NIFTY 50 Surges Past 26,100 as Banks, Metals and Reliance Power a Broad-Based Rally

Indian equity markets, NIFTY 50 witnessed a strong upward move in afternoon trade on December 31, 2025, with benchmark indices extending gains amid robust buying in banking, metal, and heavyweight stocks. Positive sentiment was reinforced by healthy participation in large-cap names, even as selective pressure persisted in IT and pharma counters. The rally underscored investor confidence as markets closed out the year on a decisive bullish note.

Also Read: Indian Equity Markets End 2025 on a Firm Note; NIFTY 50, Metal and Power Stocks Shine While IT Weighs

Benchmark Indices Extend Gains; NIFTY Hits New Intraday High

The NIFTY 50 advanced sharply to 26,167.75, gaining 228.90 points (0.88%), after opening at 25,971.05. The index touched an intraday high of 26,179.30 and a low of 25,969.00, reflecting strong follow-through buying through the session.

Broader indices outperformed the benchmark:

• NIFTY Next 50 rose 1.09% to 69,416.25

• NIFTY Financial Services gained 0.97% to 27,648.00

• NIFTY Bank climbed 0.94% to 59,729.40

The sustained move across frontline and broader indices highlighted a risk-on environment and improving market breadth.

Metals, Banking and Reliance Lead the Upside

Cyclical stocks and index heavyweights emerged as the key drivers of the rally, supported by strong volumes and value buying.

• JSW Steel jumped 4.77% to ₹1,164.60, with trading value exceeding ₹570 crore, leading gains among metal stocks.

• Tata Steel rose 2.82% to ₹180.75, backed by heavy volumes and sector-wide momentum.

• Reliance Industries advanced 2.21% to ₹1,573.90, providing crucial support to the benchmark.

• SBI Life Insurance gained 2.13% to ₹2,038.10, reflecting strength in financial services.

• Kotak Mahindra Bank climbed 2.01% to ₹2,195.90, contributing to the rally in banking stocks.

The strong showing by these stocks indicated renewed institutional interest in core index constituents and capital-intensive sectors.

IT and Select Defensive Stocks Lag the Market

Despite the broad-based rally, information technology stocks remained under pressure, limiting further upside in the indices.

• TCS slipped 0.83% to ₹3,219.70, despite high traded value.

• Wipro declined 0.82% to ₹261.50.

• Tech Mahindra eased 0.34% to ₹1,599.10.

Among other laggards, Bajaj Finance fell 0.50% to ₹984.40, while Sun Pharma edged down marginally by 0.06% to ₹1,719.20. The muted performance of IT stocks suggested continued caution around global tech spending and near-term earnings visibility.

Market Breadth and Investor Sentiment

Market breadth remained firmly positive, with gains in metals, banking, insurance, and energy stocks outweighing losses in IT and defensive names. Higher participation in heavyweight stocks and sustained buying through the session reflected confidence among investors and fund managers as the year concluded.

Conclusion

Indian equity markets closed 2025 on a strong and confident note, with the NIFTY 50 decisively moving past the 26,100 level. Leadership from metals, banking, and Reliance Industries highlighted a clear preference for cyclical and large-cap stocks, while IT continued to face selective pressure. As markets head into 2026, the upbeat close signals resilient investor sentiment, supported by broad-based participation and optimism around growth-oriented sectors.