Indian equity markets traded firmly higher on Friday, January 2, 2026, marking a strong start to the new calendar year. Broad-based buying across financials, PSU stocks, and metals lifted benchmark indices, with the Nifty 50 reclaiming the 26,250 mark. Positive sentiment was supported by strength in banking and financial services stocks, while selective profit booking was seen in FMCG and auto majors.
Benchmark Indices: Nifty Extends Uptrend
The Nifty 50 was trading at 26,284.40, up 137.85 points or 0.53%, at the time of the update. The index opened at 26,155.10, touched an intraday high of 26,286.60, and slipped to a low of 26,118.40, indicating sustained buying interest throughout the session.
Broader and sectoral indices also posted healthy gains:
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Nifty Next 50 surged 0.76%, reflecting strong participation from broader market stocks.
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Nifty Financial Services climbed 0.85%, leading sectoral gains. -
Nifty Bank advanced 0.63%, supported by buying in private lenders and financial stocks.
Nifty Financial Services climbed 0.85%, leading sectoral gains.
Top Gainers: PSU, Metals and Consumption Stocks Shine
Several stocks registered strong gains, supported by healthy volumes and renewed investor interest.
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Coal India rose 3.16% to ₹413.10, leading the gainers as PSU stocks attracted buying interest.
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NTPC gained 3.08% to ₹346.65, supported by strength in power sector stocks.
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Hindalco Industries advanced 2.57% to ₹917.95, extending gains amid optimism in metal counters.
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Trent climbed 2.31% to ₹4,396.70, continuing its upward momentum in consumption-led stocks.
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Jio Financial Services added 2.06% to ₹301.80, contributing to gains in the financial services space.
Hindalco Industries advanced 2.57% to ₹917.95, extending gains amid optimism in metal counters.Top Losers: FMCG and Auto Stocks See Profit Booking
On the downside, selective selling pressure was observed in FMCG, auto, and telecom stocks.
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ITC declined 3.83% to ₹349.90, emerging as the top laggard amid heavy volumes.
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Bajaj Auto slipped 0.83% to ₹9,478.50, following recent gains.
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Nestlé India eased 0.69% to ₹1,286.00, reflecting mild profit booking in FMCG stocks.
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Shriram Finance fell 0.62% to ₹1,013.35, despite broader strength in financials.
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Bharti Airtel declined 0.50% to ₹2,099.90, tracking modest weakness in telecom counters.
Nestlé India eased 0.69% to ₹1,286.00, reflecting mild profit booking in FMCG stocks.Market Outlook: Indian equity market
The session highlighted a clear risk-on sentiment, with investors rotating into PSU, financial, and metal stocks at the start of the year. While FMCG and auto stocks witnessed profit booking, the broader market strength suggests improving confidence and positive momentum in the near term.
Conclusion
Indian equity markets began 2026 on a strong note, with the Nifty 50 rising over half a percent to trade above 26,250. Gains in financials, PSUs, and metals outweighed losses in FMCG and auto stocks. Going ahead, markets are expected to remain upbeat, supported by sectoral rotation and expectations of continued economic momentum in the new year.
