Indian indices closed higher on Friday, with the benchmark Nifty50 closing at a fresh record high, supported by optimism over strong third-quarter corporate earnings. The NSE’s Nifty50 rose by 0.70 per cent, or 182 points, to end at an all-time high of 26,328.55, surpassing its previous record high closing mark of 26,216.05 on September 26, 2024.
The 50-share index also hit a record intraday high of 26,340 on Friday. It had previously touched an all-time intraday high of 26,325.8 on December 1, 2025.
The BSE Sensex gained 0.67 per cent, or 573.41 points, to close at 85,762.01 on Friday. The 30-share index finished the session near its record closing high of 85,836.12, achieved on September 26, 2024.
“Markets extended their gains on Friday and reclaimed record-high levels, marking a strong start to the New Year. Sentiment was supported by positive sector-specific developments, particularly stronger auto sales trends and an improving demand outlook across cyclical sectors,” said Ajit Mishra – senior VP, Research at Religare Broking Ltd.
Sectoral participation was broad-based, with all sectors except FMCG contributing to the advance. Energy, realty and metal stocks emerged as the top performers.
“The Nifty extended its uptrend for the third consecutive session, breaking out of a symmetrical triangle pattern on the daily chart. It touched a fresh all-time high of 26,340, aided by broad-based short covering,” said Nilesh Jain, head – Technical and Derivatives Research Analyst (Equity Research), Centrum Broking Ltd.
Turnover on the NSE’s cash segment was robust, rising 28 per cent over the previous session, reflecting heightened market participation.
“Nifty has now convincingly surpassed the previous swing-high barriers at 26,236 and 26,325, signaling a strong breakout from its earlier consolidation zone. With the index entering uncharted territory, the near-term upside opens toward 26,500 and beyond,” said Nandish Shah – deputy VP, HDFC Securities.
On the downside, immediate support has shifted higher to around 26,100, which is likely to act as a near-term cushion on any dips, he said.
Broader market strength remained evident, with the Nifty Midcap100 advancing 1.01 per cent to close at all-time high of 61,365.90, while the Nifty Smallcap100 was up by 0.72 per cent to 17,832.05 at market closing on Friday. Market breadth stayed firmly positive for the third straight session, with an advance-decline ratio of 1.93 on the BSE. The Bank Nifty advanced 0.74 per cent to end at an all-time high of 60,150.95.
Among the NSE lot, companies that gained the most included Coal India Ltd (7.15 per cent), NTPC Ltd (4.56 per cent), Hindalco Industries Ltd (3.53 per cent), Trent Ltd (2.39 per cent) and the State Bank of India (2.12 per cent).
“We expect this positivity to continue into next week, supported by several companies announcing their pre-quarterly business updates,” said Siddhartha Khemka – head of research, Wealth Management, Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd.
Turnover on the NSE’s cash segment was robust, rising 28 per cent over the previous session, reflecting heightened market participation. 
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