Top stocks to buy (AI image)

Stock market recommendations: According to Sudeep Shah, Head – Technical Research and Derivatives, SBI Securities, the top stock picks for this week are 360 ONE WAM, and Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M). Here’s his view on Nifty, Bank Nifty for the week starting December 1, 2025:Nifty View:Nifty has finally shattered its 14-month barrier, setting a new all-time high and delivering its strongest-ever weekly and monthly close. This milestone gives bulls every reason to cheer. The rally wasn’t limited to the benchmark alone—Nifty Bank, Nifty Private Bank, Nifty Financial Services, Nifty Auto, and Nifty Infra also scaled record highs, reaffirming that leadership sectors remain firmly in control and continue to march ahead with confidence.Yet, beneath the headline optimism, the broader market tells a different story. While the Nifty Midcap 100 managed to notch a fresh peak, the move was driven by select stocks, signalling narrow participation. In contrast, the Nifty Smallcap 100 slipped for the second straight week and continues to trade below its 20, 50, and 100-day EMAs, reflecting caution and lack of momentum in the smallest segment of the market.The big question now: will the broader market join the rally? Based on current chart structures, meaningful participation from small caps appears unlikely in the near term. Expect the uptrend to remain selective, with sector rotation and stock-specific moves driving gains.Going ahead, Nifty is likely to maintain its upward bias and test 26500, followed by 26800 in the short term. On the downside, the 20-day EMA zone of 25950–25900 should act as a key support in case of any pullback.Bank Nifty ViewBank Nifty continues to lead the market narrative with its remarkable strength. The index not only scaled a fresh all-time high last week but also posted gains for the fourth straight week, reaffirming the dominance of the ongoing bullish trend in the banking space.From a technical perspective, the momentum remains solid. The RSI across all major timeframes is firmly in the super-bullish zone and trending higher, signalling strong buying interest. On the weekly chart, Bank Nifty closed above the upper Bollinger Band, a rare and powerful indication of sustained upside momentum. Other key indicators echo this bullish setup, leaving little doubt about the prevailing strength.Going ahead, the index appears well-positioned to extend its northward march, with immediate targets at 60300, followed by 61000 in the short term. On the downside, the 58800–58700 zone, which coincides with the 20-day EMA, will act as a critical support in case of any pullback. With technical charts clearly favouring the bulls, Bank Nifty is likely to remain the driving force behind the market’s upward trajectory.

Stock recommendations:

360 ONE WAM360 One WAM has recovered steadily after taking strong support near its 200-day EMA zone of 1,060–1,050, with the price now trading above key short-term moving averages and closing above the upper Bollinger Band for two straight sessions. The rising MACD histogram, along with the MACD line positioned well above the zero line, indicates strong bullish momentum and a firmly positive trend.On the weekly chart, the stock has also delivered a downward-sloping trendline breakout supported by rising volumes over the past two weeks. Overall, the technical structure and indicator setup point toward the likelihood of further upside. Hence, we recommend to accumulate the stock in the zone of 1185-1175 with a stoploss of 1140. On the upside, it is likely to test the level of 1260 in the short term.M&MM&M hovered around its 20-day EMA for the past three sessions before witnessing strong buying on Friday accompanied by rising volumes. This successful hold of the 20-day EMA reinforces that the short-term uptrend remains intact. In the ADX indicator, the DI lines are widening, indicating strengthening directional momentum. Meanwhile, the RSI has moved above 60 and settled above, signalling increasing bullish strength.With supportive price action, improving momentum, and buyers regaining control at key support levels, the stock appears well-positioned for further upside in the near term. Hence, we recommend to accumulate the stock in the zone of 3760-3730 with a stoploss of 3600. On the upside, it is likely to test the level of 4020 in the short term.(Disclaimer: Recommendations and views on the stock market, other asset classes or personal finance management tips given by experts are their own. These opinions do not represent the views of The Times of India)

