Indian equity markets closed higher on 22 Jan 2026, with the Sensex gaining 397.74 points (0.49%) to settle at 82,307.37 and the Nifty rising 132.4 points (0.53%) to 25,289.90. Broad-based sectoral advances and robust midcap performance underpinned the positive sentiment, despite the Nifty trading below its 50-day moving average. Foreign institutional investors remained net buyers, supporting the rally amid mixed global cues.

Cupid, a small-cap stock in the FMCG sector, has delivered an exceptional return of 176.39% over the past six months, significantly outpacing both its sector peers and broader market indices. Backed by a bullish technical outlook and very positive financial metrics, the stock’s remarkable performance highlights key catalysts driving investor enthusiasm despite its expensive valuation.

A select group of micro and small cap stocks have outperformed the broader market significantly over the past year, delivering extraordinary returns ranging from 160% to over 770%. These stocks, spanning sectors such as garments, fertilisers, FMCG, automobiles and auto components, have been propelled by strong fundamentals, bullish technicals and favourable sectoral tailwinds, leaving benchmark indices far behind.

The December 2025 quarter earnings season has revealed a nuanced picture across Indian equities, with 305 companies reporting results. While the overall proportion of positive earnings surprises has improved to 53.0%, this growth is unevenly distributed across market capitalisation segments and sectors, signalling a cautious yet optimistic outlook for investors heading into 2026.

Indian equity markets closed higher on 22 Jan 2026, with the Sensex gaining 0.50% to settle at 82,319.23, buoyed by strong midcap and smallcap performances. Market breadth was robust, with 379 advances against 118 declines across the BSE500, reflecting broad-based investor optimism despite recent volatility and a three-week decline in the benchmark index.

Jindal Steel Ltd. demonstrated robust intraday performance on 22 Jan 2026, surging to an intraday high of ₹1,079.05, marking a 3.61% increase from its previous close. The stock closed with a notable gain of 3.08%, outperforming the Sensex and its sector peers amid a mixed market backdrop.

Shares of Bansal Wire Industries Ltd have declined to an all-time low, reflecting a sustained period of underperformance relative to the broader market and its sector peers. The stock’s recent trajectory highlights significant pressures within the Iron & Steel Products industry, as the company’s market valuation and returns continue to contract.

Cupid Ltd demonstrated robust intraday strength on 22 Jan 2026, surging to an intraday high of Rs 405.25, marking a 7.89% gain as it outperformed its FMCG sector peers and broader market indices.

Shares of Utkarsh Small Finance Bank Ltd have declined to an all-time low, reflecting a sustained period of financial underperformance and market pressures. The stock’s recent fall underscores significant challenges faced by the company, with key financial metrics and market indicators pointing to a difficult operating environment.

Shiva Global Agro Industries Ltd, a player in the fertilisers sector, has touched a new 52-week low of Rs.28.35 today, marking a significant decline amid a broader market environment where the Sensex remains resilient. The stock has underperformed its sector and benchmark indices, reflecting ongoing pressures on the company’s financial and operational metrics.

Nikhil Adhesives Ltd, a player in the Specialty Chemicals sector, recorded a fresh 52-week low of Rs.69.99 today, marking a significant decline amid ongoing market pressures and company-specific challenges. The stock has now fallen for three consecutive sessions, cumulatively losing 6.48% over this period, reflecting persistent headwinds.

IDream Film Infrastructure Company has surged to a fresh 52-week high of Rs.316.6, marking a significant milestone in its stock performance. This new peak reflects sustained momentum driven by robust gains over the past several sessions, outpacing its sector and broader market indices.

Muller & Phipps (India) Ltd has touched a new 52-week low of Rs.205 today, marking a significant decline amid a broader market environment where the Sensex opened higher but the stock underperformed its sector. This fresh low reflects ongoing pressures on the company’s share price, which has now declined for three consecutive sessions, accumulating a loss of 6.78% over this period.

Shares of Amrapali Industries Ltd have declined to a fresh 52-week low of Rs.13.62, marking a significant price level for the Trading & Distributors sector company amid broader market fluctuations.

Acme Resources Ltd, a player in the Non Banking Financial Company (NBFC) sector, touched a fresh 52-week low of Rs.31.73 today, marking a significant decline amid a sustained downward trend. The stock has underperformed its sector and broader market indices, reflecting ongoing pressures on its valuation and financial metrics.