How Did the Indian Stock Market Fare as It Welcomed 2026?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The Indian stock market started 2026 on a positive note, signaling cautious optimism despite mixed global signals. With significant buying from domestic investors, market stability is expected as traders remain selective amid ongoing volatility. What factors will shape the market's trajectory in the coming days?
Key Takeaways
- Nifty opened at 26,173.30.
- Sensex started at 85,255.55.
- 10 out of 15 sectors on NSE were positive.
- FIIs sold Rs 3,597 crore worth of equities.
- DIIs bought Rs 6,759 crore worth of equities.
Mumbai, Jan 1 (NationPress) The Indian stock market opened on a high note as it greeted 2026 on Thursday, showcasing a cautiously optimistic sentiment amidst improving local technicals. This positive trend was evident despite mixed signals from global markets and a lack of significant domestic catalysts.
The Nifty index commenced the day at 26,173.30, reflecting a rise of 0.17%, while the Sensex started at 85,255.55, up by 0.04%.
Sector-wise, the FMCG index saw a decline of 1%, contrasting with a 1% increase in the telecom index during early trading. On the NSE, 10 out of 15 sectors showed positive performance, with Nifty Media and Nifty Auto leading the gains, while Nifty FMCG and Nifty Pharma faced losses.
Additionally, BSE midcap and smallcap indices remained nearly unchanged during the morning session.
Experts suggest that market participants should keep an eye on global equity movements, fluctuations in crude oil prices, and institutional fund flows for further directional insights throughout the day.
In terms of institutional activity, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) maintained their selling trend for the fifth consecutive day on December 31, offloading equities worth Rs 3,597 crore.
Conversely, domestic institutional investors (DIIs) provided significant support by acquiring equities worth Rs 6,759 crore on the same day, more than compensating for the FII outflows and stabilizing the market, analysts stated.
Given the ongoing volatility and uncertainties on a global scale, traders are urged to adopt a selective and disciplined approach. It is advisable to buy quality stocks on dips with strict risk management, while new long positions should only be initiated once a confirmed breakout above the 26,300 level occurs.
The Indian rupee opened slightly lower at 89.88 against the US dollar, compared to a close of 89.87 on Wednesday.
Furthermore, the Indian stock exchanges have released the official trading holiday calendar for 2026, providing investors and traders with early insights into non-trading days across cash, derivatives, and currency segments.
Meanwhile, major global markets including China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, France, Germany, UAE, UK, and US will be closed for New Year's Day. Additionally, stock exchanges in China and Japan will observe an extended holiday, remaining closed on Friday as well.
Point of View
The Indian stock market's performance as it welcomed 2026 reflects resilience amid global uncertainties. The interplay between foreign and domestic investments is crucial in shaping market stability. As analysts suggest, a careful and strategic approach to trading will be essential for navigating the challenges ahead. Our commitment to delivering timely and accurate information remains steadfast.
NationPress
08/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening figures for Nifty and Sensex?
Nifty opened at 26,173.30, up by 0.17%, while Sensex started at 85,255.55, with a rise of 0.04%.
Which sectors showed gains and losses during early trading?
The FMCG index was down by 1%, while the telecom index rose by 1%. Out of 15 sectors on NSE, 10 were in the green.
What is the advice for traders in the current market scenario?
Traders are advised to be selective and disciplined, buying quality stocks on declines and initiating fresh long positions only after a confirmed breakout above the 26,300 level.
What was the foreign institutional investors' (FII) activity on December 31?
FIIs sold equities worth Rs 3,597 crore on December 31, marking their fifth consecutive day of selling.
What is the status of the Indian rupee against the US dollar?
The Indian rupee opened at 89.88 against the US dollar, slightly weaker than its closing figure of 89.87 on Wednesday.
