Can Nifty 50 end 2026 on a high after a brutal first half? Top sectors and stocks that could deliver solid gains

The Nifty 50 dropped almost 9% in the first half of calendar year 2026, with IT majors Infosys, TCS, Wipro and HCLTech plunging 34-38% amid Middle East conflict, elevated crude prices, persistent FPI outflows, rupee weakness and weak earnings. Brokerages including ICICI Securities, HDFC Securities, Religare Broking and Master Capital Services expect a second-half rebound, citing easing geopolitical risks, crude cooling, rupee stabilisation, bottoming FPI selling and Nifty trading at around 20 times FY27 EPS. Banking, oil & gas, infrastructure, automobiles, capital goods, defence, power and renewables are flagged as well-positioned sectors, while IT remains the laggard.