The Economic Times News

Indian markets ended lower on Friday as the Sensex and Nifty slipped amid thin year-end trading, foreign outflows, and profit booking. Largecaps underperformed while midcaps and smallcaps showed selective strength. Key support for Nifty is near 26,000, with potential retracement toward 26,200. Metals and consumer durables saw buying interest, while IT, autos, and banks faced selling pressure.

As 2026 approaches, experts suggest active, selective investing may outperform passive strategies amid wide dispersion in earnings and valuations. Largecaps remain strong, midcaps show steady growth, while smallcaps lag. Investors are advised to focus on bottom-up stock selection, thematic plays, and balanced allocation across equities, commodities, and debt.

Indian exports look set for strong growth in 2026. Diversification and new trade pacts with the UK, Oman and New Zealand will boost shipments. Despite US tariffs, exports to America surged in 2025. Electronics, engineering, and pharmaceuticals lead the way. Global supply chain shifts and India's improving business environment support this positive outlook.

The Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal is set to become operational nationwide. Benches have been formally allotted to 83 newly appointed members. These members are expected to join their respective benches by January 21, 2026. This development will enable the commencement of tax dispute resolution hearings shortly thereafter. State governments are arranging necessary space for immediate functioning.

Indias IPO calendar is packed with 11 listings this week, largely dominated by SME issues, even as fresh fundraising momentum slows. Grey market trends signal sharp listing gains in select names, led by E to E Transportation and Shyam Dhani Industries, while most others point to muted or flat debuts amid cautious sentiment.

As markets enter 2026 amid uncertainty, hybrid mutual funds offer a balanced, disciplined approach to portfolio construction by blending equity growth with debt stability, helping investors navigate volatility and stay aligned with long-term goals.

The combined market valuation of seven of the top-10 most valued firms declined by Rs 35,439.36 crore in a holiday-shortened last week, with State Bank of India taking the biggest hit, in line with a muted trend in equities.

After a steep underperformance in 2025, Indias smallcap stocks enter 2026 amid divided expert views. While some see improving earnings and selective opportunities, others warn valuations and ownership risks remain. Most strategists agree largecaps offer better visibility, with stock selection and active management critical in smaller segments.

Foreign investors fled Indian equities in 2025 at a scale never seen before, pulling out a record Rs 1.6 lakh crore (USD 18 billion) as volatile currency movements, global trade tensions, especially potential US tariffs, and stretched valuations eroded risk appetite, though flows are expected to turn sustainably positive in 2026.

As markets enter 2026 amid uncertainty, hybrid mutual funds offer a balanced, disciplined approach to portfolio construction by blending equity growth with debt stability, helping investors navigate volatility and stay aligned with long-term goals.

Indias strong macro fundamentals, policy reforms, easing monetary conditions and revival in consumption and capex are expected to support growth and drive sectoral opportunities in FY27.

BSE has staged a remarkable turnaround since January 2023 under CEO Sundararaman Ramamurthy, driven by cost discipline, technology upgrades and the relaunch of equity derivatives. The strategy transformed market share, margins and investor confidence, delivering multi-fold returns and positioning BSE as a serious rival in index options.

As hopes of a Santa rally fade, traders enter the final week of 2025 focused on Niftys technical levels, FII positioning and derivatives cues. Analysts see key supports near 26,000, selective sector strength in defence stocks, and tactical buying opportunities in stocks like NBCC and DBL.

Indian equities extended losses for a second straight session as IT, financial and auto stocks weighed on benchmarks, pushing the Nifty below key short-term averages. Amid rising bearish momentum, analysts flagged 26,000 as a crucial support, while recommending NBCC and Dalmia Bharat on technical breakouts.

Indian equities ended a holiday-shortened week with modest gains as benchmark indices consolidated amid mixed global cues and subdued participation. Despite cautious sentiment and FII selling, select BSE 500 stocks delivered strong weekly performances, led by metals, railways and PSU-linked names outperforming the broader market.

Despite a sharp slowdown in SME IPO performance in 2025, a select group of fundamentally strong stocks delivered multibagger returns, underscoring the growing importance of quality and disciplined stock selection.

The Prime Minister's Office is pushing for improved governance at Coal India Limited. All subsidiaries of the state-run coal giant will be mapped and listed by 2030. This move aims to enhance transparency and unlock value. Bharat Coking Coal Ltd and Central Mine Planning & Design Institute Ltd are set for stock market listings by March 2026.

