9 February 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : Indian equity markets are set to open on a strong note as GIFT Nifty surged nearly 240 points in early trade, signalling a bullish start for today’s session. The sharp rise reflects positive global cues, improved investor sentiment, and expectations of continued momentum in domestic equities after recent market consolidation.
GIFT Nifty, which serves as an early indicator for the Nifty 50, traded firmly higher amid gains across major Asian markets and a positive close on Wall Street overnight. The rally suggests that benchmark indices could open with a sizable gap-up, with banking, IT, and metal stocks likely to be in focus during the opening hours.
Global sentiment received a boost after U.S. markets ended higher, supported by easing bond yields and optimism around economic resilience. Investors appear encouraged by signs that inflationary pressures may be moderating, reducing fears of aggressive monetary tightening. This has improved risk appetite across global equities, spilling over into Asian markets.
Asian indices traded broadly in the green, led by gains in Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong. The positive trend in Asia has added to expectations of a strong opening for Indian markets. Meanwhile, crude oil prices remained relatively stable, providing some relief to inflation-sensitive sectors.
From a domestic perspective, market participants are drawing confidence from steady macroeconomic indicators and sustained inflows from domestic institutional investors. While foreign institutional investors (FIIs) have remained cautious in recent sessions, the strength of domestic flows has helped limit downside risks and support market stability.
The broader market sentiment also appears constructive, with investors selectively accumulating quality stocks after recent corrections. Analysts believe that the sharp rise in GIFT Nifty reflects renewed optimism rather than speculative excess, especially as valuations in certain sectors have become more reasonable.
In today’s session, banking and financial stocks are expected to play a key role in setting the tone. PSU banks and large private lenders may see buying interest, supported by stable interest rate expectations and improving asset quality outlooks. Any follow-through buying in banking stocks could help the benchmarks sustain early gains.
IT stocks may also attract attention, tracking overnight gains in U.S. technology stocks and a slightly weaker rupee, which tends to support export-oriented sectors. However, stock-specific action is likely, with investors remaining cautious ahead of upcoming global economic data.
Metal and energy stocks could remain volatile, tracking movements in global commodity prices. While stable crude oil prices are supportive, any sudden spike could cap gains in oil marketing companies and transport-related stocks.
From a technical perspective, the sharp rise in GIFT Nifty suggests that the Nifty 50 could test immediate resistance levels early in the session. Analysts point out that if the index sustains above key psychological levels after the opening, it could trigger short covering and fresh buying, pushing markets higher through the day.
However, traders are advised to remain cautious at higher levels. After a gap-up opening, some profit-taking cannot be ruled out, especially if global cues weaken intraday. Market experts recommend focusing on stocks with strong fundamentals and clear technical breakouts rather than chasing momentum blindly.
Volatility may remain elevated, as global markets continue to react to macroeconomic data, central bank commentary, and geopolitical developments. Short-term traders are expected to adopt a stock-specific approach, while long-term investors may use any intraday dips to accumulate quality names.
The broader indices, including midcap and smallcap stocks, are also expected to open higher. However, analysts warn that these segments remain more vulnerable to sharp swings, and selective participation is advisable.
Overall, the trading setup for today points to a positive start, driven by strong global cues and supportive domestic sentiment. Whether the momentum sustains through the session will depend on follow-through buying, sectoral leadership, and stability in global markets.
As GIFT Nifty signals strength, market participants will closely watch opening trends, volume patterns, and sectoral moves to gauge the durability of the rally. For now, the bias appears positive, with bulls likely to have the upper hand at the start of the trading day.
Summary
GIFT Nifty’s 240-point surge signals a strong opening for Indian markets today, supported by positive global cues, stable commodities, and improving investor sentiment across key sectors.