Stock Market Updates

Opening Bell - Morning CommentaryUS Futures Fall on Trump's New Tariff Threat Over GreenlandU.S. President Donald Trump's renewed tariff threats against European allies amid rising tensions over Greenland have revived talk of the 'Sell America' trade that emerged following his sweeping Liberation Day levies last April.The dollar retreated to its lowest level in a week during early trading on Tuesday after White House threats toward the European Union over Greenland's future triggered a broad selloff across U.S. stocks and government bonds.US markets were closed yesterday for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, a federal holiday honouring the civil rights leader.US Stock futures declined sharply after President Trump threatened 10% tariffs on eight NATO allies, beginning on February 1, escalating to 25% by June 1, over his demands regarding Greenland.Investors are preparing for quarterly results from Netflix, Johnson & Johnson, and Intel this week as corporate guidance takes on heightened importance amid the geopolitical uncertainty.China left its benchmark lending rates unchanged for an eighth consecutive month on Tuesday, matching market expectations. The one-year loan prime rate (LPR) held steady at 3.0%, while the five-year LPR remained at 3.5%.Oil prices stayed volatile as economic growth data from China lifted demand optimism, even as markets tracked President Trump's tariff threats against European nations amid his interest in acquiring Greenland.Iran's crackdown on protests has quelled civil unrest, lowering the risk of attacks that could disrupt supplies from the major Middle Eastern producer. With Iran accounting for a significant share of global output, recent indications of no immediate U.S. military intervention have helped reduce supply risks across the Persian Gulf region.Gold resumed its advance and hit a new record high on Monday as the U.S. dollar weakened against most major peers following President Trump's latest tariff threats against Europe over Greenland.Asian markets traded mixed on Tuesday morning amid tensions between the U.S. and the EU and rising borrowing-cost concerns, as yields on Japan's 40-year government bonds reached 4% for the first time.The Nifty resumed its downtrend yesterday, plunging 108 points to close at 25,585, its lowest level in this ongoing correction. The sharp decline was primarily fuelled by disappointing quarterly results from blue-chip heavyweights. Nifty has now retreated nearly 3% from its all-time high of 26,373. A decisive breach below the 25,473 mark would violate the current consolidation range, potentially accelerating the slide toward the next major support at 25,318. Meanwhile, immediate resistance has now shifted lower to 25,865.Indian markets are positioned to open modestly higher on positive global cues.

Opening Bell - Morning CommentaryVolatility Persists Amid Global Headwinds and Weak Quarterly Results Global investor sentiment sustained multiple blows from policy developments, including US proposals to cap credit card interest rates, new tariffs targeting nations trading with Iran, and an increasingly aggressive stance toward Greenland.These headlines heightened uncertainty around consumer spending and global trade flows, overshadowing pockets of corporate resilience.Back home, Disappointing earnings from major blue-chip companies are expected to weigh on sentiment at the opening bell, with little in the results to inspire investor confidence.This mood extended to the broader market, where weakness was more evident; a majority of Nifty 500 stocks stayed in the red for mid-January.While foreign investors maintained their bearish stance, Domestic Institutional Investors countered with robust buying, providing a crucial support pillar amid the uncertainty.The Indian Rupee extended its decline for a third straight day on Friday, weakening by 57 paise to close at 90.86, its lowest level in a month. Rupee’s underperformance relative to its Asian peers stems from a "perfect storm" of high dollar demand and a retreating tide of foreign capital.Nifty remains in a consolidation zone between 25,473 and 25,900. A decisive breakout on either side will dictate the next directional move.Key monitors ahead include Q3 earnings, US Fed signals, and rupee stability.Indian markets are set to open lower, weighed down by disappointing quarterly results from blue-chip heavyweights.

Opening Bell - Morning CommentaryDow falls as JPMorgan tumbles on earnings missThe Dow retreated from Monday's record close as JPMorgan Chase plunged 4.2% after reporting a 7% decline in fourth-quarter profit, despite beating adjusted earnings estimates. Investment banking fees missed expectations, pressuring the broader financial sector.Visa fell 4.5%, and Mastercard dropped 3.8% amid concerns over President Trump's proposed 10% cap on credit card interest rates. JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon warned that the proposal would severely damage both industry profits and consumer welfare.U.S. stocks closed lower Tuesday, with financials leading declines. December inflation data met expectations, leaving Federal Reserve rate cut projections for 2026 unchanged.Trump has also proposed barring defence contractors from paying dividends or engaging in buybacks and blocking institutional investors from purchasing single-family homes.Oil prices jumped 2.8% on escalating Iran tensions, fuelled by nationwide anti-government protests and Trump's public support for demonstrators.A brewing feud between the Federal Reserve and President Donald Trump also remained in focus.The rupee weakened by 4 paise against the dollar amid regional currency pressures, rising crude oil and metal prices, and sustained FII outflows.After a brief pullback session, Nifty resumed its downward trajectory. A late recovery of over 150 points in the final hour capped the downside, falling 57 points to close at 25,732.For bullish reversal confirmation, Nifty needs to cross its 50 DEMA placed near 25,900. On the downside, the recent swing low of 25,473 is likely to offer short-term support.Indian stock exchanges NSE and BSE will remain closed on Thursday, January 15, 2026, for the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation elections.Indian markets are poised to open near yesterday's close and attempt a recovery from lower levels.

