Mumbai/IBNS, Jan. 1 -- The Indian equity markets began the first trading session of 2026 on a positive note, extending gains for the second consecutive day as benchmark indices opened higher on Friday.

Markets maintained upward momentum amid strong buying interest in auto, banking and IT stocks.

Among the top gainers in early trade were Blue Dart Express, which surged 8.45 per cent, followed by Transformers and Rectifiers (India) at 8.37 per cent, V-Guard Industries at 6.33 per cent, Vodafone Idea at 3.81 per cent and HFCL at 2.89 per cent.

On the downside, Godfrey Phillips India declined 8.64 per cent, ITC slipped 4.37 per cent, Craftsman Automation fell 2.69 per cent, while Alkem Laboratories and MMTC dropped 1.62 per cent each.

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