Global Market Cues

Global markets displayed significant strength overnight, setting a positive tone for Indian equities.

• US Markets: US stock markets closed higher for the fourth consecutive session on Tuesday, December 23. The S&P 500 achieved a fresh record high, climbing 0.5% to 6,909.79. The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 0.2% to 48,442.41, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite rose 0.6% to 23,561.84. These gains were primarily fueled by better-than-expected third-quarter GDP growth, which came in at an annualized rate of 4.3%, surpassing analyst expectations. Technology stocks, particularly AI-related firms like Nvidia and Alphabet, were key drivers of this rally. US markets will observe an early close on Wednesday, December 24, ahead of the Christmas holiday.
• European Markets: European stocks also finished mostly higher on Tuesday. The STOXX Europe 600 rose 0.34%, with Germany's DAX gaining 0.23% and the FTSE 100 increasing by 0.24%. The pharmaceutical sector, notably Novo Nordisk following FDA approval for an obesity treatment, contributed significantly to the positive sentiment, pushing the STOXX 600 to a fresh record high.
• Asian Markets: Following the strong performance on Wall Street, Asian stocks are largely set to advance at the open this morning. MSCI's regional equities gauge extended its gains into a fourth day, with benchmarks in Japan and South Korea showing upward momentum. However, Australian shares opened slightly lower in a shortened trading session.
• Commodities: Gold surged to a new record, trading above $4,500 per ounce, driven by safe-haven demand and expectations of future interest rate cuts. Silver and copper also reached all-time highs. Oil prices extended their rally, supported by robust US economic data and ongoing geopolitical tensions.
• Currency: The US dollar index continued its decline, indicating it is heading for its worst annual performance in eight years.

GIFT Nifty and Domestic Cues

The GIFT Nifty indicates a positive start for the Indian market today, reflecting the favorable global sentiment.

• As of 06:50 AM IST on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, the GIFT Nifty index futures were trading at 26,239 levels, up by 36 points from its previous close. Another report indicated the live price at 26,255.00 at 02:44 AM IST. This suggests an optimistic opening for the Nifty 50.
• In the previous trading session (Tuesday), Indian benchmark indices closed largely flat, with the Nifty 50 inching up 5 points (0.02%) to 26,177.15, while the Sensex declined 43 points (0.05%) to 85,524.84, primarily due to profit-taking at elevated levels.
• Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) and Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) were both net buyers in the cash market, contributing to a combined net inflow, which signals strong conviction in market stability.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced fresh measures aimed at boosting banking liquidity through government bond purchases and foreign-exchange swaps, seeking to support the weakening rupee.

Key Stocks in Focus

• Investors will be watching technology stocks, given the strong performance of AI-related companies in the US.
• Specific Indian stocks mentioned for attention today include Ola Electric, ITC, Coal India, and GAIL.
• The pharmaceutical sector might also be in focus following positive news from European counterparts.

Key Events to Watch Today

• Global Data: Traders will monitor upcoming US API Crude Oil Stock Change and Initial Jobless Claims data.
• Central Bank Announcements: The minutes from the Bank of Japan's Monetary Policy meeting are also awaited.
• IPO Activity: Several IPOs are active today:
  • Gujarat Kidney IPO enters its last day of subscription.
  • MARC Technocrats and Global Ocean Logistics India will make their debut on SME platforms.
  • IPOs of EPW India, Dachepalli Publishers, Shyam Dhani Industries, and Sundrex Oil Co will close for bidding.
  • Apollo Techno Industries, Bai Kakaji Polymers, Admach Systems, Nanta Tech, and Dhara Rail Projects IPOs will enter their second day.

TAGS: Pre-Market, Stock Market, Nifty, Sensex, Market Update

Tags: Pre-Market Stock Market Nifty Sensex Market Update