Sensex, Nifty End Flat Amid Profit Booking; Coal India, Shriram Finance, NTPC Lead Gains

Indian equity benchmarks closed flat on December 23, 2025, after a volatile trading session marked by profit booking and cautious sentiment ahead of the year-end holidays. The Sensex slipped 42 points to settle at 85,524.84, while the Nifty 50 edged up 5 points to close at 26,177.15. Despite the lackluster headline indices, select stocks like Coal India, Shriram Finance, and NTPC posted strong gains, reflecting sectoral resilience.

Market Overview: Choppy Session Caps Two-Day Rally

The trading day began on a muted note, with indices oscillating in a narrow range. A pullback in IT stocks, including Infosys, Tech Mahindra, and Bharti Airtel, weighed on sentiment. Foreign institutional investors turned net sellers, further dampening momentum. However, gains in financials, FMCG, and select PSU stocks helped offset broader weakness.

According to market analysts, the subdued activity was expected due to the holiday-shortened week and lack of fresh domestic triggers. The market will remain closed on December 25 for Christmas. Investors are also closely watching global cues, including the US Federal Reserve’s policy trajectory and developments in global trade negotiations.

Top Gainers: Coal India, Shriram Finance, NTPC Shine

  • Coal India surged over 3% amid strong demand outlook and favorable pricing trends in the energy sector.
  • Shriram Finance gained more than 2.5%, supported by robust loan growth and improving asset quality.
  • NTPC rose nearly 2%, buoyed by expectations of higher power demand and stable operational performance.

Other notable gainers included UltraTech Cement, Tata Steel, and HDFC Bank, each rising between 1% and 1.5%. On the flip side, Infosys, Adani Ports, and Sun Pharma were among the top losers, declining up to 1.5%.

Sectoral Trends and Broader Market Performance

Sectoral indices showed mixed trends. The IT index was the worst performer, while the media index gained over 1%. Financials, banks, metals, auto, and oil & gas stocks displayed resilience. The smallcap index rose 0.42%, while the midcap index remained flat, indicating selective buying in broader markets.

Outlook: Earnings Season and Global Factors in Focus

With the earnings season approaching, investors are expected to remain cautious. Analysts suggest that improving domestic demand and stable macro indicators could support equities, but global uncertainties and currency fluctuations may pose risks. Technical indicators suggest consolidation in the near term, with support seen around 26,000 for Nifty and 85,000 for Sensex.

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Conclusion

The December 23 session highlighted the market’s cautious tone amid global and domestic uncertainties. While headline indices remained flat, stock-specific action continued to offer opportunities. As the year draws to a close, investors are advised to maintain a balanced approach, focusing on quality stocks and credible research to guide their decisions.

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Upcoming IPOs in 2026: Reliance Jio, PhonePe, Zepto and Other Big-Ticket Listings to Watch

India’s primary market is gearing up for another record-breaking year in 2026, with several marquee companies preparing to go public. Following a strong 2025 that saw over 370 IPOs and fundraising exceeding ₹1.75 lakh crore, analysts expect 2026 to be even more dynamic, potentially crossing $25 billion in proceeds.

Reliance Jio IPO – The Most Anticipated Listing

Reliance Jio Platforms is expected to headline the IPO calendar in 2026. With a potential valuation of up to $170 billion, Jio’s public issue could become one of the largest in Indian history. The company’s dominance in telecom and digital services, combined with its ambitious expansion into 5G and enterprise solutions, makes this IPO a landmark event for investors.

PhonePe – Fintech Giant Backed by Walmart

PhonePe, one of India’s leading digital payment platforms, is preparing for its much-awaited IPO. Backed by Walmart, PhonePe has expanded aggressively into insurance, mutual funds, and financial services. Analysts believe its listing will attract strong retail and institutional participation, given the fintech sector’s growth trajectory.

Zepto – Quick Commerce Challenger

Zepto, the fast-growing quick commerce startup, is also expected to hit the markets in 2026. With its promise of 10-minute deliveries and expanding footprint across major cities, Zepto’s IPO will test investor appetite for new-age e-commerce models. The company’s valuation could rival other unicorns in the sector.

Other Major IPOs in 2026

Beyond Jio, PhonePe, and Zepto, several other companies are lining up for public issues:

  • Flipkart – The e-commerce giant is expected to finally list, creating one of the largest retail IPOs.
  • National Stock Exchange (NSE) – A long-awaited listing that could reshape India’s capital market landscape.
  • Manipal Hospitals – Healthcare expansion through IPO funding.
  • SBI Mutual Fund – Strengthening India’s asset management industry.
  • Fractal Analytics – A data-driven AI company targeting global growth.
  • Oyo – Hospitality player aiming for a turnaround story.

Market Outlook

Investment bankers estimate that India’s IPO fundraising could reach $25 billion in 2026, up 14% from 2025. The strong pipeline reflects investor confidence in India’s growth story, particularly in digital, financial services, healthcare, and consumer sectors. However, experts caution that nearly half of IPOs from 2025 are trading below their issue price, highlighting the importance of careful stock selection and risk management.

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Conclusion The year 2026 promises to be a watershed moment for India’s IPO market, with Reliance Jio, PhonePe, Zepto, and other big-ticket listings poised to attract global attention. While the opportunities are immense, investors must balance enthusiasm with caution, ensuring they rely on credible research and advisory services to maximize returns.

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