India’s equity markets in 2025 have shown clear sectoral divergence, with cyclical and commodity-linked sectors outperforming defensive segments. Year-to-date data from NSE sectoral indices indicate strong momentum in banking, metals and automobiles.
In contrast, consumption and services sectors have recorded relatively modest gains. This ranking of the top 10 sectoral indices highlights where market strength has been concentrated so far this year.
| Index | YTD Return (%) |
| NIFTY Public Sector Bank Index | 27.77 |
| NIFTY Metal Index | 21.63 |
| NIFTY Automobile Index | 21.12 |
| NIFTY Financial Services Index | 16.44 |
| NIFTY Bank Index | 16.14 |
| NIFTY Commodities Index | 13.56 |
| NIFTY Infrastructure Index | 12.92 |
| NIFTY MNC Index | 8.07 |
| NIFTY Consumption Index | 7.29 |
| NIFTY Services Sector Index | 7.15 |
Note: Data as of December 19, 2025
The NIFTY Public Sector Bank Index tops the list with a 27.77% YTD return, supported by improved asset quality and sustained credit growth. Public sector lenders have benefited from strong balance sheets and operational efficiencies, driving investor confidence.
The NIFTY Metal Index follows with a 21.63% gain, reflecting firm commodity prices and robust demand from infrastructure and manufacturing sectors. These trends underscore the market’s preference for cyclicals amid economic expansion.
The NIFTY Automobile Index ranks third with a 21.12% YTD rise, aided by resilient domestic demand and stable supply chains. Passenger and commercial vehicle segments have shown steady growth, supported by replacement cycles and financing availability.
Financial services also feature prominently, with the NIFTY Financial Services Index up 16.44% and the NIFTY Bank Index close behind at 16.14%. These gains highlight broad-based strength across lending institutions and diversified financial entities.
In contrast to cyclicals, defensive sectors have posted single-digit returns. The NIFTY MNC Index gained 8.07%, reflecting steady performance from multinational companies operating in India.
Consumption and services indices recorded 7.29% and 7.15% respectively, indicating moderate growth amid sectoral rotation toward banking and industrial themes. These segments remain stable but have lagged in relative performance compared to high-beta sectors.
Read More: Best Fundamentally Strong Stocks in December 2025 Based on 5-Year CAGR.
The top 10 NSE sectoral indices in 2025 reflect a market environment that has favoured banking, industrial and commodity-linked sectors over consumption and services. Public sector banks, metals and automobiles have been the leading gainers during the year.
Defensive segments, by comparison, have delivered more modest returns. This year-to-date ranking offers a clear snapshot of sector-level trends influencing overall market performance.
Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.
Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.
Published on: Dec 19, 2025, 2:56 PM IST
Akshay Shivalkar
Akshay Shivalkar is a financial content specialist who strategises and creates SEO-optimised content on the stock market, mutual funds, and other investment products. With experience in fintech and mutual funds, he simplifies complex financial concepts to help investors make informed decisions through his writing.
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