Opening Bell - Morning CommentaryS&P & Dow Hit New Records, US Trade Deal Hope Sparks 300-Point Nifty Rally The S&P 500 and Dow registered record closing highs on Monday as technology stocks and Walmart gained, with investors largely dismissing concerns about the Justice Department's criminal investigation of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.Stocks opened lower on the Powell news. The Justice Department's threat of indictment, ostensibly focused on Powell's congressional testimony regarding a building renovation project, heightened concerns about the Fed's independence.Powell called the move a "pretext" to gain influence over interest rates that President Donald Trump has pressed to cut sharply since taking office in January 2025.Credit card company stocks fell sharply on Monday after President Donald Trump proposed capping credit card interest rates at 10% for one year. Capital One Financial fell 8%, while Citigroup and American Express dropped 4%. JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo each declined approximately 2%.The dollar held its losses on Tuesday after the Trump administration opened a criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, threatening the central bank's independence and confidence in U.S. assets.Japan's Nikkei average surged to a record high on Tuesday as markets caught up with Wall Street's recent two-day rally following a public holiday in Japan earlier this week.Investors also bought Japanese equities on expectations of increased fiscal spending amid speculation that Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi may call an early election to bolster her coalition government's parliamentary majority.Gold jumped 2.5% to an all-time high on Monday, while silver futures climbed 7.3% to a record level. The moves followed Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's disclosure that he received Justice Department subpoenas regarding testimony on headquarters renovations, raising concerns about central bank independence.Oil prices edged higher on Tuesday as heightened concerns about Iran and potential supply disruptions outweighed prospects of increased crude supply from Venezuela.TCS and HCL Tech reported mixed quarterly results yesterday, with TCS keeping revenue and margin gains on a steady path while HCL Tech faced profitability pressures despite stronger topline growth.The Nifty 50 broke its five-day losing streak, climbing 106 points to close at 25,790. The reversal came swiftly after 12:00 PM, when optimistic remarks from U.S. Ambassador Sergio Gor sparked a dramatic rally. His confirmation that India and the USA are actively finalising a trade deal triggered a sharp recovery of more than 300 points from the day's lows.A sustained move above 25,800 could extend the rally toward the next resistance levels at the 50-day and 20-day DEMAs, positioned near 25,900 and 26,000, respectively. On the downside, the recent low of 25,473 may provide short-term support.Indian markets are positioned to open modestly higher on positive global cues.

Opening Bell - Morning CommentaryWall Street Hits All-Time Highs as Weak Jobs Data Fuels Rate Cut Optimism, Indian Markets Tumble on Trump Tariff Threat.US stocks advanced in the first full trading week of 2026, with investors largely ignoring geopolitical tensions and pushing major indexes to all-time highs.Rotation from mega-caps to cyclicals broadened market participation, while focus on President Trump's tariff policies and the Fed's rate path supported industrials and small caps.The S&P 500 rose 1.6% last week, the Dow Jones Industrial Average surged 2.3%, and the Nasdaq Composite climbed 1.9%.The weaker-than-expected jobs report fuelled optimism about potential rate cuts, lifting Wall Street broadly.December nonfarm payrolls added 50,000 jobs, below the expected 60,000-70,000 and down from November's revised 56,000. Unemployment fell to 4.4% from 4.5%, signalling a low-hiring, low-firing environment.Housing stocks surged after President Trump announced $200 billion in mortgage bond purchases to lower rates.Indian stock markets suffered their worst weekly loss in over three months, driven by profit-booking and global tariff concerns.President Trump's threat of 500% tariffs on nations purchasing Russian oil rattled emerging markets, triggering risk-off sentiment and a rotation out of cyclicals. With no domestic catalysts, investors booked profits after recent highs. The S&P BSE Sensex dropped 2.55%, and the Nifty 50 fell 2.45% to 25,683, while the Sensex shed over 2,100 points.A decisive break below the 100-day EMA at 25,619 could accelerate selling toward the next major support at 25,318 (November 2025 swing low).Any recovery attempts will likely face stiff resistance in the 25,950- 26,000 zone.Investors now await upcoming IT sector earnings and US inflation data for the next directional triggers.

