Gift Nifty Signals Cautious Start for Sensex and Nifty 50 on Jan 29, 2026

Indian equity benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty 50, are likely to open on a weaker note on Thursday amid mixed global cues and ahead of the presentation of the Economic Survey 2025–26 later in the day.

Asian markets traded mixed following the US Federal Reserve’s decision to keep interest rates unchanged. While Wall Street closed mostly higher overnight, cautious sentiment prevailed across Asian peers.

Domestically, all eyes are on the Economic Survey 2025–26, which will be tabled in Parliament by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman ahead of the Union Budget 2026 scheduled for February 1.

Gift Nifty Today

On 29 Jan 2026, Gift Nifty was trading near the 25,364 mark, at a discount of about 86 points from the previous close of Nifty futures, signalling a negative start for Indian equities.

Asian Markets Turn Cautious

In Asia, Japan’s Nikkei 225 edged up 0.18%, while the Topix declined 0.57%. South Korea’s Kospi climbed 1.09% and the Kosdaq surged 2.69%. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng futures pointed to a subdued opening.

Domestic Market Recap

On Wednesday, Indian markets ended higher, supported by broad-based buying and optimism surrounding a potential India–EU free trade agreement. The BSE Sensex rose 487.20 points, or 0.60%, to close at 82,344.68, while the NSE Nifty 50 gained 167.35 points, or 0.66%, to settle at 25,342.75.

Global Market Highlights

Wall Street ended mostly higher on Wednesday after the US Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged, as widely anticipated. The S&P 500 briefly crossed the 7,000 mark for the first time before settling marginally lower, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average added 12.19 points, or 0.02%, to close at 49,015.60. The S&P 500 slipped 0.01% to 6,978.03, and the Nasdaq Composite gained 40.35 points, or 0.17%, to end at 23,857.45.

Technology stocks showed mixed performance, with Nvidia rising 1.6%, Micron Technology surging 6.1%, and Intel jumping 11.04%. Texas Instruments advanced 9.9%, while Apple declined 0.71% and Tesla edged 0.10% lower.

US Fed Holds Rates Steady

On the policy front, the US Federal Reserve maintained its benchmark interest rates, offering limited guidance on the timing of future rate cuts. The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC), led by Chair Jerome Powell, kept the federal funds rate unchanged in the 3.5% to 3.75% range.

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

Conclusion

Despite supportive cues from Wall Street, a negative Gift Nifty and mixed Asian markets suggest a cautious start for Indian equities as investors await cues from the Economic Survey.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.