Business / The Economic Times
Jain Irrigation Systems reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 11.19 crore for the quarter ended June 2025, an 8.5% decrease from the previous year. Despite early monsoon impacting pipe demand, the company saw revenue growth in Micro Irrigation Systems, Tissue Culture, Exports, and Solar Agri Pumps.
Sahajanand Medical Technologies (SMT) has filed for an IPO with SEBI to raise funds through an offer-for-sale of 27,644,231 equity shares. Prominent shareholders like Samara Capital and Kotak Pre-IPO Opportunities Fund will be offloading shares. A leading player in India's drug-eluting stent market, SMT boasts a 25% market share. The company's revenue increased to 1,024.
Nephrocare Health Services, known as NephroPlus, plans to raise funds through an IPO. The IPO includes fresh shares and an offer for sale. Funds will be used for new dialysis clinics and debt repayment. The company is a major dialysis services provider in Asia. It has clinics in multiple countries. ICICI Securities and other firms are managing the IPO.
IDFC First Bank's first quarter of fiscal year 2026 reveals a mixed financial performance. While the profit after tax declined by 32% year-over-year to 463 crore, the net interest income experienced a growth of 5.1%, reaching 4,933 crore. However, on a quarter-on-quarter basis, the PAT grew significantly by 52.1%.
The Nifty experienced a week of range-bound trading, closing slightly lower with a 0.53% loss. Facing resistance near the upper edge of a rising channel, the index shows signs of fatigue despite holding above its 20-week moving average. Traders should remain cautious, focusing on stock-specific strategies and protecting gains, as a decisive breakout is needed for a clear directional move.
The Nifty index is on a four-week losing streak, influenced by underwhelming Q1 earnings and global trade concerns. Nifty Bank outperformed but faces resistance. Bajaj Finance declined post-earnings. IEX is under pressure due to market coupling news. Healthcare and Pharma sectors show promise. Cipla and Apollo Hospital are likely to do well. The market needs positive global cues for recovery.
CDSL's Q1 FY26 results reveal a 23.7% YoY decline in consolidated net profit, reaching Rs 102.40 crore, while revenue from operations saw a marginal increase of 0.55% to Rs 258.81 crore. Depository activity revenue increased, but data entry and storage revenue decreased. Total expenses surged by 27.35% YoY to Rs 143.60 crore.
According to data compiled by ET Now, the performance was driven by robust activity in the Asset Management Company (AMC), Private Wealth Management (PWM), and capital market verticals.
As of the end of the June quarter, LICs portfolio comprised 277 listed equities.
While the broader market showed signs of weakness during the week, 12 stocks with a market capitalization exceeding Rs 2,500 crore consistently posted gains in each of the five sessions.
Kotak Mahindra Bank reported a 7% YoY decrease in standalone net profit for Q1FY26, reaching Rs 3,282 crore, down from Rs 3,520 crore in the previous year. The bank's net interest income (NII) saw a 6% increase, climbing to Rs 7,259 crore.
Investors should prepare for a busy week with numerous corporate actions on the horizon. Several companies, including Cosmo First, DLF, and Wipro, have scheduled dividend declarations. GTV Engineering will undergo a stock split and issue bonus shares. Additionally, Abate AS Industries plans a bonus issue, while a multitude of companies will distribute dividends throughout the week.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed reservations about recognizing a Palestinian state prematurely, arguing it could be counterproductive before its actual establishment. This stance contrasts with France's decision to recognize Palestine at the UN. Germany also indicated it has no immediate plans for recognition, prioritizing progress towards a two-state solution.
Sri Lotus Developers and Realty is launching its IPO next Wednesday, with a grey market premium of Rs 32 over the issue price of Rs 150. The company previously allotted shares at Rs 150 apiece to Bollywood celebrities like Shah Rukh Khan and Amitabh Bachchan.
Despite geopolitical tensions, global equity markets, including India's Nifty, have shown resilience. While domestic investor participation provides support, a significant breakout requires stronger earnings growth, currently facing tepid levels. India's robust macros and potential trade deal outcomes could drive future earnings recovery, particularly in the banking sector, though elevated valuations suggest patience is warranted.
Indian companies are now strategically planning for both IPOs and M&As. This dual-track approach helps maximize value and retain leadership. Regulatory changes and market volatility drive this trend. Fintech and quick commerce sectors see significant activity. Companies prepare for IPOs to attract better M&A deals. This shift marks a maturing of India's private capital ecosystem.
