Trading of Nifty 50 index futures on the Singapore stock exchange indicates that the Nifty could rise 28 points at the opening bell.

Overseas, Asia markets declined after Chinese inflation data reportedly came in below expectations. China's Producer Price Index (PPI), which measures price increases before they reach the consumer, in December rose 0.9% on-year. That compares with the a 2.7% year-on-year increase in November. China's December consumer inflation (CPI), a gauge of prices for goods and services, rose 1.9% on year. The CPI rose 2.2% in November.

US stocks closed higher for a fourth session Wednesday, on reports that the US and China have narrowed differences over trade. Minutes from the December's Federal Open Market Committee meeting, which indicated caution on future interest rate hikes, also helped to buoy sentiment.

The US and China wrapped up their first face-to-face trade negotiations since a temporary tariff truce was declared last month. In a statement released after talks concluded, the US trade representative's office said officials had discussed making any deal "subject to ongoing verification and effective enforcement." The statement added that negotiators had "conveyed President Trump's commitment to addressing our persistent trade deficit and to resolving structural issues in order to improve trade between our countries."

China's commerce ministry said on Thursday trade talks with the United States this week were extensive and detailed, and established a foundation for the resolution of each others' concerns.

Meanwhile, the release of Fed minutes revealed that some central-bank officials hard reservations about an interest-rate increase last month due to market volatility, though policy makers voted unanimously in favor of the move. They also recommended the Fed should be “patient” and stressed that “a relatively limited amount of additional tightening” is appropriate.

Closer home, foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) bought shares worth a net Rs 276.14 crore on 9 January 2019, as per provisional data released by the stock exchanges. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought shares worth a net Rs 439.67 crore on 9 January 2019, as per provisional data.

Domestic stocks ended in green for fourth straight session on 9 January 2019, as the key equity indices logged modest gains after volatile session of trade. Investors sentiment was strong amid a firm trend overseas, supported by rising hopes that the US and China would strike a deal to end their trade war. The barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, rose 231.98 points or 0.64% to settle at 36,212.91. The Nifty 50 index rose 53 points or 0.49% to settle at 10,855.15.