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Indian equity markets closed lower today, 26 December 2025, as investors remained cautious amid profit booking at higher levels. Both benchmark indices, Nifty 50 and Nifty Bank, ended the session in the red after opening weak and failing to build meaningful intraday momentum.
The broader market tone reflected consolidation after recent gains, with traders opting to reduce risk exposure ahead of the year-end.
Indian equity markets opened on a cautious note on 26 December 2025, reflecting subdued investor sentiment at the start of the session.
The initial weakness was largely influenced by mixed global cues and mild selling pressure in select heavyweight stocks.
Selling pressure picked up as the day progressed, preventing any meaningful recovery and resulting in a weaker close for benchmark indices.
The softer close indicates the absence of fresh positive triggers and continued profit booking near higher index levels.
After a strong run in recent weeks, investors chose to book profits, especially in index heavyweights. This capped upside momentum and dragged indices lower through the session.
With the calendar year nearing its end, many market participants preferred to stay light on positions. Reduced participation and selective selling are common during the last trading sessions of December.
Banking stocks underperformed slightly, keeping Bank Nifty under pressure. PSU and private bank stocks saw limited buying interest, impacting overall index strength.
Overall market breadth leaned negative, indicating cautious sentiment across segments.
From a technical perspective:
A decisive move above resistance or below support may guide the next short-term trend.
For long-term investors, short-term market fluctuations should not distract from asset allocation and disciplined investing.
For traders, it is important to:
Markets are likely to remain range-bound unless fresh triggers emerge.
At Swastika Investmart, investors benefit from:
Our focus is on helping investors navigate both volatile and consolidating markets with confidence.
On 26 December 2025, Indian markets closed lower, reflecting cautious sentiment and profit booking at higher levels. With year-end approaching, markets may continue to consolidate in the near term.
Staying informed, disciplined, and aligned with long-term goals remains key.
👉 Open your trading and investment account with Swastika Now
Smart investing starts with staying updated.
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Options trading is a type of derivatives trading where traders buy the right (but not the obligation) to buy or sell an underlying asset—such as stocks, indices, or commodities—at a fixed price before a specified date.
This right is granted through an “option contract,” which is of two types:
Options are traded heavily on Indian exchanges like NSE and BSE, with regulatory oversight by SEBI. Whether you're a retail trader or an institutional investor, options provide flexible opportunities to hedge risk, speculate on market direction, or generate income.
Options help protect your portfolio. If you own stocks and fear a market downturn, buying a Put Option acts as insurance.
Example: You hold ₹5L worth of Reliance shares. You can buy a Put Option at ₹2,500 to sell if prices fall, capping your losses.
Want to benefit from short-term price movements? Options let you trade directionally without needing full capital exposure.
Example: You expect Nifty to rise from 22,000 to 22,500. You can buy a Call Option for a small premium and benefit from the move.
Strategies like Covered Calls can earn passive income on stocks you already own.
You own the stock and sell a Call Option to earn a premium.
You own the stock and buy a Put Option to hedge downside.
Buy both a Call and Put at same strike. Profits in volatility, regardless of direction.
Buy a lower strike Call, sell a higher strike Call. Limits both loss and profit.
✅ Pro Tip: Always backtest strategies and understand your risk appetite. Options can lose 100% of premium if not exercised in time.
Always backtest strategies, stay updated with market trends, and never overleverage.
Say you buy a Call Option on Infosys at a strike of ₹1,500 with a premium of ₹30, and Infosys goes to ₹1,580.
Your profit = (₹1,580 - ₹1,500 - ₹30) × Lot size
= ₹50 × Lot size (say 300) = ₹15,000
But if Infosys stays below ₹1,500, your maximum loss is just ₹30 × 300 = ₹9,000
Yes. It's regulated by SEBI and traded on NSE and BSE.
Yes. You can buy/sell options contracts independently of the underlying.
Yes, especially if misused. However, it can be safe and strategic when used for hedging.
Profits from options are taxed as business income under Income Tax Act.
Yes, but only after understanding concepts and starting small with proper risk management.
Swastika, a SEBI-registered and trusted Indian broker, offers:
🧠 Ready to trade smart with confidence?
👉 Start your options trading journey with Swastika
The Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) bi-monthly credit policy announcement is a pivotal event that moves the entire financial landscape. Every investor, from a retail trader in Mumbai to a seasoned portfolio manager in Delhi, closely watches these announcements. Today's policy, coming from the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) led by Governor Sanjay Malhotra, was no exception. It presented a balanced perspective, acknowledging both domestic resilience and evolving global headwinds.
