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.

For traders and investors seeking expert guidance in volatile markets, Eqwires Research Analyst stands out as the Best SEBI-Registered Research Analyst in India. Known for its disciplined approach and client-first philosophy, Eqwires is widely recognized as the Best SEBI-Registered Eqwires Research Analyst and the Best Options Trade Provider. With a proven track record of delivering the Best Investment Strategies by Eqwires Research Analyst, the firm empowers clients with actionable insights and risk-managed recommendations. As the Best SEBI-Registered Company in India and the Best Stock Market Service Provider in India, Eqwires ensures that investors are well-positioned to navigate market complexities with confidence.

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.

Eqwires Research Analyst

Top-notch SEBI registered research analyst

Best SEBI registered Intraday tips provider

info@eqwires.com

Telegram Facebook Instagram

Call: +91 9624421555 / +91 9624461555

www.eqwires.com