Indian Markets Start 2026 On A Positive Note As Nifty Nears 26,200

The Indian stock markets welcomed 2026 with gains on Thursday, supported by improving domestic trends, even as global cues remained mixed.

The Nifty 50 opened 0.17 per cent higher at 26,173.30, while the Sensex opened marginally up by 0.04 per cent at 85,255.55.

Market sentiment remained cautiously constructive, with traders focusing on domestic technical indicators and institutional activity in the absence of major economic triggers.

Early trade saw a mixed performance across sectors.

The FMCG index slipped 1 per cent, whereas the telecom index gained 1 per cent. On the NSE, 10 of the 15 sectoral indices were in positive territory, led by advances in Nifty Media and Nifty Auto. In contrast, Nifty FMCG and Nifty Pharma remained in the red.

BSE midcap and smallcap indices were largely flat in morning trading, reflecting a cautious approach among investors amid ongoing global uncertainty.

Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) continued their selling streak for the fifth consecutive session on December 31, offloading equities worth Rs 3,597 crore.

However, domestic institutional investors (DIIs) provided strong support, purchasing equities worth Rs 6,759 crore, more than offsetting FII outflows and lending stability to the markets, according to analysts.

Market experts advised traders to remain selective, focusing on quality stocks during dips and initiating new long positions only after a confirmed breakout above the 26,300 level.

The Indian rupee opened slightly weaker at 89.88 against the US dollar, after closing at 89.87 on Wednesday.

Global Markets Shut for New Year

Globally, major stock exchanges in China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, France, Germany, the UAE, the UK and the US remained closed on New Year’s Day.

China and Japan are observing an extended holiday, remaining shut on Friday as well, impacting global trading volumes.

Indian stock exchanges have published the official trading holiday calendar for 2026, providing investors and traders with early clarity on non-trading days across cash, derivatives and currency segments.