Global Market Cues

The global market setup remains highly supportive following a strong performance on Wall Street overnight. Tech optimism, fueled by Nvidia’s upbeat revenue guidance and a resurgence in AI-linked stocks, pushed major US indices higher. The Nasdaq Composite led the gains, climbing 1.26% to 23,152.08, while the S&P 500 rose 0.81% to 6,946.13.

In Asia, the momentum has carried over into Thursday morning. Japan’s Nikkei 225 surged 1.1% to hit yet another record high, while South Korea’s Kospi jumped 1.65%. This widespread optimism across the Asia-Pacific region provides a solid cushion for domestic equities.

• US Markets: Dow Jones (+0.63%), S&P 500 (+0.81%), Nasdaq (+1.26%).
• Asian Markets: Nikkei 225 (+1.1%), Kospi (+1.65%), ASX 200 (+0.8%).
• Commodities: Gold prices remain steady around $5,160 per ounce, while Brent crude trades near $82 per barrel.

GIFT Nifty and Domestic Cues

GIFT Nifty is currently trading at approximately 25,667, indicating a gap-up opening of about 40-50 points for the Nifty 50. Domestic sentiment is further bolstered by strong institutional activity; on Wednesday, Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) were net buyers to the tune of ₹3,024.50 crore, while Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) added ₹3,639.97 crore.

• GIFT Nifty: Trading at 25,667, suggesting a positive start.
• Institutional Activity: Net buying by both FIIs and DIIs exceeding ₹6,600 crore combined.
• Market Breath: Wednesday saw the Nifty Metal index leading gains with a 2.7% advance, though PSU Banks faced some pressure.

Key Stocks in Focus

Several blue-chip and mid-cap companies are expected to see significant price action today based on overnight developments and corporate announcements.

• Reliance Industries: The company has modified its group structure, with Meta subsidiary Facebook Overseas Inc. acquiring a 30% stake in Reliance Enterprise Intelligence (REIL).
• IRFC: The Government of India decided not to exercise the greenshoe option in its Offer for Sale (OFS), limiting the stake sale to the base 2% following muted institutional demand.
• Lupin: The pharma major received USFDA approval for a generic seizure medication but is also under watch following a GST inspection at its Mumbai office.
• Sanofi India: The board has recommended a final dividend of ₹48 per share for the financial year ended December 2025.
• KSB Ltd: Reported a 10.8% year-on-year growth in net profit to ₹81 crore for the quarter.

Key Events to Watch Today

Traders should remain cautious of intraday volatility as today marks the monthly expiry of the February derivative series.

• Monthly Expiry: Heightened volatility is expected as traders roll over positions to the March series.
• GDP Data Preview: Investors are beginning to eye the release of India's new GDP series scheduled for Friday.
• Primary Market: IPO activity remains high with Shree Ram Twistex and Clean Max Enviro entering their final day of subscription.

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

Tags: Pre-Market Stock Market Nifty Sensex Market Update