Gift Nifty Signals Flat Start for Sensex and Nifty 50 on Jan 20, 2026, Amid Global Tariff Concerns

Indian equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty 50 are likely to witness a flat opening on Tuesday amid weak signals from global markets. 

Cautious sentiment prevailed after Asian equities slipped and US stock futures traded in the red, following US President Donald Trump’s announcement of tariffs on eight European nations in connection with the Greenland issue. The development has revived fears of fresh trade tensions and kept investors on the sidelines.

Gift Nifty Today

On Tuesday, 20 Jan 2026, Gift Nifty indicated a range-bound start for Indian markets. The index was trading around the 25,608 level, at a premium of about 12 points to the previous Nifty futures close, suggesting that domestic equities may open flat with limited directional bias. Traders are expected to track global cues and foreign fund flows for further movement.

Asian Markets Turn Cautious

Asian markets opened mostly lower on Tuesday. Japan’s Nikkei 225 declined 0.7% and the broader Topix index slipped 0.52%. South Korea’s Kospi fell 0.41%, while the Kosdaq traded nearly flat. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index futures, however, signalled a mildly positive start, indicating mixed regional trends.

Domestic Market Recap

On Monday, domestic markets closed in negative territory as concerns over global trade policies weighed on sentiment. The BSE Sensex fell 324.17 points, or 0.39%, to end at 83,246.18, while the NSE Nifty 50 dropped 108.85 points, or 0.42%, to settle at 25,585.50. 

Global Market Highlights

Wall Street remained shut on Monday on account of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. However, US stock futures pointed to a negative opening on Tuesday, reflecting caution ahead of corporate earnings and policy developments.

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

Conclusion

Market sentiment remains cautious as renewed global trade concerns overshadow domestic factors. While Gift Nifty signals a flat start, volatility may persist in the near term depending on international cues, currency movement and institutional flows. Investors are likely to remain selective, focusing on stock-specific opportunities rather than broad market exposure.

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. 

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