Opening Bell - Morning CommentaryDow, S&P 500 Give Back Ground, But Nasdaq Moves Modestly HigherUS Markets remain cautiously positioned amid geopolitical developments, upcoming Supreme Court tariff decisions, and the early stages of Q4 earnings season.American stocks fluctuated throughout the trading day on Wednesday before ending the relatively lacklustre session mixed.Energy stocks declined sharply, with Exxon Mobil falling 3% and Chevron dropping 4%, after oil prices retreated following Trump's announcement that Venezuela would provide up to 50 million barrels to the US at market prices.Housing stocks moved sharply lower over the course of the session, dragging the Philadelphia Housing Sector Index down by 2.6 per cent.Semiconductor stocks steadied after explosive gains yesterday, with SanDisk surging nearly 28% after AI-optimised storage breakthroughs.Precious metals faced profit-taking ahead of commodity index rebalancing. ADP's December employment data showed 41,000 jobs added, slightly missing expectations. Economists had expected private-sector employment to increase by 47,000 jobs, compared with the 32,000 job loss originally reported for the previous month.Asian equity markets showed mixed performance, with moderate declines in major indices amid cautious sentiment. Japan's Nikkei 225 fell 1%.Nifty extended its losing streak to a third straight session yesterday, slipping 37 points to settle at 26,140, but managing to close off the day’s low. Despite the short-term softness, the broader positional trend remains bullish, supported by a pattern of higher tops and higher bottoms on the daily charts. On the upside, the recent swing high at 26,373 is likely to act as an immediate resistance level, while 26,000 is expected to provide strong near-term support.Indian markets are poised to open modestly lower on the back of weak Asian cues.

Dow Reaches Record as Energy Stocks Surge Following U.S. Strike on VenezuelaWall Street climbed on Monday, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average hitting an all-time high driven by surging energy shares after a U.S. military operation captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.Investors anticipate the move will grant U.S. companies access to the world's largest oil reserves. The Trump administration plans to meet with oil executives this week to discuss boosting Venezuelan production.Venezuela holds the world's largest proven oil reserves, but output has collapsed in recent decades due to mismanagement, limited foreign investment following the nationalisation of the industry, and international sanctions.Energy stocks led Monday's gains, with Chevron—a leading private oil operator in Venezuela — surging 5.1%. Financial stocks also posted strong advances, helping push the Dow to its record close.Oil prices fell on Tuesday as traders weighed the prospect of increased Venezuelan crude output, adding to expectations of ample global supply amid weak demand.On the currency front, the Indian rupee weakened for the fourth consecutive session, depreciating by 8 paise to 90.28 against the US dollar. The currency has now declined in nine of the past ten trading sessions, weighed down by uncertainty over potential trade negotiations between Washington and New Delhi. Asian equities are trading at fresh record highs today, with MSCI’s broad Asia-Pacific gauge extending its rally, led by Japanese and Hong Kong benchmarks near new peaks.Nifty ended its three-day winning streak on Monday, slipping 89 points to close at 26,239. Despite profit-booking at higher levels, the Nifty held comfortably above its 5-day EMA, currently placed at 26188, signalling that the short-term bullish undertone remains intact. As long as the index remains above the crucial support zone of 26,100, the near-term trend is expected to stay positive. On the upside, a high of 26,373 is likely to act as an immediate resistance. A decisive move above this level could rekindle buying momentum, paving the way for a potential rally towards 26,500.Foreign investors have continued to cover their short positions in the derivatives markets.Indian markets are positioned to open higher on positive global cues.

Opening Bell - Morning CommentaryIndian Markets look set to surge to record levels in the new year's first full trading week.US stock markets navigated a holiday-shortened last week marked by early volatility and net weekly losses despite intraday recoveries.Indian stock markets demonstrated resilience throughout the holiday-thinned week, closing higher on low volumes driven by year-end positioning.Optimism was fuelled by robust GDP growth (8.2%), strong automotive sales, encouraging updates in the banking sector, anticipation of Budget 2026, and expectations of favourable US trade deal.Asian equities reached record highs as investors extended their positioning in technology stocks. Oil prices fluctuated while precious metals gained.The Trump administration launched what it termed a "large-scale strike against Venezuela," capturing President Maduro to face criminal charges. Trump announced the US will administer Venezuela until a "safe, proper, and judicious transition" can occur. As we expected in our Annual market strategy, crude oil is likely to remain subdued through the year on a gradually rising supply. MSCI's Asian stock index surged 0.7% at the open after a closely watched technology gauge reached an all-time high. US equity-index futures also rose as Asian trading commenced following the Venezuelan president's ouster, creating a fresh geopolitical flashpoint.Nifty has decisively breached previous swing-high resistance levels at 26,236 and 26,325, confirming a decisive breakout from its prior consolidation range. With the index now in uncharted territory, near-term upside targets extend toward 26,500 and beyond. Immediate support has shifted higher to approximately 26,100, likely providing a near-term floor during pullbacks.As expected, FPIs have begun covering their short positions in index futures. Indian markets are positioned to open higher on positive global cues.

