Markets / The Economic Times
2025 has defied conventional market trends, with safe assets outperforming riskier ones. Gold surged nearly 50%, while equities remained volatile following a three-year bull run. After peaking in September 2024, markets corrected multiple times, including during the Indo-Pak skirmish. With the Sensex up just 7% over one year, investors now face crucial decisions on short-term asset allocation.
Jefferies anticipates a strong earnings recovery for Indian companies. The firm expects growth to accelerate from the second half of FY26 through FY27. Cement and telecom sectors are projected to lead this rebound with significant growth rates. This positive outlook follows a challenging period marked by various economic headwinds.
India's food delivery and quick commerce sectors face cost adjustments due to new gig worker regulations. Analysts anticipate a modest financial impact, unlikely to derail long-term investment theses for major platforms like Zomato and Swiggy. Companies have largely prepared for these changes, with costs potentially shared across customers, restaurants, and operational efficiencies.
Indian investor portfolios experienced significant declines in the July-September quarter. Many top investors saw double-digit drops as markets turned volatile. Ashish Dhawan's portfolio fell the most, down 29%. However, some investors like Nemish Shah and Vijay Kedia saw their portfolios grow. Market indices also reflected this weakness during the period.
Gallard Steels IPO allotment concludes today after extraordinary demand, with subscription touching record levels across categories. Strong GMP indicates optimism for listing gains, though allotment is expected to be extremely tight. The companys rapid financial growth and specialised engineering capabilities add to investor interest ahead of its BSE SME debut.
TeamLease Services shares surged 11% to Rs 1,840.65 on the BSE following the November 21 implementation of Indias new labour codes. The reforms, including the Code on Social Security, 2020, are expected to accelerate the shift from unorganised to organised employment, boosting demand for staffing firms. Compliance-driven companies like TeamLease stand to gain from higher revenue opportunities in workforce management.
India's new labor code, effective November 21, imposes a new cost burden on food delivery giants Swiggy and Eternal, potentially impacting margins by up to 70 basis points. The regulation mandates contributions to a social security fund for gig workers, leading to an estimated financial hit for both companies and potential stock volatility as investors assess the impact.
Domestic equities hold firm above 26,000, buoyed by strong quarterly earnings and consumption trends. Market participants anticipate policy easing in India and the US, alongside a potential US tariff agreement. While large-caps show resilience, mid and small-caps are undergoing a necessary valuation reset.
The Reserve Bank of India has stepped in to support the rupee. The currency faced pressure after crossing a key level. The RBI sold dollars to stabilize the rupee. This action helped lift market sentiment. Bankers noted the rupee's weakness was due to high dollar demand. A trade deal between India and the US could help.
Indias solar sector has been a stock market powerhouse, with panel makers, developers and EPC players delivering massive returns amid a clean energy push and rapid manufacturing expansion. KPI Green, Borosil Renewables, Tata Power and Adani Green have surged sharply, while standout performer Waaree Renewable Technologies delivered over 60,000% returns. Websol Energy and Solar Industries India also posted multibagger gains.
NBCCs shares gained after the company secured multiple new project orders across Tamil Nadu, Agra, and Jharkhand. Strong yearly gains, premium valuations, and bullish technical indicators support sentiment. Order inflows, stable momentum, and sustained sector demand continue to reinforce investor confidence in the companys growth outlook.
Growws parent, Billionbrains Garage Ventures, rebounded after a sharp fall, supported by strong profitability, high margins and rapid scalability. Despite steep valuations and potential regulatory risks, demand remains firm due to digital dominance and efficient operations. Investor enthusiasm follows heavy FOMO-driven post-listing gains and strong institutional interest during the IPO.
Shares of Karnataka Bank surged after a stake purchase by Aditya Kumar Halwasia, the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Cupid Ltd.
Indian IT major shares, including Infosys, Tech Mahindra, HCL Tech, and TCS rallied after US Federal Reserve official John Williams indicated that interest rates could fall in the near term. These remarks significantly boosted expectations for a December policy easing (rate cut) by the US Fed.