In CY25, select penny stocks delivered sharp gains of up to 440%, with several emerging as multibaggers, highlighting strong momentum in low-priced micro-cap stocks despite elevated risks.

2025 proved a transformative year, marked by the US's assertive 'America First' agenda and escalating global trade tariffs. India responded with significant economic reforms, including tax relief and a GST overhaul, while navigating volatile foreign investment flows. The year concluded with strong GDP growth, low inflation, and supportive monetary policy, positioning India for future resilience.

Indian equity markets saw mild profit booking near record highs. However, several smallcap stocks delivered sharp gains this past week. K&R Rail Engineering surged 34.32%. Jupiter Wagons rose 33.60%. Sasken Technologies gained 32.82%. Hindustan Copper and KNR Constructions also saw substantial increases. These stocks bucked the subdued market tone, showcasing strong individual performance.

Quick commerce platform Zepto has filed confidential draft papers with SEBI for a $1.3 billion IPO, aiming to raise Rs 11,000 crore in fresh capital. The company, valued at $7 billion, is set to be the youngest venture capital-backed firm to go public, with a potential listing in July-September 2026.

Indian markets are poised for a volatile week ahead, influenced by the December F&O expiry and crucial domestic data releases. Foreign institutional investors continue their selling spree, while global cues and currency movements also demand attention. Experts advise a cautious, stock-specific approach with disciplined risk management as the year concludes.

Mumbai's Bandra Kurla Complex experienced a moderate smog layer with an AQI of 123. Meanwhile, Delhi grappled with hazardous air quality, reaching a severe 391, with several areas exceeding 400. Cold weather and calm winds are trapping pollutants, causing widespread haze. Authorities are implementing measures like 'No PUC, No Fuel' and Stage IV GRAP actions to combat the worsening air.

Indian fruit-based wines are gaining traction abroad. Jamun wine, made in Nashik, has been exported to the US. Wines from Kashmiri apples and Alphonso mangoes are also reaching international markets. This trend offers new opportunities for Indian winemakers. Exports are growing, with sales already surpassing last year's total. Challenges remain for smaller producers seeking global reach.

ISRO's launch of the Bluebird Block-2 satellite is complete. This advanced communication satellite will begin its operations soon. It is designed to provide high-speed cellular broadband directly to standard smartphones. This marks a significant step towards global space-based cellular services. AST SpaceMobile plans further launches to expand its satellite network.

India must embrace company bankruptcies for a dynamic economy. Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister member Sanjeev Sanyal stated continuous insolvency is essential. This allows new businesses to emerge and fosters long-term economic strength. He noted that allowing large companies to fail, as seen in 2017, ultimately made the corporate sector stronger. This approach encourages risk-taking and innovation.

Several listed companies have announced corporate actions next week, including face value consolidation, stock splits and bonus issues, which may boost liquidity, affordability and retail interest without altering underlying business fundamentals.

Union Budget 2026: India's economy is poised for the Union Budget 2026 with robust GDP growth of 8.0% in H1 FY26 and well-controlled inflation around 2.0%. Despite a widening trade deficit, foreign exchange reserves have surged, and GST collections remain strong, supporting fiscal consolidation and capital expenditure.

Foreign investors are set to record their biggest-ever exit from Indian equities in 2025, with net outflows of over Rs 1.58 lakh crore, driven by exchange selling, rupee weakness and global capital shifts, despite steady domestic flows.

Bitcoin slipped near $87,000 as crypto retreated from October highs, while gold, silver and equities rose. Analysts cite year-end thin liquidity, geopolitical risks and macro uncertainty, with Bitcoin consolidating above key averages and awaiting clearer directional cues from global markets.

Silver prices surged over 150% in 2025 as supply deficits, falling inventories and strong industrial demand tightened the physical market, pushing prices above $75 and decoupling paper contracts from actual availability, with China export risks adding further pressure globally ahead.

As per the latest available data for the September 2025 quarter, Kedia holds publicly disclosed stakes in around 16 companies, with a combined value of about Rs 1,170 crore as of December 26, 2025, down nearly 38% from Rs 1,896 crore in December 2024.

Markets stayed rangebound in a holiday-shortened week as Nifty inched higher amid low volumes. India VIX fell to record lows, signalling complacency. Momentum weakened, breadth lagged and volatility compression warned of vulnerability until a decisive breakout emerges in coming sessions.

