Indian markets remained under pressure as the Sensex declined for a fifth straight session. Twelve BSE 100 stocks recorded losses in all five sessions, reflecting sustained selling across sectors amid broader market weakness and cautious investor sentiment.
BNP Paribas expects 2026 to be a stronger year for Indian equities, with the Nifty 50 seen delivering mid-teens returns and a December 2026 target of 29,500, driven largely by earnings growth rather than valuation re-rating. The brokerage is more constructive on large caps and domestic-oriented sectors such as banks, autos, telecom and consumer staples, citing policy support, improving earnings visibility and resilient domestic flows. Here are the brokerage's top buy ideas for 2026:
BNP Paribas expects the Nifty 50 to reach 29,500 by end-2026 and has identified 17 top stock picks across autos, banks, IT, telecom, consumer and healthcare sectors, led by Maruti Suzuki, Infosys, Swiggy and HDFC Bank.
Tejas Networks reported a Rs 196.55 crore loss in Q2, impacted by an 88% revenue drop and a significant BSNL order deferral. Despite a large inventory, the company secured private 5G wins and PLI incentives, signaling future growth potential amidst current financial challenges.
The dollar strengthened on Friday following weaker-than-expected U.S. jobs growth, suggesting the Federal Reserve may hold interest rates steady. The yen weakened as Japan's Prime Minister considers a snap election, while the euro declined against the dollar amid mixed European economic data.
The Indian stock market has been on a downward trend, recording losses for the fifth straight day. Investors are pulling back on their portfolios in light of impending US job statistics and a critical Supreme Court verdict on tariffs.
Next week, Torrent Pharmaceuticals is set to launch a hefty debt sale, targeting around 12,500 crore in fundraising. This capital will play a critical role in facilitating the company's acquisition of JB Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals. The strategy includes issuing commercial paper and non-convertible debentures, showcasing the increasing reliance on debt markets for corporate buyouts.
In December, mutual fund investors took a gold and silver plunge, ramping up their stakes in precious metal funds. Meanwhile, equity and fixed-income investments cooled off, indicating a cautious approach in the market. Additionally, multi-asset allocation funds attracted more capital, underscoring a trend towards safer investment choices as investors hedge against uncertainty.
U.S. stocks reached record highs Friday following a mixed jobs report. While hiring slowed, the unemployment rate improved, suggesting a stable job market that might delay but not eliminate Federal Reserve interest rate cuts. Energy and housing sectors saw significant gains, while General Motors faced a substantial hit due to its EV pullback.
Walmart is set to join the prestigious Nasdaq-100 Index. The retail giant will replace British drugmaker AstraZeneca. This move takes effect on January 20. Walmart is also joining the Nasdaq-100 Equal Weighted Index and the Nasdaq-100 Ex-Tech Sector Index. Companies often switch exchanges for better alignment with investor bases and services. The Nasdaq-100 is known for including top non-financial companies.
