Global equity markets traded with a mixed bias on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, as strength in US benchmarks contrasted with divergent trends across Asian markets. Investors remained focused on macro cues, risk appetite in equities, and regional growth momentum.
US Markets Overview
US markets continued to show positive momentum, supported by resilience in technology and broader risk assets:
Dow Jones Futures: 49,572.89, up 0.22%
S&P 500: 6,946.28, up 0.64%
Nasdaq Composite: 23,553.59, up 0.67%
The gains reflected sustained investor confidence amid expectations of steady economic growth and selective buying in large-cap stocks.
Asian Markets Snapshot
Asian markets opened mixed, with China and Hong Kong leading gains while Japan and India-linked cues turned cautious:
Gift Nifty: 26,212.00, down 0.26%, indicating a muted to slightly weak start for Indian equities
Nikkei 225: 52,395.00, down 0.23% amid profit booking at elevated levels
Hang Seng Index: 26,710.45, up 1.36%, driven by strong buying in select tech and China-facing stocks
Shanghai Composite: 4,083.67, up 1.48%, extending gains on optimism around domestic growth and policy support
Market View
The divergence across regions highlights a selective risk-on approach, with investors favoring markets showing clearer growth visibility while remaining cautious in indices trading near record highs.
What to Watch
Indian markets may open slightly under pressure given weaker Gift Nifty cues
Focus remains on global earnings commentary, interest rate outlook, and sector-specific rotation
Asian strength, particularly from China and Hong Kong, could provide intermittent support to risk sentiment
Overall, global markets remain constructive but cautious, with near-term moves expected to stay data- and headline-driven.
