The Indian stock markets began the year 2026 on a positive note, with Nifty opening 0.17% higher at 26,173.30 and Sensex up 0.04% at 85,255.55. While the FMCG index was down 1%, the telecom index saw a 1% increase in early trading. Nifty Media and Nifty Auto showed gains, while Nifty FMCG and Nifty Pharma traded in the red.
BSE midcap and smallcap indices traded nearly flat in the morning session. Analysts suggest that market participants will closely watch global equity trends, crude oil prices, and institutional fund flows for guidance during the trading day. Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) continued selling equities for the fifth consecutive session, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought equities worth Rs 6,759 crore on the same day, balancing the market.
In the midst of volatility and global uncertainties, traders are advised to be selective and disciplined. It is recommended to buy quality stocks on declines with tight risk controls, and initiating fresh long positions only after a confirmed and sustained breakout above the 26,300 level. The Indian rupee opened slightly weaker at 89.88 against the US dollar, compared to the previous day’s close at 89.87.
The Indian stock exchanges have released the official trading holiday calendar for 2026, providing clarity on non-trading days across cash, derivatives, and currency segments. Major international markets in China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, France, Germany, the UAE, the UK, and the US will be closed on New Year’s Day. China and Japan will observe an extended New Year break, remaining closed on the following day as well.
