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The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) wrapped up 5,636 complaints last December via its SCORES platform, an online grievance redressal system designed to assist investors. Despite addressing a significant number of issues, 5,383 complaints remained unresolved by the end of the month, highlighting the continuous flow of grievances in the capital markets. According to SEBI’s data, 5,193 new complaints were registered in December, adding to the 5,826 pending cases as of November 30, 2024. This brought the total number of complaints to 11,019 for the month. The regulator reported that the average resolution time for Action Taken Reports (ATRs) was eight days, while complaints escalated to the first-level review were resolved in an average of five days, reflecting the improvements under the upgraded SCORES 2.0 system. SCORES 2.0, introduced in April 2024, automates the complaint-forwarding process, giving entities 21 days to submit an ATR to the investor. If the investor is dissatisfied, they can initiate a first-level review within 15 days. Further dissatisfaction allows escalation to a second-level review, following similar timelines. Additionally, SEBI offers an Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) mechanism for faster conflict resolution. However, some complaints have lingered. SEBI disclosed that six cases, involving entities like DFM Foods Ltd, Smartowner Services India Pvt Ltd, and Nikhil Dayanand Baljekar, have been pending for over three months as of December-end.

Shares of Nazara Technologies surged 4% in intraday trading today, reaching ₹938, as the gaming and sports media giant announced an exciting new venture. After hitting a day’s low earlier, the stock rebounded sharply, gaining 6% from its bottom. The reason is that regulatory filing revealed that Nazara’s subsidiary, Fusebox Games, is teaming up with Banijay Rights to launch the first-ever Bigg Boss Interactive Fiction Game. In parallel, Fusebox Games is also developing a Big Brother Interactive Fiction Game, capitalizing on the global appeal of the Big Brother format. Nazara Technologies, which has diversified operations spanning eSports, early learning, and skill-based gaming, has been on a recovery arc. After a challenging period marked by struggles in Ad-Tech, subscriber losses in Kiddopia, and regulatory pressures on Real Money Gaming, the company appears poised for growth. Analysts expect headwinds to ease, projecting a 19.6% top-line CAGR over the next two years. The integration of recent acquisitions like Space & Time and the strategic development of IP partnerships are expected to fuel this growth. Despite a 45% rally in the past nine months, Nazara’s shares remain 44.5% below their October 2021 all-time high of ₹1,678. However, the stock’s recent momentum and its promising ventures—like the Bigg Boss gaming project—signal a potential turnaround for the company, rekindling investor confidence in its long-term prospects.

Innova Captab shares have extended their losing streak for the sixth consecutive session, shedding nearly 18% during this period. This decline mirrors growing concerns about market overvaluation and potential corrections, as flagged by multiple analysts. Despite the recent slump, the company announced a major milestone – the commencement of commercial production at its advanced manufacturing facility in Kathua, Jammu. This new facility, established with an investment of over ₹450 crores. The addition brings Innova Captab’s total manufacturing facilities to five, housing nine separate blocks. The company also stands to benefit from the Central Government’s ‘New Central Sector Scheme,’ which provides attractive incentives like a 6% annual Capital Interest Subvention and a GST-linked incentive worth 300% of the plant and machinery investment over 10 years. Despite this positive update, Innova Captab shares fell over 4% in today’s trading, opening at ₹1,059.30 on the BSE before hitting an intraday low of ₹996.65. From its IPO price of ₹448, the stock has delivered a remarkable 124% return, earning its status as a multibagger. However, after peaking at ₹1,260, the stock has entered a corrective phase, forming a Bearish Engulfing pattern last week. This technical indicator, coupled with a negative RSI crossover, signals waning bullish momentum and a shift to bearish sentiment.

