Indian equities open sharply lower on January 19, 2026, tracking weak global sentiment and pre-earnings caution, with GIFT Nifty signaling a significant drop.

Key Themes & Picks

  • GIFT Nifty indicates a sharply negative open, down 0.6–0.65%.

  • Key Q3 bank earnings (HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank) dominate market focus.

  • Selective buys in banking, IT, and PSUs advised despite the weak open.

  • Top picks: HDFC Bank, HCL Tech, and value plays in metals.

  • Renewed US tariff threats and elevated volatility add to caution.

  • IT sector led gains with Infosys surging over 5% post-Q3 results.
  • Sensex rose nearly 188 points to close around 83,570 levels.
  • Nifty settled near 25,694 after testing higher intraday.
  • Reliance Industries posted flat profit but revenue growth of 10%.
  • Banking and PSU stocks provided additional support to indices.

Indian markets resume trading after a holiday with a subdued, flat-to-negative start on January 16, 2026, as mixed global cues and key earnings shape sentiment.

Key Themes & Picks

  • GIFT Nifty signals a flat-to-negative opening post-holiday.

  • Key earnings from Reliance Industries and Infosys' guidance in focus.

  • Metals and banking sectors show strength on commodity tailwinds and upgrades.

  • Standout picks: IndusInd Bank, Hindalco, and Graphite India.

  • Range-bound trading persists amid persistent FII outflow concerns.