On April 20, 2026, the GIFT Nifty, an early indicator of the Nifty50's performance, traded higher at 24,472, marking an increase of 104 points (0.44%). This positive momentum comes as traders await crucial talks between the US and Iran in Pakistan, following heightened tensions in West Asia after the US Navy seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship. Brent crude oil prices surged by 5% to approximately $94.72 per barrel, driven by concerns over inflation linked to the geopolitical situation. Most Asia-Pacific markets also advanced, with Japan's Nikkei 225 and South Korea's Kospi rising by 0.99% and 1.10%, respectively, while Australia's S&P ASX 200 saw a slight decline of 0.11%. In the US, futures for the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by 1.79% and 1.20%. Additionally, several companies, including Bank of Maharashtra and PNB Housing Finance, are set to announce their fourth-quarter results today, while initial public offerings (IPOs) for Citius Transnet InvIT and Mehul Telecom continue to attract interest.