The Economic Times News

Indian stock markets have shown resilience over the past year. Largecap stocks have performed better than smallcaps. Experts caution that smallcap performance is company-specific. Investor sentiment can be a contrarian indicator. Sectors like autos, pharma, and FMCG are favored. Caution is advised for the banking sector due to inherent risks.

Gold prices eased to Rs 1,35,526 on December 31 amid geopolitical tensions and Fed caution. Technicals remain bullish with support at Rs 1,34,000. Analysts expect gold to test $4,900 and INR Rs 1.82 lakh in 2026.

Elitecon International shares hit the 5% upper circuit on the final trading day of 2025, extending the small-caps extraordinary 850% rise over the past year. The move comes after recent volatility, an expansion in borrowing powers, and the announcement of a $97.35 million long-term export order, underscoring the stocks sharp swings and renewed investor interest.

Tata Steel shares rallied after the government imposed safeguard duties on select steel imports to curb cheap inflows and protect domestic producers. The phased three-year measure lifted sentiment across steel stocks, supported by strong recent gains and robust quarterly earnings growth, reflecting improving profitability and favourable industry tailwinds.

Indias steel sector gets a boost as the government imposes a long-term safeguard duty on imports. Axis Securities Aditya Welekar explains how the move protects domestic steelmakers from cheap Chinese steel, supports flat steel prices, and why volume-led growth, not sharp price hikes, will drive earnings for major steel companies.

Indian government bond prices eased on Wednesday, the last trading day of 2025, due to quarter-end positioning and the central bank's omission of the former benchmark from open-market purchases. The benchmark 10-year yield rose to 6.5849% as traders awaited clarity on U.S. trade deals and Bloomberg index inclusion for FAR bonds.

Silver, dubbed golds poor cousin, surged over 160% in 2025 but faces a sharp correction as MCX prices tumbled Rs 22,000 and the Nippon India Silver ETF lost 11%. Analysts attribute the selloff to profit booking, raised CME margins, and thin holiday liquidity. While technically overdue, the correction raises questions on whether the multi-year silver bull run will continue.

Indian equity investors faced a challenging 2025, with benchmark indices masking significant portfolio underperformance. Despite widespread disappointment and FOMO, experts advise against emotional decisions, highlighting that current weak sentiment often precedes improved future returns. Investors are urged to stay invested but actively prune portfolios and maintain balanced asset allocation, including global diversification.

MCX shares rose on Wednesday, nearing their 52-week high after Morgan Stanley upgraded the stock to Equal Weight and raised its target from Rs 6,710 to Rs 11,135. The brokerage highlighted a sharp rise in Average Daily Transaction Revenue, driven largely by gold and silver volatility, which contributed around 55% to ADTR in the past three months.

Gold and silver experienced a remarkable rally in 2025, driven by geopolitical shocks, a shift to hard assets, and macroeconomic uncertainty. Analysts predict continued strength into 2026, citing persistent central bank buying, tight physical supply, and accelerating industrial demand, with gold targeting $5000-$5500 and silver potentially reaching $95-$100 per ounce.

IFCI shares rise 7.3% to Rs 54.12 after selling 10% stake in NEDFi for Rs 121.77 crore. Despite trading below 52-week high, strong institutional interest, robust quarterly net profit, and mild bullish technical indicators highlight improving investor confidence.

Cupid Ltd shares soar to a record Rs 519.90, posting a 58% one-month gain and 584% yearly surge. Recent updates include promoter pledge reduction and board approval for a Saudi FMCG facility, while technicals signal strong momentum amid high investor interest.

Warren Buffett concludes his long tenure as Berkshire Hathaway CEO today. Gregory Abel assumes day-to-day leadership. Investors now assess Berkshire's future without Buffett's direct operational guidance. The conglomerate, built into a financial giant, faces new challenges in capital allocation and governance. Buffett's philosophy of patience and enjoyment of work remains, but his singular influence departs.

2025 saw wild swings in global markets, from record-breaking gold and meme-like Fannie-Freddie gains to geopolitical-driven defense rallies and AI trades. Investors chased high-conviction bets in crypto, Turkish carry trades, and Japanese bonds, facing both spectacular wins and sudden wipeouts. Bloomberg highlights the years 11 most eye-catching trades, exposing market bubbles, fragile narratives, and lessons for 2026s risk-conscious investors.