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Jefferies initiated its coverage on Lenskart with a buy rating and the target price at Rs 500. Analysts said that Lenskart, India’s largest tech-driven eyewear retailer, holds just about 5% market share, offering strong growth potential. Its vertically integrated omni-channel model ensures cost efficiency, rapid delivery, and superior customer experience, they said. India serves as a bedrock for the company with over 85% contribution to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA), while the international segment offers optionality. Analysts feel Lenskart offers attractive unit economics and fast paybacks should drive 50%+ adjusted EBITDA compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) between FY25 and FY28.Nomura has a buy rating on M&M with the target price at Rs 4,355. Analysts said that M&M launched a new 7-seater electric XEV 9S SUV on Nov 27 Nov at an introductory price of Rs 19.95 lakh. Bookings for the model will begin on Jan 14, 2026 and deliveries will start from Jan 23, 2026. XEV 9S comes with premium features and is priced much more attractively than expectations of Rs 23-31 lakh. XEV 9S is based on the INGLO platform and powered by MAIA.Kotak Institutional Equities has upgraded JSW Infrastructure to reduce from sell with the target price at Rs 270. Analysts said that the recent discussion about the company comforts them on prospects that it would leverage the group’s capabilities and requirements to generate a reasonable return on growth investments over the next five years. It also provides comforts on recovery in growth in Jaigarh by using pricing and investment levers to regain market share in Maharashtra. They feel that the key risk to the investment thesis is longevity and sustainability of growth, which lacks comfort for now. They also feel that the recent price correction still falls short of giving an attractive buy price point.UBS has a buy on GAIL with the target price at Rs 215. Analysts said that the recent tariff hike was disappointing while the increase in realized tariffs could be even lower. The 12% hike in announced tariffs does not mean equal increase in realized tariffs, they said. Current hike in tariffs reflects revision in only two parameters: Increase of Rs 5.16/mmbtu on account of higher system-use-gas, and the increase of Rs 1.92/mmbtu on account of lower volume divisor as per latest capacity determination. However, the regulator deferred the review of other parameters to FY28 (next tariff effective from 1 April 2028), flagging that a true-up of all parameters at this stage would lead to a material increase in tariff and can place some unexpected financial pressure on its customers.JP Morgan has an overweight rating on LIC with the target price at Rs 1,200. Analysts feel that the product mix shift, margin expansion, and distribution diversification would drive growth for the life insurance major. They also feel that the GST removal is likely to increase both the penetration and density of the insurance market. The company does not plan to pass on the cost benefit to distributors or customers, analysts said.

NEW DELHI: The Centre is set to levy a new cess on tobacco, tobacco products and pan masala after the phaseout of GST compensation cess to ensure that price of these products do not fall as they are sin goods.At the time of GST revamp, govt had announced continuation of compensation cess only for tobacco and pan masala, while withdrawing it on all other products and changing the rates, which resulted in lower levy for several products. Some of the goods had moved into the 40% sin goods bracket.

While the compensation cess on tobacco products and pan masala is to be levied up to March 2026, there is a possibility of the levy being withdrawn earlier as the Centre will be able to raise resources to meet the bond payment requirement. As a result, the health and security cess that is proposed on these two sin goods segments will kick in from the date that will be notified.On Monday, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to introduce a bill “to augment the resources for meeting expenditure on national security and for public health, and to levy a cess for the said purposes on the machines installed or other processes undertaken by which specified goods are manufactured or produced and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto”, according to the business listed for the Lok Sabha.The move also paves the way for the govt to allocate more resources for defence, amid heightened tension in the neighbourhood.Govt is hoping that the bill is passed during the Winter Session itself so that the date can be notified, whenever required.At the time of the GST revamp announcement in Sept itself, govt had indicated that a new cess will be imposed on the two products. “The idea is to ensure that prices remain the same for consumers. It is not a revenue raising exercise,” said a govt official.At the time of the launch of GST in 2017, the Centre and the states had agreed to the compensation cess on sin and luxury goods, such as cars, yacht, soft drinks, coal, tobacco and pan masala. The idea was to ensure that states were assured of an annual 14% increase in their indirect tax kitty for five years. Covid outbreak and the lockdown, however, upset the calculations resulting in the cess continuing till March 2026, until the GST Council agreed to the restructuring earlier this year.

December, the final month of the year, brings a mix of cultural, national, and global observances. In India, the month is marked by public holidays, regional festivals, and national commemorations, while globally, it highlights awareness campaigns on health, human rights, and environmental issues.Key national days in India include Vijay Diwas (Dec 16), celebrating India’s military achievements, and Kisan Diwas (Dec 23), honoring farmers’ contributions. Christmas on Dec 25 is a nationwide public holiday, and New Year’s Eve on Dec 31 is observed in several states, including Manipur and Mizoram. Regional and tribal celebrations such as Indigenous Faith Day and Tamu Losar reflect India’s diverse cultural traditions.Globally, December features important awareness days such as World AIDS Day (Dec 1), International Human Rights Day (Dec 10), International Mountain Day (Dec 11), and National Energy Conservation Day (Dec 14), focusing on health, equality, sustainability, and social inclusion.

List of Important Days in December 2025

With weekends and Christmas as the main breaks, December is marks the end of the year and hopes, aspirations for the new one.

Significant holidays in India

From Christmas festivities to tribal commemorations and the birth or death anniversaries of revered personalities, the month offers a diverse calendar of public holidays. These observances reflect India’s rich cultural and regional diversity, allowing communities to celebrate their unique traditions while coming together in shared national celebrations. Here is a look at all the public holidays in India during December 2025, along with the states where they will be observed, as per Economic Times.

