Post Session: Quick Review

Indian equity benchmarks ended flat on the first trading day of 2026 as persistent selling by foreign institutional investors (FIIs) weighed on trading sentiments. The FIIs were the net sellers on Wednesday’s session offloading equities worth Rs 3,597.38 crore. Markets made a positive start, as traders took support as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in its report said that the Indian economy is growing at a robust pace. However, markets soon trimmed their initial gains and ended the session around the neutral lines.

Some of the important factors in trade:

Indian economy on strong growth path, banking sector remains sound: Investors remained optimistic as Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in its report said that the Indian economy is growing at a robust pace, fueled by strong domestic demand, low inflation, and the healthy balance sheets of banks. 

Government launches Rs 4,531 crore market access support for exporters: Traders took support as the government launched Rs 4,531 crore market access support for exporters under which financial support will be provided to participate in activities such as international fairs and exhibitions. 

India's fiscal deficit reaches 62.3% of full year target in April-November of FY26: Investors took note of the data released by the Controller General of Accounts (CGA) showing that India’s fiscal deficit -- the difference between the government’s revenue and expenditure--has reached 62.3% of the budget estimate (BE) as of the April-November period of the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026.

Global front: European and Asian markets remained closed in observance of the New Year holiday.

The BSE Sensex ended at 85188.60, down by 32.00 points or 0.04% after trading in a range of 85101.52 and 85451.70. There were 22 stocks advancing against 8 stocks declining on the index. (Provisional)

The broader indices ended mixed; the BSE Mid cap index was up by 0.27%, while Small cap index down by 0.02%. (Provisional)

The top gaining sectoral indices on the BSE were Telecom up by 1.69%, Utilities up by 1.51%, Power up by 1.14%, Auto up by 0.95% and Realty up by 0.84%, while FMCG down by 2.96%, Healthcare down by 0.15%, Oil & Gas down by 0.08% and Consumer Durables down by 0.07% were the few losing indices on BSE. (Provisional)

The top gainers on the Sensex were Eternal up by 1.94%, NTPC up by 1.94%, Larsen & Toubro up by 1.28%, Power Grid Corp up by 1.23% and Mahindra & Mahindra up by 1.12%. On the flip side, ITC down by 9.69%, Bajaj Finance down by 1.46%, Asian Paints down by 0.57%, Bharat Electronics down by 0.48% and ICICI Bank down by 0.42% were the top losers. (Provisional)

Meanwhile, Indian government’s support for exporters is continuing and expanding, as it has been seen with a recent launch of the Market Access Support (MAS) Intervention under the Export Promotion Mission (EPM). Approved by the Union Cabinet in November 2025, the initiative will strengthen international market access for Indian exporters, particularly MSMEs, first-time exporters and firms from priority sectors. It will focus on improving buyer connect and enhancing India’s presence in global markets through structured and outcome-oriented market access interventions.

The MAS Intervention is being implemented under the NIRYAT DISHA sub-scheme of EPM and the Export Promotion Mission is jointly implemented by the Department of Commerce, Ministry of MSME and Ministry of Finance in coordination with Indian Missions abroad, Export Promotion Councils (EPCs), Commodity Boards and other industry associations.  Under the Market Access Support Intervention, structured financial and institutional support will be provided for activities including Buyer-Seller Meets (BSMs), participation in international trade fairs and exhibitions, Mega Reverse Buyer-Seller Meets (RBSMs) organised in India, and trade delegations to priority and emerging export markets.

Through the launch of the Market Access Support Intervention, the Government aims to provide Indian exporters with predictable market-entry pathways, stronger buyer engagement and data-driven policy support, enabling deeper integration into global value chains and sustained export growth. 

The CNX Nifty ended at 26146.55, up by 16.95 points or 0.06% after trading in a range of 26113.40 and 26197.55. There were 38 stocks advancing against 12 stocks declining on the index. (Provisional)

The top gainers on Nifty were Shriram Finance up by 2.36%, Bajaj Auto up by 2.30%, Eternal up by 2.07%, NTPC up by 2.05% and Wipro up by 1.55%. On the flip side, ITC down by 9.71%, Dr. Reddy's Lab down by 1.42%, Bajaj Finance down by 1.39%, Tata Consumer Products down by 1.27% and ONGC down by 1.02% were the top losers. (Provisional)