Finance1 min read

Nifty's Diwali-to-Diwali slide: Will year-end gains light up Dalal Street?

By · Published by Everything Blog

In short

The Nifty ended an eight-week losing streak on November 2 with a 1.68% gain fueled by softening crude prices and a rally in Reliance Industries. Despite this short-term advance, the index requires an additional 10.4% rise from that close to reach its previous Diwali mark of 25,868.60. Foreign capital has continually rotated toward artificial intelligence firms in South Korea and Taiwan, draining liquidity from Indian equities. Market observers anticipate that any subsequent rebound through December will remain gradual and selective rather than broad-based.

Key points

  • The Nifty must climb roughly 10.4% from its November 2 close to successfully match its pr…: The Nifty must climb roughly 10.4% from its November 2 close to successfully match its previous Diwali level of 25,868.60.
  • Domestic institutional buying through systematic investment plans and mutual funds has pr…: Domestic institutional buying through systematic investment plans and mutual funds has provided a critical cushion against massive foreign outflows.
  • Potential year-end market gains face ongoing risks from geopolitical friction in West Asi…: Potential year-end market gains face ongoing risks from geopolitical friction in West Asia and volatility linked to the upcoming U.S. midterm elections.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

In September alone, the Nifty lost more than 6%, as surging oil prices, a weakening rupee and relentless foreign selling weighed on investor sentiment. The index subsequently extended its losses into October, recording eight consecutive weeks of declines.

The biggest blow came from the conflict in West Asia, which pushed crude oil prices sharply higher and raised concerns about India's inflation, import bill and economic growth. India depends on imports for most of its crude oil requirements. Higher energy prices increase costs for businesses, put pressure on the rupee and make it harder for policymakers to contain inflation.

Foreign investors have also pulled out money at an unprecedented pace. Overseas funds sold Indian equities worth about $31.3 billion in 2026 as higher global bond yields, currency weakness and concerns over oil prices encouraged investors to reduce exposure to emerging markets.

A shift in global investment towards artificial intelligence-related companies in markets such as South Korea and Taiwan has further affected India's appeal to foreign investors.

However, the recent market rebound has offered some relief. On November 2, the Nifty jumped…

Finance