The Indian stock market started 2026 with a quiet, mixed session, as the Sensex slipped slightly while the Nifty inched higher.
Market Snapshot
On the first trading day of the calendar year, the BSE Sensex fell 32 points, or 0.04%, closing at 85,188.60. The NSE Nifty 50 rose 17 points, or 0.06%, ending at 26,146.55. Mid‑cap stocks gained 0.27%, while small‑caps were flat, down 0.02%.
Key Drivers
- Overall market sentiment was subdued, with no major news to spark strong moves.
- Heavyweight stocks traded in a narrow range, keeping the indices near their opening levels.
- Selective buying in auto, realty, and IT helped stabilize the market.
Stocks That Stood Out
- Devyani International – Set to merge with Sapphire Foods, the KFC and Pizza Hut operator, potentially widening its fast‑food footprint.
- Maruti Suzuki – Reported record sales for the year, showing strong demand even as SUVs dominate.
- Aurobindo Pharma – Its subsidiary bought Khandelwal Laboratories’ non‑oncology prescription business, expanding its product range.
- Indian Bank – Showed double‑digit growth in business and advances in Q3 FY26, indicating robust credit growth.
- HUDCO – Approved loans worth over ₹46,000 crore in Q3, bringing total sanctioned loans to ₹1,39,151 crore for the fiscal year.
- RailTel Corp – Won a ₹567 crore contract to build a Hospital Management Information System in Assam.
- Hyundai Motor India – December vehicle sales rose 6.6% YoY, with strong domestic demand and export growth.
- Vodafone Idea – Faced a tax penalty demand of ₹637.9 crore from the GST authorities.
- Time Technoplast – Received approvals to make 2‑litre high‑pressure composite cylinders for hydrogen and medical gases.
- Olectra Greentech – Started commercial production at Phase I of its EV plant in Hyderabad.
Stocks to Watch Today
- Devyani International – The merger could boost earnings from quick‑service restaurants.
- Maruti Suzuki – Record sales may translate into higher revenue and profit margins.
- Aurobindo Pharma – New prescription portfolio could improve growth outlook.
- Indian Bank – Strong balance‑sheet growth may attract banking investors.
- HUDCO – Large loan book expansion signals continued government housing support.
Remember, this is perspective, not prediction. Do your own research and consider consulting a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.