Indian Stock Markets Closed Thursday for Maharashtra Elections, Trading Resumes Friday
Stock Markets Closed Thursday for Maharashtra Polls, Resume Friday

The Indian stock markets are closed today, Thursday, January 15. This closure happens because of municipal corporation elections taking place in Maharashtra. Trading activities have stopped completely on both major exchanges. The National Stock Exchange and the Bombay Stock Exchange observe this polling day as a holiday.

Trading Schedule and Market Details

Market participants should remember that equity trading will start again on Friday. This one-day break affects all sectors on the NSE and BSE. Meanwhile, the commodity market will function with some limitations. Commodity trading has been suspended during the morning session. It is expected to restart after 5 PM. This allows participants to trade during the evening session.

Recent Market Performance

The domestic benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty 50, fell on Wednesday. They extended losses from the previous day. Weakness in the IT and consumer sectors drove this decline. Some blue-chip banking stocks also dropped amid rising geopolitical tensions.

Continued outflows from foreign funds added to investor worries. Emerging uncertainties about tariffs further rattled the market, as traders noted. The Sensex dropped by 244.98 points, or 0.29%. It closed at 83,382.71. The Nifty 50 decreased by 66.70 points, or 0.26%. It finished at 25,665.60.

Nifty 50 Outlook from Experts

Sumeet Bagadia, Executive Director at Choice Broking, shared his analysis. He said that on January 14, 2026, the Nifty 50 traded with a cautious negative bias. It ended modestly lower. Continued foreign selling and macro uncertainties weighed on sentiment. The index dipped below the 25,700 zone. This showed that bears controlled most of the session. Range-bound trade and lack of fresh triggers contributed to this.

Weakness appeared largely in FMCG, IT, and auto sectors. Metals and oil & gas names showed relative resilience. This helped limit deeper losses. Bagadia advised that immediate resistance sits around 25,750–25,800. Key support lies near 25,500–25,550. Overall, the near-term bias remains cautious. Consolidation will likely persist without strong global or domestic cues.

Bank Nifty Outlook

Sumeet Bagadia explained that on January 14, 2026, Bank Nifty showed relative resilience. It outperformed the benchmark indices amid broader weakness. It closed marginally higher. Selective strength in major Nifty PSU banking stocks supported this. This reflected more balanced participation in the banking space despite overall risk-off sentiment.

On the daily chart, Bank Nifty formed a small positive candle. This underscores a guarded bullish nuance after sideways consolidation. It indicates that buyers were active around key support levels. The modest close above previous lows suggests immediate downside pressure was cushioned.

Bagadia noted that immediate resistance is placed around 59,800–59,900. This needs to be reclaimed convincingly to build upside momentum. Crucial support remains near 59,300–59,400 to prevent deeper retracement. Overall, the near-term bias for Bank Nifty stays cautious-to-neutral. Bias tilts to sideways trade unless catalysts emerge.

Stocks to Buy for Long Term

Sumeet Bagadia recommended buying stocks that look strong on the technical chart. He suggested these two shares: AXIS Bank Ltd and Hindustan Zinc Ltd.

AXIS Bank Recommendation

Buy AXIS Bank in Cash at ₹1,299. Set a stop loss at ₹1,255. Aim for a target price of ₹1,387. Bagadia said that AXIS Bank shares traded at ₹1,299. They maintain a strong upward trajectory. The stock has consistently formed higher highs and higher lows. This reflects sustained bullish momentum. It recently reached a 52-week high of ₹1,308. A breakout above this level could further accelerate buying interest.

Based on technical analysis and current market conditions, AXIS Bank presents a promising buying opportunity. Investors aiming for the ₹1,387 target should use appropriate risk management strategies.

Hindustan Zinc Recommendation

Buy Hindustan Zinc in Cash at ₹654. Set a stop loss at ₹631. Target price is ₹700. Bagadia said that Hindustan Zinc shares traded at ₹654. The stock is in a strong upward trend. Steady buying interest and sustained higher price action support it. After retesting previous higher levels, the stock moved upward again. It registered a fresh 52-week high of ₹670.95. This reflects renewed confidence among market participants.

Based on technical analysis and current market conditions, Hindustan Zinc shares present a promising buying opportunity. Those aiming for the 700 target should apply proper risk management strategies.

Disclaimer: The views and recommendations above are those of individual analysts, experts and broking companies, not of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decision.