Opening Bell - Morning CommentaryOil Prices Rise on Geopolitical Tensions, Dollar Begins 2026 on Weak FootingMost of the global stock markets remained closed yesterday in observance of New Year's Day.The UK's FTSE 100 index paused near record levels in the final stretch of 2025 on Thursday, wrapping up its strongest annual gain in 16 years in a shortened trading session.The U.S. dollar made a feeble start to 2026 on Friday after struggling against most currencies last year, while the yen steadied near 10-month lows as traders awaited economic data this month to gauge the path of interest rates.A narrowing interest rate differential between the U.S. and other economies has cast a shadow over the foreign exchange market, resulting in most major currencies appreciating sharply against the dollar in 2025, with the yen an exception.Oil prices edged up on the first day of trade in 2026 after last year posting their biggest annual loss since 2020, as Ukrainian drones targeted Russian oil facilities and a U.S. blockade pressured Venezuela's exports.Brent crude futures climbed 14 cents on Friday to $60.99 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude was at $57.56 a barrel, up 14 cents.South Korea's factory activity expanded in December, after two months of contraction, on a rebound in export demand, a private-sector survey showed on Friday, with manufacturers' optimism surging to a 3.5-year high.Nifty extended its winning streak for the second straight session yesterday, adding 16 points to close at 26,146. The index opened 44 points higher but remained range-bound through most of the session, consolidating within a narrow band. A sustained move above 26,234 could signal a breakout from the current consolidation phase and open the door for a retest of all-time highs and potentially higher levels. On the downside, the 25,900 zone is expected to act as immediate short-term support for the index.Indian markets are poised to open moderately higher on strong global cues.

Opening Bell - Morning CommentaryThe new year promises new highs for Indian markets.Happy New Year! We hope 2026 brings you prosperity, good health, and success in all your endeavours. Thank you for including this commentary in your daily routine.Wall Street's major indexes closed lower in the final trading session of 2025, yet still delivered substantial annual gains following a turbulent year shaped by President Donald Trump's tariff uncertainties and enthusiasm surrounding AI-focused stocks.The Dow posted its eighth consecutive monthly gain, the longest such streak since 2017-2018. The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq will remain closed today in observance of New Year's Day.For the full year, the S&P 500 climbed 16 per cent while the Nasdaq Composite surged 20 per cent, marking the third consecutive year of double-digit returns for both indexes. The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 13 per cent, while India's Nifty eked out 10.5 per cent gains.Major Asian equity markets closed on Wednesday on a mixed note amid shortened sessions, holidays, and light trading volumes. Most regional markets remain positioned to finish the year with solid gains, buoyed by the AI-driven rally.Oil prices declined on Wednesday, recording an annual loss of nearly 20 per cent as expectations of oversupply mounted in a year marked by geopolitical conflicts, elevated tariffs, increased OPEC+ output, and sanctions on Russia, Iran, and Venezuela.Nifty staged a strong recovery on the first day of the January derivative series, snapping a four-day losing streak with a sharp 190-point rebound to close at 26,129.A sustained move above the previous swing high resistance at 26,234 would confirm a breakout, paving the way for a move to fresh all-time highs above 26,325 and beyond. On the downside, 25,900 now serves as immediate support, with any dips toward this level likely to attract buying interest from positional bulls.Indian markets are poised to open moderately higher in today's trade

