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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‘Nazar aur Sabr’: Why 2026 May Demand Sharp Focus and Patience from Stock Market Investors

As the Indian stock market enters 2026, the phrase “Nazar aur Sabr”—a popular dialogue from the film Dhurandhar—has emerged as a fitting metaphor for investor strategy. After a year of muted returns and volatile swings in 2025, analysts suggest that 2026 may not be a year of instant gratification but one that rewards those who maintain sharp focus and disciplined patience.

Lessons from 2025: A Year of Consolidation and Surprises

The previous year saw Indian benchmark indices struggle to deliver consistent gains. Early 2025 was marked by sharp corrections triggered by global headwinds, including tariff shocks from the U.S. administration. These erased much of the momentum built in 2024. However, the latter half of the year witnessed a remarkable recovery, with Sensex and Nifty reclaiming lifetime highs. It took nearly 14 months for the indices to return to their previous peaks, underscoring the importance of resilience and long-term vision.

2026 Outlook: Breakout or Another Year of Sideways Movement?

Market experts remain divided on whether 2026 will be a breakout year or another phase of consolidation. While macroeconomic indicators such as inflation, fiscal deficit, and GDP growth remain stable, the market’s valuation is already stretched. Analysts caution that earnings growth must catch up to justify further upside. In this environment, stock selection and timing will be critical.

The “Nazar” part of the strategy refers to maintaining a sharp eye on evolving trends—be it sectoral rotation, policy changes, or global cues. “Sabr” emphasizes the need for patience, especially when trades take longer to play out or when volatility tests conviction.

Sectoral Themes to Watch

  • Banking and Financials: Expected to benefit from credit growth and improving asset quality.
  • IT Services: Despite global slowdown fears, digital transformation remains a long-term driver.
  • Pharma and Healthcare: Defensive plays with potential upside from innovation and exports.
  • Infrastructure and Capital Goods: Government spending and private capex revival could support growth.

Strategic Approach for Investors

Rather than chasing momentum, investors are advised to adopt a staggered entry strategy, accumulate quality stocks at lower levels, and avoid overexposure to speculative trades. Portfolio rebalancing and risk management will be key as expiry cycles and global events influence short-term movements.

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Conclusion

The year 2026 may not be about chasing quick gains but about staying grounded in strategy. As the market tests investor temperament, those who embody “Nazar aur Sabr” may find themselves ahead—not just in returns, but in wisdom. With the right guidance and disciplined execution, this could be a defining year for long-term wealth creation.

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Markets Closing Bell: Sensex and Nifty End Strong with IT and Metal Stocks Leading the Rally

Indian equities closed sharply higher on Monday, buoyed by robust buying in IT and metal stocks. The rally pushed benchmark indices to fresh highs, reflecting strong investor sentiment ahead of the year-end.

Key Highlights

  • Sensex Performance: The BSE Sensex surged 638 points to close at 85,567, marking a significant gain driven by heavyweight IT and metal counters.
  • Nifty 50 Movement: The NSE Nifty 50 climbed 206 points to settle at 26,172, firmly holding above the crucial 26,150 level, signaling resilience in the broader market.
  • Sectoral Strength: IT stocks saw strong momentum as global demand outlook remained positive, while metal stocks rallied on expectations of higher commodity prices and strong export demand.

Market Drivers

The rally was supported by:

  • Global cues: Optimism in international markets provided a supportive backdrop for Indian equities.
  • Institutional buying: Foreign institutional investors continued to show interest in Indian markets, particularly in IT and commodity-linked sectors.
  • Domestic confidence: Strong corporate earnings and steady macroeconomic indicators added to investor confidence.

Broader Market Outlook

Analysts believe the market’s ability to sustain above key resistance levels indicates continued strength. With expiry approaching, volatility may rise, but the underlying trend remains positive. Investors are advised to remain selective, focusing on sectors with strong fundamentals such as IT, metals, and banking.

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Conclusion

The sharp gains in Sensex and Nifty highlight the strength of Indian equities as 2025 draws to a close. With IT and metal stocks driving momentum, the market outlook remains optimistic. Investors should stay alert to expiry-related volatility but can take confidence in the broader uptrend supported by strong fundamentals and institutional flows.

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TCS Leads ICICI Securities’ Top 5 Stock Picks with 26% Upside Potential in 2026

ICICI Securities has released its latest list of top stock recommendations for 2026, spotlighting five companies with strong fundamentals and significant upside potential. Among these, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) stands out with an estimated return of up to 26% over the next 12 months, driven by robust demand in digital transformation, cloud services, and enterprise IT solutions.

TCS: A Defensive Growth Play

TCS continues to be a preferred pick for long-term investors due to its consistent earnings growth, high return on equity, and strong global client base. ICICI Securities expects the company to benefit from increased IT spending across sectors, especially in banking, retail, and healthcare. With a healthy order book and expanding margins, TCS is well-positioned to deliver stable returns even in volatile market conditions.

Other Top Picks: Diversified Sector Exposure

In addition to TCS, ICICI Securities has identified four other stocks with promising growth trajectories:

  • Bank of India: Backed by improving asset quality and rising credit demand, the bank is expected to benefit from the ongoing economic recovery and policy support.
  • Marico: The FMCG major is favored for its strong brand portfolio, rural penetration, and innovation in health-focused products.
  • UltraTech Cement: With infrastructure spending on the rise, UltraTech is poised to gain from increased demand in housing and commercial construction.
  • Sun Pharma: The pharmaceutical giant is expected to see growth from specialty drugs, global expansion, and strong domestic sales.

These picks reflect ICICI Securities’ strategy of blending defensive and cyclical plays to capture upside while managing risk.

Market Outlook: Nifty Target at 29,500

ICICI Securities has also projected a bullish outlook for the broader market, estimating that the Nifty could reach 29,500 by the end of 2026. This projection is based on historical price action, macroeconomic stability, and sectoral rotation favoring large-cap stocks. The brokerage notes that every major correction since the COVID-19 pandemic has found support near the 24,200 level, reinforcing confidence in the current uptrend.

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Conclusion

With TCS leading the charge and a diversified set of picks across banking, FMCG, cement, and pharma, ICICI Securities’ latest recommendations offer a balanced approach to equity investing in 2026. As market sentiment remains optimistic, aligning with expert research and disciplined strategies will be key to maximizing returns in the coming year.

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