GIFT Nifty, operated by NSE IX in Gujarat's GIFT City, has emerged as a crucial pre-market indicator for Indian traders, replacing SGX Nifty. Its extended trading hours, nearly 21 per day, allow it to reflect global market sentiment and react to international news, economic updates, and geopolitical developments. While most retail investors cannot trade it directly, its price movements provide early signals for the opening direction of the Nifty 50, aiding traders in strategy planning, especially in volatile markets.