Opening Bell - Morning CommentaryUS Markets Drift Lower in Choppy Session; Fed Minutes Signal CautionThe S&P 500 and Nasdaq closed marginally lower Tuesday amid choppy trading, as gains in communication services stocks were offset by weakness in technology and financials, with the latter also dragging down the Dow.After the previous session's decline, stocks drifted without clear direction throughout Tuesday's trading day, with major averages oscillating around the unchanged line.Communication services shares led the S&P 500's gainers, driven by Meta Platforms' 1.1% advance. The technology giant announced its acquisition of Chinese-founded artificial intelligence start-up Manus, accelerating its integration of advanced AI capabilities across platforms including Facebook and Instagram.Minutes from the Federal Reserve's December meeting revealed a deeply nuanced debate preceded the decision to cut interest rates, underscoring the central bank's careful assessment of economic risks. Even some policymakers who voted for the rate reduction acknowledged "the decision was finely balanced or that they could have supported keeping the target range unchanged," the minutes released Tuesday showed. With the Fed's next meeting scheduled for January 27-28, investors currently expect the central bank to hold rates steady.Government data released Tuesday showed U.S. home prices rose in October at their slowest annual pace in over 13 years—a potential sign of improving affordability in the beleaguered housing market.Indian rupee snapped its five-day losing streak, appreciating 18 paise to close at 89.79 against the dollar. The recovery came after the RBI reference rate, aided by year-end settlements and rebalancing flows. Gains were further supported by thin liquidity conditions and steady dollar supply from banks.Despite the minor decline yesterday, Nifty’s close above the 50-DEMA at 25,837 keeps the short-term bullish structure intact. Metals, PSU Banks, and Auto led the gainers.The highly volatile December series concluded yesterday with modest gains. In the stock futures segment, the January series opens with record-high open interest of 1,618 crore shares, surpassing the 1,576 crore shares recorded at the start of November 2025.For Bank Nifty, the January series begins with sharply lower open interest of 12.47 lakh shares—the lowest level since January 2021—indicating substantial short covering.At the start of the January series, FIIs' long-to-short ratio in index futures stands at 0.10, down from 0.18 in the previous series. This means 91% of total FII positions in index futures remain on the short side. Such a low ratio signals oversold positioning and raises the possibility of near-term short covering, which would bode well for the markets.On the upside, Nifty needs to clear the 26,100 – 26,150 resistance zone to regain its bullish momentum and open the path for higher levels.Indian markets are expected to open on a subdued note amid the absence of compelling global cues.

Opening Bell - Morning CommentaryWall Street Closes Lower as Tech Retreats Ahead of Fed MinutesUS major indexes closed lower on Monday, beginning the year's final week on a subdued note as heavyweight technology stocks retreated from last week's rally that had propelled the S&P 500 to record highs.Big-name technology companies weighed on the markets, with Nvidia and Oracle posting notable declines. Following last week's strong performance, stocks drifted lower throughout Monday's session. All major averages declined, though selling pressure remained relatively muted.The U.S. dollar held steady on Tuesday ahead of the Federal Reserve's release of its December meeting minutes, which are expected to reveal divisions within the central bank over next year's policy trajectory.Investors await the minutes of the Federal Reserve's December policy meeting, scheduled for release on Wednesday afternoon. The central bank reduced its benchmark rate by 25 basis points to a target range of 4.25%–4.50% at that meeting. Market pricing suggests approximately an 80% probability that rates will remain unchanged at the upcoming January meeting.Oil prices edged lower early Tuesday after climbing more than 2% in the previous session—partly pressured by spill-over from a pullback in precious metals—even as escalating Russia-Ukraine tensions kept supply-disruption fears elevated.Precious metals retreated sharply on Monday, with silver and platinum pulling back from session highs, as investors locked in profits following recent rallies.The Indian rupee extended its decline for a fifth consecutive session, weakening 12 paise against the dollar to close at 89.97. The move reflected a shift toward risk aversion, combined with typical month-end demand from importers and corporates amid thin market liquidity.The Nifty's short-term trend weakened as it closed below its 20-day EMA at 25,993. However, the index continues to trade above its 50-day EMA support at 25,832 and maintains a higher-high, higher-low pattern on the daily chart, thereby preserving the broader uptrend.A sustained break below 25726 would invalidate this bullish structure and could serve as a stop-loss reference for long positions. On the upside, the 26,100–26,150 zone is likely to act as near-term resistance.Indian markets are likely to open muted on the monthly derivative expiry day amid a lack of strong global cues.

Opening Bell - Morning CommentaryStrong Data Drive US Markets to Records; Indian Equities Recover ModestlyUS stock markets rose during the shortened holiday last week, with the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average both reaching record highs. Light news flow and trading volumes characterised the period, though favourable economic data and AI optimism supported positive sentiment. Investors also processed a delayed BEA release showing that Q3 GDP expanded at a robust 4.3% annualised rate, bolstering growth confidence while moderating expectations for aggressive Federal Reserve rate cuts in 2025.Key data releases due include weekly jobless claims, pending home sales, and minutes from the Federal Reserve's latest policy meeting. Indian markets ended the holiday-shortened week marginally higher, snapping a three-week losing streak, though Friday's session closed lower amid profit booking and thin volumes.Mid-caps and small-caps outperformed. The RBI's liquidity infusion and progress on India-New Zealand free trade talks supported sentiment. Markets will now track India-US trade developments, FII flows, rupee movement, crude prices, and Q3 earnings.The Indian rupee weakened to close at 89.85 against the U.S. dollar. The fall was attributed to persistent foreign outflows and increased dollar demand from metal importers.Despite two straight sessions of profit booking, Nifty’s short-term setup remains positive, holding above its 20-day EMA and key gap support placed near the 26,000 level. Immediate resistance is at 26,145, followed by 26,250. On the downside, a close below 26,000 may trigger further weakness towards 25,880 and 25,770.Corporate activity remained muted, with no major IPOs, though developments in Adani Group's cement merger remained in focus.Indian markets are poised to open marginally higher on the back of positive global cues.

