Pre Market Analysis & Global Cues | 21 July, 2026

Global cues are mixed. US markets gave up early gains and closed lower, with the Dow down 0.6%. Higher US bond yields and the Middle East conflict continue to keep markets on edge. Brent crude has cooled to around $88.7, but remains elevated. Asian markets are recovering, with Japan, South Korea and Taiwan up 2-3%. However, Gift Nifty indicates a 75-point gap-down opening. The rupee is near a record low at 96.45, while HDFC Bank ADR and Axis Bank ADR fell sharply in the US, which could keep Bank Nifty under pressure. There are no major domestic events today. The focus will remain on global developments, Q1 earnings and whether Nifty can hold the 24,240 zone if it opens lower.