Markets End Volatile Session Lower on January 6; Financials Cushion Losses as Heavyweights Weigh

Indian equity markets ended Tuesday’s session on a mixed but cautious note on January 6, 2026, with benchmark indices closing in the red amid sharp losses in select heavyweight stocks. While strength in banking, insurance, and healthcare stocks helped limit the downside, persistent selling in consumption and conglomerate names kept the Nifty 50 under pressure through the close.

Also Read: Markets Extend Losses Afternoon Trade on January 6 as Heavyweight Selling Intensifies

Benchmark Indices: Nifty Ends Lower Despite Financial Support

The Nifty 50 closed at 26,178.70, down 71.60 points or 0.27%. The index opened at 26,189.70, hit an intraday high of 26,273.95, and slipped to a low of 26,124.75, reflecting a volatile trading session.

Other indices showed relative resilience:

• Nifty Next 50 rose 0.27% to 70,602.10

• Nifty Financial Services gained 0.34% to 27,945.10

• Nifty Bank added 0.12% to 60,118.40

Gains in financials played a key role in containing broader market losses.

Top Gainers: Banks, Insurance and Healthcare Shine

Selective buying interest remained strong in banking, insurance, and healthcare stocks:

• Apollo Hospitals Enterprise surged 3.50% to ₹7,331.00, emerging as the session’s top gainer.

• ICICI Bank climbed 2.80% to ₹1,409.90, supporting Bank Nifty.

• Tata Consumer Products gained 2.78% to ₹1,215.00.

• HDFC Life Insurance rose 2.21% to ₹776.05.

• Bajaj Auto advanced 1.80% to ₹9,668.00.

These stocks reflected investor preference for relatively defensive and fundamentally strong names.

Top Losers: Consumption and Conglomerates Under Pressure

Heavy selling in a few large-cap stocks dragged the benchmarks lower:

• Trent slumped 8.46% to ₹4,055.00, the steepest fall on the index.

• Reliance Industries declined 4.39% to ₹1,508.90, exerting significant drag on the Nifty.

• Kotak Mahindra Bank fell 2.22% to ₹2,142.30.

• InterGlobe Aviation dropped 1.96% to ₹5,002.50.

• ITC eased 1.84% to ₹343.25.

The sharp correction in Trent and continued weakness in Reliance offset gains in financial stocks.

Market Sentiment: Selective Buying Amid Volatility

Overall sentiment remained cautious and stock-specific. Investors continued to rotate into banks, insurance, and healthcare, while trimming exposure to select consumption and large-cap stocks. Volumes were elevated in both gainers and losers, indicating active participation rather than broad-based panic.

Conclusion: January 6, 2026

Indian markets closed marginally lower on January 6 after a volatile session, as sharp losses in a few heavyweight stocks overshadowed steady gains in financials and healthcare. With sectoral divergence persisting, near-term market direction is likely to remain selective, guided by stock-specific triggers, global cues, and institutional flows.