Opening Bell - Morning CommentaryS&P 500 Hits Record High as Strong GDP Data Fuels Rally; Nifty Consolidates After Sharp RallyU.S. stocks rose on Tuesday, with the S&P 500 reaching a record close after a series of robust economic data pushed bond yields higher and lifted growth stocks.The major averages extended their recent gains, with the S&P 500 achieving a new all-time closing high. The Commerce Department reported that gross domestic product expanded at a 4.3% annualized rate in the third quarter—the fastest pace since Q3 2023 and well above economists' 3.3% forecast—driven by strong consumer spending.Spot gold surged past the psychological $4,500 per ounce milestone on Wednesday for the first time, propelled by safe-haven demand and rate cut expectations.Silver touched a fresh all-time high and surged beyond $72. The metal has gained 24% in December alone and 135% year-over-year, reflecting tight supply-demand fundamentals and robust safe-haven flows.*Oil prices settled higher on Tuesday as investors weighed stronger-than-expected U.S. economic growth against potential supply disruptions from Venezuela and Russia.The Indian rupee closed flat for the second consecutive session on Tuesday, as year-end rebalancing flows offset intraday weakness.Following a sharp two-day rally, the Nifty consolidated yesterday, trading within a narrow range on the weekly expiry day. The index maintains a positive short-term trend with a bullish higher-top, higher-bottom pattern on the daily chart. The Nifty could extend its advance toward resistance levels at 26,202 and 26,330, while 26,000 is expected to provide near-term support.Indian markets are poised to open moderately higher on strong global cues.

Opening Bell - Morning CommentaryAI Stocks Power Wall Street Rally as Santa Claus Rally Hopes Rise, Nifty Eyes Further UpsideU.S. equities advanced on Monday, with the S&P 500 climbing 0.88%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average adding 0.38%, and the Nasdaq Composite jumping 1.31%.AI-related stocks—including Nvidia, Oracle, and Micron—led the broad-based rally.The VIX - CBOE volatility index fell to its lowest level since September, signalling diminished market anxiety as investors positioned for a potential Santa Claus rally during the holiday-shortened week.AI leader Nvidia extended its gains following a report that the company has informed Chinese clients it plans to begin shipping its second-most-advanced AI chips to China ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday in mid-February.Spot gold reached a record high of $4,445 per ounce during early Asian trading on Tuesday, driven by expectations of rate cuts, geopolitical and economic uncertainty, and robust central bank and ETF purchases. Silver surged alongside gold, gaining nearly 2% and reaching record highs as the precious metal has more than doubled in value during 2024. The rally reflects expectations of Federal Reserve rate cuts, a weakening dollar, and heightened safe-haven demand.WTI crude oil rose 2% to $57.81 per barrel after the U.S. Coast Guard intercepted an oil tanker near Venezuela and Ukraine struck a Russian tanker in the Mediterranean—marking the first such incident. Energy stocks advanced as geopolitical tensions heightened concerns about potential supply disruptions heading into 2025.Copper futures held above $5.43 per pound, approaching five-month highs, supported by strong demand from China's electric-vehicle and energy-infrastructure sectors.Asian equities rose alongside precious metals today as momentum buying continued ahead of the festive holidays, with investors awaiting an advanced reading on U.S. GDP expected later in the day.The Nifty closed 206 points higher at 26,172 on Monday, marking its strongest close since December 5.The index established a bullish higher-high, higher-low pattern on daily charts by breaching the key resistance level of 26,058. Market breadth remained positive for the second consecutive session.The index could extend its advance toward 26,202 and 26,330, with immediate support positioned at 26,000.Indian markets are poised to rise further on the back of short covering on the weekly Nifty expiry day and positive global cues.

