FY26: Worst Market Returns in a Decade (Ex-COVID), But History Hints at Rebound

• FY26 is projected to be the worst year for market returns in a decade, excluding the COVID-hit year, with Nifty down nearly 5%.
• Historically, markets have never declined for two consecutive financial years in the last 22 years, suggesting a potential rebound.
• Nifty Realty, IT, and FMCG indices are the laggards, with declines of 21%, 20%, and 13% respectively.
• PSU Banks led the winners, surging 32%, followed by Nifty Metal (23%) and Nifty Auto (14%).
• Top gainers include Shriram Finance, BEL, SBI, Titan, and Eicher Motors, while Trent and TCS were major Nifty laggards.