The data compiled by latest Global Market Snapshot report by Motilal Oswal Mutual Fund showed that while short-term market movement was mixed, select sectors such as metals and automobiles continued to outperform over longer periods
Mumbai: The Nifty delivered a strong annual return of 10.51 per cent, even as broader markets remained largely flat in December, a new report said on Saturday.
The data compiled by latest Global Market Snapshot report by Motilal Oswal Mutual Fund showed that while short-term market movement was mixed, select sectors such as metals and automobiles continued to outperform over longer periods.
In December, the Nifty slipped marginally by 0.28 per cent. However, the benchmark index posted gains of 6.17 per cent over the last three months and 2.40 per cent over six months. The Nifty Next 50 performed slightly better on a monthly basis, rising 0.33 per cent in December. The index delivered returns of 2.24 per cent over three months, 0.53 per cent over six months, and 2.02 per cent on a yearly basis.
Meanwhile, the Nifty Midcap 150 declined 0.53 per cent during the month but still managed gains of 5.89 per cent over three months, 1.31 per cent over six months, and 5.37 per cent over one year. Small-cap stocks continued to face pressure. The Nifty Smallcap 250 fell 0.29 per cent in December and posted negative returns of 6.25 per cent over six months and 6.01 per cent over one year.
The Nifty Microcap 250 saw a sharper decline of 2.46 per cent during the month and delivered losses of nearly 10 per cent on a yearly basis. The broader Nifty 500 index declined 0.26 per cent in December but closed the year with a gain of 6.69 per cent. Over the past three and six months, the index delivered returns of 5.00 per cent and 1.08 per cent, respectively.
Sector-wise, metal stocks emerged as the top performers. The metals sector gained 8.5 per cent in December and delivered strong returns of 29.11 per cent over the past year.
Auto stocks also performed well, rising 1.49 per cent during the month and posting a solid annual return of 23.45 per cent. Banking stocks remained steady, delivering gains of over 17 per cent on a yearly basis, while IT stocks recorded marginal gains. On the other hand, consumer durables, healthcare, and real estate stocks declined by around 2 to 3 per cent in December.
The defence sector fell 3.28 per cent during the month but still posted a strong annual gain of 19.30 per cent. Realty remained under pressure, with a decline of nearly 17 per cent over one year. Factor-based performance was mixed, with value stocks gaining 3.1 per cent in December, while momentum stocks declined 3.8 per cent.
Commodities, IT, and energy stocks supported the broader market, while financials, consumer discretionary, and healthcare stocks dragged the Nifty 500 lower.
Gold, silver sustain rally in 2026 amid renewed safe haven demand
Gold and silver continued their structural bull run into the start of 2026 on the back of enhanced safe haven demand and industrial demand, analysts said on Saturday.Millennial media consulting
Gold futures with February expiry gained significantly during the week touching Rs 1,38,875 per 10 grams, up from Rs 1,35,752 at last week’s close. The price of 10 grams of 24-carat gold closed the week at Rs 1,37,122 up from Rs 1,34,782 of the prior week, according to data published by the India Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA).
MCX Silver contracts for March expiry showed significant surge during the week surging to Rs 2,52,002 per kg, confirming a decisive breakout from its recent consolidation range and re-entering a strong bullish channel.
“COMEX gold remained firm near $4,500 per ounce, gaining over 1 per cent and consolidating just below record highs after its strong multi-week rally,” said Ponmudi R, CEO of Enrich Money.
Meanwhile, COMEX silver futures jumped over 6 per cent to around $79.79 per ounce, rebounding from $75 as industrial demand revived alongside renewed safe-haven buying, he added.
Investor sentiment in silver remains firmly constructive, supported by persistent supply deficits, record central bank buying as well as rising green-energy demand linked to solar, EVs and AI infrastructure.
Looking ahead, near-term volatility cannot be ruled out, driven by profit-taking, dollar movements and high-frequency macro data from US and other major economies, analysts said.
Recent pullbacks in precious metals were largely seen as healthy profit-taking rather than signs of trend fatigue, and the speed of subsequent rebounds has reinforced confidence in the longer-term uptrend.
Gold surged nearly 66 per cent in CY25, surpassing $4,500 per ounce, while silver outperformed with a 171 per cent rise.
Analysts said that the ongoing surge in gold and silver is being driven by structural demand rather than short-term speculative activity. Sustained central-bank gold purchases, elevated geopolitical uncertainty, and expectations of global monetary easing continue to reinforce gold’s role as a core portfolio hedge.