What Is a Gift Nifty? Meaning, Price, Futures & Trading Timings

Gift Nifty is a rebranded derivative of the earlier SGX Nifty and represents India’s effort to centralise offshore derivatives trading under its own financial jurisdiction—GIFT City. It has become an important benchmark for pre-market sentiment on Indian equity markets.

Gift Nifty refers to the Nifty futures contracts now traded on NSE IX, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NSE located in GIFT City (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City). The transition was designed to consolidate trading activity that was previously routed through the Singapore Exchange (SGX Nifty). GIFT stands for Gujarat International Finance Tec-City.

Gift Nifty operates in two sessions that span nearly 21 hours:

• First session (IST): 6:30 AM – 3:40 PM
  

• Second session (IST): 4:35 PM – 2:45 AM (next day)
  

In contrast, SGX Nifty operated under a single-session model. The new format provides greater overlap with global markets and accommodates both Indian and international traders.

Key features of GIFT Nifty include:

• Extended Trading Hours: Helps in capturing global market trends.
  

• USD Settlement: Appeals to global investors.
  

• Transparency: Under Indian regulatory supervision.
  

• Better Accessibility: Through NSE IFSC and multiple online platforms.
  

• Liquidity & Efficiency: Associated with improved price discovery and deeper markets.
  

These features are intended to strengthen India’s equity derivatives market for global participants

The SGX Nifty was officially transitioned to GIFT Nifty on July 3, 2023. This shift marked the end of SGX Nifty futures and the beginning of a fully India-based offshore trading model under NSE IX. The move aims to deepen domestic liquidity and bring overseas interest back onshore.

Real-time price and chart data for GIFT Nifty are available on:

• NSE IX (official source)
  

• Groww
  

• TradingView
  

• Investing.com
  

• Angel One and similar brokerage platforms
  

These offer live charts, historical data, and technical analysis tools.

The shift was part of a strategic agreement between India and Singapore. It aimed to:

• Repatriate offshore trading volumes
  

• Strengthen India’s role in global financial markets
  

• Boost liquidity and reduce arbitrage loopholes
  

This change aligns with India’s vision to establish GIFT City as a global financial hub.

GIFT Nifty is traded as USD-denominated futures contracts on NSE IX. Settlement is done in cash, and no physical delivery is involved. Trades are settled under international norms, making them accessible to global institutions while remaining under Indian regulatory supervision.

GIFT Nifty represents a shift from SGX Nifty by centralising Indian futures trading at GIFT City, offering features such as enhanced access, transparency, and extended trading hours. It marks a pivotal step toward integrating India more deeply into global financial markets, while ensuring onshore regulatory oversight.

This content is for informational purposes only and the same should not be construed as investment advice. Bajaj Finserv Direct Limited shall not be liable or responsible for any investment decision that you may take based on this content.