HDFC Life Insurance has delivered a robust performance in Q3FY25, reporting a 15% year-on-year rise in consolidated net profit to ₹421.31 crore, up from ₹367.54 crore in the same period last year. The insurer’s net premium income also climbed 10% to ₹16,832 crore, compared to ₹15,273 crore in Q3FY24, driven by an impressive 24% jump in individual annual premium equivalent (APE). On a sequential basis, however, profit after tax (PAT) dipped slightly by 3.2% from ₹435.18 crore reported in the previous quarter. Net premium income, in contrast, saw a 13% quarter-on-quarter growth, reflecting solid underlying business momentum. Assets under management (AUM) surged 18% year-over-year to ₹3.3 lakh crore, while persistency ratios improved markedly, with the 13th-month ratio at 87% and the 61st-month ratio at 61%. The solvency ratio remained healthy at 188%, comfortably above the regulatory benchmark of 150%. HDFC Life also highlighted its extensive distribution network, which includes over 240,000 agents, making it one of the top three private insurers by agency strength. The company’s bancassurance partnerships—spanning 90 banks—along with ties to NBFCs and digital ecosystems, further extend its market reach. With a diversified product portfolio, HDFC Life’s offerings are well-balanced: unit-linked products comprise 37% of individual APE, non-par savings 35%, and protection products 6%. This strategic mix positions the insurer to cater to a broad spectrum of customer needs, sustaining its market leadership in the competitive private insurance sector.

Welspun Corporation shares surged over 5% in early trading on Wednesday, propelled by the announcement of a strategic partnership with Saudi Aramco. The stock opened at ₹749.50 on the BSE, already 2.7% higher than the previous close of ₹729.70, and climbed to an intraday high of ₹775.15, marking gains of more than 6%. The market excitement followed Welspun’s announcement post-market hours on Tuesday about signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Saudi Aramco to establish a cutting-edge LSAW  line pipe manufacturing facility. The plant, set to be located in Dammam’s 3rd Industrial City, will have an annual production capacity of 350,000 metric tons and is expected to be operational by mid-2026. Welspun’s collaboration with Saudi Aramco underscores the company’s strategic role as a global leader in line pipe manufacturing. For nearly two decades, Welspun has been a trusted supplier to Saudi Aramco, contributing to numerous oil and gas pipeline projects in the Kingdom. This new facility will cater to Saudi Aramco’s future needs in oil, gas, hydrogen transmission, and carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), aligning with the energy giant’s evolving focus on sustainability and innovation. With this partnership, Welspun is poised to solidify its position in the global pipeline industry while playing a pivotal role in Saudi Arabia’s energy infrastructure advancements.

The Indian stock market is trudging through a storm of slowing growth, foreign outflows, and global uncertainty. The stakes couldn’t be higher as all eyes turn to the Union Budget 2025, a fiscal lifeline that could steady investor nerves. With Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman ready to unveil the Modi 3.0 government’s second full-fledged budget on February 1, expectations are running high for a mix of growth and fiscal prudence. Tax reform chatter is heating up, with experts calling for income tax relief, rationalized capital gains taxes, and tweaks to deduction limits like Sections 54 and 54F. These moves could free up consumer spending power and energize economic momentum. Analysts eyeing market-friendly shifts, such as restoring lower STT rates for futures and options or slashing the 15% capital gains tax to invigorate short-term trading. But their vision isn’t all markets—rural job initiatives, renewable energy incentives, and support for small businesses could tackle structural challenges while planting seeds for long-term resilience. Capital expenditure will remain a key talking point. Topping ₹2.95 trillion in capex could signal a bold stance, though rising debt-to-GDP and interest costs might push the government toward BOT and HAM projects over capital-intensive EPC models. Whether it’s tax overhauls, infrastructure pushes, or renewable energy incentives, Budget 2025 isn’t just a document—it’s a statement of intent. And with markets teetering, the right moves could spark a much-needed rally.

Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail is stepping into 2025 with a sweeping fundraising plan, ready to reel in a hefty ₹2,378.75 crore through the issuance of equity shares. This move, aimed at injecting fresh capital for growth, isn’t just about numbers—it’s a strategic push to solidify the company’s market position amid a dynamic retail landscape. The plan includes two parallel equity issuances. First, a preferential allotment to the promoter group at ₹317.45 per share, bringing in ₹1,297.5 crore. This price tag carries a premium that underlines the promoter’s confidence in the company’s trajectory. Next, institutional buyers will get their slice at ₹272.37 per share, raising another ₹1,081.25 crore. Both moves hinge on regulatory and shareholder approval, with an Extraordinary General Meeting set for February 13 to seal the deal. The stock market reaction, however, has been less enthusiastic. Shares dipped 2.5% to ₹263.40, extending a tough run after an 11% slide in December. For ABFRL, this isn’t just a financial exercise—it’s a declaration of intent. With fresh capital in its arsenal, the company is gearing up to navigate challenges and seize opportunities in India’s fast-evolving retail sector. Investors might still be watching cautiously, but the script for a rebound could already be in motion.

Minda Corp is riding high, with shares climbing 5.5% on Wednesday as the company unveiled its plan to acquire a 49% stake in Flash Electronics for ₹1,372 crore. The stock, opening at ₹547.95 on the BSE, surged to an intraday high of ₹571.80 before settling slightly lower. This all-cash deal, set to close by January 31, 2025, marks a pivotal step in Minda’s growth strategy. The partnership promises more than just equity—it’s a calculated push to fuse Flash Electronics’ cutting-edge automotive components with Minda’s diverse portfolio of mechatronics, connected systems, and interiors. With Flash boasting eight global production units and three R&D hubs, the synergies are clear – deeper market penetration, tech innovation, and a broader product lineup for both companies. The firm posted a 25.42% rise in profit after tax for Q2 FY25, hitting ₹74 crore, fueled by stronger client ties and product diversification. Revenue also grew by 7.9% year-on-year to ₹1,290 crore, while EBITDA margins reached a record high of 11.4%. This acquisition positions Minda to solidify its foothold across the automotive spectrum, from two-wheelers to commercial trucks. As Flash Electronics brings high-performance components like motor controllers and sensors to the table, the duo aims to redefine industry standards.

Once a guaranteed ticket to stock market buzz, Nvidia’s magic touch seems to be losing some of its shine. Samsung Electronics shot up over 3% last Wednesday after Nvidia’s founder Jensen Huang praised its memory-chip prowess, and MediaTek flirted with record highs on news of their CES collaboration. Yet, both stocks have since retreated by 6%, and even Nvidia’s shares are down 12% following Huang’s keynote at CES. The tech sector is navigating a maze of geopolitical tension, restrictive US export policies on AI chips, and shifting investor priorities. Some believe Nvidia’s golden era of dominance might face stiffer competition this year. Still, it’s not time to count Nvidia out. The stock hit an all-time high just before its recent dip. SKC’s shares are up over 50% this year, leading emerging market indices, largely due to speculation surrounding its ties to Huang. But the AI trade is evolving. Companies like Broadcom and Marvell Technology are emerging as new champions, outpacing Nvidia’s gains recently with their own advancements.

Shoppers Stop shares are turning heads, surging 10.8% on Wednesday to hit ₹688 on the BSE. A stellar 41% jump in quarterly profit, marking a big comeback after two straight loss-making quarters. Turns out, the festive season was a goldmine, with shoppers splurging on high-end watches, perfumes, and handbags like there was no tomorrow. For the quarter ending December 31, the department store chain clocked a net profit of ₹522.3 million, up from ₹368.5 million a year ago. Revenue from operations climbed 11% to ₹13.79 billion, with premium products stealing the show—now making up a solid 64% of total revenue, up 9% year-on-year. The company also went on an expansion spree, adding 16 new stores, including 9 INTUNE outlets and 6 SS Beauty stores, pouring ₹53 crore into this growth. With wedding season just around the corner and premiumization continuing to be a hot trend, Shoppers Stop is eyeing even more gains in the coming quarters. Market sentiment is riding high, with analysts setting an average target price of ₹767. Half of them are giving the stock a thumbs-up, expecting the premium product wave to keep driving sales.