Indian Markets Poised for Strong Opening; Global Cues Positive, Gold Hits Record High

• Indian benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, are expected to see a strong opening on December 22, with GIFT Nifty trading higher at 26,171, indicating a gap-up start.
• Indian markets snapped a four-day losing streak, with Nifty closing above 25,900, driven by broad-based buying and hopes for further Federal Reserve rate easing.
• Global markets showed positive trends: Asian and US equities gained, with technology leading Wall Street, while the Bank of Japan raised interest rates.
• Crude oil prices gained after the US intercepted a Venezuelan tanker, and spot gold surged to a record high of $4,383.73 per ounce on Fed rate cut expectations and safe-haven demand.
• Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) and Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) continued buying, with FIIs purchasing over Rs 1800 crore and DIIs Rs 5,722 crore on December 19.

Why It Matters: Positive global cues and strong FII/DII buying set Indian markets for a robust opening.