<h1>Markets open higher as GST reform hopes and credit rating upgrade boost investor confidence; DIIs buy, FIIs sell</h1> Benchmark equity indices opened higher following buying in major blue-chip stocks, with key indices rising in early trade. Market gains were attributed to proposed goods and services tax reforms and a recent credit rating upgrade that bolstered investor confidence. Foreign institutional investors recorded net equity outflows while domestic institutional investors are net buyers. Regional markets showed mixed performance and commodity prices ticked up. Participants are monitoring upcoming remarks by the US central bank chair and global macro drivers, which could affect inflows and volatility going forward.