Welcome to BreakOut by 5paisa, your daily pre-market podcast bringing you everything you need to know before the trading day begins.

In today’s episode, we begin with a major global development as India formally assumes the BRICS presidency for 2026, stepping into the role amid rising global protectionism, fresh tariff moves from the United States, and an expanded BRICS bloc. We look at what India’s leadership could mean for global trade and economic governance.

In corporate news, Sapphire Foods India’s proposed merger with Devyani International takes center stage, a move set to consolidate Yum Brands’ quick-service restaurant operations in India at a time when the fast-food sector is facing slowing demand and margin pressures. We also track Vodafone Idea, which has received GST penalty orders worth ₹638 crore and plans to challenge them legally.

On the markets front, Indian equities started 2026 on a cautious note, with early gains giving way to profit booking. The Sensex closed marginally lower, while the Nifty managed to end slightly in the green. Midcaps outperformed, FMCG stocks saw sharp pressure, and several cyclical and defensives posted moderate gains.

We break down:

• Gift Nifty cues pointing to a mildly positive start
• Derivatives data, key open interest levels, and a softer put-call ratio
• India VIX, hovering near record lows and signaling subdued volatility
• FII and DII activity, with domestic institutions continuing to offset foreign selling
• A quick update on gold and silver, extending their strongest run since 1979
• Global cues, with U.S. markets shut and mixed signals from Asian peers

Stay tuned to BreakOut by 5paisa for a sharp, disciplined, and data-driven snapshot of the market — every trading day, before the action begins.