Synopsis : Indian equity markets traded cautiously higher on Monday, with the Sensex rising over 50 points and the Nifty staying above 26,350. Strong corporate updates supported sentiment, but rising geopolitical tensions kept investors on guard.
Indian equity benchmarks began the week on an uncertain yet resilient note, as investors carefully balanced encouraging corporate developments against escalating geopolitical risks. The Sensex rose over 50 points, while the Nifty 50 traded above the 26,350 mark, though both indices swung between marginal gains and losses through the session.
Early optimism was driven by positive corporate updates and improving expectations around quarterly earnings, extending momentum from the previous session’s strong rally. Stocks such as Bharat Electronics (BEL) and Maruti Suzuki emerged as top gainers, reflecting sustained confidence in the defence and automobile sectors.
However, the upbeat mood was tempered by caution following reports of a U.S. military strike in Venezuela, which resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. The development has heightened geopolitical tensions at the start of 2026, raising concerns about potential spillover effects on oil, gold, silver, currencies, and global equity markets. Given Venezuela’s vast energy and gold reserves, investors are bracing for increased volatility across asset classes.
The cautious trade comes after a strong showing on Friday, when Indian markets closed sharply higher on the second trading day of the new year. The Nifty 50 scaled a fresh record, buoyed by broad-based buying and upbeat earnings-related commentary that lifted sentiment across sectors.
Global Market Snapshot
Despite geopolitical concerns, global markets showed a positive bias:
S&P 500 futures rose 0.2%
Nikkei 225 futures jumped 2.6%
Japan’s Topix advanced 2.1%
Australia’s ASX 200 gained 0.1%
Hong Kong’s Hang Seng added 0.2%
Shanghai Composite climbed 1%
Euro Stoxx 50 futures increased 0.5%
While global cues remain supportive, market participants are expected to stay alert to fast-evolving geopolitical developments and their potential impact on commodities and financial markets.
Disclaimer : This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment or financial advice. Stock market investments are subject to risk, and readers should consult a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
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