Although the benchmark indices opened higher, they traded mixed throughout the session and ultimately closed flat.

Indian equity benchmarks, Sensex and Nifty50, closed flat on the first trading session of the calendar year 2026 (CY26) amid a lack of major cues.

At the closing bell, the BSE Sensex closed lower by 32 points (down 0.04%).

Meanwhile, the NSE Nifty closed 17 points higher (up 0.06%).

NTPC, Eternal, M&M among the top gainers today.

ITC, Bajaj Finance, Bharat Elec, on the other hand, were among the top losers today.

The GIFT Nifty was trading at  26,291, higher by 15 points at the time of writing.

The BSE MidCap index ended 0.2% higher, and the BSE SmallCap index ended 0.1% lower.

Barring the IT sector, all other sectoral indices are trading positively today, with stocks oil & gas sector and the metal sector witnessing buying.

The rupee is trading at Rs 89.9 against the US$.

Gold prices for the latest contract on MCX are trading 0.2% higher at Rs 135,754 per gram.

Meanwhile, silver prices were trading 0.1% lower at Rs 235,684 per 1 kg.
 

SML Mahindra Jumps on Dec Sales

In the news from the auto sector, shares of SML Mahindra came into focus after the company released its auto sales data for December 2025.

In December, SML Mahindra sold 1,044 vehicles in total. This included 462 cargo vehicles and 582 passenger vehicles. Overall sales were 67% higher than last year.

Between April and December, the company sold 11,335 vehicles, which is an 18% increase compared to 9,593 vehicles sold in the same period last year. During these nine months, 3,820 cargo vehicles were sold (up from 2,770 last year), while 7,515 passenger vehicles were sold, compared to 6,823 a year ago.

The company's board will meet on 16 January 2025, to review and approve its unaudited financial results for the third quarter and the nine months ending 31 December 2025.

SML Mahindra Limited, earlier known as SML Isuzu Limited, is based in Punjab and has over 40 years of experience in making light and medium commercial vehicles in India.
 

Escorts Kubota Shares Surge on Tractor Sales

Moving on to the news from auto sector, shares of Escorts Kubota came into focus after the company reported strong tractor sales for December 2025.

The company sold 7,577 tractors in December 2025, which is a 38.5% increase compared to 5,472 tractors sold in December 2024. This positive sales update boosted investor interest in stocks.

Out of the total sales, domestic tractor sales stood at 6,828 units, up 36.1% from 5,016 units last year. The company said the domestic tractor market performed well due to supportive government policies, lower GST, and state subsidies, which made tractors more affordable for farmers.

The industry also benefited from a good Kharif crop, higher Rabi sowing, better water availability, and positive rural demand, leading to strong retail sales.

Meanwhile, export tractor sales increased sharply to 749 units, marking a 64.3% rise from 456 units sold in December 2024.

According to the company, these positive factors are likely to help the tractor industry maintain its growth in the coming months.
 

Piccadilly Agro Shares Jump on Production

Moving on to the news from FMCG sector, shares of Piccadilly Agro Industries came into focus after the company's commercial production at its Chhattisgarh unit. The unit now has a capacity of 200 kilolitres per day (KLPD).

The start of production at the new unit is part of Piccadilly Agro Industries' expansion plans and is expected to improve its overall manufacturing strength.

The company mainly operates in two business areas, Distillery and Sugar. It makes a wide range of products such as malt whisky, aged rum, extra neutral alcohol (ENA), and ethanol.

Piccadilly Agro is well known for its expertise in malt-based spirits. Its product portfolio includes premium single malt whisky, blended malt whisky, premium rum made from sugarcane juice, and country liquor.

With a strong focus on premium products, the company has built a leading position in India's single malt whisky market by using its technical skills and strong understanding of the market.

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