Domestic equity markets posted a robust rally, with benchmark indices climbing sharply as buying interest returned to power and banking stocks. The Sensex and Nifty advanced decisively, reflecting renewed investor confidence after recent volatility. Strong performance by lenders, supported by expectations of steady credit growth, combined with gains in power companies amid optimism over infrastructure spending, provided momentum to the broader market.

Gold opened 2026 with steady prices, reflecting investor preference for safe-haven assets amid ongoing global economic uncertainties. In contrast, silver retreated after a strong year-end rally, pressured by profit-booking and softer industrial demand. Market analysts note that geopolitical tensions, inflation expectations, and currency movements continue to influence precious metals. While gold benefits from risk aversion and portfolio diversification demand, silver remains more sensitive to industrial activity and cyclical trends.

Honda Cars India Limited (HCIL) reported a 3.6% year-on-year increase in sales for December 2025, signaling a steady close to the calendar year. The growth was driven by healthy demand across popular models in the compact and premium segments, supported by improved retail execution and festive-season promotions. While the increase is moderate, it underscores Honda’s ability to maintain market relevance amid competitive pressures and cost-sensitive consumer segments.

Coal India Limited (CIL), the nation’s largest coal producer, reported an increase in production during December 2025, even as offtake by power and industrial consumers declined. Total output rose as mining operations stabilized and logistic bottlenecks eased, yet demand from power plants and private sectors softened amid seasonal fluctuations and fuel mix adjustments. The divergence between production and consumption highlights a temporary mismatch in supply-demand dynamics, influencing inventory levels across plants and depots.

Steel prices in India dropped to a five-year low in 2025, reflecting a convergence of weakening domestic demand, subdued infrastructure activity, and global supply pressures. Key benchmarks, including hot-rolled coils and long products, saw sustained declines as construction and automotive sectors moderated after years of strong growth. Industry participants noted that excess inventory and slower capital expenditure further exacerbated the price slide. While cost pressures from raw materials like coking coal eased slightly, it was insufficient to offset the broader demand slowdown.

The Reserve Bank of India has reported that 98.41 percent of Rs.2,000 banknotes issued since their introduction have now been returned to the banking system, signaling the near-completion of the withdrawal exercise. The development reflects widespread public compliance and effective coordination across banks nationwide. Only a marginal portion of the high-denomination notes remains outside the system, largely due to logistical or individual delays.

Maruti Suzuki is set to revise prices of its small car portfolio in the near future, reflecting mounting cost pressures across the automotive value chain. Higher input prices, increased regulatory compliance expenses, and sustained inflation in logistics and components are narrowing margins in the entry-level segment. While the company has not disclosed the scale or timing of the adjustment, the move underscores the changing economics of affordable mobility in India. Small cars, once the most price-stable category, are increasingly affected by cost pass-through.

TVS Motor Company reported a sharp 50% increase in sales during December, delivering a strong finish to the calendar year and signaling renewed momentum in India’s two-wheeler market. The surge was driven by healthy festive demand, improved supply conditions, and steady recovery across both domestic and export segments. Motorcycles and scooters recorded robust growth, supported by strong retail traction and effective dealer execution. The performance highlights rising consumer confidence and improving affordability as inflation pressures ease.

Hero MotoCorp closed December with a sharp 40% rise in sales, underscoring a strong finish to the calendar year for India’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer. The surge reflects improving consumer demand, effective festive-season execution, and steady recovery across both rural and urban markets. Higher dispatches of motorcycles and scooters, supported by better inventory availability and targeted product offerings, contributed to the performance. The December rebound also signals growing confidence in discretionary spending as financing conditions stabilize.

Adani Green Energy has commissioned 307.4 megawatts of renewable energy capacity, reinforcing its position as one of India’s largest clean power producers. The newly operational projects add momentum to the company’s expansion strategy at a time when India is accelerating its transition toward non-fossil energy sources. The capacity addition is expected to support grid stability, enhance green power availability and contribute to national climate goals.