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Markets Track Positive Asian Cues
Mumbai, December 22:
Indian stock markets opened on a positive note on Monday, tracking strong cues from Asian peers. However, concerns related to global tariffs continued to cap investor sentiment, experts said.
The Nifty 50 opened at 26,055.85, rising 89.45 points or 0.34 per cent. The BSE Sensex also began the session higher at 85,139.93, gaining 210.57 points or 0.25 per cent.
Experts Flag Cautious Optimism
Market experts advised caution despite the upbeat opening. Ajay Bagga, Banking and Market Expert, told ANI that Indian markets had ended lower for the third straight week on Friday, but several positive factors supported the fresh gains.
“Soft US CPI data, positive cues from the US and Asian markets, FPI inflows last week, a recovery in the rupee, and oversold market levels are driving a better start to the week,” Bagga said.
Tariff Concerns Still Weigh on Sentiment
Despite the early rally, Bagga said challenges remain. He pointed to 50 per cent US tariffs and the lack of progress on a trade deal as major sentiment dampeners.
He also noted continued Foreign Portfolio Investor (FPI) selling during the year. Liquidity has shifted away from equities as promoters and private equity funds booked profits in primary markets at high valuations.
Broader Market Shows Strength
Broader indices on the National Stock Exchange also traded higher in early trade.
- Nifty 100 rose 0.54 per cent
- Nifty Midcap 100 gained 0.51 per cent
- Nifty Smallcap 100 advanced 0.49 per cent
This reflected broad-based buying interest across market segments.
Sectoral Indices Trade in the Green
Most sectoral indices showed strength.
- Nifty Auto rose 0.34 per cent
- Nifty Metal jumped over 1 per cent
- Nifty Pharma gained 0.46 per cent
- Nifty IT climbed more than 1 per cent
Global Markets Offer Support
Global cues remained supportive. US markets saw reduced selling in technology and artificial intelligence stocks on Friday, raising hopes of a Santa rally.
The delayed US Consumer Price Index (CPI) data came in softer than expected. This strengthened expectations of possible US Federal Reserve rate cuts in early 2026.
Meanwhile, oil prices traded higher amid developments involving the US and Venezuela. Precious metals remained firm, with silver hitting a fresh all-time high in Asian markets.
Other Asian indices traded sharply higher. Japan’s Nikkei 225 surged over 1.9 per cent, Taiwan’s weighted index rose 1.68 per cent, and South Korea’s KOSPI gained 1.7 per cent, lending further support to Indian markets.
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