The Indian stock markets welcomed 2026 with a positive opening on Thursday as overall sentiment remained cautiously constructive, supported by improving domestic technical indicators, despite mixed global cues and the absence of major domestic triggers.
The Nifty opened 0.17 per cent higher at 26,173.30, while the Sensex rose 0.04 per cent to open at 85,255.55.
Among sectors, the FMCG index was down 1 per cent, while the telecom index gained 1 per cent in early trade. On the NSE, 10 out of 15 sectoral indices were trading in the green. Nifty Media and Nifty Auto led the gains, while Nifty FMCG and Nifty Pharma were trading in the red.
The BSE midcap and smallcap indices were trading almost flat during morning trade.
On the institutional front, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) continued their selling streak for the fifth consecutive session on December 31, offloading equities worth Rs 3,597 crore.
In contrast, domestic institutional investors (DIIs) provided strong support by purchasing equities worth Rs 6,759 crore on the same day, more than offsetting FII outflows and lending stability to the market, analysts said.
Amid ongoing volatility and global uncertainty, traders have been advised to remain selective and disciplined. Buying quality stocks on declines with tight risk controls has been recommended, while fresh long positions should be initiated only after a confirmed and sustained breakout above the 26,300 level, they added.
Meanwhile, the Indian stock exchanges have published the official trading holiday calendar for 2026, providing early clarity to investors and traders on non-trading days across cash, derivatives and currency segments.
Major international markets across China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, France, Germany, the UAE, the UK and the US will remain shut on New Year’s Day. Stock exchanges in China and Japan will also observe an extended New Year break and remain closed on Friday.
— IANS
