Markets Open in Green, IT Rally Lifts Sensex and Nifty; HCLTech Up 2%

Indian benchmark indices began Thursday’s session on a firm note, supported by positive global signals and early buying in select heavyweight stocks.

The BSE Sensex opened at 83,880, up 146 points or 0.17 per cent, while the Nifty 50 started at 25,839, gaining 19 points or 0.07 per cent.

Broader markets were also steady in early trade. The Nifty Midcap 100 inched up 0.02 per cent, while the Nifty Smallcap 100 rose 0.17 per cent, indicating selective participation beyond frontline counters.

Global backdrop supportive

Asian markets traded higher, with South Korea leading the gains. The KOSPI surged nearly 3 per cent to hit a fresh high, while Japan’s Nikkei 225 advanced around 1 per cent. Markets in mainland China and Hong Kong were shut for the Lunar New Year holidays.

Overnight on Wall Street, technology stocks powered gains. The S&P 500 climbed 0.56 per cent, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.26 per cent, and the Nasdaq Composite added 0.78 per cent.

Commodities in focus

Oil prices extended their rally in the Asian session amid rising geopolitical tensions. Brent crude futures had jumped roughly 4 per cent in the previous session as traders reacted to the possibility of renewed friction between the United States and Iran following inconclusive diplomatic talks in Geneva.

Precious metals, however, saw some profit-taking. Gold futures slipped 0.32 per cent in early trade, while silver futures declined 0.51 per cent, after both metals had gained in the prior session on safe-haven demand and expectations around the US Federal Reserve’s policy stance.

Investors will now watch for fresh domestic triggers and global developments to gauge whether the early gains on Dalal Street can be sustained through the session.