The Indian stock market wrapped up the first trading day of the calendar year 2026 with a mixed performance, as stock-specific movements took center stage in the absence of new catalysts. The Sensex dipped by 32 points, or 0.04%, closing at 85,188.60, whereas the Nifty 50 rose by 17 points, or 0.06%, finishing at 26,146.55. Meanwhile, the BSE Midcap index increased by 0.27%, while the Smallcap index decreased by 0.02%.
“Markets began the first trading session of the New Year on a subdued note and ended nearly flat.” Following a strong opening, the Nifty traded within a tight range for the duration of the session, influenced by varied performances among major stocks, ultimately finishing near the 26,141 level. “Sectoral trends were largely positive, with buying interest seen in select auto, realty and IT stocks, which helped lend stability to the benchmark,” said Ajit Mishra.
In light of current market conditions – Here’s a list of stocks that could draw investor attention and are expected to see some activity today.
Equities to monitor :
- Devyani International – Sapphire Foods India, the operator of KFC and Pizza Hut outlets, will be merged into Devyani International, which also runs these QSR brands in India. This development is poised to draw interest from investors on Dalal Street.
- Maruti Suzuki concluded the calendar year with its highest sales performance to date, highlighting consistent demand despite a market largely influenced by SUVs. This will influence the company’s revenue over time, thereby appealing to prospective investors.
- Aurobindo Pharma announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Auro Pharma Ltd, has successfully acquired the branded non-oncology prescription formulations business of Khandelwal Laboratories Private Ltd as a going concern.
- Indian Bank reported a robust double-digit year-on-year growth in key balance-sheet indicators for the third quarter of FY26. Total business expanded 13.4% to Rs 14.30 lakh crore, while gross advances climbed 14.5% to Rs 6.40 lakh crore, highlighting ongoing strength in credit growth.
- HUDCO has sanctioned loans surpassing Rs 46,000 crore in the third quarter of the ongoing fiscal year. In a regulatory filing on Thursday, the company reported that it has approved total loans amounting to Rs 1,39,151 crore during the April–December period of this fiscal year.
- RailTel Corp has obtained a contract worth Rs 567 crore from the Assam Health Infrastructure Development & Management Society to create and sustain a Hospital Management Information System, with the project expected to be completed by January 2032. This development will enhance the company’s order book, indicating long-term growth.
- Hyundai Motor India reported total vehicle sales of 58,702 units in December, reflecting a 6.6% increase compared to the same month last year. Domestic sales reached 42,416 units, indicating consistent demand in the Indian market, while exports continued to be a significant growth contributor.
- Vodafone Idea has received an order from the Office of the Additional Commissioner, Central Goods & Services Tax, Ahmedabad South, imposing a penalty of Rs 637.9 crore, in addition to tax dues and interest, due to alleged short payment of tax and excessive claiming of input tax credit.
- Time Technoplast has secured approvals from PESO and TÜV Rheinland to manufacture 2-litre high-pressure Type-3 composite cylinders for compressed gas applications, positioning itself as the first Indian company authorized to provide these cylinders for hydrogen, medical, drone, and industrial gas sectors.
- Olectra Greentech has initiated commercial operations for Phase I of its greenfield electric vehicle manufacturing plant in Hyderabad, effective December 31, marking a notable achievement in its electric mobility growth.