Gift Nifty Premium Signals Higher Open as Global Markets Rally

The Indian equity benchmarks, Sensex and Nifty 50, were set to open higher on January 23, 2026, following firmer global cues and supportive early indicators from Gift Nifty. Gift Nifty was trading around the 25,380 level, showing a premium of nearly 30 points over the previous close of Nifty futures.

This positioning indicated a positive start for domestic indices at the open, based on futures-linked signalling. The sentiment improvement came after global markets moved higher as geopolitical tensions eased and tariff-related concerns linked to US policy headlines moderated.

Gift Nifty Indicates Early Positive Bias for Indian Indices

Gift Nifty was trading near 25,380 in the early hours, indicating a premium of nearly 30 points versus the previous close of Nifty futures. This premium suggested a stronger sentiment for Indian equities at the start of the trading session.

The indication came alongside gains across key global equity markets, which often shape early risk appetite. The signal was supported by overnight strength in the US and a generally higher tone across Asian bourses.

Sensex and Nifty 50 Close Higher After 3-Session Decline

Indian equities ended higher on Thursday, snapping a 3-session losing streak amid improved global sentiment cues. The Sensex rose 397.74 points, or 0.49%, to close at 82,307.37.

The Nifty 50 gained 132.40 points, or 0.53%, to settle at 25,289.90. The move reflected broad market participation in the rebound as investors responded to easing geopolitical concerns during the session.

Asian Markets Trade Higher Ahead of Bank of Japan Decision

Asian equity markets traded higher on Friday, following the overnight rally on Wall Street and ahead of the Bank of Japan’s interest rate decision. Japan’s Nikkei 225 gained 0.25%, while the Topix rose 0.27% in early trade.

South Korea’s Kospi advanced 1.11%, and the Kosdaq added 0.74% over the same period. Hong Kong Hang Seng index futures indicated a higher opening, reflecting positive regional risk sentiment at the start of the day.

Wall Street Gains After Tariff Headlines Ease

US equities ended higher on Thursday after reports indicated that President Donald Trump rescinded Greenland tariff threats involving European allies. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 306.78 points, or 0.63%, to 49,384.01.

The S&P 500 gained 37.73 points, or 0.55%, to 6,913.35, while the Nasdaq Composite climbed 211.20 points, or 0.91%, to 23,436.02. Several large-cap names moved sharply, with Meta up 5.7%, Tesla up 4.2%, Nvidia up 0.85%, and Microsoft up 1.52%, while Abbott fell 10% and GE Aerospace slipped 7.4%.

US GDP and Inflation Readings Remain in Focus

Economic data releases in the US also remained in focus alongside equity market moves. US GDP growth for the third quarter was revised higher to a 4.4% annualised rate, compared with the earlier estimate of 4.3%.

The revised pace was reported as the fastest since the third quarter of 2023, and it followed 3.8% growth in the second quarter. On inflation, the personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index was recorded at 2.8% year-on-year in November, compared with 2.7% in October, while the month-on-month reading held steady at 0.2% in both months.

Read More: Stocks to Watch on 23 Jan 2026.

Conclusion

Early indicators pointed to a higher opening for Indian equities, led by Gift Nifty trading near 25,380 with a premium of nearly 30 points over Nifty futures’ previous close. Domestic benchmarks ended Thursday higher, with the Sensex closing at 82,307.37 and the Nifty 50 at 25,289.90 after gains of 0.49% and 0.53%, respectively.

Global cues remained supportive as US indices advanced and Asian markets traded higher ahead of the Bank of Japan decision. Attention also stayed on US macro data, including the upward revision in Q3 GDP to 4.4% and the November PCE inflation print at 2.8% year-on-year.

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