India’s Virat Kohli (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)

NEW DELHI: Virat Kohli secured his 52nd ODI century with a score of 135 off 120 balls, leading India to a 17-run victory against South Africa in the first ODI at JSCA Stadium. His performance, marking his 83rd international century, helped establish India’s control through a 136-run partnership with Rohit Sharma.India posted a total of 349/8. South Africa’s response, despite early setbacks at 11/3 and 77/4, showed resilience through Matthew Breetzke’s 72 and Marco Jansen’s 70, followed by Corbin Bosch’s quick 67 off 51 balls.The match concluded in the final over with South Africa reaching 332, falling short by 17 runs when Bosch was dismissed on the second ball with 18 runs needed.Kuldeep Yadav proved crucial with figures of 4/68, particularly with his dismissals of Breetzke and Jansen in quick succession. Rohit Sharma’s contribution of 57 runs, featuring three sixes, helped him surpass Shahid Afridi’s record for most ODI sixes at 352.India, led by KL Rahul and featuring veterans Rohit and Kohli in ODIs exclusively, took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.“Today was really nice to kind of get into the game like that. Pitch played decently in the first 20-25 overs before it started to slow down. Was just about staying in the space of enjoyment. Of course when you get a start, you get into the situation, you know what needs to be done. The experience kicks in,” said Kohli, who was named Player of the Match.“I’ve never been a believer of preparation. All my preparation is mental. As long as my physical levels are up and the mental sharpness is there, then you know it’s fine. I took a day off before the game. I’m 37 and need time for recovery,” he added regarding his approach to workload management.“That’s how it’s always going to be – I’m just playing one form of the game. If you’ve played 300-odd games and so much cricket, you know when you’re hitting balls in practice, you know the reflexes are there and the physical ability is there to bat long. As long as you’re hitting the ball well and playing good cricket, it’s about physically fit, mentally ready and excited.”Kohli’s 52nd century, achieved with a boundary off Jansen, surpassed Sachin Tendulkar‘s record of 51 Test hundreds for most centuries in a single format.A memorable moment occurred when a fan breached security to touch Kohli’s feet, demonstrating the local crowd’s admiration. The series continues in Raipur for the second match on Wednesday.

Stock market holidays for December: As November comes to a close and the final month of the year begins, investors will want to know on which days trading sessions will be there and on which days stock markets are closed. are likely keeping a close eye on year-end portfolio adjustments, global cues, and corporate earnings.For this year, the only major, away from normal scheduled market holidays in December is Christmas, observed on Thursday, December 25. On this day, Indian stock markets, including the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange (NSE), will remain closed across equity, derivatives, and securities lending and borrowing (SLB) segments. Trading in currency and interest rate derivatives segments will continue as usual.Markets are expected to reopen on Friday, December 26, as investors return to monitor global developments and finalize year-end positioning. Apart from weekends, Christmas is the only scheduled market holiday this month, making December relatively quiet compared with other festive months, with regards to stock markets.The last trading session in November, which was November 28 (next two days being the weekend) ended flat. BSE Sensex slipped 13.71 points, or 0.02 per cent, to settle at 85,706.67, after hitting an intra-day high of 85,969.89 and a low of 85,577.82, a swing of 392.07 points. Meanwhile, the NSE Nifty fell 12.60 points, or 0.05 per cent, to 26,202.95, halting its two-day rally.

Parliament’s winter session kicks off Monday

NEW DELHI: As the Winter Session of Parliament begins on Monday, the government is set to push a heavy economic agenda, lining up nine key bills ranging from insurance reforms to new taxation frameworks for sin goods such as tobacco and pan masala. The session will run from December 1 to 19 and will also take up the first batch of Supplementary Demands for Grants for 2025-26.A major item on the list is the Insurance Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which seeks to raise the foreign direct investment cap in insurance from 74 per cent to 100 per cent. The move, positioned as part of a wider effort to modernise financial-sector regulation, comes at a time when the industry has already drawn Rs 82,000 crore in FDI.On Monday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will also introduce two significant tax-related proposals in the Lok Sabha — The Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025 and The Health Security se National Security Cess Bill, 2025. Together, the bills aim to reshape how tobacco and pan masala are taxed. The measures would replace the GST compensation cess with an excise duty on tobacco products, while the new Health Security cess would be levied on machines or processes used to manufacture specified goods, with proceeds earmarked for national security and public health expenditure. Currently, tobacco and pan masala attract 28 per cent GST plus varying compensation cess rates.Another major reform on the agenda is the Securities Markets Code Bill, 2025, which proposes consolidating three separate laws governing India’s capital markets into a single unified code to streamline compliance and improve ease of doing business.The session is also expected to see progress on the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025, now with a Select Committee, which aims to decriminalise a wide range of minor offences and reduce regulatory friction for companies.Other economic bills planned for consideration include amendments related to the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, Manipur GST, National Highways administration, and corporate law updates — rounding out what is expected to be one of the more reform-heavy sessions in recent years.