Stock Market Update: GIFT Nifty signals positive start as U.S. and Asian markets gain

Positive cues from U.S. and Asian markets set an optimistic tone for Indian stocks

Written by: Supriya Kadu

Edited by: Pinky Deshmukh

Last Updated: January 06, 2026

Summary: The GIFT Nifty is anticipated to have a strong opening, fueled by gains in the US markets and Asia.

On Friday, Indian markets appeared to be on track for a bullish start, with GIFT Nifty futures trading higher in early international trade. The uptick came on the back of broader strength in both U.S. and Asian equities, giving traders in Mumbai a cautiously upbeat backdrop before the domestic session kicked off.

Overnight in the United States, key stock indexes closed stronger, helped by encouraging corporate earnings and renewed buying interest. That positive tone carried into early trade across Asia, where major indexes also finished with gains, reflecting a recovering risk appetite among global investors.

With these favourable global cues, the GIFT Nifty — a barometer traders often watch to gauge how the Indian market might open — suggested that the Sensex and Nifty 50 could begin the day with upward momentum. This was welcomed by traders who have been navigating mixed signals in recent sessions.

Equities and other global indicators were positive. Stable currency markets and low commodity prices, especially crude oil, reduced immediate pressure on inflation-sensitive industries. These factors, taken together, helped to alleviate some of the market nervousness that had been evident earlier this week.

Investors in India were constantly monitoring the operations of foreign institutional investors (FIIs). The potential for capital to flow in or out of Indian stocks means that FIIs' actions can impact market trends. With global markets performing well, there was hope that FII sentiment would change towards buying, which would further bolster domestic markets.

Early signs showed that most sectors were feeling good. The financial, IT, and consumer sectors were likely to be interested if the mood stayed strong after the starting bell. Analysts noted that while global factors were dominant early on, India-specific data and corporate developments during the day could shape the session’s ultimate direction.

As trading began, the upbeat GIFT Nifty and supporting global markets offered a more optimistic tone compared with recent choppy sessions, giving investors reason to approach the day with a bit more confidence in the market’s potential near-term direction.