The central bank's primary mandate, as defined by the RBI Act, 1934, is to maintain price stability while keeping in mind the objective of growth. This involves striking a delicate balance between controlling inflation and ensuring enough liquidity to fuel economic activity. Let's dive deep into the key takeaways from today's RBI credit policy and understand their implications for the Indian economy and your investments.
The biggest headline from the announcement was the MPC's unanimous decision to keep the policy repo rate unchanged at 5.5%. This marks a pause after the central bank had already front-loaded rate cuts of 100 basis points (1%) earlier this year. The repo rate is the benchmark interest rate at which the RBI lends money to commercial banks, and its changes directly influence lending rates for home loans, car loans, and business credit.
The RBI's policy is never just about interest rates; it's also a detailed assessment of the economic outlook. The MPC made some significant adjustments to its inflation and growth projections.
Inflation Outlook: A More Benign Picture
The central bank has revised its Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation forecast for FY26 downwards to 3.1% from an earlier estimate of 3.7%. This revision is primarily driven by a significant moderation in food prices and a favorable base effect. In fact, retail inflation in June 2025 dropped to a 77-month low of 2.1%, with food inflation entering negative territory for the first time since 2019.
However, the MPC also sounded a note of caution. It anticipates that inflation will begin to inch up in the latter part of the financial year, crossing the 4% mark in the final quarter due to base effects and rising demand-side pressures. The committee is closely monitoring core inflation, which has remained steady around the 4% mark, indicating that underlying price pressures are still present.
Growth Outlook: Staying Resilient
Despite global headwinds, including new trade tariffs on Indian exports, the RBI has maintained its real GDP growth forecast for FY26 at 6.5%. This projection is a testament to the resilience of the domestic economy, which is being supported by strong rural demand, robust private consumption, and a favorable monsoon season. The good progress of the monsoon has buoyed the agricultural sector and is expected to contribute positively to economic activity.
The Indian Market's Reaction and What It Means for You?
The market's reaction to the RBI's policy was a key talking point. Following the announcement, the benchmark indices, the Sensex and Nifty 50, witnessed a minor decline. Rate-sensitive sectors like banking, auto, and real estate showed a mixed reaction, as the unchanged rates dampened hopes for further immediate cuts.
However, from a long-term perspective, a stable policy stance is generally positive for investor sentiment. It removes the uncertainty of sudden rate hikes or cuts, allowing investors to make more informed decisions. A predictable policy environment, combined with a healthy growth forecast and a managed inflation trajectory, creates a conducive climate for investments in both equities and debt instruments.
For individual investors, this is a time to focus on sound financial planning and portfolio diversification. Instead of reacting to short-term market volatility, consider using this stability to build a robust portfolio that aligns with your long-term goals.
The relationship between India and the United States has deepened significantly in recent decades, with both nations becoming strategic partners. However, beneath the surface of this strong alliance, a complex web of trade tensions and disputes has emerged. For an Indian investor, understanding these trade dynamics is not just a matter of global affairs; it's a critical component of risk assessment and investment strategy. Recent announcements regarding tariffs and trade barriers have sent ripples through the markets, making it imperative to analyze the "why" and "what next" of this evolving situation.
Let's delve into the core issues driving the India-US trade friction, its potential impact on the Indian economy and markets, and how investors can navigate this new landscape.
The recent escalation in trade tensions is not an isolated event. It stems from long-standing disagreements and a clash of economic philosophies. From the US perspective, the main points of contention often revolve around:
In response, the Indian government has maintained its stance, prioritizing national interests and strategic autonomy. The government emphasizes the need to protect its vast agricultural sector and MSMEs, which are crucial for employment and economic stability. India’s stance is rooted in its sovereign right to set its own policies to protect its economy and its people.
The imposition of tariffs by the US is not a blanket measure; its effects are felt most acutely by specific sectors that form the backbone of India's export economy to the US. With a 25% tariff being imposed on all Indian goods, the following sectors are likely to feel the heat:
India is a global powerhouse in generic drug manufacturing, and the US is its largest market, accounting for a significant portion of its pharmaceutical exports. The new tariffs could raise the cost of Indian-made generic drugs in the US, potentially affecting the competitiveness of Indian pharma companies and squeezing their profit margins. This could lead to a short-term correction in the stock prices of major pharmaceutical companies and create uncertainty in the sector.
These are highly labour-intensive sectors that employ millions of people in India. The US is a primary destination for Indian gems, jewellery, and textile products. A 25% tariff makes these Indian goods more expensive for American buyers, potentially shifting demand to other countries like Vietnam or Bangladesh, which may face lower tariffs. This could lead to a decline in export orders and put pressure on the profitability of companies in these sectors.
