GIFT Nifty down 70 points, signals a negative start; Asian shares trade lower

GIFT Nifty traded down by 69 points, or 0.28 per cent, at 24,280, signalling a subdued opening for Dalal Street. This comes as Asian shares slipped, with Japan’s Topix and Australia’s ASX 200 declining 0.8 per cent and 0.4 per cent, respectively.

Key technical levels:
Nifty’s immediate resistance stands at 24,350, with a potential rally toward the 24,550-24,750 zone if this level is decisively crossed. Support is firm in the 23,850-24,000 range. "Traders should focus on IT and banking sectors for opportunities," advised Ajit Mishra, SVP at Religare Broking.

US & global cues:
Wall Street ended in the green on Monday, buoyed by Scott Bessent’s nomination as Treasury Secretary, which led to easing bond yields. However, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s tariff threats dampened Asian sentiments on Tuesday.

F&O watch:
Aarti Industries, Granules, and GNFC remain in the F&O ban, having breached 95 per cent of the market-wide position limit.

Rupee movement:
The rupee appreciated by 12 paise, settling at 84.29 against the dollar, supported by domestic equity gains and improved global risk appetite.

FII/DII action:
FPIs were net sellers at Rs 9,947 crore on Monday, while DIIs made net purchases worth Rs 6,908 crore.