The Indian stock market started the year on a strong note, with both benchmark indices showing solid gains. On Friday, January 2, the Sensex jumped 573 points, rising 0.67% to finish at 85,762.01, while the Nifty 50 touched a fresh all time high of 26,340 during the session and settled at a record closing of 26,328.55, up 182 points or 0.70%.
This session marked a continuation of the positive momentum seen in recent days, fueled by sector-wide buying and renewed investor confidence.
The BSE Midcap index rose 0.97%, while the Smallcap index gained 0.79%, reflecting broad-based participation across market segments.
The overall market capitalization of BSE-listed companies jumped to over ₹481 lakh crore, up from nearly ₹477 lakh crore in the previous session. Investors collectively gained more than ₹4 lakh crore in a single day, highlighting the strength of market sentiment as 2026 begins.
Market Performance: What Drove Today’s Gains?
The domestic market experienced healthy buying across most sectors, pushing key indices higher. The Nifty 50 extended its gains to the third consecutive session, supported by optimism ahead of the Q3 earnings season.
Some of the immediate drivers included:
- Positive global cues as international markets started 2026 on a firm footing.
- Strong domestic automobile sales for December, signaling continued demand in the consumer economy.
The combination of these factors boosted confidence among market participants, resulting in the rally seen in benchmark indices.
Top Gainers in Nifty 50
Market breadth was positive, with 40 out of 50 Nifty stocks closing higher. Among the top performers:
- Coal India surged 7.15%
- NTPC rose 4.56%
- Hindalco Industries climbed 3.53%
These gains reflect strong buying interest in energy and metal stocks, sectors that often respond quickly to positive macro trends.
Top Losers in Nifty 50
Despite the broad rally, a few names faced selling pressure:
- ITC dropped 3.78%
- Kotak Mahindra Bank declined 1.26%
- Nestle India slipped 1.13%
FMCG stocks struggled as part of a sector-specific correction, while most other sectors posted gains.
Sectoral Indices Overview
Sectoral performance largely favored the bulls, with only Nifty FMCG closing lower by 1.19%. Key sector highlights include:
- Nifty Realty: +1.52%
- PSU Bank: +1.50%
- Metal: +1.47%
- Consumer Durables: +1.17%
- Auto: +1.13%
The Nifty Bank index hit an all-time high of 60,203.75 during the day, closing at 60,150.95, up 0.74%.
Most Active Stocks by Volume
Trading activity was high, led by a few prominent names:
- Vodafone Idea – 144.6 crore shares
- Ola Electric Mobility – 28.5 crore shares
- Filatex Fashions – 19.4 crore shares
The strong volumes indicate active participation from both retail and institutional investors.
Notable Stock Movers on BSE
The BSE saw a handful of stocks leap more than 15%, reflecting sharp intraday gains:
These moves underscore pockets of high momentum in specific midcap and smallcap names.
Market Breadth and 52-Week Highs
Market breadth remained positive:
- Out of 4,371 stocks traded on the BSE, 2,772 advanced, 1,449 declined, and 150 remained unchanged.
- A total of 185 stocks hit 52-week highs, including marquee names such as Reliance Industries, SBI, Maruti, Mahindra & Mahindra, and Larsen & Toubro (L&T).
- Meanwhile, 83 stocks hit 52-week lows, including ITC, Vedant Fashions, eMudhra, Concord Biotech, Cohance Lifesciences, and AAVAS Financiers.
Company Details in Focus
The broad market rally was supported by strong sectoral performance, with energy, metals, banking, and real estate sectors leading the way.
Key highlights by sector and company:
- Energy & Utilities: Coal India and NTPC were top gainers.
- Metals & Industrials: Hindalco and L&T among stocks reaching 52-week highs.
- FMCG: ITC faced pressure, reflecting a sector-wide dip.
- Banks: PSU Bank and Nifty Bank index saw record highs.
This mix indicates a healthy, diversified rally rather than concentration in a few names.
Summary
Friday’s session showcased robust investor sentiment and a broad-based rally across Indian equities. Both Sensex and Nifty 50 reached record levels, driven by strong sectoral buying and optimism ahead of the Q3 earnings season.
- Sensex: +573 points, closes at 85,762.01
- Nifty 50: +182 points, closes at 26,328.55
- Market Cap Gain: Over ₹4 lakh crore
With 185 stocks hitting 52-week highs, today’s rally reflects broad market participation and sets a positive tone for the year ahead. Investors are now watching the upcoming earnings season closely, as sectoral momentum and macro indicators continue to shape market sentiment.
Source: Livemint
Easy & quick
Leave A Comment?