GIFT Nifty: A New Era in Indian Financial Markets

The emergence of GIFT Nifty signifies a key shift in India’s financial trading sphere. This concept brings a fresh perspective to index trading, closely aligning with the nuances of the domestic markets. Let’s thoroughly understand the meaning of GIFT Nifty and explore its strategic implications for investors and traders.

What is GIFT Nifty?

The Gujarat International Finance Tec-City Nifty, known as GIFT Nifty, is a unique concept within India’s financial landscape. It comprises companies listed on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) in GIFT City, an international financial services centre in Gujarat.

This index serves as a benchmark for tracking the performance of these companies and offers insights into the overall market trends within the GIFT City framework.

Investors and market participants can leverage GIFT Nifty to understand the dynamics and developments within this financial hub, aiding in making informed investment decisions. Operating during regular market hours following the Nifty index’s trading timings, it enables assessment of companies’ performance within GIFT City, facilitating informed investment decisions.

Timings of GIFT Nifty and SGX Nifty

GIFT Nifty timings are important in their alignment with global markets and their impact on market participants. This follows the regular trading hours of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) in India, from 9:15 am to 3:30 pm Indian Standard Time (IST). This timing allows the index to synchronise with the domestic market and provide investors with real-time price movements and trading opportunities.

On the other hand, the Singapore Exchange (SGX) operates at different times. SGX Nifty, the derivative product based on the Nifty index, trades from 6:30 am to 11:30 pm Singapore Standard Time (SST).

This extended trading window enables participants from various time zones to access and trade SGX Nifty contracts, making it popular among international investors looking to gain exposure to Indian equities.

The different trading timings of both indices have certain implications. Firstly, it allows investors to exploit arbitrage opportunities between the two markets by leveraging price discrepancies during overlapping trading hours.

How Will GIFT Nifty Benefit Investors?

GIFT Nifty, with its better alignment with domestic markets, increased accessibility, and potential for enhanced liquidity, offers several advantages to investors.

Firstly, following the regular trading hours of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) in India, ensures that investors can actively participate in the market during key trading periods. This alignment with domestic markets allows investors to take advantage of real-time price movements and react swiftly to market developments.

Recommended Read: Bombay Stock Exchange

Further, it enhances accessibility for both domestic and international investors. With trading timings synchronised with the NSE, it provides a seamless trading experience for investors within India. Moreover, the extended trading window of SGX Nifty, which is based on the Nifty index, allows participants from different time zones to access and trade Indian equities.

This increased accessibility opens up new opportunities for investors, enabling them to diversify their portfolios and capitalise on the growth potential of Indian markets.

The index has the potential for enhanced liquidity. With its alignment with the Nifty index, investors can tap into a widely recognised benchmark for Indian equities.

The liquidity in the index is further bolstered by the participation of domestic and international investors, creating a vibrant trading environment that allows for efficient price discovery and reduced trading costs.

What Will Happen to SGX Nifty?

On June 30, all open Singapore Exchange (SGX) Nifty contracts concluded trading, marking a shift in their volume to the NSE International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) in Gujarat, India. This move transpired as a result of an agreement between the National Stock Exchange (NSE) of India and the SGX to redirect the Nifty contracts.

Subsequently, the SGX Nifty was slated for delisting from the Singapore Exchange. This transition aimed to centralise trading and channel the liquidity of Nifty contracts to the NSE IFSC, streamlining access and enhancing market efficiency for investors trading Indian equity derivatives.

Difference Between SGX Nifty and GIFT Nifty

Here are some distinctions between the SGX NIFTY and GIFT NIFTY index –

1. Trading Locations

   SGX Nifty refers to the Nifty index futures that are traded on the Singapore Exchange, while GIFT Nifty represents the Nifty index futures that are traded on the Gujarat International Finance Tech (GIFT) City exchange in India.

2. Market Accessibility

   SGX Nifty allows global investors to trade the Nifty index even when the Indian markets are closed, allowing 24-hour trading. On the other hand, GIFT Nifty operates within Indian trading hours, providing domestic investors with a platform to trade the Nifty index futures directly.

3. Regulatory Environments

   SGX Nifty operates under the regulations and oversight of the Singapore Exchange Regulation (SGX RegCo). GIFT Nifty, on the other hand, operates within the regulatory framework set by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and follows Indian regulations and guidelines.

Where Will GIFT Nifty Data be Available?

Investors seeking reliable and updated information on this index have several platforms and sources to access relevant data. Financial news platforms such as Bloomberg, CNBC, and MoneyControl provide comprehensive coverage of it, offering real-time updates, market analysis, and expert insights.

Besides, stock exchange websites like NSE India and BSE India offer specific sections dedicated to this index, where investors can find detailed information on index futures, historical data, and trading volumes. Market analysis tools such as Investing.com and TradingView also offer charts, technical analysis indicators, and customisable watchlists to assist investors in making informed decisions.

Why is SGX Nifty Being Shifted to GIFT Nifty?

The transition from SGX Nifty to GIFT Nifty marks a strategic move in the Indian financial markets, driven by various key factors.

Firstly, the shift aims to enhance strategic market positioning by consolidating the Nifty index trading within the domestic market. By shifting the trading activity to this index, India aims to promote its financial ecosystem and strengthen its position as a global financial hub.

Regulatory considerations also play a crucial role in this transition. Shifting the trading of Nifty derivatives to this index allows for better regulatory oversight and control by Indian authorities. This ensures a more transparent and regulated trading environment, instilling investor confidence and protecting market integrity.

Furthermore, the transition aligns with India’s broader financial sector development goals. The designated international finance centre where this index is based aims to attract global investors and promote the development of financial services. Shifting SGX Nifty to this index reinforces this vision and facilitates the growth of financial infrastructure and services within India.

How will GIFT Nifty be Traded?

The trading platform for the Nifty index offers various mechanisms and procedures for trading. Potential traders can access it through authorised platforms providing a user-friendly interface and real-time market data.

These platforms allow traders to place different types of orders , providing flexibility and control over their trading strategies.

Once an order is executed, the settlement process begins. It follows a T+2 settlement cycle, settling trades within two business days after the trade date, facilitated through a central counterparty (CCP) mechanism.

To engage with the platform, traders need a trading account with a registered broker or financial institution offering access. They should familiarise themselves with the trading procedures, order types, and settlement processes for effective navigation.

Conclusion

As we have seen, GIFT Nifty offers a unique opportunity for investors to access the Indian equity market through an international financial centre. With its tax benefits, diversified sectors, and advanced infrastructure, GIFT Nifty has the potential to attract foreign investment and contribute to the growth of the Indian economy.