India's ESG bond market is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing global investor demand for sustainable assets and supportive domestic policies like SEBI's BRSR Core. Lower borrowing costs incentivize companies to raise capital more aggressively. Sectors such as renewable energy and clean transportation are leading the charge, with more Indian corporates expected to embrace ESG-linked financing.
Sobha Limited has announced impressive first-quarter results. The company's profit after tax surged by 123%. Revenue also increased by 35%. Sobha achieved its highest-ever quarterly sales value, crossing Rs 2,000 crore. New area sold increased by 23%. The company's managing director, Jagadish Nangineni, expressed optimism about sustained growth due to a strong balance sheet and stable demand.
Amagi Media Labs, a SaaS company, has filed for an IPO with Sebi. The IPO includes a fresh issue of shares and an offer for sale. The company aims to raise funds for technology, cloud infrastructure, and acquisitions. Amagi works with media companies, content providers, and advertisers. The company reported revenue growth and improved EBITDA margin.
Raghav Iyengar of 360 ONE Asset suggests tactical adjustments for investors. He recommends reducing midcap exposure and increasing investment in high-quality largecaps. HNIs and UHNIs are showing interest in REITs and InvITs for stable income. Family offices are exploring private credit and structured debt. Investors are diversifying into global markets and real assets.
Gold prices in India have surged to near-record levels, driven by a confluence of global factors. These include geopolitical tensions, central bank buying, and a depreciating rupee. Despite high prices, demand remains strong, particularly in rural areas, fueled by its safe-haven appeal and upcoming festivals and weddings, ensuring gold remains a favored asset.
Madhuri Madhusudan Kela seems to have sold her shares in Waaree Energies. Shareholding data indicates her exit from the renewable energy company. This happened after a strong rally in Waaree Energies' stock. The stock has shown significant gains recently. Kela held a 1.16% stake since its listing in October 2024. Her name is absent from the latest public shareholder list.
Among the laggards, we are putting the spotlight on 6 SME IPOs that have nosedived over 60% so far this calendar year.
Indian markets face pressure from global corrections and FPI selling. Earnings are disappointing, and valuations are high. Pharma sector rallied despite potential US tariffs. Promoters offloaded shares, but retail investors provided support. Auto sector faces challenges from weak demand and potential tariff impacts. The India-UK FTA may benefit some sectors, but implementation details are awaited.
Amidst market volatility and FII outflows, Kotak Securities' Shrikant Chouhan advises a bottom-up, value-driven investment approach. He notes retail investor enthusiasm driving IPOs, while smart money targets hospitals, digital-first firms, and capital market-linked businesses. Chouhan emphasizes caution in small and midcap stock selection, prioritizing corporate governance and business model analysis.
NSDL's upcoming IPO is set to generate substantial wealth for early institutional investors like SBI and IDBI Bank, potentially yielding returns as high as 39,900%. Driven partly by regulatory mandates requiring shareholding dilution, the IPO allows these shareholders to capitalize on their long-term investments.
Meme stock trading is now normal in US markets. Opendoor, Krispy Kreme, and GoPro saw big surges. Warnings about speculation are ignored. Crypto is going mainstream with big firms involved. Retail investors are using options more. Short-dated options trading is at a record high. Meme stock enthusiasm shows retail investors are here to stay.
President Donald Trump met Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. The meeting happened on Thursday. Trump thinks Powell may lower interest rates. Trump criticized the cost of renovating Fed buildings. Earlier, Trump called Powell a numbskull. However, Trump said he does not plan to fire Powell. The meeting was described as a good one by Trump.
Hopes rise for a US-EU trade agreement before the tariff deadline. Ursula von der Leyen and Donald Trump are expected to meet. A deal might include tariffs on EU goods, steel, and aluminum. Optimism about trade tensions has boosted US stocks. A US-Japan trade deal was struck earlier. US and China officials plan to meet next week to discuss trade.
Donald Trump's trade deadline looms, but investors remain calm. Japan and the U.S. have reached an agreement. A European Union deal is also possible. The Federal Reserve is expected to hold interest rates steady. The Bank of Japan is considering rate hikes. Euro zone data is coming this week.
