Mumbai, Jan. 1 -- The domestic benchmark indices began the first trading session of 2026 with marginal gains on Thursday, supported mainly by domestic investors, as most global markets remained shut for the New Year's holiday.

The Nifty 50 index opened at 26,173.30, gaining 43.70 points or 0.17 per cent, while the BSE Sensex started the day at 85,255.55, up 34.95 points or 0.04 per cent.

Market participants indicated that trading activity is expected to remain muted during the session due to the absence of global cues.

Experts highlighted that domestic institutional investors continued to play a key role in supporting the markets.

Ajay Bagga, Banking and Market Expert, told ANI, "Indian markets saw short covering on the last trading d...