Deepak Fertilisers shares rose on Wednesday, rebounding after a two-day decline amid renewed buying interest. The stock saw intraday volatility between Rs 1,233 and Rs 1,284 and is valued at a market cap of Rs 15,262.15 crore. While up just 7% over the past year, the stock has gained nearly 80% in three years and 708% in five, highlighting strong long-term wealth creation.

As India approaches 2026, investors are shifting focus from dominant sectors to lagging ones like IT, real estate, and platform businesses. Rajat Sharma sees significant opportunity in IT, citing depressed valuations and potential currency tailwinds, while also favoring select fintech and platform companies with strong distribution.

Dynacons Systems & Solutions Ltd shares saw a significant jump. The company secured a major software project from the Reserve Bank of India. This prestigious contract is valued at Rs 249.15 crore. The project involves implementation, maintenance, and learning services for the RBI's Enterprise Applications Platform. It will be executed over five years across the entire RBI ecosystem.

The Nifty Bank index has welcomed Yes Bank and Union Bank today. This structural change will see significant inflows for these new entrants. However, ICICI Bank and HDFC Bank are projected to experience the largest outflows. Other banking stocks will also see adjustments in their index weights.

Bitcoin and Ethereum are trading at lower levels as 2025 concludes. Analysts anticipate a market recovery by the second quarter of 2026. This shift is expected due to potential interest rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve. Institutional investors may return, boosting crypto prices. The market is currently in a consolidation phase.

KPI Green Energy shares surged sharply on strong volumes, with technical indicators signalling sustained bullish momentum amid improving sentiment in the renewable energy space.

US bond investors face a tougher environment in 2026 after stellar gains in 2025, as hopes of fewer Federal Reserve rate cuts and the prospect of fresh fiscal stimulus cloud return expectations. The bond markets strong performance this year was driven by falling rates and a resilient US economy, which lifted bond prices and kept credit risks in check, but those tailwinds may weaken going forward.

January has historically been a challenging month for Indian equities, with the Nifty ending in the red eight out of the last ten years. Foreign investors have largely been net sellers, contributing to weak sentiment. However, domestic institutional investors have consistently stepped in as net buyers, providing crucial support and cushioning market declines.

Federal Reserve minutes reveal deep divisions behind Decembers rate cut, with policymakers split over inflation risks, labour market cooling and the need for further easing amid limited data visibility.

Despite a volatile year, the Nifty 50 closed 2025 near 26,000, marking the 10th consecutive positive year. Fixed income also showed resilience with falling yields. This strength in Indian markets, driven by economic and business upturns, fuels optimism for 2026, even as investor sentiment lags.

Warren Buffetts exit as CEO marks the end of a six-decade era at Berkshire Hathaway, where investing in the stock was largely a bet on his leadership. As he hands over control to longtime deputy Greg Abel on December 31, investors are questioning whether Berkshire can continue to generate outsized wealth without the Oracle of Omaha at the helm.

Indian markets experienced significant shocks, including a depreciating rupee and massive FII sell-offs, despite a robust macro environment. This disconnect, driven by AI trade flows and trade deal delays, led to broader market carnage. However, with valuations normalizing and reforms accelerating, 2026 could see a shift as the rupee stabilizes and FII flows potentially return.

As markets enter 2026, stock selection is key. Analysts recommend Mahindra & Mahindra, Marico, and Hindustan Petroleum. These companies show strong balance sheets and earnings visibility. Investors can expect potential gains of up to 20%. The outlook for these stocks is positive, with analysts suggesting buying at current prices.

Indian sovereign bonds face record foreign outflows in December as rupee weakness, fading rate-cut expectations and global reallocations weigh on sentiment, pressuring bond prices and borrowing costs despite prospects of index inclusion boosting future inflows.

Market expert Sudip Bandyopadhyay says 2025 had proved to be disappointing for Indian equities, but 2026 looks more promising as valuations improve and earnings revive. With GDP growth seen at 78%, selective stock picking could deliver 15% plus returns. He favours consumption sectors, LIC in insurance, and health insurers as long-term opportunities.

Hindustan Copper shares dipped as investors booked profits after a significant surge, driven by record copper prices in 2025. Global supply disruptions and strong demand from electrification and AI infrastructure fueled copper's rise, positioning the company for substantial year-end gains. Analysts advise a 'buy on dips' strategy amid near-term caution.

Indian equities opened higher on Wednesday, ending a four-session losing streak on the final trading day of the year. Bargain hunting boosted the Sensex and Nifty, despite ongoing concerns about sustained foreign fund outflows. The Sensex gained 220 points, and the Nifty 50 climbed 77 points at the session's start.

