GIFT NIFTY Opens 0.3% Higher at 22,648 Tracking Regional Gains

GIFT NIFTY opened 58 points higher at 22,648 on Monday morning, a 0.26% gain from the previous close of 22,587, as traders positioned ahead of the Indian cash market open.

The index touched an early high of 22,660.50 in the first 15 minutes of trade before consolidating. By 09:15 IST, GIFT NIFTY was trading at 22,645, holding most of the opening gap as buying interest remained intact through the early session.

Early price action showed steady demand. The 09:00 IST candle tested the session high at 22,660.50 before settling at 22,641. The index held a tight 20-point range between 22,640.50 and 22,660.50 through the first three five-minute intervals, signaling orderly accumulation rather than volatile gap-and-run trade.

Asian Markets Mixed at Regional Open

Regional cues were mixed. The Hang Seng Index surged 425.56 points to 24,211.35, a 1.79% gain that provided positive momentum across the region. Japan's Nikkei 225 slipped 11.19 points to 69,030.92, down a fractional 0.02% in lackluster trade. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 added 55.70 points to reach 8,716.60.

The divergence between Hong Kong's strength and Tokyo's flat performance left GIFT NIFTY threading a middle path, opening modestly higher but avoiding the exuberance seen in Chinese equities.

Indian Market Opens Higher

The Nifty 50 opened stronger, rising 288.65 points to 22,520.45 according to regional market data. The premium between GIFT NIFTY and the domestic index narrowed to roughly 125 points as arbitrage flows adjusted to the cash market open.

GIFT NIFTY is trading at 22,645 in the opening hour, 25 points above the session low and 15.50 points below the early high. The 25-point intraday range reflects controlled trade as market participants digest mixed regional signals and position for the domestic session ahead.