Udaipur Kiran, Mumbai, 1 January: The Indian stock market started the new year 2026 on a positive note with gains in key indices Sensex and Nifty. Domestic benchmarks showed upward movement amid limited market activity.
During the first trading session of 2026, as of 9:20 AM, the Nifty was up by 40.30 points or 0.15 percent at 26,171.45, while the Sensex gained 144.39 points or 0.17 percent to trade at 85,364.99. The market saw modest gains due to the absence of major domestic or global triggers.
In the broader market, the Nifty Midcap index recorded a slight increase of 0.05 percent, whereas the Nifty Smallcap index declined by 0.11 percent.
Sector-wise, the Nifty FMCG index fell over 1 percent, making it the biggest loser. The Nifty Healthcare and Pharma indices also faced downward pressure. On the other hand, the Nifty Media index rose by 0.9 percent, leading the gains, while the Nifty Auto index increased by 0.45 percent.
Among Sensex stocks, Mahindra & Mahindra, ITC, TCS, NTPC, L&T, Bharti Airtel, and Tata Steel saw the highest gains. Conversely, ITC, Bajaj Finance, BEL, Axis Bank, and Sun Pharma were among the top losers.
Looking back at 2025, the Nifty 50 closed the year with a 10.5 percent gain, extending its bullish run for ten consecutive years. Sensex ended the year 9.06 percent higher. The Nifty Midcap 100 index closed with a 5.7 percent increase, maintaining a six-year growth streak. Meanwhile, the Nifty Smallcap 100 index fell by 5.6 percent, breaking its two-year winning streak.
Amrita Shinde, Technical and Derivative Analyst at Choice Broking, said the market sentiment looks stable and positive. Domestic technical indicators are improving, though global signals remain mixed, and there is no major domestic trigger. Investors are expected to closely watch global markets, crude oil prices, and movements of large investors’ funds.
She added that the market has recovered from earlier sluggishness and shown strength. Resistance levels for Nifty may lie between 26,250 and 26,300, while support is expected around 26,000 to 26,050.
The expert advised investors to act cautiously amid global uncertainties and market volatility. Buying quality stocks with limited risk during dips is recommended. New purchases should be considered only if Nifty sustains above 26,300.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.