Buying interest roared back on Friday, pushing the Nifty 50 back above the psychological 26,000 mark. In a session defined by renewed optimism and robust purchasing across sectors, the Indian markets synchronized with the global rally in equities, ending the week on a definitive high note.
Buyers Reclaim Control
The benchmark indices closed firmly in the green, shaking off recent hesitation. The BSE Sensex ended the session on a strong note at 85,264.79, jumping 446.66 points or 0.53 percent. Similarly, the Nifty 50 index reclaimed the 26k fortress to close at 26,042.80, registering a gain of 144.25 points or 0.56 percent.
The broader market outperformed the headlines, showing healthy risk appetite. The Nifty Mid-cap index surged 1.18 percent and the Nifty Small-cap index added 0.94 percent, witnessing a decent rebound. Market breadth was decidedly positive, with an advance-decline ratio of 36:14 among Nifty constituents.
(Source: NSE, BSE)
The Twin Engines of Growth
Two major factors fuelled the momentum on Friday:
- Global Liquidity: Strength flowed in from a powerful global market rally.
- Trade Optimism: There is growing buzz that an India–US trade deal may be finalised soon.
The biggest theme in the backdrop remains the US Fed rate cut, which has boosted equity sentiment globally. A lower US policy rate typically improves global risk appetite. For emerging markets like India, this scenario is ideal as it signals stronger foreign inflow potential.
Additionally, an improved US growth outlook supports export-oriented sectors like IT. Ideally, when US rates fall, global capital rotates toward higher-yielding markets, making India a natural beneficiary.
(Source: Moneycontrol)
Sector Spotlight: Metals Shine Bright
The Nifty Metal index was the star performer, surging 2.63 percent to hit a three-week high. This rally is driven by China’s pledge to maintain “proactive” fiscal policies next year to stimulate consumption and investment. Pro-growth policies in China are positive for metal demand and pricing since the country is a top producer and consumer of the commodity.
Top Nifty gainers included Tata Steel (+3.38%) and Hindalco (+3.26%), leading the charge. Other top-performing sectors were Nifty Realty (+1.53%) and Nifty Consumer Durables (+1.46%).
(Source: Moneycontrol, CNBC TV-18)
Stocks in the News
Market participants tracked plenty of corporate developments today:
- JSW Energy: Shares rose 4.5 percent after the company announced plans to raise up to ₹10,000 crore via QIP and other modes.
- Indian Oil Corp (IOC): The board declared an interim dividend of ₹5 per-share for 2025-26, setting next Thursday as the record date.
- Anant Raj: Shares surged 9.5 percent with trading volumes doubling the three-month average.
- Acquisition of Reginald Men: Honasa Consumer, the parent company of Mamaearth, has acquired a 95% stake in BTM Ventures for ₹195 crore to take ownership of the premium grooming brand Reginald Men.
- Vedanta: Climbed nearly 3 percent to ₹543.8 after successfully bidding for the Genjana nickel, chromium and PGE critical mineral block.
- PNB Housing Finance: Rose 5 percent after appointing Ajai Kumar Shukla as the new Managing Director and CEO.
- Aditya Birla Capital: Gained 2.1 percent after receiving RBI approval to convert into an NBFC-Investment and Credit Company, granting it greater flexibility to lend.
- Shilpa Medicare: Rose over 1 percent after securing initial marketing approval in Europe for its Rotigotine Transdermal patch.
(Source: Moneycontrol, CNBC TV-18)
Touching New Heights
Several stocks scaled fresh 52-week highs during the session, signalling strong underlying momentum. These included Ashok Leyland (₹164.86), Cummins India (₹4,615), Federal Bank (₹263.60), Hindustan Copper (₹384.70), Hindustan Zinc (₹567.45), Motherson Sumi (₹121.48) and Muthoot Finance (₹3,848.10).
(Source: NSE)
The Bottomline
Brokerage firm Jefferies has added to the positive sentiment. They stated that India’s equities will fare better in the emerging market pack in 2026 due to a recovery in corporate earnings and supportive macro trends. Jefferies set a 2026 year-end target of 28,300 for the Nifty 50, implying about 10 percent upside from current levels.
With the benchmarks now aiming to reclaim their new record highs (26,325.80 for Nifty and 86,159.02 for Sensex), the stage is set for an action-packed end to the year.
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