Gift Nifty also hinted at a muted start, trading 0.37% lower. Global cues remain fragile, with Asian equities largely under pressure as uncertainty over the Gulf and concerns around artificial intelligence offset optimism over technology earnings. 

Meanwhile, oil prices moved higher after fresh Houthi attacks in Saudi Arabia triggered US diplomatic withdrawals from parts of the region, keeping energy supply risks in focus. Rupee, however, offered some support, gaining 53 paise to close at 94.38 against the dollar on Wednesday, aided by IPO-linked foreign inflows and RBI intervention.

Investors will be watching global risk sentiment, crude prices and domestic market momentum.

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