Stock market recap, Jan. 2 -- Indian equities ended mixed on the first trading day of 2026, as stock-specific moves and a lack of fresh triggers kept sentiment subdued. The Sensex slipped marginally, while the Nifty 50 closed slightly higher. Midcaps outperformed, even as smallcaps edged lower.

ITC was the biggest drag after its shares fell on news of a higher tobacco excise duty. ICICI Bank and Bajaj Finance also weighed on the benchmarks. Gains in Larsen & Toubro, Infosys and Mahindra & Mahindra offered support, with investors staying cautious ahead of Q3 earnings and updates on India-US trade talks.

Best stocks to buy today (All buy trades are rates of equity and sell rates are based on F&O)

HEG: Buy above Rs.625, stop Rs.600 target...