The Economic Times

Indian markets ended higher as buying in financials, IT and metals offset weakness in auto and FMCG stocks. Adani Enterprises, Axis Bank, BPCL and Apex Frozen Foods gained, while Asian Paints, auto stocks and Sula Vineyards declined.

Axis Securities expects a weak Nifty trend this week and recommends buying APL Apollo while advising sells on IEX and Hero MotoCorp based on bearish technical signals.

Jefferies has cut its price target on Paytm to Rs 1,450 after removing PIDF incentives from estimates, trimming EBITDA forecasts for FY27 and FY28. Despite the downgrade, the brokerage maintained its Buy rating, citing strong core business traction.

Auto stocks fell sharply as investors reacted to reports that the India EU free trade agreement could significantly lower import tariffs on European cars. Concerns over increased competition weighed on shares of Mahindra, Tata Motors, Hyundai and Maruti Suzuki.

Gold and silver prices hit fresh lifetime highs on the MCX amid strong safe haven demand, geopolitical tensions and a weaker dollar. Analysts see continued volatility, with bullion expected to remain firm and buying on dips advised.

Citi has upgraded Axis Bank to Buy from Neutral and raised its target price to Rs 1,463 from Rs 1,323, citing strong core earnings and improved return metrics, with RoA at 1.5%.

Waaree Renewable Technologies shares are in focus after its board approved acquiring a 55% stake in Associated Power Structures Limited for Rs 1,225 crore, a move expected to strengthen its power infrastructure presence and act as a near term stock trigger.

We have collated a list of recommendations from top brokerage firms from ETNow and other sources.

Greenko Energy Holdings secured 4,800 crore from NaBFID. This funding will retire dollar bonds maturing soon. The loan is for 38 special purpose vehicles with 1 GW renewable capacity. Greenko plans to use the funds for bond redemption this week. The company has a net installed capacity of 11 GW across India. Fitch recently downgraded Greenko's rating citing project delays.

Markets anticipate a rebound early in the shortened week following news of potential tariff removal on India. Despite oversold conditions, a sustained bounce hinges on reduced foreign institutional selling. Analysts identify key support and resistance zones, with a durable sentiment improvement requiring the index to reclaim higher bands.

Retail investors have stayed committed to Indian markets through multiple crises, but their confidence must be continually reinforced as savings grow. Taxation, especially STT, CTT, and capital gains, adds friction and makes India less competitive globally. Predictable, rational tax policy and long-term support for mutual funds are crucial to sustain domestic capital formation. Higher capex, especially in defence and infrastructure, is essential for long-term growth.

The US Federal Reserve is widely expected to keep interest rates unchanged when it meets in the coming week, holding firm despite President Donald Trump's pressure to slash levels as it guards against threats to its independence. - External pressure - The Fed meets eight times a year to consider interest rate levels, and Michael Pearce of Oxford Economics said the dilemma it faces has eased.