New Delhi, Jan. 2 -- After a sluggish start to 2026, Indian stocks rebounded strongly in Friday's session (January 2), driven by gains in banking, realty, and metal stocks, pushing the key indices up by 0.70%.

The Nifty 50 ended the session with a sharp gain of 0.70%, or 186.60 points, to close at 26,326. During late trade, the index also scaled a fresh record high of 26,340, surpassing its previous peak of 26,325 set on December 1.

As per NSE data, three index heavyweights-HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and Reliance Industries-collectively contributed 85 points, or 45%, to the index's surge.

Meanwhile, the S&P BSE Sensex closed with a solid 0.70% gain at 85,776. However, the index remains 383 points below its record high of 86,159.

The broad...