While India’s exports of finished electronics to the US are growing, particularly in the smartphone segment, the tariffs could disrupt this promising growth story. Many global companies, including giants like Apple, have been expanding their manufacturing in India as part of a China-plus-one strategy. The tariffs could complicate these supply chains and make Indian-assembled products less attractive. Similarly, while not directly impacted by goods tariffs, the overall climate of trade tension can create uncertainty for the IT services sector, which heavily relies on business from the US.
The trade tensions don't just affect specific companies; they can have a broader impact on the Indian economy and financial markets.
For investors, the current trade environment calls for a calm and calculated approach, not panic.
These tensions can create market volatility, affecting the stock prices of companies, particularly those with significant exposure to the US market. They can also lead to currency fluctuations, which may impact inflation and the cost of imports.
India is a major global economic power with a rapidly growing market, giving it significant leverage. The Indian government has shown a clear resolve to protect its national interests, including the welfare of farmers and MSMEs. The ongoing negotiations are a reflection of both countries trying to secure the best possible terms for their respective economies.
The government is engaged in diplomatic negotiations to find a mutually beneficial solution. Meanwhile, SEBI ensures market integrity and stability, putting in place regulations to prevent market manipulation and protect retail investors during periods of heightened volatility.
Panic selling is often the wrong move. Instead, analyze your portfolio. If a company has strong fundamentals, a diversified revenue stream, and a robust business model, it is likely to recover. Consider a long-term perspective rather than reacting to short-term news cycles.
The current trade friction between India and the US is a complex challenge, but it is also a reminder that global markets are interconnected and subject to geopolitical forces. For investors, this environment underscores the importance of a well-researched, disciplined, and long-term investment strategy.
At Swastika Investmart, we provide the expertise and tools to help you make sense of these complex market dynamics. Our SEBI-registered team of research analysts offers insightful reports and market commentary, helping you identify opportunities and risks in a volatile landscape. We are committed to investor education, empowering you with the knowledge to make informed decisions and build a resilient portfolio that can withstand any market challenge.
Futures trading involves a legal contract to buy or sell an asset at a predetermined price at a future date. It is used extensively across financial markets—be it equities, commodities, or currencies.
In India, futures contracts are available for:
💡 Example: A trader expecting crude oil prices to rise buys a futures contract. If the price increases by expiry, they profit.
Futures are often used to protect portfolios from adverse price changes.
Example: A farmer locks in the price of wheat by selling wheat futures on NCDEX, protecting against post-harvest price drops.
Retail traders speculate on price movements to make profits in short durations.
Example: Intraday traders frequently use Bank Nifty futures for margin-based trading.
Futures contracts require only a margin deposit, offering exposure to a much larger position.
⚠️ Note: Leverage can amplify both profits and losses.
To start trading, you need a demat + trading account and F&O activation with a SEBI-registered broker.
Let’s say you expect Reliance Industries to rise in price.
If it goes up to ₹2,600:
If it falls to ₹2,400:
As you can see, volatility and timing are crucial.
Always evaluate your risk tolerance before entering the F&O segment.
Swastika Investmart, a SEBI-registered and NSDL/ CDSL-compliant broker, offers:
✅ With over 30 years of trust and strong regulatory compliance, Swastika helps retail investors and HNIs confidently navigate the futures market.
Yes, through SEBI-approved brokers with activated F&O segments.
No, you can exit anytime before expiry.
Yes, due to leverage and market volatility. Beginners should start small or use demo accounts.
Varies by contract. Some futures require just ₹25,000–₹1,00,000 as margin.
Absolutely. Brokers like Swastika, Zerodha, and Angel One provide mobile platforms.
Futures trading can be a powerful tool when used with knowledge and discipline. Whether you're a hedger or a speculator, understanding how these contracts work—and being aware of the risks—is essential.
If you’re ready to explore futures trading, Swastika Investmart offers all the tools, research, and support you need to trade confidently in India’s dynamic financial markets.
👉 Start your F&O journey with Swastika – Where trust meets technology.
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Intraday trading, often called day trading, is the process of buying and selling stocks (or other financial instruments) within the same trading day before the market closes.
📌 Example: You buy Reliance shares at ₹2,500 at 10:00 AM and sell them at ₹2,530 by 1:30 PM you’ve made ₹30 per share. But if the stock dips, you must exit the position the same day.
This contrasts with delivery trading, where shares are held for days or months. Intraday focuses purely on short-term price fluctuations, often using chart patterns, market news, and momentum.
While intraday trading is not for everyone, it appeals to:
⚠️ Disclaimer: Intraday trading involves high risk. It's not ideal for long-term wealth creation. But with discipline, strategy, and proper tools, many traders succeed.