Opening Bell - Morning CommentaryU.S. Stocks Rally as cooler-than-expected inflation data lift sentiment; Bank of Japan rate decision to weigh on markets. U.S. stocks rebounded on Thursday as easing inflation supported expectations for future rate cuts. The Nasdaq Composite surged 1.4% after Wednesday's tech selloff.Micron shares rose 7% on revenue guidance of $18.70 billion for the current quarter—well above the $14.20 billion estimate—citing demand substantially exceeding supply. The results eased concerns about AI spending and lifted the semiconductor sector. The rally followed Labour Department data showing that consumer price growth at 2.7% annually in November, lower than anticipated, boosting hopes for Federal Reserve rate cuts in 2026.Gold traded near $4,330 per ounce, approaching records, driven by U.S. sanctions on Venezuelan oil tankers and regional military build-up. Geopolitical uncertainty and mixed Inflation signals maintained elevated safe-haven demand.Copper futures rose to $5.37 per pound, near multi-month highs, supported by Chinese EV growth, infrastructure investment, and AI-driven US demand. Supply disruptions at major Chilean and Peruvian mines reinforced the bullish outlook, with prices up 33.6% year over year.The Bank of Japan is expected to raise interest rates today to a three-decade high and signal readiness for further hikes, citing confidence that sustained wage growth will keep inflation near its 2% target.Asian markets rebounded today following a tech-driven Wall Street rally, with investors anticipating the BOJ rate hike and its potential impact on currencies and bonds.Sentiment improved after U.S. consumer price inflation unexpectedly slowed to 2.7%, although analysts cautioned that the government shutdown distorted the data and that the data should be interpreted cautiously.Indian rupee appreciated by 14 paise to settle at 90.24 against the US dollar, marking a second straight day of gains. The currency’s renewed strength is being underpinned by steady corporate dollar inflows and easing crude oil prices, signalling an improved supply backdrop that has allowed the rupee to regain some lost ground.Despite the recent correction, the Nifty has so far held above the 50‑DEMA at 25,767 and the previous swing low at 25,693. A decisive close below these supports could accelerate selling pressure, whereas on the upside, the 26,000 level is likely to remain a major hurdle.Indian markets are poised to open moderately higher on strong global cues.

Tech Selloff Deepens as Markets Await Three Central Bank DecisionsWall Street's main indexes closed lower on Wednesday, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq falling to three-week lows as AI valuation concerns pressured technology stocks.The S&P 500 dropped 1.2%, and the Nasdaq declined 1.8%, marking four consecutive sessions of tech-led losses. Oracle plunged 5.4% on data centre concerns, while Nvidia fell 3.8%, Broadcom 4.5% amid persistent AI valuation worries.Markets await three key events: the Bank of England's expected 25-basis-point cut to 3.75%, the ECB's anticipated rate hold at 2.15%, and the BOJ's expected rate increase to a three-decade high. The dollar strengthened against major currencies Thursday as markets positioned for central bank decisions in Britain, Europe, and Japan. Oil prices rebounded from four-year lows after President Trump ordered a complete blockade of sanctioned Venezuelan tankers, pushing Brent crude above $59 per barrel.Silver surged to a record high while gold hovered near its all-time peak, reflecting aggressive market pricing of monetary debasement and macro uncertainty.Copper futures steadied around $5.35 per pound, up 1.15% daily and 33% year-over-year, supported by strong Chinese EV demand and U.S. AI investment. Supply disruptions in Chile and Peru, plus potential U.S. tariffs on refined metals, reinforced the bullish outlook despite broader market weakness.Nifty extended its losing streak for the third consecutive session, slipping 41 points to close at 25,818 yesterday.Indian rupee snapped its five-day losing streak, appreciating sharply by 65 paise against the U.S. dollar. The rebound is widely attributed to suspected central bank intervention. Nifty has reached near its 50 DEMA support, currently placed at 25765. A decisive break below the 50-DEMA could trigger additional selling pressure and deepen the ongoing correction. On the upside, the 26,000 zone is expected to provide immediate resistance; a sustained close above it may prompt short-covering in the index.Indian markets are poised to open near yesterday's close due to the absence of any strong global cues.

