The Indian benchmark indices are poised to open on a flat note, following mixed global cues. The US markets were closed on Thursday on account of Thanksgiving Day, and will close an hour earlier on Friday, thereby shortening the trading week for Wall Street. Asian markets were a mixed bag, as there were no specific cues for investors to trace to decide the market mood. 

Japan's Nikkei 225 and the Hang Seng declined marginally by 0.08% respectively. South Korea’s KOSPI saw a steep decline of 1.21% while the Shanghai Composite remained flat with no bias. 

 Though the US markets were closed, the Dow Jones Industrial Average futures rose 10 points, and S&P 500 futures and Nasdaq-100 futures were comparitvely higher by 0.69% and 0.87% respectively. 

On Thursday, the Indian stock market indices closed flat after hitting record highs in intraday trade. The Sensex gained 110.87 points, or 0.13%, closing at 85,720.38, while the Nifty50 was just 10.25 points, or 0.04%, higher at 26,215.55. Meanwhile, the Gift Nifty index indicated a tepid start with a negative bias. At 8:20 am, the Gift Nifty futures index was down by 10% or 0.04%, at 26,410.

Analysts say that while the market mood indicates a positive sentiment, investors are still awaiting dependable cues to decide the momentum of the indices. “Indian equity markets are likely to enter a consolidation phase today after hitting fresh record highs in the previous session. Overall sentiment remains constructive, supported by strong domestic institutional flows, resilient performance in banking and metal stocks, and favourable global cues such as softer U.S. bond yields,” says Ponmudi R, CEO, Enrich Money. Yet, he cautions that with the indices now trading near key resistance zones, some profit-booking may emerge, leading to pockets of short-term volatility. “As long as critical support levels hold, the broader trend stays intact, and the ‘buy-on-dips’ strategy continues to remain the preferred approach for investors.”

Stocks in focus:

Lemon Trees Hotels - The company has signed a License Agreement, viz. Lemon Tree Hotel, Surat Airport and a Franchise Agreement, viz. Keys Prima by Lemon Tree Hotels, Haridwar. Lemon Tree Hotel, Surat Airport will feature 110 well-appointed rooms, a restaurant, banquet and meeting facilities, a swimming pool, a spa and other public areas. Keys Prima by Lemon Tree Hotels, Haridwar will feature 60 well-appointed rooms, a restaurant, a conference hall, a fitness centre, a spa, a swimming pool, along other public areas.

Adani Enterprises - Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL), a wholly owned subsidiary of the company, has taken over the operational control of AGH Port Aviation Services Private Limited (AASPL). As a result, AASPL has become a subsidiary of AAHL and a step-down subsidiary of the company.

Bharti Airtel - The Department of Telecommunications, Maharashtra LSA (‘DoT’) issued a notice imposing a penalty of Rs 1,07,000 for alleged violation of subscriber verification norms, and it has opted not to contest and pay the penalty.

Zydus Lifesciences - The company announced that it has received tentative approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) for Empagliflozin and Linagliptin tablets. These tablets, used to improve glycaemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Tata Technologies - The company announced the completion of its acquisition of 100% equity shares of Es-Tec GmbH and its subsidiaries (Es-Tec Group), with the transaction valued at Euro 75 million, with pay-outs linked to performance milestones.

Wipro - The company announced a multi-year engagement with Odido Netherlands BV to enhance customer experience across its enterprise and consumer segments.