Trading can only be done through a SEBI-recognized broker like Swastika Investmart that provides:
Even though you don’t hold shares overnight, a demat is linked for compliance. With Swastika, the onboarding is paperless, instant, and guided.
When buying a stock, choose “Intraday” or MIS (Margin Intraday Square-off) as the product type. Your trade must be squared off before 3:15 PM.
Brokers often allow 5x to 20x leverage meaning you can trade stocks worth ₹1,00,000 with ₹10,000 margin.
⚠️ High leverage = high risk. Losses can wipe out your capital quickly if not managed with stop-loss orders.
Buy stocks that are moving rapidly due to news, results, or volume spikes.
🧪 Example: If Infosys declares strong quarterly results and opens 5% higher, a momentum trader rides the wave for quick profits.
Watch key resistance levels. When a stock crosses it with volume, buy it.
🧠 Pro Tip: Use VWAP, RSI, and moving averages for confirmation.
Identify when stocks are overbought/oversold and bet on a small correction.
Example: Nifty50 rises sharply in the morning and shows a bearish candlestick at 12 PM. A reversal trader may short for 30–50 points.
Swastika's trading platforms integrate these tools with real-time alerts, so traders can act instantly.
Overtrading: Multiple trades can rack up brokerage and taxes.
✅: At Swastika Investmart, we educate first-time traders via webinars, daily research reports, and one on one guidance ensuring informed decisions and responsible trading.
Only SEBI-registered brokers like Swastika can provide the infrastructure needed for legal and safe trading.
🧠 Real Story: Rajesh, a retail trader from Indore, started intraday trading with ₹10,000 in 2023. With guidance from Swastika’s research desk and free training, he consistently earns ₹1,000–₹2,000/day all from his mobile.
Intraday trading is a high-speed game of psychology, discipline, and pattern recognition. It is not a shortcut to wealth but with the right tools, broker, and mindset, you can build a reliable source of income.
Swastika Investmart brings 30+ years of trust, transparent systems, and dedicated advisory perfect for beginners and seasoned traders alike.
Imagine you believe the price of gold is going to rise next month. Instead of buying physical gold, you can trade gold futures a standardized contract to buy gold at a fixed price in the future. If your prediction is right, you make a profit. This is the essence of commodity trading.
In India, commodities are traded digitally no need to physically own oil or wheat. Traders speculate on price movements through exchanges like MCX (Multi Commodity Exchange) and NCDEX (National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange).
✅ Hedge against inflation: Commodity prices often rise when inflation spikes.
✅ Diversification: Helps spread investment risk beyond stocks and mutual funds.
✅ Speculative Gains: Short-term traders can profit from price movements.
✅ Global Exposure: Especially via crude oil, gold, and base metals.
📌 Example: In 2022, when crude oil surged due to the Russia-Ukraine war, Indian commodity traders on MCX made significant gains from price swings — without ever touching a drop of oil.
India has two SEBI-approved commodity exchanges:
These exchanges function like stock exchanges but for goods. You don’t take delivery (unless you want to); trades are settled digitally.
You trade commodity futures contracts to buy/sell a commodity at a future date. For instance, a Gold Mini August Futures contract means you’re trading 100 grams of gold, deliverable in August.
Contracts are standardized by:
You don’t need the full contract amount. Just a margin usually 5–10% to enter the trade.
⚠️ Example: If a gold futures contract is worth ₹5,00,000, you might only need ₹25,000–₹50,000 as margin. But with leverage comes risk. Sudden price dips can wipe out your capital.
Absolutely but only via SEBI-registered brokers and regulated exchanges. You must:
🛡️ As an established SEBI-registered broker since 1992, Swastika Investmart provides a transparent, regulated, and research-backed trading ecosystem, ensuring investor trust and protection.
You can register online in minutes with your PAN, Aadhaar, and a photo.
Swastika offers paperless e-KYC through DigiLocker and webcam verification.
Add money via UPI, net banking, or IMPS.
Use Swastika’s in-house research, charting tools, and mobile apps to place your first trade in gold, silver, or crude oil.
💡 Whether you're looking to diversify your portfolio or hedge against inflation, Swastika makes commodity trading accessible, secure, and insightful.
Commodity trading in India is no longer just for institutions. With the right broker, tools, and risk management, even first-time investors can participate safely and smartly.
Swastika Investmart combines regulatory trust, technology, and market research to empower you in the world of gold, oil, and agriculture futures. Now is a great time to open your commodity account and start small, learn fast, and grow wisely.
👉 Open Your Commodity Trading Account with Swastika Investmart Today
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