Indian equity markets extended their morning gains in afternoon trade on Friday, with benchmark indices posting solid advances across the board. The BSE Sensex rose 492.13 points or 0.58% to ₹85,680.73, while the NSE Nifty advanced 161.05 points or 0.62% to 26,307.60 as of 12:40 pm.

Market Opening and Performance

The Sensex opened at ₹85,259.36 against its previous close of ₹85,188.60, while the Nifty opened at 26,155.10, marginally up from its previous close of 26,146.55. The positive momentum sustained throughout the trading session, with both indices building on their opening gains.

Market Breadth and Activity

Market breadth remained positive on the BSE, with 2,602 stocks advancing against 1,393 declines and 185 unchanged among 4,180 stocks traded. The broader market participation was evident with:

• 150 stocks hitting 52-week highs compared to 66 touching 52-week lows
• 165 stocks locked in upper circuit limits
• 110 stocks in lower circuit limits

Top Performers and Laggards

Coal India emerged as the top gainer on the Nifty50, surging 5.88% to ₹424.00, followed by NTPC at ₹348.15, up 3.52%. Other notable gainers included Trent, which climbed 2.75% to ₹4,415.70, and Hindalco, gaining 2.44% to ₹916.75. Jio Financial Services rose 1.98% to ₹301.55.

On the downside, ITC remained the biggest laggard, declining 3.89% to ₹349.70 amid continued pressure from higher cigarette excise duty announced in the Union Budget. Other decliners included Nestle India, which fell 0.95% to ₹1,282.70, and Bharti Airtel, shedding 0.40% to ₹2,102.00.

Sectoral Performance

Bank Nifty displayed clear outperformance, breaching the psychological 60,000 mark to settle at 60,103.10, up 391.55 points or 0.66%, signalling improved near-term momentum in banking stocks. The Nifty Financial Services index rose 0.89% to 27,912.85, while the Nifty Next 50 gained 0.81% to 70,241.20.

Mid and smallcap indices also participated in the rally, with the Nifty Midcap 100 advancing 0.85% to 61,264.30 and the Nifty Smallcap 100 rising 0.62% to 17,814.20.

Market Outlook

Ponmudi R, CEO of Enrich Money, noted that the Nifty is trading near the upper end of its short-term consolidation range, keeping the 26,200–26,300 resistance zone in focus. He emphasized that a sustained move above 26,250 is essential to confirm fresh strength, while 26,100–26,050 continues to act as strong support.

Indian stock exchanges will maintain regular trading operations on January 1, 2026, while most major global markets observe the New Year holiday. BSE and NSE will remain open for normal trading activities on Thursday, providing investors with continued market access as the new year begins.

Trading Operations on New Year's Day

The commodity exchanges will follow a modified schedule on January 1. The Multi Commodity Exchange of India (MCX) and National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange (NCDX) will operate during their first session from 9 am to 5 pm but will remain closed for evening trading sessions.

Meanwhile, major international markets will observe the holiday closure. Stock exchanges in China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, France, Germany, UAE, UK, and the US will remain shut on the first day of 2026. China and Japan bourses will extend their New Year break through Friday, January 2.

Market Performance at Year-End

The benchmark indices concluded 2025 with strong performance, breaking their four-session losing streak. Market activity showed broad-based buying across most sectors, with metals, auto, and financials leading the rally while IT remained subdued.

Technical Analysis and Market Outlook

Rupak De, Senior Technical Analyst at LKP Securities, highlighted the Nifty's recovery above its 21-day exponential moving average as a positive technical development. The analyst noted that while the trend lacks decisive bullish momentum, recent price action suggests potential for continued recovery.

The daily chart formation shows a doji pattern followed by a sharp rise, indicated by a prominent green candle. This technical setup suggests the possibility of additional gains in the near term. The analyst projects potential upside movement toward 26,315, with initial support expected around 26,100.

Official 2026 Holiday Calendar

The exchanges have released their comprehensive trading holiday schedule for 2026, providing early visibility for market participants. The calendar includes 15 full trading holidays across equity, equity derivatives, and currency derivatives segments, representing one additional holiday compared to the current year.

First Half Holiday Schedule

Second Half Holiday Schedule

The latter part of 2026 will see trading halts for Muharram on June 26, followed by Ganesh Chaturthi on September 14 and Gandhi Jayanti on October 2. Additional closures include Dussehra on October 20, Diwali Balipratipada on November 10, and Guru Nanak Jayanti on November 24, with Christmas on December 25 marking the final holiday.

Notably, Diwali does not appear as a separate trading holiday since the festival falls on a Sunday in 2026. The holiday calendar covers all segments including cash and derivatives markets, providing comprehensive guidance for trading operations throughout the year.