The BSE Sensex ended the session at 85,567.48, gaining 638.12 points, or 0.75%. Meanwhile, the NSE Nifty50 closed at 26,172.40, up 206 points, translating to a 0.79% rise.
Two clear themes supported the rally. First, strong buying interest in information technology and metal stocks helped lift the benchmarks. Second, optimism around the India–New Zealand free trade agreement (FTA) added a positive undertone, with investors betting on improved trade flows and longer-term economic benefits.
The Nifty SmallCap 100 surged 1.17%, while the Nifty MidCap 100 climbed 0.84%, signalling that investors were willing to take measured risk beyond large-cap stocks.
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Impact on the stock market
Sector-wise performance
Sectorally, Nifty IT was the standout performer, rising 2.06%. The rally in technology stocks was driven by expectations of stable global demand and improving sentiment around overseas earnings. Metal stocks followed closely, with the sector index gaining 1.41%, supported by firm commodity prices and global cues.
Interestingly, Nifty Consumer Durables was the only sector to end in the red, slipping 0.16%. This mild decline suggests profit booking rather than any fundamental concern, especially after the sector’s strong run in recent months.
| Sector/Index | Performance |
| IT & BPM sector | 1.92% |
| Healthcare sector | 0.77% |
| Oil & Gas sector | 0.75% |
| Real estate sector | 0.03% |
| PSU Bank in India | 0.21% |
Top gainers today
| Company | Share Price (in ₹) | Change % |
| Shriram Finance | 934.85 | 3.68 |
| Trent | 4,206.80 | 3.56 |
| Wipro | 272.67 | 3.11 |
| Infosys | 1,689.60 | 3.11 |
| Bharti Airtel | 2,147.60 | 2.38 |
Top losers today
| Company | Share Price (in ₹) | Change % |
| HDFC Life | 761.80 | -0.61 |
| SBI | 974.30 | -0.61 |
| Kotak Mahindra | 2,149.70 | -0.45 |
| TATA Cons. Products | 1,178.80 | -0.44 |
| SBI Life Insurance | 2,022.30 | -0.30 |
Market aftermath: Impact on stocks
KEC International: Relief rally after court order
Shares of KEC International stole the spotlight, rising more than 7% during the session. The stock opened with a gap-up of 2.95% and touched an intraday high of ₹764.80, marking a 7.57% gain.
The rally came after the Delhi High Court allowed KEC to participate in ongoing bids, including those from Power Grid Corporation of India (PGCIL). Earlier, PGCIL had barred the company from participating in tenders for nine months through an order issued on November 10, 2025.
The court has now kept that order in abeyance, pending a fresh decision that addresses KEC’s response to the show-cause notice. Importantly, the company can continue bidding until PGCIL completes this process.
From a business perspective, the relief matters. KEC reported an order intake of ₹17,066 crore in FY26 year-to-date, reflecting 17% year-on-year growth. While PGCIL accounts for only 4% of this year’s order book (down from 27% last year), the court’s decision removes a major overhang and restores investor confidence.
MCX: All-Time High on Policy Hopes and Precious Metals
Multi Commodity Exchange of India (MCX) shares climbed over 4.5%, hitting a fresh all-time high. By 1:40 pm, the stock was trading at ₹10,759, up 4.4%.
The trigger came from comments by SEBI Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey, who said the regulator is planning to form a working group to review the non-agricultural commodity derivatives segment. SEBI is also engaging with the Reserve Bank of India and the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India to enable banks and insurance companies to participate in commodity derivatives.
Why does this matter? Greater institutional participation could improve liquidity and make commodity markets more useful for hedging. On top of that, SEBI is reviewing rules around margins, position limits, and delivery mechanisms, while also working with the government to resolve tax-related challenges.
Adding fuel to the rally, gold and silver futures hit record highs. On MCX, gold futures for February delivery touched ₹1,35,824 per 10 grams, up ₹1,628 in a single session. Silver futures for March 2026 surged to ₹2,14,583 per kilogram, gaining nearly 3% on the day and over 8% in the past week.
Global prices mirrored the trend, with Comex gold nearing $4,430 per ounce and silver touching $69.52 per ounce.
Defence Stocks: Second Day of Gains
Defence stocks extended their rebound for a second straight session. The Nifty Defence index rose 2.3%, taking its two-day gain to over 4%, even though it remains 16% below its 52-week high.
Stocks like Cochin Shipyard, Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers, and MTAR Technologies climbed up to 6%, while Mazagon Dock, BEML, and Solar Industries gained around 4–4.5%.
Three factors supported the move. First, value buying emerged after a sharp recent correction. Second, renewed geopolitical concerns, including the European Union’s €90 billion loan plan for Ukraine, kept defence spending firmly in focus. Third, analysts believe that long-term defence demand remains intact, driven by government spending, modernisation efforts, and export ambitions.
In simple terms, investors seem to view the recent dip as temporary rather than a sign of deeper trouble.
Crude Oil: Prices Edge Higher on Supply Concerns
Crude oil prices moved higher as markets reacted to rising tensions between the United States and Venezuela.
By mid-morning, Brent crude was trading at $60.99 per barrel, up 0.86%, while WTI crude stood at $57.02, up 0.88%. On the domestic front, January crude oil futures on MCX rose to ₹5,149, while February contracts traded at ₹5,158.
The rise followed reports that the US Coast Guard is pursuing a sanctioned oil tanker linked to Venezuela. Venezuela exports around 600,000 barrels of oil per day, with a large portion going to China, making any disruption a concern for global supply.
Other commodities also saw action. Natural gas futures rose 1.11%, while guar gum and cottonseed oilcake futures gained 4% and 1.37%, respectively.
Conclusion:
Monday’s session showed a market that is confident but thoughtful. Benchmark indices moved higher, broader markets participated, and select stocks reacted sharply to news and policy signals. From court relief for KEC International to record highs in MCX-backed commodities and renewed interest in defence stocks, the day offered plenty of cues.
For millennials and Gen Z investors, the message is clear: markets are being driven by numbers, policy direction, and global events, not just headlines. Staying informed, understanding why stocks move, and keeping an eye on fundamentals can make all the difference in navigating days like these.
For more stock market insights, check out the StockGro blog.