Opening Bell - Morning CommentaryUS Markets Mixed as Oil Plunge - Tech Rallies While Energy TumblesThe S&P 500 and *Dow Jones fell on Tuesday as economic concerns pressured cyclical sectors outside technology. Oil prices plunged, with WTI crude falling to $55.61 and Brent to around $60 per barrel—the lowest since early 2021. Optimism over a potential Russia-Ukraine peace deal, expectations of oversupply, and weak Chinese data pressured energy markets.The Nasdaq closed higher as Tesla shares jumped 3.1% to record highs near $486 after CEO Elon Musk confirmed the company is testing fully autonomous robotaxis in Austin, potentially removing safety monitors. The stock has more than doubled since March, driven by enthusiasm for autonomous driving and AI.The volatility followed November's employment report, which showed non-farm payrolls rose 64,000 after falling 105,000 in October, beating the expected 50,000 gain. However, unemployment climbed to 4.6%, a four-year high.Fed Futures still price in two Federal Reserve rate cuts next year, with labour data leaving expectations unchanged.Pfizer dropped over 5% after issuing 2026 earnings guidance of $2.80 to $3.00 per share, below the $3.06 consensus, with projected revenues of $59.5 billion to $62.5 billion and $1.5 billion less from COVID-19 products.Asian markets were mixed on Wednesday as mixed U.S. employment data failed to shift expectations for monetary policy, leaving investors awaiting further direction.Japan's exports to the U.S. rebounded in November for the first time in eight months, suggesting a easing of tariff effects and supporting the case for continued Bank of Japan rate hikes.The rupee weakened for a fifth straight session yesterday, depreciating 30 paise to close at a new record low. This weakness is primarily attributable to ongoing Foreign Fund Outflows (FIIs) from capital markets, coupled with persistent global risk aversion.Nifty extended its decline for the second consecutive session yesterday, registering a sharp loss of 167 points to close at 25860.A decisive break below the 50-DEMA level at 25760 could trigger additional selling pressure and deepen the ongoing correction. On the upside, the 26058 is likely to act as an immediate resistance level. A sustained move above 26,058 would signal a short-term bullish breakout and open the path for higher levels in the range of 26200-26300.Indian markets are poised to open near yesterday's close and attempt a recovery from lower levels.

Opening Bell - Morning CommentaryAI Trade Fatigue Weighs on US Indices, Nifty Shows Resilience Despite Global Headwinds.US indices closed modestly lower on Monday, pressured by large-cap tech and AI-linked stocks. The weakness followed renewed declines in Broadcom and other AI beneficiaries as investor fatigue mounted around the "AI trade."Stocks opened higher but quickly reversed course, pulling back from early highs and hovering near unchanged levels for most of the session.Key economic data this week includes the November jobs report and October retail sales today, followed by the November consumer price index on Thursday. These reports could reshape interest rate expectations following last Wednesday's Federal Reserve policy announcement.Meanwhile, Japanese private-sector surveys indicated that manufacturing contraction eased in December, while services-sector growth slowed, creating headwinds for the economy as 2025 draws to a close.Oil prices fell in early Tuesday trading, extending Monday's losses, as prospects for a Russia-Ukraine peace deal appeared to strengthen and raised expectations that sanctions could ease.The U.S. dollar index slipped near a two-month low at the start of Asian trading today as markets awaited key economic data, including the delayed November jobs report.The rupee weakened for a fourth consecutive day, depreciating by 31 paise to a record low, positioning it as the worst-performing Asian currency.Nifty briefly slipped below its 20-day exponential moving average (20-DEMA) at 25,965 yesterday but recovered and closed decisively above it, indicating resilience among market participants.A sustained move above 26,058 would signal a short-term bullish breakout and open the path for higher levels in the range of 26200-26300.On the downside, the 25,900 level is expected to act as short-term support. Indian markets are poised to open subdued on weak global cues.

Opening Bell - Morning CommentaryDow Hits Record Highs While AI Doubts and Surging Jobless Claims Drag Technology Lower. Nifty eyes a close above 26000, focus to shift to mid and small stocks. Markets diverged as the S&P 500 and Dow hit record closes following a less hawkish-than-expected Federal Reserve policy update, while the Nasdaq declined amid Oracle's disappointing results.The Dow and Russell 2000 reached new highs, but surging jobless claims raised labour market concerns, pulling down the dollar and Treasury yields.The Dow's surge was partly driven by Visa, which rose 6.1% on a broker upgrade, along with substantial gains in Nike, UnitedHealth, and American Express.Oracle plunged 13%, triggering a tech selloff after massive spending and weak forecasts raised doubts about AI investment returns. The company's fiscal Q2 earnings beat estimates but revenues disappointed, highlighting uneven gains from AI technology despite widespread belief in its transformative potential.NVIDIA and other AI stocks also declined, suggesting renewed valuation concerns.Broadcom projected first-quarter revenue above estimates on Thursday but warned margins would compress due to a higher AI revenue mix, sending shares down 5% after hours. Initial jobless claims jumped to 236,000 for the week ending December 6—up 44,000 from the prior week's revised 192,000, exceeding expectations. Gold rose on Thursday to hit its highest level in more than a month after the U.S. Federal Reserve's quarter-point rate cut pushed the dollar lower, while silver surged to a record high.Nifty snapped its three-session losing streak yesterday, gained 140 points to close at 25,898.Over the past three sessions, Nifty has consistently tested the 50-DEMA at 24,735, establishing a short-term base near this level that should provide strong support as we advance. On the upside, 26202 remains a positional hurdle for the bulls.Nifty eyes a decisive close above 26,000, shifting market attention toward mid and small-cap stocks for near-term opportunities.Indian markets are poised to open higher in line with positive global cues.