Indian equity benchmarks, the Sensex and Nifty 50, are poised for a mixed to mildly positive opening on Tuesday, January 6, taking cues from gains in other Asian markets. Early indicators suggest a cautious optimism, with the Gift Nifty trading at 26,392, reflecting a gain of 76 points or 0.28% over the previous close of Nifty futures.
Market Sentiment and Key Drivers
Ponmudi R, CEO of Enrich Money, provided insights into the expected market trajectory. He noted that domestic markets are likely to see a range-bound but positive start, with initial strength signalled by the Gift Nifty. However, trader attention will be divided between two major events: the weekly options expiry and the evolving expectations for the upcoming third-quarter (Q3) earnings season.
While broader sentiment remains guarded due to recent volatility triggered by geopolitical tensions and tariff concerns, underlying support stems from stable domestic macroeconomic fundamentals and consistent institutional participation. This comes after a surprising session on Monday, January 5, where both the Sensex and Nifty closed lower despite positive global cues, as investors chose to book profits in select heavyweight stocks amid escalating geopolitical worries following reports of US military action in Venezuela.
Stocks to Watch on January 6
Against this backdrop, several stocks are likely to see significant movement and attract investor interest during Tuesday's trading session.
Banking and Finance Counters
HDFC Bank will be in the spotlight after its American Depositary Receipts (ADR) plunged 6.33% overnight. The bank had released its Q3 business update on Monday, revealing that its gross advances grew by 11.9% year-on-year to approximately ₹28,445 billion as of December 31, 2025.
Kotak Mahindra Bank, India's third-largest private lender by market cap, reported a 16% year-on-year increase in net advances for the December quarter, reaching ₹4.8 lakh crore.
Similarly, Axis Bank saw its gross advances rise by 14% to ₹11.70 lakh crore in the quarter ended December, up from ₹10.26 lakh crore a year ago.
L&T Finance delivered a robust business update, with retail disbursements for Q3 FY26 estimated at a strong ₹22,690 crore, marking a impressive 49% growth compared to the same period last year.
Corporate Updates Across Sectors
In the retail sector, Trent posted a 17% year-on-year increase in Q3 revenue to ₹5,220 crore. Its revenue for the nine-month period ended December 31 also rose 18% to ₹14,604 crore, making it a stock to watch on D-Street.
NBCC India has secured new domestic orders worth around ₹134.05 crore. These include a ₹45.87 crore contract from Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja Deo University and an ₹88.18 crore order from the Odisha School Programme Authority.
Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) reported stable operational performance for December, with rising cargo volumes driven by strong container traffic growth.
Dabur indicated initial signs of a demand revival in the December quarter, aided by GST changes and improved consumer confidence. Notably, rural demand outpaced urban markets.
In the energy sector, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) announced a strategic alliance with Japanese shipping major Mitsui OSK Lines to bolster its specialized energy transportation capabilities.
Indian Energy Exchange (IEX) recorded a 2.8% year-on-year increase in total electricity traded, reaching 11.44 billion units in December 2025, even though Day-Ahead Market volumes declined by 11.6% to 5,899 MU.
Disclaimer: This story is for educational purposes only. Please consult with an investment advisor before making any investment decisions.
