As the markets prepare for the Muhurat trading session marking the start of Samvat 2082, data from the past decade shows that the Diwali trading hour has largely been positive for Indian equities. The Nifty 50 has averaged a 0.4% gain, while the Nifty Midcap and Nifty Smallcap indices have delivered even stronger average returns of 0.5% and 0.8%, respectively, over the last ten years.
Muhurat trading performance: Nifty in the last 10 years
2024 (Nov 1, Friday): +0.4%
2023 (Nov 12, Sunday): +0.5%
2022 (Oct 24, Monday): +0.9%
2021 (Nov 4, Thursday): +0.5%
2020 (Nov 14, Saturday): +0.5%
2019 (Oct 27, Sunday): +0.4%
2018 (Nov 7, Wednesday): +0.7%
2017 (Oct 19, Thursday): –0.6%
2016 (Oct 30, Sunday): –0.1%
2015 (Nov 11, Wednesday): +0.5%
→ 10-year average: +0.4%
Muhurat trading performance: Nifty Midcap in the last 10 years
2024 (Nov 1, Friday): +0.7%
2023 (Nov 12, Sunday): +0.6%
2022 (Oct 24, Monday): +0.5%
2021 (Nov 4, Thursday): +0.8%
2020 (Nov 14, Saturday): +0.5%
2019 (Oct 27, Sunday): +0.7%
2018 (Nov 7, Wednesday): +0.8%
2017 (Oct 19, Thursday): –0.4%
2016 (Oct 30, Sunday): +0.5%
2015 (Nov 11, Wednesday): 0.0%
→ 10-year average: +0.5%
Muhurat trading performance: Nifty Smallcap in the last 10 years
2024 (Nov 1, Friday): +1.0%
2023 (Nov 12, Sunday): +1.1%
2022 (Oct 24, Monday): +0.9%
2021 (Nov 4, Thursday): +1.3%
2020 (Nov 14, Saturday): +0.8%
2019 (Oct 27, Sunday): +1.1%
2018 (Nov 7, Wednesday): +0.8%
2017 (Oct 19, Thursday): –0.1%
2016 (Oct 30, Sunday): +0.8%
2015 (Nov 11, Wednesday): 0.0%
→ 10-year average: +0.8%
Consistent festive optimism
Historically, Muhurat trading — a symbolic one-hour session held on Diwali — has reflected positive investor sentiment. Out of the last ten sessions, markets closed in the green in eight years for the Nifty, while midcap and smallcap segments outperformed with stronger gains.
Experts note that the session, though short, often sets a positive tone for the new Samvat year. The tradition of buying equities on this day is driven by optimism and cultural belief in auspicious beginnings, with investors favouring sectors such as banking, consumer goods, and infrastructure.
With the Nifty averaging 0.4%, Midcap 0.5%, and Smallcap 0.8% gains over the last decade, historical data underscores that the Diwali Muhurat session has generally rewarded investors with festive cheer and market positivity.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not a recommendation to buy or sell any securities. Historical performance may not guarantee future returns.
