Indian Equity Markets End Lower on December 29, 2025 as Broad-Based Selling Intensifies; FMCG and Metals Offer Limited Support

Indian equity markets closed sharply lower on Monday, December 29, 2025, as sustained selling pressure across sectors dragged benchmark indices down. Weakness in index heavyweights, particularly in infrastructure, IT, and power stocks, overshadowed selective buying interest in FMCG and metal counters. The cautious mood reflected year-end profit booking and risk-off sentiment among investors.

Also Read: Indian Equity Markets Edge Lower on December 29, 2025 as Financials Drag; Select Metal and FMCG Stocks Outperform

Benchmark Indices: Nifty Slips Below 26,000

The Nifty 50 ended the session at 25,942.10, down 100.20 points or 0.38%. The index opened higher at 26,063.35 and touched an intraday high of 26,106.80, but persistent selling through the session pulled it to a low of 25,920.30, indicating clear distribution at higher levels.

Broader and sectoral indices mirrored the weakness:

• Nifty Next 50 declined 0.47%, signaling pressure in the broader market.

• Nifty Financial Services fell 0.25%, extending losses seen earlier in the day.

• Nifty Bank slipped 0.13%, as PSU and private lenders witnessed mild selling.

Top Gainers: FMCG and Metals Show Relative Resilience

Despite the overall bearish close, select stocks managed to post gains, supported by defensive positioning and sector-specific strength.

• Tata Steel rose 1.88% to ₹172.30, backed by strong volumes, highlighting continued interest in metal stocks.

• Tata Consumer Products gained 1.59% to ₹1,194.40, reinforcing FMCG’s defensive appeal in a weak market.

• Asian Paints advanced 1.04% to ₹2,775.00, supported by steady buying in consumption-led stocks.

• Grasim Industries added 1.00% to ₹2,846.00, reflecting selective accumulation.

• Nestlé India edged up 0.58% to ₹1,280.00, continuing its role as a safe-haven stock.

Top Losers: Infrastructure, IT and Power Stocks Drag Indices

Losses were led by heavyweights across infrastructure, technology, and utilities, exerting significant pressure on benchmarks.

• Adani Ports declined 2.27% to ₹1,453.40, emerging as the top laggard.

• HCL Technologies slipped 1.82% to ₹1,630.60, amid weakness in IT stocks.

• Power Grid Corporation fell 1.75% to ₹260.80, tracking selling in PSU power stocks.

• Trent declined 1.43% to ₹4,224.20, reflecting profit booking after recent gains.

• Adani Enterprises eased 1.30% to ₹2,201.00, adding to pressure on infrastructure-linked names.

Market Outlook: December, 29

The session highlighted a clear risk-averse stance, with investors reducing exposure to cyclical and capital-intensive sectors. Defensive stocks such as FMCG provided limited support, but not enough to offset the widespread selling in heavyweights. Market breadth remained weak, suggesting cautious near-term sentiment.

Conclusion
Indian equity markets closed the session firmly in the red, with the Nifty 50 slipping below the 26,000 mark amid broad-based selling. While FMCG and metal stocks displayed relative resilience, sharp declines in infrastructure, IT, and power stocks weighed heavily on indices. In the near term, markets are expected to remain volatile and range-bound as investors navigate year-end adjustments and await fresh domestic and global cues.