Gold and silver futures experienced a pullback on the final trading day of 2025, with silver futures tumbling 6% due to aggressive profit-booking after reaching record highs. Despite this near-term softness, both precious metals are set to close the year with historic annual gains, supported by ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Indian stock markets ended 2025 as the world's worst performers. Foreign investors pulled out billions due to currency depreciation and expensive valuations. However, 2026 offers hope. Supportive policies, easing trade risks, and potential rate cuts are expected to boost domestic growth and earnings. This could lead to a market recovery, attracting renewed investor interest.

Indian markets faced a tough year in 2025, becoming the world's worst performers. However, investors using Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) saw remarkable success. A staggering 97% of mutual fund schemes delivered positive returns, with some achieving XIRR up to 37%. This demonstrates the power of disciplined, regular investing over market timing. SIPs helped investors navigate volatility and achieve wealth creation.

A sharp increase in futures open interest indicates growth in the number of active, unexpired futures contracts in a particular security.

Indian government bonds are poised for a positive start on Wednesday, the final trading day of 2025, following robust demand at a state debt auction. The benchmark 10-year yield is anticipated to trade within a tight range. Strong liquidity infusions from the Reserve Bank of India are also supporting bond prices, with overnight swap rates expected to remain stable.

Indian stock markets begin 2026 at new peaks. Opportunities are emerging in mid-cap stocks, offering a compelling risk-reward. Experts anticipate a strong year driven by rate cuts and domestic growth. Banks and real estate are expected to perform well. Investors should be cautious of highly valued sectors. Primary market issuances are also projected to remain robust.

Indian companies are increasingly turning to public markets for growth capital. The average size of mainboard IPOs has significantly increased. The SME segment also saw substantial growth. India led the world in IPO numbers in 2025, demonstrating broad-based participation and a dynamic capital formation ecosystem.

Hindustan Zinc shares are in focus as silver prices dipped 6% to $73 per ounce, despite both metals poised for historic 2025 gains. Driven by monetary easing, geopolitical risks, and strong demand, silver has surged 157% this year. Jefferies maintains a Buy rating, citing the company's benefit from higher metal prices and cost efficiencies.

On December 30, four NSE-listed stocks with market capitalisation above Rs 10,000 crore appeared on the bullish White Marubozu scanner. The candlestick pattern reflects strong intraday buying interest, where prices moved from session lows to highs, signalling firm buyer control and suggesting potential continuation of upward momentum.

RITES Ltd has made waves in the market after revealing an exciting international order, sending its shares soaring. The company scored a whopping USD 3.6 million contract to deliver diesel electric locomotives to Zimbabwe, with expectations to complete the project within three months.

Six NSE stocks with a market capitalisation above Rs 1,000 crore touched a 5-year swing high at the close on December 30, indicating strengthening bullish momentum. Such price levels reflect sustained buying interest and may signal trend continuation, though they remain distinct from confirmed long-term breakouts.

Indian steel companies saw significant gains on Wednesday. This surge followed the government's announcement of a three-year safeguard duty on certain steel imports. The duty aims to protect domestic producers from cheap shipments, particularly from China. The measure will be implemented in phases, starting at 12%. This move is expected to stabilize local industries against aggressive export pricing strategies.

Power Grid Corporation of India has won a 2,000 MWh battery energy storage project in Andhra Pradesh under tariff-based competitive bidding. The BOO project, backed by viability gap funding, strengthens grid flexibility. Shares ended flat despite recent underperformance across timeframes. The company received the award letter on December twenty-nine officially.

Premier Energies secured new orders worth Rs 2,307.30 crore for execution in FY27-FY28, bolstering its medium-term revenue visibility. These orders from leading domestic IPPs and customers reflect confidence in the company's product quality and execution capabilities. The new contracts align with Premier Energies' ongoing capacity expansion plans, reinforcing its position in India's solar manufacturing ecosystem.

Bharat Forge Limited has secured its largest small arms contract. The Ministry of Defence awarded the company a deal worth Rs 1,661.9 crore. This contract is for supplying 255,128 Close Quarter Battle Carbines to the Indian Army. The carbines are indigenously designed and developed. Execution of this significant contract is expected to begin within five years.

IndiGo Airlines is under scrutiny following substantial tax demand orders from the Goods and Services Tax department. The airline has received a penalty of Rs 458.26 crore for financial years 2018-19 to 2022-23. IndiGo believes these orders are incorrect and plans to contest them legally. A separate order for Rs 14.59 lakh was also received for financial year 2021-22.