GIFT Nifty up 11 pts on Jan 5, 2026: How Is the Indian Stock Market Likely to Open Today?

Indian equity markets are likely to begin the first full trading week of 2026 on a cautious but positive note, supported by strength in global markets and steady institutional buying. Improved sentiment from 

Wall Street and strong gains across key Asian indices are expected to provide early momentum, although volatility in crude oil prices and currency movements may keep traders selective.

The GIFT Nifty futures pointed to a marginally higher start for domestic benchmarks. As of early morning trade, the GIFT Nifty was up 11 points at 26,544, signaling a muted yet positive opening.

Indian Market Recap: January 2

Indian markets ended the previous session on a steady note, supported by buying from both foreign and domestic institutional investors, as per news reports.

FII Activity: Net buying of ₹544.36 crore

DII Activity: Net buying of ₹534.24 crore

Sustained inflows from institutional participants reflected improving risk appetite at the start of the new calendar year.

Global Market Cues

Asian markets opened the first full trading week of 2026 on a strong footing, tracking positive global sentiment.

• Japan’s Nikkei 225: up 2.26%
• South Korea’s Kospi: up 2.19%, hitting a record high of 4,420.92
• Australia’s S&P/ASX 200: trading flat

The broadly positive Asian performance suggests optimism around global growth prospects, despite lingering geopolitical and macroeconomic uncertainties.

Wall Street Recap

US markets ended higher on Friday, snapping a four-day losing streak and starting 2026 on a positive note. Gains were led by heavyweight chipmakers and industrial stocks.

• Dow Jones Industrial Average: up 319.10 points (0.66%) at 48,382.39
• S&P 500: up 12.97 points (0.19%) at 6,858.47
• Nasdaq Composite: down 6.36 points (0.03%) at 23,235.63

Commodity and Currency Watch

Oil prices traded in a narrow range amid political developments in OPEC member Venezuela and ample global supply.

• Brent crude: up 17 cents at $60.92 per barrel
• WTI crude: up 11 cents at $57.43 per barrel

Meanwhile, the US dollar strengthened at the start of the week, against the euro and a and the Japanese yen, which could influence emerging market flows.

Read More: ITC, Godfrey Phillips and VST Industries Shares Extend Fall on Jan 2, 2026, After Excise Duty Increase.

Conclusion

Indian stock markets are likely to open flat to higher today, supported by positive global cues, strong Asian markets, and sustained institutional buying. While crude oil prices remain range-bound and currency movements may create near-term volatility, the overall sentiment appears constructive.

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.