What Is Gift Nifty? Meaning, Trading Hours & Benefits Explained

The Indian stock market is undergoing a major shift with the Gift Nifty being a global trading platform & a replacement for SGX Nifty. This newly modified trading platform is pivotal for Indian Equity Index Derivatives. It’s a game-changer for Indian Markets as it brings Indian Markets closer to global Investors and strengthens Gift Nifty India's position as a Global Financial Centre.

This detailed guide tries to cover all the What Is Gift Nifty questions, like how it works and the trading hours as well as the reasons why all traders seem to care about Gift Nifty Live rates.

 

What is Gift Nifty? Meaning & Concept

Gift Nifty is a newly rebranded SGX Nifty, after moving from Singapore to GIFT City IFSC (International Financial Services Centre) in Gujarat, India.

Gift Nifty is a representation of Nifty Futures contracts that were previously traded at the Singapore Exchange & are currently traded at the NSE International Exchange (NSE IX) in GIFT City.

In Simple Words:

Gift Nifty = Nifty Futures bought and sold from anywhere in the world, with India as the base

Let's Domestic and International investors trade India’s benchmark index futures from a tax-sheltered, highly regulated financial zone.

 

Different Gifted Nifty Instruments

Gift Nifty 50 Futures.

Gift Nifty Bank Futures.

Gift Nifty Financial Services Futures.

Gift Nifty IT Futures.

Gift Nifty Midcap Select Futures.

The change has increased India's presence in and the ability to engage with international financial markets.

 

Gift Nifty Trading Hours

One of the perks of Gift Nifty Trading is the on-site trading long window.

Gift Nifty Trading Hours (Indian Time)

Session 1: 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM (IST)

Session 2: 4:35 PM - 2:45 AM (Next Day IST)

 

In essence, Gift Nifty Futures trading is done for 21 active hours. This includes:

• European Market hours. 

• UK Market hours. 

• US Market hours. 

The long trading time is in favour of international investors and allows them to act on global developments. This makes Gift Nifty Live a good indicator of the market's sentiment for the passing night.

 

Why Is Gift Nifty Important?

Gift Nifty's importance can't be understated. It is a central indicator of the prevailing investor sentiment for the entire world. It is common practice for traders to check the Gift Nifty Rate just before the Nifty market is set to open (9:15 AM) to anticipate whether it will open significantly higher or significantly lower.

 

When does Gift Nifty India move?

If Gift Nifty is up → Indian markets are likely to open up.

If Gift Nifty is down → Nifty probably will open down.

It is a significant primary indicator of where Gift Nifty Market will go.

 

Detailed Video

 

How Gift Nifty Works

Gift Nifty is traded in the NSE International Exchange (NSE IX), which is located in GIFT IFSC. Trades are done in USD, which is attractive to foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs).

Key Features

1. Zero Capital gains tax for non-residents.

2. USD-settled derivatives.

3. Globally accessible.

4. Highly regulated by IFSCA.

5. Nearly 21 hours of trading.

This makes Gift Nifty Trading flexible, seamless, and aligned to global markets.

 

Gift Nifty Futures.

Gift Nifty Futures are like all futures contracts:

You are able to buy and sell depending on the movement that is expected in the Nifty index.

 

Why traders prefer Gift Nifty Futures?

• More global liquidity.

• Better opportunities for hedging.

• More FPIs.

• Instant reaction to global news.

In the past, foreign investors would use SGX Nifty for the same purpose. Now, Gift Nifty Futures has completely taken over that purpose.

 

Gift Nifty vs Nifty: What is the Difference?

Feature	Gift Nifty	Nifty 50
Location	GIFT City, India	NSE India
Trading Currency	USD	INR
Trading Hours	21 hours	6.25 hours
Participants	Global + Domestic	Domestic
Purpose	Futures/Derivatives	Cash + Derivatives

 

Gift Nifty does not replace Nifty. It offers additional exposure to international index futures.

 

Gift Nifty Market Trends & Global Impact

Gift Nifty operates nearly 24/7 and is therefore a proxy for the above events. 

- US Federal Reserve announcements.

- Moves on Wall Street. 

- Openings in Asia. 

- Geopolitical events. 

- Changes in commodity prices. 

This characteristic is the reason why Gift Nifty Live charts are the first to signal the global response from investors. 

 

Gift Nifty Benefits

Here are some of the reasons traders, FPIs and institutions prefer trading Gift Nifty: 

1. Global Accessibility

Global investors are allowed to trade in Indian index futures without having to be directly registered in India. 

 

2. Longer Trading Hours

Traders can react to US markets and other key global events. 

 

3. Tax Benefits

For non-residents, GIFT IFSC offers zero capital gains tax on trading in derivatives. 

 

4. Higher Transparency

All trading is conducted under IFSCA, and on a global scale, it provides a higher standard for compliance.

 

5. Boost to Indian Financial Hub

Gift Nifty India enhances GIFT City’s reputation as a global financial centre.

How to Trade Gift Nifty?

It is easy to trade Gift Nifty.  

1. Register for an account with a broker that is registered with NSE IFSC.  

2. Fill out the KYC information.  

3. Deposit funds in USD.  

4. Begin trading in Gift Nifty Futures.  

US domestic traders are likely to need to work with LRS (Liberalised Remittance Scheme) policies for USD transactions.  

 

Who Should Trade Gift Nifty?

Gift Nifty is also perfect for:  

• Worldwide investors.  

• Non-resident Indians.  

• Indian traders seeking access to foreign derivatives.  

• Hedge funds.  

• Investment managers.  

• Institutions need to hedge for the long term.  

 

 

Final Words

Gift Nifty highlights a new chapter in India's quest to emerge as a global financial hub. With long trading hours, accessibility, and tax benefits, it is a gift to traders and investors around the world. Being able to track Gift Nifty Live, trade Gift Nifty Futures or analyse the Gift Nifty Market, this platform is a must for anyone interested in the Indian Stock Market.

 

DISCLAIMER: This blog is NOT any buy or sell recommendation. No investment or trading advice is given. The content is purely for educational and information purposes only. Always consult your eligible financial advisor for investment-related decisions.