Global optimism drives Sensex up 638 pts, Nifty near 26,150

The domestic share market indices traded on a strong note on Monday, with Nifty above 26100 and an improving global backdrop as investors bet on further interest-rate cuts by the U.S. Federal Reserve early next year.At close, the Sensex was up 638.12 points or 0.77 percent at 85,567.48, and the Nifty was up 206 points or 0.79 percent at 26,172.40. About 2601 shares advanced, 1363 shares declined, and 163 shares unchanged.
Shriram Finance, Trent, Wipro, Infosys, Bharti Airtel were the top gainers on the Nifty, while losers included SBI, HDFC Life, SBI Life Insurance, Tata Consumer, Kotak Mahindra Bank.On the sectoral front,all the sectoral indices ended higher with capital goods, metal, IT up 1% each.BSE Midcap index added 0.8 percent and smallcap index jumped 1 percent. BSE Midcap index added 0.8 percent and smallcap index jumped 1 percent.
Rupee Close: 
On 22 Dec'25, the Indian rupee erased all the intraday gains and ended flat at 89.65 per dollar on Monday, according to information.
Trading Guide: 
Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Investments stated, Indian markets extended their year-end rally, supported by strong liquidity and global cues, as expectations of further Fed easing in 2026 continue to underpin growth. FIIs turned net buyers, reinforcing the positive tone, with IT and metals leading gains. Gold hit a record high, driven by rate-cut expectations, robust central bank buying, sustained ETF inflows, and heightened global tensions, including Ukraine’s strike on a Russian vessel. Investors now await the Q3 GDP estimate for policy clarity, with consensus pointing to resilient growth. However, caution persists amid limited progress on trade negotiations, geopolitical uncertainties, and crude price volatility.
Market experts recommended five shares to buy on Monday-Coromandel International, Lumax AutoTechnologies, Hexaware Technologies, Strides Pharma Science, and Sai Life Sciences.

(Business Correspondent)