Indian equity markets traded with a positive bias in early afternoon deals on 1 February 2026, supported by strength in banking and select heavyweight stocks. The Nifty 50 sustained levels above 25,400, reflecting steady risk appetite despite mixed cues across sectors. While financials and select industrial names advanced, pressure in metals, IT, and FMCG capped broader gains.
Benchmark Performance: Nifty Holds Ground
The Nifty 50 was quoted at 25,411.80, up 91.15 points (0.36%). The index opened at 25,333.75, moved to an intraday high of 25,440.90, and touched a low of 25,252.30, indicating a controlled trading range with buyers defending dips.
Sectoral indices painted a mixed picture:
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Nifty Bank outperformed, rising 0.23% to 59,745.10, aided by sustained buying in private lenders.
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Nifty Financial Services added 0.13% to 27,367.05. -
Nifty Next 50 was largely flat, indicating selective participation beyond frontline stocks.
Nifty Financial Services added 0.13% to 27,367.05.
Market Breadth: Gainers Dominate Early Trade
Advances outnumbered declines among key index constituents, signaling a mildly positive breadth. Buying interest was visible in industrials, utilities, and healthcare, while defensives and export-oriented names saw profit-taking.
Top Gainers: Industrials and Healthcare Shine
Several stocks posted solid gains with healthy volumes:
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L&T surged 2.32% to ₹4,023.70, supported by strong turnover, reflecting confidence in infrastructure-led earnings visibility.
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M&M advanced 1.88% to ₹3,496.20, tracking optimism around autos and rural demand.
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Max Healthcare rose 1.72% to ₹973.30, as investors rotated into healthcare plays.
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Power Grid climbed 1.62% to ₹260.65, benefiting from stable cash-flow expectations.
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TMPV gained 1.99% to ₹357.00, with notable trading volumes indicating active participation.
Max Healthcare rose 1.72% to ₹973.30, as investors rotated into healthcare plays.Top Losers: Metals and IT Under Pressure
On the downside, select heavyweights weighed on sentiment:
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Hindalco declined 3.91% to ₹925.00, the steepest fall among major names, amid weakness in metal prices.
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Titan slipped 1.31% to ₹3,925.10, reflecting cautious outlook on discretionary consumption.
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Nestlé India eased 1.23% to ₹1,316.00.
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Infosys fell 1.23% to ₹1,620.80, as IT stocks faced selling pressure.
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Coal India edged down 1.15% to ₹435.70.
Nestlé India eased 1.23% to ₹1,316.00.What Investors Are Watching
Market participants remain focused on sector rotation, with banks continuing to attract flows while metals and IT face near-term headwinds. Volumes suggest selective accumulation rather than broad-based risk-on behavior, keeping the index range-bound but resilient above key support levels.
Conclusion: 1 February 2026
The Indian market’s early-session performance underscores cautious optimism. With the Nifty 50 holding above 25,400, strength in banks and industrials is offsetting weakness in metals and IT. Near-term direction is likely to hinge on sector-specific triggers and sustained institutional participation, with investors favoring quality names and earnings visibility.
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