**Market Brief: Republic Day Closure & Weekly Outlook** **Trading Holiday Update** Indian equity benchmarks **NSE Nifty 50** and **BSE Sensex** will remain closed on **Monday, January 26, 2026**, in observance of Republic Day. The closure extends to the currency and debt segments. Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) will remain closed for the morning session but will resume trading in the evening session from 5:00 PM. Regular trading activity across all segments resumes on **Tuesday, January 27, 2026**. --- **Market Recap: Bears Tighten Grip** Markets enter the holiday break on a weak note following a sharp sell-off in the previous session (Friday, January 23). * **Sensex:** Closed at **81,537**, down **770 points** (-0.94%). * **Nifty 50:** Settled at **25,048**, losing **241 points** (-0.95%). * **Broader Market:** Selling pressure was acute in mid and small-cap stocks, with the Nifty Smallcap 100 plunging over **2%**. * **Wealth Erosion:** Investors lost approximately **₹6 lakh crore** in a single session. **Key Drivers** * **FII Outflows:** Relentless selling by Foreign Institutional Investors continues to weigh on sentiment. * **Currency Pressure:** The Indian Rupee weakened to record lows, hovering near **92** against the US Dollar. * **Pre-Budget Nerves:** Caution is elevated ahead of the Union Budget 2026, scheduled for presentation on **February 1**. --- **Week Ahead: Budget in Focus** Upon resumption on Tuesday, volatility is expected to remain high. Traders are positioning for the Union Budget, which will be presented on a Sunday this year. Exchanges have announced a **special trading session on Sunday, February 1, 2026**, to align with the budget speech. **2026 Holiday Calendar** Republic Day marks the second trading holiday of the year. Markets will remain shut for **14 additional sessions** in 2026, including major observances such as Holi, Ram Navami, Diwali, and Christmas.