Indian equity indices are poised for a firm opening on December 31, influenced by a marginal rise in GIFT Nifty. The previous trading day saw the Sensex and Nifty close slightly lower amid investor caution ahead of the Fed's December minutes and year-end thin volumes. Global markets showed mixed signals, with Asian equities trending upwards for a third annual gain, while US stocks experienced a slump. Oil prices are heading for their deepest annual loss since 2020.