Top stocks to watch, Oct. 21 -- The Indian stock market is expected to open higher on Wednesday, October 21, as indicated by GIFT Nifty, which was trading near 23,031, up around 96 points or 0.41% from the previous close of Nifty futures. The positive signal points to a potentially firm opening for the domestic benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty 50.

Indian equity benchmarks ended Monday's session with sharp losses, snapping a two-session winning streak amid weak global cues and selling pressure in private sector banking stocks, including HDFC Bank and Axis Bank. The Sensex dropped 876.37 points, while the Nifty 50 closed below the 22,900 mark at 22,888.95.

The 30-share BSE Sensex declined 876.37 points, or 1.17%, to settle at 73,852.90...