Indian markets eye a weak-to-flat opening on December 16, 2025, pressured by global declines, a record-weak rupee, and persistent foreign outflows.

Key Themes & Picks

• GIFT Nifty signals a soft start, tracking global declines.

• Banking sector in focus amid RBI approvals and green financing deals.

• Citigroup maintains Buy on Maruti Suzuki with a hiked target.

• Emkay Global initiates Buy on Adani Ports for 24% upside.

• Auto ancillaries show strength on volume growth upgrades.

The Indian equity markets exhibited a mildly bearish sentiment on December 15, 2025, with benchmarks closing marginally lower amid persistent foreign outflows, rupee depreciation to record lows, and uncertainty over India-US trade negotiations. Key themes included resilient export performance offsetting import declines in trade data, while global cues remained mixed ahead of major US economic releases. Domestic institutional buying continued to provide support against FPI selling pressure.

• Trade deficit narrows sharply to five-month low on strong exports.
• Rupee hits all-time low amid outflows and trade deal delays.
• Benchmarks end slightly lower despite intraday recovery attempts.
• FPIs extend selling streak, withdrawing nearly ₹18,000 crore in December.

Markets face a cautious start on December 15, 2025, weighed by global tech weakness and FII outflows, though select sectors show resilience.

Key Themes & Picks

• GIFT Nifty signals a lower opening amid global tech sell-off.

• Metals and energy sectors show strength despite broad caution.

• Citigroup recommends Indraprastha Gas (Buy) on clean energy demand.

• Grasim Industries and Tata Steel highlighted for breakout potential.

• Persistent FII outflows temper overall market sentiment.