U.S. stock market faces a potentially volatile week with a looming tariff deadline, a Federal Reserve meeting, and key earnings reports from major companies like Apple, Microsoft, and Amazon. Despite recent record highs and low volatility, concerns remain about high valuations and the possible return of meme stock trading. Investors are also awaiting the U.S.
Rajesh Palviya of Axis Securities anticipates further market weakness, especially if Nifty stays below 25,000. He suggests that a break below 24,800 could lead to a decline towards 24,700-24,600.
The S&P 500 and Nasdaq reached record highs, fueled by optimism for a U.S.-EU trade deal and strong earnings from companies like Deckers Outdoor. Intel's disappointing forecast led to a stock decline, while investors await the Federal Reserve's decision on interest rates amid trade concerns.
Governor Malhotra praised US Fed Chair Jerome Powell's efforts to uphold the central bank's independence amidst political pressure. Malhotra highlighted Powell's commitment to this principle, noting the widespread support he received from global finance leaders at a recent international gathering. This endorsement underscores the importance of central bank autonomy in maintaining economic stability.
The variable rate reverse repo auction saw strong demand. Banks chose to deposit funds with the Reserve Bank of India. This happened amidst a decrease in overnight money market rates. The central bank intervened to maintain rates around the policy repo rate. Lower auction size and liquidity expectations drove higher participation. The weighted average call rate also experienced a decline.
Bajaj Finance shares experienced a 4.7% drop on Friday due to analysts' concerns about asset quality pressures within the MSME sector following the first-quarter results. JP Morgan anticipates potential negative earnings revisions stemming from downside risks to growth guidance and emerging stress in the MSME portfolio. UBS's price target even suggests a possible downside of 18%.
Indian equity indices experienced a nearly 1% decline on Friday, marking the fourth consecutive week of losses, influenced by disappointing earnings from major companies and cautious sentiment in Asian markets. The NSE Nifty concluded at 24,837.00, while the BSE Sensex closed at 81,463.09. Investors are also showing concern about the potential impact of the India-US trade deal.
Indian electronics companies are now eager to collaborate with Chinese firms. This follows the government's approval of Dixon Technologies' joint venture. Epack Durable and others are considering similar partnerships. The move signals a potential easing of restrictions on Chinese investment. This is crucial for India's electronics component manufacturing scheme.
The India-UK free trade agreement lacks provisions for Britain's proposed Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Officials stated that if the UK implements CBAM in the future, India reserves the right to implement measures to mitigate its impact on domestic exports. This understanding, formalized in a note verbale, allows India to counterbalance any trade disadvantages arising from the UK's CBAM.
India and the UK have agreed to negotiate mutual recognition agreements to facilitate the movement of professionals like nurses, accountants, and architects to Britain within 36 months. As part of the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, Britain will allow business visitors and intra-corporate transferees, including partners and dependents, with assured mobility regime.
Goldman Sachs bought nearly 9 lakh Authum Investment shares for Rs 200 crore at a 20% discount. Despite recent volatility, the stock remains a strong multibagger performer.
Orient Cement Ltd, now part of billionaire Gautam Adani-led Adani Group, on Friday reported a multi-fold jump in its net profit to Rs 205.37 crore for the first quarter ended June 2025.
country's largest steel maker, on Friday reported a multi-fold rise in consolidated net profit at Rs 744.58 crore in the quarter ended June 2025 on the back of improved operational efficiency, better cash flow and strong growth in sales volume.
Indias 10-year bond yields rose to 6.37% after RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra emphasized price stability, cooling hopes of an August rate cut despite low inflation data.
Tata Chemicals on Friday reported an 80.57 per cent increase in consolidated profit after tax (PAT) to Rs 316 crore for the quarter ended June 30.
Petronet LNG Ltd, India's largest gas importer, on Friday reported a 25 per cent drop in its June quarter net profit, and said it will invest Rs 6,355 crore in setting up a new import facility at Odisha.
The Labour Ministry announces the PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana will begin August 1, 2025. The scheme aims to create over 3.5 crore jobs. It focuses on first-time employees and incentivizes employers. First-timers get EPF wage support. Employers receive incentives for new hires. The scheme targets job creation across sectors, especially manufacturing. Payments will be made through direct benefit transfer.
Tamilnad Mercantile Bank reported a 6% YoY rise in Q1 net profit to 305 crore, aided by sharply lower provisions, despite a 12% fall in operating profit. NII and other income remained nearly flat, while asset quality improved.