Indian equity benchmark indices BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty ended Wednesday's session higher, snapping a four-day losing streak and closing 2025 on a positive note amid broad-based gains across sectors. The buying momentum was supported by heavyweight stocks and policy-driven sectoral rallies.

Market Performance Overview

The benchmark indices demonstrated strong recovery with significant gains across the board:

Market breadth remained positive throughout the session, with the advance-decline ratio standing at 2:1, indicating widespread participation across market segments.

Top Performers and Laggards

From the Sensex basket, several stocks emerged as major contributors to the day's gains:

Top Gainers:

• JSW Steel Ltd
• Oil And Natural Gas Corporation Ltd
• Tata Steel Ltd
• Titan Company Ltd
• SBI Life Insurance Company Ltd
• Reliance Industries Ltd

Major Laggards:

• Tata Consultancy Services Ltd
• Tech Mahindra Ltd
• Infosys Ltd
• Bajaj Finance Ltd

Sectoral Highlights

Steel Sector Rally

Steel stocks witnessed strong buying momentum after the government announced a safeguard duty for three years. JSW Steel and Tata Steel emerged as the top Nifty gainers, with both stocks rising in the range of 2.00% to 5.00%.

Oil and Gas Surge

Oil and gas stocks recorded sharp upward movement during the session:

Oil marketing companies moved particularly higher, with IOC, BPCL and HPCL advancing between 3.00% and 6.00%.

Auto Sector Optimism

Auto stocks moved higher on expectations of healthy December sales, contributing to the overall market momentum.

IT Sector Underperformance

In contrast to the broader market strength, IT stocks largely underperformed during the session. TCS and Tech Mahindra were among the top losers on the Nifty, dragging down the technology sector.

Individual Stock Movements

Several individual stocks witnessed notable movements based on company-specific developments:

• Vodafone Idea: Fell sharply after the Cabinet approved the restructuring of AGR dues
• Hindustan Zinc: Ended 2.00% lower, tracking a fall in silver prices
• Swiggy: Entered the futures and options segment and ended its first day in the derivatives market with losses of nearly 2.00%
• PB Fintech: Extended losses as insurance regulator IRDAI is set to release a draft paper on commissions
• L&T Finance: Closed with gains of over 3.00% ahead of its quarterly updates
• Wockhardt: Surged 6.00% after the European Union granted accelerated assessment to WCK 5222

The session demonstrated strong market resilience with broad-based participation across sectors, driven by policy announcements and positive sentiment heading into the new year.

The BSE Limited and National Stock Exchange (NSE) have released the official 2026 trading holiday calendar, detailing 15 full trading days when Indian equity markets will remain closed. The comprehensive schedule covers equity, equity derivatives, and currency derivatives markets across both cash and derivatives segments.

New Year Trading Operations

Indian stock markets will continue trading on January 1, 2026, while most major global exchanges observe the New Year holiday. The BSE and NSE will maintain regular trading hours, providing investors with market access as the new year begins. Major international stock exchanges including China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, France, Germany, UAE, UK and the US will remain closed on the first day of 2026.

Complete 2026 Holiday Schedule

The 15 trading holidays are strategically distributed throughout the year, offering seven long weekends when holidays fall on Fridays or Mondays:

Weekend Celebrations and Special Sessions

Several festivals will not impact trading as they fall on weekends, including Mahashivratri (February 15), Eid-ul-Fitr (March 21), Independence Day (August 15), and Diwali Laxmi Pujan (November 8). However, the traditional Muhurat Trading session will be conducted on November 8, 2026, despite normal trading being closed on that Sunday.

Commodity Exchange Operations

The commodity exchanges will operate with modified schedules on New Year's Day:

Strategic Significance for Market Participants

The advance disclosure of the 2026 holiday calendar enables market participants to better manage settlements, anticipate periods of reduced liquidity, and adjust trading strategies before market closures. The seven long weekends provide opportunities for strategic planning, portfolio evaluation, and investor education activities. This early notification allows investors and traders to plan their operations effectively throughout the year, ensuring comprehensive coverage across all trading segments under exchange bye-laws and F&O regulations.