Domestic equity benchmarks began the new trading week on a subdued note on Monday, as investor risk appetite weakened amid adverse global cues. The benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, both ended the session 0.4 per cent lower.
Indian stock markets extended losses from the previous week. So far in 2026, both the Sensex and the Nifty have declined by around 2 per cent.
In comparison, the benchmark indices had gained between 8 and 10 per cent in 2025, a performance that was lower than trends seen in recent years.
Market sentiment remained cautious, with analysts pointing to subdued participation by foreign investors. Data showed that foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) were net sellers in Indian equities throughout 2025. Overall, domestic equity markets have remained largely volatile over the past few months, barring intermittent rallies, as investors continue to assess uncertainty surrounding a potential trade deal with the United States, which has imposed a 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods.
Looking back, the Sensex and Nifty posted gains of about 9–10 per cent each in 2024, while in 2023 the indices delivered stronger returns of 16–17 per cent on a cumulative basis. In 2022, however, both benchmarks recorded modest gains of around 3 per cent.
(With ANI inputs)