Indian markets concluded the week on a positive note, extending their upward trend. The Nifty experienced a narrow trading range but closed with net gains. While volatility increased, the broader trend remains bullish, supported by strong technical indicators and positive sector rotation. Investors are advised to remain selectively optimistic, with key support and resistance levels identified for the upcoming week.
Investors are turning cautious toward year-end as uncertainty over potential Federal Reserve rate cuts and stretched AI-related valuations weigh on markets. Recent volatility has returned, major indexes have pulled back from recent highs, and tech stocks are driving the decline. While December is historically strong, sentiment may remain subdued until clearer Fed guidance emerges.
UBS has initiated coverage on Shaily Engineering Plastics with a Buy rating and a target price of Rs 4,000, citing strong growth prospects driven by its patented technology, upcoming GLP-1 generic launch, and improving utilisation across consumer and industrial segments. The brokerage expects robust earnings growth and market share gains supported by high entry barriers and favourable trade conditions.
Axis Securities remains constructive on real estate, backed by rising pre-sales, stronger balance sheets and premium housing momentum. Its top picks include Prestige Estates Projects and Signature Global, both beneficiaries of sustained demand recovery and aggressive expansion plans.
Fed officials are split after Octobers rate cut, with some pushing for further easing due to labour-market weakness while others warn of renewed inflation risks. Upcoming data will decide whether rates are cut again or held steady.
Indian government bonds saw a slight recovery on Monday. This followed a sharp reversal in the local currency, the Rupee, which had hit a record low. The Reserve Bank of India likely intervened to support the Rupee. Bond yields are closely watching the RBI's strategy on liquidity and yields. Economic growth data for the July-September quarter is also anticipated.
Indian markets may stay range-bound for the next six months as valuations remain stretched and earnings growth stays muted, says JM Financials Venkatesh Balasubramaniam. While FIIs continue selling, strong domestic flows are supporting indices. FY27 could deliver stronger earnings, led by banks and consumption. Investors are advised to stay selective and watch for more attractive valuations.
Global markets are on edge ahead of the Federal Reserve's December meeting, with investor sentiment heavily influenced by mixed economic data and shifting interest rate expectations. A dovish comment from the New York Fed President briefly lifted equities, but concerns remain that rate cut expectations may outpace actual data, especially with key labor reports missing.
The U.S. economy took an $11 billion hit from the prolonged government shutdown, but officials remain optimistic about strong growth in 2026 as inflation eases, energy prices fall, and new tax and trade measures support demand. A temporary slowdown is expected in the near term, but improving housing data and policy actions point to a stronger year ahead.
Gold and silver prices saw a dip on Monday. A strong US dollar pressured the precious metals. International gold prices also slipped. This was due to the dollar nearing a six-month peak. Expectations of a December interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve are fading. US job growth data reinforced this view.
HAL shares plunged after a Tejas fighter jet, manufactured by the company, crashed during a demonstration at the Dubai Air Show, resulting in the death of Wing Commander Namansh Syal.
Reliance Industries is staging its strongest rally since 2020, with the stock up over 26% in 2025 and adding Rs 4.4 lakh crore in market value. Now near the Rs 21-lakh crore mark and at a fresh 52-week high, the surge is driven by rising refining margins, telecom tariff hikes, strong retail momentum and multiple value-unlocking triggers across its businesses.
BSE shares have jumped 15% in the past month and now sit just 6% below their record high of Rs 3,030. The stock has rebounded nearly 50% from its late-September low as concerns over possible F&O curbs eased. After sliding sharply due to regulatory uncertainty, the exchange has staged a strong comeback, drawing renewed investor attention.
Indian equities surged on Monday, November 24, driven by strong performances in IT and bank stocks. The S&P BSE Sensex opened 88 points higher, while the NSE Nifty 50 also saw an upward trend. However, auto stocks experienced a decline at the session's start.
Indian pharmaceutical stocks, including Lupin, Shilpa Medicare, and Natco Pharma, are under scrutiny following recent USFDA inspections at their manufacturing sites. These audits yielded regulatory observations, prompting companies to address the findings. Alkem Laboratories, however, reported no critical issues from a separate Armenian health ministry audit at its Sikkim facility.
