Indian stock market: 8 key things that changed for market overnight - Gift Nifty, US-Iran tensions to Nasdaq rally

By Admin

25 Feb, 2026

The Indian stock market is poised for a positive start after witnessing a sharp sell-off in the previous session. Global cues, rising technology stocks on Wall Street, geopolitical tensions, and commodity movements have reshaped market sentiment overnight. Here are 8 key developments investors should track closely.

1. Gift Nifty Signals a Positive Opening

Gift Nifty was trading around the 25,672 level, at a premium of nearly 72 points over the previous close of Nifty futures. This indicates a likely positive opening for Indian benchmark indices.

The premium suggests improved investor sentiment following supportive global cues and easing immediate panic after Tuesday’s heavy sell-off.

2. Benchmark Indices Recovering After Sharp Fall
   
   

On Tuesday, the Indian market witnessed strong selling pressure across sectors due to AI disruption fears that spooked global investors.

• The Sensex crashed 1,068.74 points (1.28%) to close at 82,225.92.
• The Nifty 50 fell 288.35 points (1.12%) to settle at 25,424.65.

According to Siddhartha Khemka, Head of Research, Wealth Management at Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd, global uncertainty and AI-led disruption concerns continue to keep volatility elevated on D-Street. Markets are expected to remain volatile within a broader range driven by mixed global and domestic cues.

3. Asian Markets Rally

Asian markets traded higher on Wednesday, tracking gains on Wall Street:

• Japan’s Nikkei 225 gained 1.11%, while Topix remained flat.
• South Korea’s Kospi rose 0.77%, crossing the 6,000 level for the first time.
• Kosdaq advanced 0.22%.
• Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index futures signaled a higher opening.

The rally reflects improved risk appetite across the region.

4. Wall Street Ends Higher Led by Tech Stocks

The US stock market ended higher overnight, driven by strong gains in technology stocks.

• Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 370.44 points (0.76%) to 49,174.50.
• S&P 500 gained 52.32 points (0.77%) to 6,890.07.
• Nasdaq Composite surged 236.41 points (1.05%) to 22,863.68.

Key tech movers included Nvidia (+0.68%), AMD (+8.8%), Intel (+5.71%), Microsoft (+1.18%), Apple (+2.24%), Amazon (+1.60%), Meta (+0.3%), Tesla (+2.39%), Keysight Technologies (+23.1%), FactSet (+5.9%), Salesforce (+4.1%), and Thomson Reuters (+11.5%).

5. Meta–AMD AI Deal Boosts Sentiment
   
   

Advanced Micro Devices announced it has agreed to sell up to $60 billion worth of AI chips to Meta Platforms over five years. The deal allows Meta to purchase as much as 10% of AMD.

This strategic agreement significantly lifted semiconductor stocks and strengthened the global AI investment narrative, positively influencing broader markets.

6. US-Iran Tensions Escalate

Geopolitical concerns intensified as the US ordered the largest military buildup in the Middle East since 2003. Two aircraft carriers have been deployed, along with 12 stealth F-22 fighter jets to Israel, according to reports.

Investors remain cautious ahead of US-Iran nuclear talks scheduled for Thursday. Rising geopolitical tensions could inject volatility into global markets.

7. Gold, Dollar and Currency Movement

Gold prices remained broadly unchanged after falling over 1% in the previous session.

• Spot gold stood at $5,146.18 per ounce.
• US gold futures (April) slipped 0.2% to $5,165.10.
• Spot silver declined 0.2% to $87.13 per ounce.

The dollar index rose 0.02%, extending previous gains. The euro hovered at $1.1776, sterling at $1.35, while the yen weakened to around 155–156 per dollar.

A stronger dollar often pressures emerging markets, including India, by impacting capital flows.

8. Crude Oil Prices Edge Higher

Crude oil prices gained amid geopolitical uncertainty:

• Brent crude rose 0.83% to $71.36 per barrel.
• WTI crude gained 0.84% to $66.19.

Higher oil prices can impact India’s inflation outlook and trade deficit, making crude movement a crucial factor for domestic markets.

Conclusion

The Indian stock market is expected to open higher, supported by strong global cues and Gift Nifty’s premium. However, volatility may persist due to AI disruption concerns, US-Iran geopolitical tensions, currency movements, and crude oil fluctuations.

Investors should closely track global technology trends, commodity prices, and geopolitical developments, as these factors are currently driving short-term market direction.