GIFT Nifty in Green on Jan 1, 2026: How Is the Indian Stock Market Likely to Open Today?

Indian equity benchmarks Sensex and Nifty 50 were poised for a strong start on Thursday, January 1, marking the first trading session of 2026, even as participation remained light due to the New Year holiday across global markets.

Gift Nifty Today

Early signals from GIFT Nifty suggested a positive opening for domestic equities. Gift Nifty was trading near its all-time high of 26,341, gaining 66 points or 0.25% compared with the previous close of Nifty futures, reflecting continued bullish sentiment among investors.

Asian Markets Turn Cautious

Asian equity markets delivered a strong performance in 2025, though most remained closed on Thursday for the New Year holiday. 

Hong Kong stocks recorded their second straight year of gains, with the Hang Seng Index rising 28%, marking its best annual performance since 2017, driven largely by an AI-led rally. 

Mainland Chinese markets also posted robust gains, with the Shanghai Composite advancing 18%, its strongest showing since 2019. The Shenzhen Composite rose 29%, while the tech-focused ChiNext Price Index surged 50%.

Domestic Market Recap

Indian markets wrapped up the final trading session of 2025 on a firm footing. The Sensex surged 546 points, or 0.64%, to settle at 85,220.60, while the Nifty 50 climbed 191 points, or 0.74%, ending the year at 26,129.60.

Global Market Highlights

Overnight in the US, Wall Street ended the year on a softer note amid thin trading volumes. The S&P 500 slipped 0.7%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 0.6%, and the Nasdaq Composite fell 0.8%, extending a four-session losing streak as investors wrapped up positions ahead of the holiday.

On the geopolitical front, the US Treasury announced fresh sanctions targeting Venezuela’s oil sector. Four companies operating in the sector and four oil tankers were designated as blocked property as part of President Donald Trump’s renewed efforts to pressure Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The sanctions target entities accused of facilitating the transport of Venezuelan crude oil.

Also Read: Best Mutual Funds Launched in India in 2025!

Conclusion

Despite subdued global participation due to New Year holidays, Indian equities are set to begin 2026 on a positive note. Strong cues from GIFT Nifty, which continues to hover near record highs, point to sustained optimism in domestic markets, even as global investors remain cautious amid geopolitical developments and thin trading volumes.

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