As of September 30, 2025, the GIFT Nifty indicates a potentially muted start for the Indian stock market, while Asian shares display a mixed performance influenced by factors such as U.S. economic data, policy decisions, and concerns over a possible U.S. government shutdown.

GIFT Nifty Overview

The GIFT Nifty, formerly known as SGX Nifty, serves as a pre-market indicator for the Nifty 50, providing insights into how the Indian stock market might open. Trading for 21 hours a day, it reflects global market trends even outside of Indian trading hours. It is a derivative of the Nifty 50 index and is traded on the NSE International Exchange located in GIFT City, Gujarat. The current price of GIFT NIFTY 50 INDEX FUTURES is 24,683.0 USD, a 0.09% increase in the past 24 hours.

Asian Markets Mixed

Asian stock markets are exhibiting a mixed performance. Several factors are influencing market sentiment, including:

• U.S. Economic Data and Policy: In-line U.S. inflation data has reinforced hopes for Federal Reserve rate cuts, contributing to positive sentiment in some markets. However, a looming U.S. government shutdown is creating uncertainty, as it could delay the release of key economic data and impact the Federal Reserve's policy decisions.
• China's Economic Activity: Chinese shares showed muted gains following mixed business activity readings. While government data indicated a contraction in manufacturing activity for the sixth consecutive month, private PMI readings presented a different picture. Industrial profits in China saw a robust annual increase of 20.4% in August, signaling a potential stabilization of the world's second-largest economy.
• Bank of Japan Survey: Investors are awaiting cues from the Bank of Japan's quarterly business sentiment survey.
• Australian Market: The Australian market hit a two-week high, driven by banks and gold miners. The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is expected to hold rates steady at 3.60%.
• Other Asian Markets: Hong Kong's Hang Seng index showed a surge. South Korea's KOSPI rose, with tech shares performing strongly.

Individual Market Performances

• China: The Shanghai Composite index increased by 0.90%.
• Hong Kong: The Hang Seng index surged by 1.89%.
• Japan: The Nikkei average fell by 0.69%, while the broader Topix index settled 1.74% lower.
• South Korea: The Kospi average jumped 1.33%.
• Australia: The S&P/ASX 200 rose 0.85%, and the All Ordinaries index ended up 0.76%.
• New Zealand: The S&P/NZX-50 index edged up by 0.16%.

Factors to Watch

Several factors could influence market movements in the coming days:

• U.S. Government Shutdown: The potential shutdown and its impact on economic data release and Federal Reserve policy.
• China Factory Data: Investors are awaiting China factory data.
• Bank of Japan Sentiment Survey: A quarterly business sentiment survey by the Bank of Japan is due.
• RBI Policy Announcements: Significant events such as RBI policy announcements, election results, GDP data releases, and job numbers can cause swings in GIFT Nifty.
• OPEC+ Meeting: Investors are watching for potential oil production increases.

Overall, the Asian markets are displaying a cautious sentiment as they navigate a mix of domestic and global economic factors.