Nifty Hits Fresh Records; Analysts Eye 2026 Upward Run
Nifty Hits Fresh Records; Analysts Eye 2026 Upward Run
Nifty50 and Sensex close at record highs as momentum hints at further gains into 2026 amid steady domestic buying.
Mumbai: India's benchmark indices closed at record highs on Friday, marking their best weekly gains in seven weeks. Nifty50 rose 182 points to 26,328.55, while the Sensex climbed 573.4 points to 85,762, underscoring a renewed uptick after a prolonged range-bound phase. Both benchmarks have logged roughly 1.1% and 0.9% weekly gains, respectively, as investors returned to risk assets amid improving cues from global markets.
Foreign portfolio investors net bought shares worth ₹289.8 crore, while domestic institutions purchased ₹677.4 crore, illustrating solid domestic participation that helped lift stocks despite a cautious global backdrop and a wary rupee. After a tight two-month trading band, Friday's momentum suggested a potential breakout, with analysts noting that sharp buying often follows a longer consolidation period.
If the upmove sustains, the Nifty could move to the 26,500-26,700 range in the near term, supported by bullish bets across chemicals, IT, power, and financials. In 2026, a survey of 31 fund managers and brokers indicated the Nifty could reach 28,000-29,500 and the Sensex 94,000-96,000, signaling room for further upside. The volatility index (VIX) appeared to moderate the mood, but risk-off sentiment among foreign investors remains a factor to watch.
In 2025, the index gained nearly 10%, trading in a broad range of 25,500-26,200 as investors parsed macro cues and corporate earnings. With the new year solidifying momentum, market participants will be watching currency moves, policy signals, and global risk appetite as they assess 2026’s trajectory.
