Opening Bell: Nifty Defends 26,000 as Year-End Volumes Thin
Indian equity markets are set to start the final trading week of 2025 on a mildly positive note, supported by marginally higher GIFT Nifty indications after a two-day losing streak. Global cues remain mixed, keeping sentiment cautious.
Market setup
- Nifty 50 fell 0.38% on Dec 26, extending losses but successfully defended short-term moving averages
- The recent higher high–higher low structure was negated, signalling near-term consolidation
- India VIX at record-low levels reflects complacency and low volatility expectations
- Thin year-end volumes likely to keep markets rangebound
Key technical levels
- Support: 26,000–25,950
- A decisive break below this zone may trigger accelerated selling
- Immediate upside: 26,100–26,150
- Near-term range: 25,950 – 26,300
Holding above the 26,000 mark keeps the short-term bias neutral to positive, while a breakdown could shift momentum quickly due to low liquidity.
Stocks & sectors in focus
- Defence stocks: In spotlight as the Defence Acquisition Council may consider proposals worth ₹80,000 crore today
- Coforge: Focus after announcing a $2.35-billion all-stock acquisition of US-based Encora, with analysts debating strategic benefits versus near-term dilution
Market tone
Expect range-bound, stock-specific action, with low volatility masking the risk of sharp moves if key levels break. Traders may prefer light positioning, while investors watch for January cues on earnings and global rates.
If you want, I can also:
- Break this into a 30-second pre-market script
- Give intraday trade setups around 26,000
- Or share what historically happens in the last trading week of the year
