Markets close higher after a slow start:Sensex up over 440 points, Nifty at 26,186; banking, auto, IT stocks gain, while FMGC, pharma retreat

Indian stock markets picked up momentum on Friday after a weak start to the trading day. The reversal came after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reduced the benchmark repo rate by another 0.25% to 5.25% for the third time this financial year, lifting the market mood on hopes that bank loans could become cheaper, further complementing the favourable liquidity position. Sensex gained 447 points (0.52%) to settle at 85,712, while the Nifty 50 closed 152 points (0.59%) higher at 26,186 on the last trading day of the week on Dec 5, 2025. Of the 30 Sensex stocks, 20 closed in the green. Likewise 34 of the 50 Nifty stocks moved up, despite selling pressure in media, metal, FMGC, and pharma segments. On the positive side, auto, banking, IT, and realty stocks saw strong buying. Some top Sensex gainers included SBI, Bajaj Finserv, Bajaj Finance, Maruti and HCL Tech. Among the losers include Hindustan Unilever, Eternal, Sun Pharma and Trent. Asian markets mixed US markets (On December 4 closing) Meesho IPO subscribed 8.28× in two days Today is the final day to apply for Meesho’s IPO. Launched on December 3, it has been subscribed 8.28 times so far, including 9.65 times in the retail category. Two other IPOs—EKS Limited and Vidya Wires—are also open for subscription today. Meesho IPO Exicom Limited IPO Vidya Wires IPO Note: Subscription status is as of 4 December, 7:00 PM On December 4, Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) sold shares worth ₹1,944.19 crore in the cash segment, while Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) bought shares worth ₹3,661.05 crore. In the first four days of December, FIIs have offloaded ₹9,964.72 crore, whereas DIIs have supported the market with purchases of ₹15,596.33 crore. In November, FIIs sold ₹17,500.31 crore, while DIIs bought ₹77,083.78 crore, indicating strong domestic support for the market. Nifty seen at 29,000 by 2026 Bank of America has set a 29,000 target for the Nifty for calendar year 2026—an 11% rise from current levels. The brokerage expects limited valuation upside and sees the next leg of growth driven by income expansion. Yesterday: Sensex closed 159 points higher at 85,265 On Thursday, December 4, the Sensex ended 159 points up at 85,265, while the Nifty gained 48 points to close at 26,034. 20 of 30 Sensex stocks advanced, and 34 of 50 Nifty stocks closed higher. Auto, IT and realty shares led the gains, while the media index slipped 1.45%. ​