Sensex settles 322 points lower, Nifty below 26,300

The domestic share market ended on a weak note on Monday with Nifty below 26,250 as investors weighed robust corporate updates against rising geopolitical risk. Early optimism around improving quarterly earnings was muted by concerns over the implications of U.S. military action in Venezuela.At close, the Sensex was down 322.39 points or 0.38 percent at 85,439.62, and the Nifty was down 78.25 points or 0.30 percent at 26,250.30.BSE Midcap and smallcap indices ended on flat note.
Nestle India, Bharat Electronics, Eicher Motors, Asian Paints, Tata Steel were the top gainers on the Nifty, while losers included HDFC Bank, HCL Technologies, Infosys, Wipro, ONGC. On the sectoral front,IT, oil & gas, telecom down 0.5-1 percent, while realty index jumped 2 percent, consumer durables index rose 1 percent and metal and FMCG indices added 0.5% each.
Rupee Close:
On 5 Jan'26,the Indian rupee closed lower at 90.28 against the US dollar on Monday.
Trading Guide:
Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Investments stated, domestic markets began the first full week of 2026 on a cautious footing, as Indian 10-year bond yields reflected expectations of elevated government borrowing. On a positive note, December GST collections saw a rebound after November’s dip, while the manufacturing PMI moderated but stayed firmly in expansionary territory.Early Q3 trends in bank credit/advances indicate strong momentum, supporting overall optimism.Globally, investors are awaiting key U.S. economic data and Fed guidance, while the BoJ reaffirmed its tightening stance. Looking ahead, Q3 earnings will dominate focus and guide near-term market trends, with sentiment remaining moderately positive.
Market experts recommended five shares to buy on Monday-Jbm Auto, Anant Raj, CESC, Elecon Engineering Company, and UNO Minda.

(Business Correspondent)