First Trade: Markets open higher; Sensex, Nifty gain

Domestic Market Opening Bell: The NSE Nifty50 opened firmly in the green on Monday, rising over 80 points to 24,515.15, as benchmark indices edged higher at the start of the session. The BSE Sensex also opened with gains, tracking positive cues despite growing caution in broader market sentiment.

However, the Indian rupee touched a fresh all-time low, opening flat at 88.20 per US dollar, unchanged from Friday’s close. The record low underscores concerns around global currency volatility and persistent FII outflows.

On the valuation front, the Nifty50 Index has overtaken the MSCI India Index for the first time since January 2017, as the inclusion of richly valued stocks pushed its forward P/E multiple above that of the globally tracked benchmark.

Broader market trends remain weak. The advance-to-decline ratio, a key indicator of investor sentiment, dipped below one for the second straight month in August — its lowest level in six months — suggesting increased uncertainty.

Stock to Watch:

Bharti Airtel is expected to remain on investor radar after announcing the development of six AI agents aimed at enhancing digital user engagement and automation capabilities.