7 key things that changed for market overnight - Gift Nifty to Gold, silver prices

By Admin

31 Dec, 2025

Indian equity markets are set to wrap up 2025 on a cautious note as global cues remain mixed and trading activity stays thin due to New Year’s Eve holidays across major Asian markets. Here are the seven most important overnight developments that may influence Sensex and Nifty 50 movement today.

1. Flat opening expected for Indian markets
   Indian stock market benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty 50 are expected to open largely flat on Wednesday, December 31, the final trading session of 2025. Market participation is likely to remain muted as several Asian markets, including Japan, South Korea, and Thailand, are closed for New Year’s Eve. Gift Nifty signaled a marginally positive opening, trading at 26,127, up 24 points or 0.09 percent.
   
   

2. Tuesday’s market close remains unchanged
   Indian equities ended nearly flat on Tuesday, December 30, as investors refrained from aggressive bets amid the absence of strong domestic triggers and mixed global signals. The Sensex closed at 84,675.08, down 20 points or 0.02 percent, while the Nifty 50 slipped just 3 points to end at 25,938.85.
   
   

According to Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Investments Limited, markets remained volatile on monthly expiry day despite supportive global cues. Auto stocks gained on robust IIP data, metal stocks advanced due to higher metal prices, and PSU banks benefited from improved asset quality. However, persistent FII outflows and cautious sentiment kept markets range-bound.

3. Asian markets performance
   Asian equities are on track for their strongest annual performance in six years, driven by US Federal Reserve rate cuts and strong interest in artificial intelligence-linked stocks. The MSCI All Country World Index has risen 21 percent in 2025, while Asian equities are set for their third consecutive annual gain, the best since 2017.
   
   

However, on the last trading day of the year, futures indicated mild weakness. Hang Seng futures slipped 0.2 percent, while Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 also declined 0.2 percent. Several key Asian markets have already closed for the year, contributing to low liquidity.

4. Gift Nifty trends
   Gift Nifty continued to indicate a flat but slightly positive start for Indian benchmark indices. It was trading near the 26,127 level, up 24 points or 0.09 percent compared to the previous close of Nifty futures, suggesting limited upside in the absence of fresh triggers.
   
   

5. Wall Street ends slightly lower
   US equities ended marginally lower on Tuesday as investors closed out positions ahead of the year-end. Trading volumes remained thin, but all major indices are set to post double-digit gains for 2025.
   
   

The S&P 500 slipped 0.1 percent to 6,894.24 but is still on track for an annual gain of over 17 percent. The Dow Jones fell 0.2 percent to 48,367.06, while the Nasdaq Composite declined 0.2 percent to 23,419.08. Technology stocks, particularly AI-focused companies, continued to dominate market weightage.

6. US Fed minutes and dollar movement
   Minutes from the US Federal Reserve’s December meeting revealed that policymakers were divided over the interest rate cut decision, calling it finely balanced amid mixed economic risks. The next Fed meeting is scheduled for January 27–28, with markets largely expecting rates to remain unchanged.
   
   

Following the minutes, the US dollar strengthened modestly. The dollar index rose 0.19 percent to 98.19. Despite the recent uptick, the dollar is on track for its worst annual performance since 2017, down nearly 10 percent in 2025. The euro remains up over 13 percent for the year, while sterling has gained nearly 8 percent.

7. Gold, silver, and oil prices
   Gold and silver prices traded lower on Wednesday but remain on course for historic annual gains. Spot gold slipped 0.3 percent to $4,334.20 per ounce after hitting a record high last week. US gold futures fell 1 percent to $4,346.50 per ounce. Silver declined 1.6 percent to $75.09 an ounce.
   
   

Despite the dip, bullion has surged 66 percent in 2025, marking its strongest annual rally since 1979. Silver has gained an extraordinary 157 percent year-to-date, making 2025 its best year on record. Palladium and platinum also posted strong yearly gains.

Meanwhile, oil prices are headed for their steepest annual decline since 2020. US West Texas Intermediate crude traded below $58 per barrel, down nearly 20 percent for the year, while Brent crude hovered above $61. Oversupply concerns, slower global demand growth, and upcoming OPEC decisions continue to weigh on crude prices.

Conclusion
With most global markets winding down for the year and investors awaiting key cues from US-India trade discussions and upcoming Q3 earnings, Indian equities are expected to remain range-bound on the final trading day of 2025. Low volumes and cautious sentiment are likely to define market action as the year comes to a close.