SGX Nifty (now known as GIFT Nifty) trading hours may often serve as an important early indicator for the Indian stock market. Global investors and local traders use them to predict possible trends at market open. SGX Nifty or GIFT Nifty movements late at night and early morning in India provide insights into global cues for the day ahead.
This article explains what SGX Nifty or GIFT Nifty is, its trading hours, and how it may impact the Indian stock market. The information holds great value especially for investors interested in SGX Nifty or GIFT Nifty trading hours, SGX Nifty timings, and SGX Nifty impact on Indian market.
Table of contents
What is SGX Nifty?
SGX Nifty referred to the Nifty 50 futures contract traded on the Singapore Exchange (SGX). It mirrored India’s benchmark Nifty 50 by tracking the top 50 companies listed on the National Stock Exchange (NSE). Launched on September 25, 2000, it catered to global investors seeking exposure to India’s equity markets without direct access to domestic platforms.
Singapore was chosen for its time zone advantages and financial infrastructure, making it easier for global investors to get Indian market exposure.
However, in July 2023, SGX Nifty was shifted to GIFT City and rebranded as GIFT Nifty on the NSE International Exchange (NSE IX). The migration extended trading hours and integrated it more closely with Indian markets.
While SGX Nifty used to trade for 16 hours, the rebranded GIFT Nifty is traded for 21 hours across two sessions. Regardless of the change, SGX Nifty’s legacy remains a crucial baseline for historical context and understanding offshore investor sentiment.
Also Read: Difference between SGX Nifty vs Indian Nifty
SGX Nifty trading hours & market impact
SGX Nifty used to trade longer than Indian markets, typically running from 6:30 AM to 11:30 PM (IST) – a roughly 16-hour window. This extended schedule, well before and after NSE trading, meant it often signalled how the Indian market might open, offering a pre-market sentiment gauge.
Currently, the GIFT Nifty trades in two sessions:
Morning session: 6.30 AM (IST) to 3.40 PM (IST)
Evening session: 4.35 PM to 2.45 AM (IST) the next morning.
Movements in SGX Nifty or GIFT Nifty, especially overnight or early morning, may influence intraday strategies. However, they may not fully predict trends once local economic indicators, company announcements, or domestic policy moves come into play.
Additionally, global events such as geopolitical shifts or US market moves may move SGX Nifty or GIFT Nifty unexpectedly during its long hours, emphasizing the importance of integrating those cues with domestic fundamentals before crafting trading approaches.
How to track SGX Nifty in India
Indian investors may follow GIFT Nifty on financial news sites, broker platforms, or ETF trackers showing live prices and volumes. Some portals provide real-time charts and pre-market indicators, helping traders see trends and plan before NSE opens.
Tools like live feeds or ETF trackers make it easier for investors to visualise GIFT Nifty movements and adapt their strategies accordingly.
The importance of SGX Nifty or GIFT Nifty timings
- Pre-market indicators - GIFT Nifty starts before NSE, giving an indication of how NSE might open. For example, a strong move in GIFT Nifty pre-market could suggest a positive start on NSE.
- Investor sentiment and global indices - GIFT Nifty reflects trends from overseas markets, economic releases, and major global events even when Indian markets are closed.
- Arbitrage and hedging - Institutional traders use GIFT Nifty for hedging or potentially taking advantage of price differences between NSE and international exchanges during overlapping hours.
- Global exposure - SGX Nifty or GIFT Nifty promotes global participation, especially for foreign institutional investors (FIIs) allowing them to express views on Indian equities outside India’s trading hours.
Also Read: What is Nifty PSU Bank
Conclusion
The hours of SGX Nifty or GIFT Nifty present investors an early indication of global sentiment and the direction of the market for Indian investors. By operating extensively from early morning to late evening, its impact on Indian market trends makes it a valued pre-market reference. While SGX Nifty has evolved into GIFT Nifty with extended availability that now overlaps Asian, European, and US time zones, its core role remains intact. Hence, offshore futures movements may signal how India’s stock market may open. Using SGX Nifty or GIFT Nifty insights alongside domestic fundamentals may help create a measured, informed strategy that balances global cues and local market drivers.
FAQs
What is the difference between GIFT Nifty and SGX Nifty?
They represent the same Nifty 50 futures idea, but on different platforms. SGX Nifty was listed in Singapore. From July 3, 2023, trading shifted to NSE IX in GIFT City and was rebranded GIFT Nifty. Access for global participants continues through the NSE IFSC–SGX Connect.
What does SGX stand for?
SGX stands for Singapore Exchange, the main stock exchange in Singapore.
What is SGX known for?
Singapore Exchange is known as a regional hub for equities and derivatives. Historically it hosted SGX Nifty; post-migration, Indian cues are available on NSE IX as GIFT Nifty, which runs almost 21 hours to capture Asia, Europe, and U.S. activity.
What are SGX trading hours?
For equities, Singapore follows daytime local sessions. However what Indian investors track today are the GIFT Nifty derivatives sessions – 6:30 AM to 3:40 PM and 4:35 PM to 2:45 PM(IST), which provide the actionable pre-open signal. Always rely on the official venue (NSE IX) for details.
Is SGX Nifty related to India?
Yes. SGX Nifty (now GIFT Nifty) mirrors the Nifty 50, India’s headline index. The media in India uses it as an early barometer for sentiment before the 9:15 AM opening bell, though domestic factors may quickly take over once trading begins.
Is SGX a government entity?
No, SGX is a publicly listed exchange operator in Singapore. Indian market oversight is by SEBI, while GIFT Nifty/NSE IX is regulated by IFSCA.
Mutual Fund investments are subject to market risks, read all scheme related documents carefully.
This document should not be treated as endorsement of the views/opinions or as investment advice. This document should not be construed as a research report or a recommendation to buy or sell any security. This document is for information purpose only and should not be construed as a promise on minimum returns or safeguard of capital. This document alone is not sufficient and should not be used for the development or implementation of an investment strategy. The recipient should note and understand that the information provided above may not contain all the material aspects relevant for making an investment decision. Investors are advised to consult their own investment advisor before making any investment decision in light of their risk appetite, investment goals and horizon. This information is subject to change without any prior notice.
The content herein has been prepared on the basis of publicly available information believed to be reliable. However, Bajaj Finserv Asset Management Ltd. does not guarantee the accuracy of such information, assure its completeness or warrant such information will not be changed.The tax information (if any) in this article is based on current laws and is subject to change. Please consult a tax professional or refer to the latest regulations for up-to-date information.
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