company-specific announcements as trading resumes after a volatile end to the previous month.

Domestic benchmarks ended May on a weak note, recording their worst performance for the month in several years. The Sensex declined 2.8% during the month, marking its steepest May fall since 2020, while the Nifty 50 dropped 1.9%, its weakest May performance since 2022. Friday’s session witnessed sharp volatility, with the Nifty swinging from gains above the 24,000 mark to losses below 23,500, while the Sensex shed more than 1,200 points intraday as investors booked profits and reacted to global uncertainties.

Global markets offered mixed signals ahead of the trading session. Wall Street ended at fresh record highs on Friday, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite all posting gains. However, Asian markets displayed a mixed trend on Monday as investors assessed geopolitical tensions linked to the United States-Iran situation. South Korean equities touched fresh highs, while Japanese indices traded with limited movement, reflecting a cautious sentiment across the region.

Also Read: Stock Market Today: Investors Watch Global Cues Before May 29 Trading Session

Commodity markets also remained in focus after crude oil prices rebounded from recent lows. Brent crude climbed toward the $93-per-barrel mark, while West Texas Intermediate traded near $89 per barrel. Investors continued to evaluate the impact of potential diplomatic developments between the United States and Iran, particularly their implications for energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical oil transit routes.

Several companies are expected to remain in the spotlight following key corporate announcements. State Bank of India priced $200 million in senior unsecured bonds, while Power Finance Corporation completed strategic asset transfers. Dalmia Bharat announced an acquisition that will significantly expand its cement production capacity, and NHPC raised Rs 2,000 crore through bonds. Other notable developments included regulatory approvals for Lupin, leadership appointments at Hindustan Zinc, SBI Life and FACT, as well as project wins and asset acquisitions by companies including PNC Infratech, Power Grid and JSW Steel.

Derivatives data indicated that traders remain focused on the 23,000–24,000 range for the Nifty ahead of the weekly expiry. The highest call open interest was concentrated at the 24,000 strike, while the highest put open interest stood at 23,000, suggesting these levels may act as key resistance and support zones respectively. Investors will also track bulk and block deal activity, regulatory changes affecting select stocks, and developments in the broader macroeconomic and geopolitical environment as the trading week begins.

Also Read: Wall Street Hits New Record Despite Iran Uncertainty; Dow Surges as Bond Markets Stabilize