Exciting developments are afoot as Devyani International announces a strategic merger with Sapphire Foods India, set to establish the largest Yum! Brands franchisee in the country. The newly formed entity will manage an extensive array of KFC and Pizza Hut outlets, providing shareholders of Sapphire Foods with shares in Devyani International.
In the Nifty500 pack, nine stocks' closing prices crossed above their 200 DMA (Daily Moving Averages) on January 1, 2026, according to stockedge.com's technical scan data. The 200-day daily moving average (DMA) is used by traders as a key indicator for determining the overall trend in a particular stock. As long as the stock is priced above the 200-day SMA on the daily timeframe, it is generally considered to be in an overall uptrend. Take a look:
Gold loans have seen a remarkable surge, growing by 125 percent in a year. This boom is attributed to rising gold prices, making it a more valuable collateral. Banks have now overtaken NBFCs in the gold loan market share. Other loan segments like vehicle and personal loans also showed growth, while consumer durable loans contracted.
Corporate India anticipates improved performance in 2026, driven by rising disposable incomes, a stronger rural economy, and infrastructure spending, partially offsetting rupee depreciation. Key sectors like automobiles, banking, FMCG, IT, metals, oil & gas, power, and pharmaceuticals are poised for growth, with AI and premiumization emerging as dominant themes.
Indian stocks offer a mixed outlook for 2026. Valuations are lower than historical averages, a positive sign. However, they remain pricier than regional markets like China and Korea. Foreign investors have stayed away for months. A turnaround in earnings, a trade deal with the US, or shifts in the US AI sector could draw them back.
Indian equities historically struggle in January, with the Nifty and Sensex often seeing declines. However, analysts suggest this year might differ, potentially boosted by the upcoming Union Budget. Technical indicators point to potential gains if key levels are breached, while broader markets have shown more resilience. The Nifty closed slightly higher on the first trading day of 2026.
Indian equities began 2026 on a muted note, with benchmark indices closing flat amid thin trading volumes and a lack of global cues. While the Nifty and Sensex saw minor movements, stock-specific actions dominated, particularly in the auto sector. The FMCG index faced pressure due to a decline in ITC shares following an excise duty announcement.
