Indian equity benchmark -- Nifty ended higher on Friday amid optimism over US-Iran peace talks and Lebanon-Israel ceasefire. Index made a flat-to-negative start following weak cues from other Asian markets. But in a while, index wiped out all losses and entered into green terrain as foreign fund inflow lifted inventors’ sentiments. As per exchange data, foreign portfolio investors purchased Indian equities worth Rs 382.36 crore on April 16, 2026, marking the second consecutive session of buying. Further, traders took support with the report stating that India and New Zealand are set to sign a free trade agreement (FTA) on April 27. The pact is expected to grant tariff-free access to the island nation’s market for Indian exporters and could attract investments worth $20 billion over the next 15 years. In second half of the session, index added more gain and continued its firm trade till the end of the session. Finally Nifty ended above 24,350 mark.
