After a sluggish start to 2026, Indian stocks rebounded strongly in Friday’s session (January 2), driven by gains in banking, realty, and metal stocks, pushing the key indices up by 0.70%.
The Nifty 50 ended the session with a sharp gain of 0.70%, or 186.60 points, to close at 26,326. During late trade, the index also scaled a fresh record high of 26,340, surpassing its previous peak of 26,325 set on December 1.
As per NSE data, three index heavyweights—HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and Reliance Industries—collectively contributed 85 points, or 45%, to the index’s surge.
Meanwhile, the S&P BSE Sensex closed with a solid 0.70% gain at 85,776. However, the index remains 383 points below its record high of 86,159.
The broader market also ended the session firmly in the green, with the Nifty Midcap 100 rising 1% and the Nifty Smallcap 100 gaining 0.70%.
Banking stocks led the rally, with both PSU and private lenders closing with sharp gains. Sentiment toward the sector improved following December-quarter business updates from select banks, signs of improving credit demand, and expectations of strong performance in Q3FY26.
The Nifty PSU Bank index emerged as the top sectoral performer, surging 1.83%, followed by Nifty Realty and Nifty Metal, which climbed 1.62% and 1.43%, respectively.
Other gainers included Nifty Auto, Nifty Consumer Durables, and Nifty Media, all rising over 1%. On the flip side, Nifty FMCG was the sole laggard, declining 1.17%.
