The GIFT Nifty is signaling a muted start for the Indian stock market, while Asian shares are trading mostly lower today. Here's a breakdown of the key factors influencing market sentiment:

GIFT Nifty Performance

As of January 15, 2026, the GIFT Nifty is trading at 25727.5, a decrease of -0.29% from its previous closing value of 25802. The index opened at 25779, reaching an intraday high of 25949.5 and a low of 25717.

The GIFT Nifty serves as an early indicator of market sentiment in India, helping traders and institutions strategize before the official trading hours of the National Stock Exchange (NSE). A strong performance in the GIFT Nifty typically suggests a bullish opening for the Nifty 50. It mirrors the performance of the Nifty 50 index, reflecting broader economic trends and movements in the Indian equity markets. It allows foreign investors to participate in the Indian markets, and provides enhanced liquidity and market flexibility.

Asian Markets Overview

Asian stocks are showing a mixed performance. Several key indices are experiencing downward pressure.

• Japan: The Nikkei 225 index has edged 0.1% lower to 54,062.28. The benchmark Nikkei 225 index ended down 0.65 percent at 53,583.57, extending losses for a third straight day.

• Hong Kong: The Hang Seng index gave up 0.3% to 26,851.69. The Hang Seng index fell 1.05 percent to 26,563.90, extending losses to a third consecutive session amid selling across the board.

• China: The Shanghai Composite index lost 0.2% to 4,103.45. The benchmark Shanghai Composite index edged up by 0.29 percent to 4,114.

• South Korea: The Kospi rose 0.4% to 4,814.21. The Kospi average ended up 1.32 percent at 4,904.66, after hitting an intraday high of 4,917.37.

• Australia: The S&P/ASX 200 was up 0.4% at 8,895.00.

• India: India's Sensex also rose 0.4%.

Factors Influencing the Market

• US-Europe Trade Tensions: Escalating trade tensions between the US and Europe, triggered by President Trump's tariff threats regarding Greenland, are creating caution among investors. Trump's threat to tariff countries opposing his bid to control Greenland has reignited the market volatility seen early in his second term.

• Mixed Economic Data from China: China's economic data presents a mixed picture. While the country met its 5% growth mandate for 2025 and industrial production growth for December beat expectations, retail sales and fixed asset investment numbers came in below estimates.

• Geopolitical Tensions: Rising geopolitical tensions over Greenland have strengthened the yen as a safe haven.

• Upcoming Elections in Japan: The yen was steady in early trading Tuesday after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi officially called an early election next month.

Wall Street Performance

Wall Street showed signs of recovery, breaking a two-day losing streak and edging back toward record levels. The S&P 500 rose 0.3% to 6,944.47, the Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.6% to 49.442.44, and the Nasdaq composite rose 0.2% to 23,530.02.