Global Cues: Indian Markets Eye Muted Start Amid Record US Highs, Gold Surge

• Indian benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, are expected to see a muted start today, December 26, influenced by a flat-trading GIFT Nifty.
• On December 24, Indian equities closed marginally lower; most sectoral indices, including IT, Oil & Gas, Pharma, PSU Bank, ended in the red.
• Global markets saw US equities (Dow, S&P 500) hit record closing highs, while Asian equities also edged higher.
• Crude oil prices climbed, and Gold surged to a record high, driven by safe-haven demand and expectations of US Fed rate cuts.
• FIIs sold equities worth Rs 1,721 crore on December 24, while DIIs purchased Rs 2,381 crore, providing market support.

Why It Matters: Indian markets anticipate a flat opening today, contrasting with global gains and record gold prices.