The Indian stock markets opened marginally higher on Tuesday as traders prepared for the Christmas holiday, but the outlook for a year-end rally continues to diminish due to ongoing market pressure.

The Nifty 50 index opened at 23,769.10 points, with a slight gain of 15.65 points or 0.07 per cent. Similarly, the BSE Sensex opened at 78,707.37 points, marking a gain of 167.20 points or 0.21 per cent. However, the markets are grappling with consistent external pressures, making a sustained rally unlikely in the near term.