Markets likely to open higher riding on gains in the Asian and US markets

The benchmark Nifty 50 index is gearing up to achieve a record high for the fifth consecutive session on Friday, aligning with a global surge led by technology stocks, triggered by the exceptional earnings reported by the US-based tech firm Nvidia.

As of 8:13 a.m. IST, the GIFT Nifty was trading at 22,312.50, indicating that the NSE Nifty 50 will open above its Thursday's record close of 22,217.45.

Throughout this week, the Nifty has consistently reached all-time peaks in each of the four sessions, recording a gain of approximately 0.8%, propelled by the performance of financials and consumer stocks. The Sensex has also demonstrated a 1% increase this week and is merely 300 points away from its record high.

On Thursday, the S&P 500 index and Dow Jones Industrial Average both achieved record closing highs, driven by chipmaker Nvidia's remarkable earnings and positive outlook. The Nasdaq experienced a gain of about 3%.

European shares reached a record high on Thursday, carrying the momentum into Asian markets on Friday. The MSCI Asia ex-Japan index saw an increase of over 0.5%, and Japan's Nikkei 225, following its Nvidia-fueled record high on Thursday, rose another 2%.

On Thursday, domestic institutional investors (DII) were net buyers, acquiring shares worth ₹1,824 crore ($220.1 million), while foreign institutional investors (FII) sold stocks worth ₹1,410 crore.

Key stocks in focus today:

• Concord Biotech received a certificate of good manufacturing practices from the Kenyan government for its Ahmedabad plant.
• Vodafone Idea is scheduled to hold a board meeting on Feb. 27 to evaluate fundraising proposals.
• Prataap Snacks clarified that it is not in negotiations with ITC for a stake sale, refuting media reports.
• Eureka Forbes: Lunolux divested a 10% stake through block deals to buyers including Goldman Sachs India Equity Portfolio and Morgan Stanley Asia.