TCS shares may be in focus after the company reported an adverse US appellate court ruling in a trade secrets case filed by CSC, now part of DXC. The court upheld $194 million in damages but vacated an injunction, allowing TCS to continue operations. The company is reviewing the verdict, exploring legal options and will make accounting provisions as required.
HG Infra shares: The company, in joint venture with Kalpataru Projects, has become the L-1 bidder for a 1,415 crore Maharashtra Metro Rail project. HG Infra will execute 40% of the work, while Kalpataru will handle the remaining 60%.
Indian government bonds are set for a quiet start on Monday. The Indian rupee's new record low is a major concern. Investors are watching the currency's movement closely. Upcoming economic data will also be a key focus. The Reserve Bank of India's actions on liquidity and bond yields are under scrutiny.
Indias Q2 earnings have strengthened market sentiment, but Marcellus Investment Managers Rakshit Ranjan says the next market rally will be selective, not broad-based. Autos, discretionary consumption, and healthcare look attractive, while cyclicals, banks and real estate face valuation risks. With GST cuts and a possible USIndia trade deal, investors must focus on sector-specific opportunities.
Sudeep Pharmas Rs 895-crore IPO has seen strong early interest, already oversubscribed on Day 1 with robust demand from retail and NII investors. A rising grey-market premium hints at positive listing expectations. Backed by strong financial growth, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and favourable sector tailwinds, the issue appeals to long-term investors.
Indias consumption trends are shifting as Q3 demand shows revival in value fashion and jewellery, supported by GST cuts and festive buying, says JM Financials Gaurav Jogani. While premium apparel and QSRs remain weak, jewellery sees strong value-led growth despite soaring gold prices. Recovery in QSR volumes will be gradual, with mid-premium brands facing the biggest pressure.
India's equity markets are poised for growth after a year of consolidation, with valuations normalizing and earnings momentum improving. Edelweiss Mutual Fund anticipates 2026 could initiate an earnings upgrade cycle, driven by domestic consumption, financials, and government infrastructure spending.
PSU bank stocks are showing signs of exhaustion after a strong rally, with indicators like Shooting Star candles and MACD crossovers suggesting a potential pullback. Investors are advised to wait for dips before turning bullish again. Nifty Bank also witnessed an evening star formation, hinting at possible downside moves.
As of November 21, five Nifty500 stocks closed more than 1.5% below their VWAP levels, signalling potential bearish pressure. A close below VWAP indicates the stock ended the session below its volume-weighted average price, often reflecting rising selling interest and weakening intraday sentiment.
InterGlobe Aviation, the parent company of IndiGo, will join the 30-stock Sensex benchmark replacing Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles from December 22. This inclusion signifies aviation's entry into the index, replacing automobiles, and is expected to trigger portfolio realignments among index-tracking funds.
Tata Power is set to be a key stock on Monday following the signing of agreements for Bhutan's massive Rs 13,100-crore Dorjilung Hydroelectric Power Project. The company will invest Rs 1,572 crore in this 1,125 MW project, a significant Indo-Bhutan energy collaboration aiming for commissioning by September 2031, with 80% power to be supplied to India.
Kotak Mahindra Bank shares will be in focus following the board's approval for a 1:5 stock split. This move aims to make shares more affordable and boost market participation, especially from retail investors. The bank has not yet announced the record date for this corporate action. Recent quarterly results showed profit in line with estimates, with net interest income rising.
As of November 21, seven stocks in the NSE F&O segment recorded a strong rise in futures open interest, signalling increased derivatives participation and expanding trader positions. Astral, Blue Star, Eicher Motors, Zydus Lifesciences, PI Industries, IRCTC and Titagarh Rail Systems posted double-digit OI gains, indicating heightened market activity.
Adani Green Energy shares could see heightened activity as TotalEnergies considers selling up to 6% of its stake. The French energy giant aims to capitalize on the significant valuation surge since its 2021 investment, potentially realizing substantial gains from its nearly 19% holding.
Four Nifty500 stocks showed strengthening momentum on 21 November as their RSI values crossed above 50 from lower levels. This shift typically signals early bullish intent and building accumulation, helping traders identify emerging opportunities in the early stages of a potential upward trend supported by improving price strength.

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