Indian equity markets opened on a strong note on Monday, December 22, with benchmark indices posting solid gains in early trade. The BSE Sensex rose over 450 points, while the NSE Nifty 50 moved past the 26,100 level, supported by positive global cues and broad-based buying across sectors.
Market sentiment remained upbeat as investors returned to equities after recent volatility. Buying interest was seen across large-cap, midcap and select small-cap stocks, indicating improved confidence. All major Nifty sectoral indices were trading in positive territory, led by financials, information technology, metals and capital goods stocks.
Heavyweight stocks played a key role in lifting the benchmarks. Shares of Shriram Finance, Infosys, Hindalco, Tata Steel and Trent emerged as some of the top gainers, rising between 2 and 3 percent in early trade. Strength in banking and financial stocks further supported the rally, as investors bet on stable interest rates and improving liquidity conditions.
On the downside, a few stocks showed mild weakness despite the overall positive trend. Mahindra & Mahindra, SBI, Tata Consumer Products and Max Healthcare were among the stocks trading slightly lower, though losses remained limited due to strong broader market sentiment.
The rally was driven by a combination of factors, including firm global markets, a recovery in the rupee, and renewed foreign investor interest. Expectations of supportive global monetary conditions and easing inflation pressures also helped improve risk appetite among investors.
Market participants said the strong opening reflects optimism ahead of year-end, with investors selectively adding quality stocks after recent corrections. Analysts, however, advised caution at higher levels and suggested tracking global developments and upcoming macroeconomic data for further direction.
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