India’s equity markets are expected to open higher on Monday, boosted by stronger-than-expected economic growth in the July-September quarter. Nifty futures (GIFc1) were trading at 26,509.5 at 07:45 a.m. IST, suggesting that the Nifty 50 could open above Friday’s close of 26,202.95.

Data released on Friday showed India’s economy grew 8.2% in the quarter, surpassing the Reuters poll forecast of 7.3% and the previous quarter’s 7.8% growth. Analysts noted that growth was driven by robust consumer spending and the front-loading of production ahead of local festivals.

Following the better-than-expected data, Barclays raised its financial year 2025-26 growth forecast for India to 7.2% from 6.8%, citing strong momentum continuing into the December quarter.

“Though the GDP print provides a meaningful sentiment boost, the market still faces headwinds from foreign outflows and a weak rupee,” said Ponmudi R, CEO of Enrich Money. Foreign investors sold Indian shares worth ₹37.96 billion ($424.84 million) on Friday, ending November as net sellers for the fourth time in five months.

Despite these challenges, India’s Nifty 50 and Sensex rose for the third consecutive month in November, aided by domestic inflows, improving earnings, and expectations of rate cuts in both India and the U.S. The benchmarks hit record highs last Thursday after 14 months, before a marginal pullback on Friday.

Stocks to Watch

• Lenskart (LENSKART): Revenue rose ~21%, and profit jumped 19.6% for the September quarter.
• Maharashtra Seamless (MAHSEAMLES): Secured orders worth ₹2.17 billion from ONGC for seamless pipes supply.
• Waaree Energies (WAAREEENER): Received an order to supply 140MW of solar modules.