Opening Bell - Morning Commentary

Dow Hits Record High

The Dow closed above 48,000 for the first time, driven by optimism over the imminent end of the 43-day U.S. government shutdown.

Defensive sectors and consumer staples led gains; meanwhile, tech stocks struggled.

Progress toward passing a funding bill in Congress helped lift market sentiment, with investors expecting the release of delayed economic data and an increased chance of a December Fed rate cut once the government reopens.

The Nasdaq posted back-to-back declines as mega-cap technology stocks and AI-linked equities faced profit-taking pressures. Nvidia dropped sharply after SoftBank sold its entire stake and supply-chain partners retreated.

Oil dropped over 4% with OPEC and IEA highlighting a faster build-up of global inventories and soft demand outlook. U.S. production remains high, compounding bearish sentiment even as attacks on infrastructure failed to boost prices.

Gold surged past $4,180/oz, reaching near-record levels as traders eyed a possible Fed rate cut and safe-haven flows continued despite the risk-on tone in equities.

The Nifty extended its winning streak for the third consecutive session, rising 180 points to close at 25,875, supported by optimism over a potential trade deal with the United States.

By closing above 25,800, the Nifty has retraced over 61.8 percent of the entire decline from 26,100 to 25,318, confirming a bullish reversal after the recent correction.

The index now eyes resistance near the previous swing high of 26,100, and a breakout above this level could trigger a move toward fresh record highs beyond 26,277.

On the downside, immediate support has shifted higher to 25,715, forming a strong base for the ongoing rally.

Indian markets are poised to open mildly soft on the back of mixed global cues.