Stock Market Update: Nifty, Sensex Likely to Open Lower Ahead of Economic Survey 2026

Indian equity benchmarks are expected to open on a cautious note on Thursday as investors turn their focus to the Economic Survey 2025-26, amid mixed global cues. GIFT Nifty was trading around 25,365, with a discount of 85-90 points compared to its previous close of Nifty futures.

On Wednesday, Indian equities closed higher. Sensex advanced 487.20 points or 0.60% to close at 82,344.68, while the Nifty 50 gained 167.35 points or 0.66% to settle at 25,342.75.

Sectoral performance showed uneven results. The Media, Metals, Energy, Oil & Gas sector, Realty, and PSU Banks sectors all recorded gains between 1% and 4%. 

The market experienced slight profit-taking, which affected FMCG, Consumer Durables, and Pharma stocks. The midcap and smallcap indices both recorded 1.66% and 2.26% gains, supporting the broader market.

Key Event

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Economic Survey 2025-26 in Parliament today, and Chief Economic Adviser V. Anantha Nageswaran will hold a press briefing afterwards. 

The survey will guide the assessment of India’s economic growth potential, its inflation patterns, the country’s fiscal consolidation strategies and its crucial development areas. 

Market behaviour before the Union Budget on February 1 will be determined by GDP growth projections, capital expenditure predictions, fiscal deficit targets and reform momentum.

Sensex Outlook

The Sensex maintains its positive market structure. The 82,000 level remains a key support zone in the near term. 

The ongoing rally will continue as long as the index stays above this level. The index could move to 82,800 and followed by 83,000 if the buying continues.

Market sentiment will weaken if the index drops below 82,000, which will trigger investors to take short-term profits ahead of the Union Budget.

Nifty 50 Outlook

The Nifty 50 continues to stay above the 200-day moving average at 25,170, reinforcing medium-term strength.

The 25,200 is a key demand area that serves as immediate support. The short-term market trend remains positive as long as the price stays above this level.

The 25,450-25,500 range remains a key resistance area. Holding above this level keeps the short-term bias positive. 

Momentum indicators such as RSI have shown upward movement from their previous lows, which indicates improving market strength.

Also Read: US Stock Market Today: S&P 500 Tops 7,000 as Investors Await Fed Decision and Big Tech Earnings

Bank Nifty Outlook

The Bank Nifty has closed above its 20-day exponential moving average, suggesting the index has stabilized after its recent downturn. 

The 59,900-60,000 zone serves as immediate resistance, which is a key supply area. A sustained move above this range could extend the rally toward 60,300, followed by 60,600.

The 59,100-59,000 zone serves as strong support, which also aligns with the 50-day EMA.