Several 2024 multibaggers turned major laggards in 2025 as stretched valuations met slowing growth. Earnings misses, margin pressures and execution delays led to sharp corrections, with many stocks falling 3040% or more after last years euphoric rally.

Quick commerce firm Zepto has filed draft papers with Sebi for a $1.3 billion IPO, people in the know told us. The Aadit Palicha-led company plans to raise most funds through fresh shares, with some stake sales by early investors. The Bengaluru-based firm, valued at $7 billion, aims to list in July-September quarter of 2026.

Warren Buffett will step down as Berkshire Hathaway CEO on December 31, ending a six-decade tenure. Vice-chair Greg Abel takes charge January 1, marking a succession while Buffett remains active, cementing a legacy of patience, discipline, ownership and long-term investing.

Markets stayed range-bound in a holiday-shortened week as low volumes and mixed global cues capped gains. Ultra-low volatility, resilient supports and broader market strength suggest consolidation may precede a directional move in coming weeks.

While the Sensex edged up modestly last week, select BSE 500 stocks delivered strong momentum. Thirteen stocks gained across all five sessions, posting cumulative returns of 1037%, highlighting stock-specific strength amid a sideways broader market.

India anticipates robust FDI growth in 2026, driven by strong economic fundamentals, new trade pacts, and improved ease of doing business. Despite global uncertainties, the nation attracted over USD 80.5 billion in FDI in 2024-25, with significant commitments from EFTA and New Zealand bolstering future prospects.

Prabhudas Lilladher has initiated coverage on Waaree Energies, Premiere Energies and Vikram Solar, citing strong policy support, rising power demand and capacity expansion, with upside potential of up to 33% despite recent stock underperformance.

After a stellar 2025, precious metals are likely to see moderated returns in 2026. Gold and silver prices will hinge on geopolitics, US Fed actions and central bank policies, while equities regain attention through earnings, valuations and stock-specific opportunities.

Indias capital markets are undergoing a structural shift as millions move from trading to disciplined investing. Rising SIP flows, younger investors, and growing retail ownership are reshaping savings habits, market stability, and long-term wealth creation.

India leads global crypto adoption in 2025, drawing new investors to digital assets. A disciplined approachresearch, starting small, diversification, SIP investing, choosing compliant exchanges, and monitoring marketscan help beginners manage risk and invest confidently.

After a blockbuster 2025, Indias IPO market enters a quiet year-end with just one SME issue opening, while 11 listings dominate the week. Attention is shifting to a strong 2026 pipeline led by big-ticket names.

The Japanese yen weakened against the US dollar on Friday. Investors are watching for possible intervention to support the yen. The dollar saw a slight gain against the euro amid low trading volumes. Japan's government proposed record spending for the next fiscal year. Core consumer inflation in Tokyo slowed but remained above the Bank of Japan's target.

Oil prices dropped significantly on Friday. Investors are concerned about a global oil surplus next year. Talks between Ukraine's President Zelenskiy and U.S. President Trump could impact oil prices. A peace deal might lift sanctions on Russia's oil sector. U.S. actions regarding Venezuelan oil are seen as having minimal global impact. The market remains focused on the growing oil surplus.

Indian markets mirrored global trends as major U.S. stock indexes neared record highs, buoyed by anticipated Federal Reserve rate cuts and a weaker dollar. Precious metals like silver and gold surged to all-time peaks amid geopolitical tensions. Investors are keenly watching for Fed policy shifts and a new chair nomination, while oil prices dipped on supply glut fears.

Indian markets saw a flat close on Friday after a strong rally. Investors are watching for the Santa Claus rally, a seasonal trend. This year has been volatile with tariff concerns and geopolitical tensions. Major indexes are set for double-digit gains. Experts advise preparing for continued volatility. Nvidia and Target saw stock movements.

Investors are pouring money into climate-friendly assets despite policy rollbacks, pushing global green bond issuance to records as AI-driven power demand boosts renewables, grids and clean-energy stocks worldwide.

India's markets are consolidating into duopolies, with two dominant players controlling nearly 90% of sectors like aviation, food delivery, and digital payments. This concentration, exemplified by IndiGo and Air India, shifts incentives from customer service to market management, potentially harming consumers and innovation. The government is now intervening to foster new competition.