New Delhi, Jan. 1 -- The Indian stock market kicked off 2026 on a modest note as liquidity remained low, with most major international markets closed for New Year's Day.

The Nifty 50 closed with a 0.12% gain, ending at 26,159, while the S&P BSE Sensex closes 0.07% lower at 85,166. The broader markets closed mixed, with the Nifty Midcap 100 index surging 0.30%, while the Nifty Smallcap 100 fell 0.20%.

Sector performance were mixed, with Nifty FMCG skidding 3.2% amid a sharp crash in heavyweight ITC, followed Nifty Chemicals, Nifty Pharma and Nifty Oil and Gas, all closed lower.

On the upside Nifty Auto surged 1%, while Nifty Realty, Nifty Metal, Nifty IT and Nifty PSU Bank, all gained between 0.70% and 0.92%.

January is set to be a bus...