Key economic indicators
Actual on 16:00 on January 06
World economic indicators
|
Stocks
|
Change
|
|---|---|
|
🇮🇳 Nifty 50
|
- 1.62%
|
|
🇮🇳 Sensex
|
- 1.59%
|
|
🇮🇳 India VIX
|
+ 14.83%
|
|
🇺🇸 S&P 500
|
+ 0.99%
|
|
🇺🇸 Nasdaq
|
+ 1.76 %
|
|
🇺🇸 Dow Jones
|
+ 0.78%
|
|
🇪🇺 Euro Stoxx
|
+ 2.35%
|
|
🇨🇳 China A50
|
- 0.37%
|
|
🇨🇳 DJ Shanghai
|
- 0.19%
|
|
🇬🇧 FTSE 100
|
+ 0.31%
|
|
🇯🇵 Nikkei 225
|
- 1.47%
|
|
🇮🇩 IDX Composite
|
- 1.17%
|
|
🇸🇦 Tadawul All Share
|
+ 0.29%
|
Top Gainers on Indian Stock Market
|
Stocks
|
Change
|
|---|---|
|
Tata Motors
|
+ 3.06%
|
|
Bajaj Auto
|
+ 2.34%
|
|
Axis Bank
|
+ 1.56%
|
|
Maruti Suzuki india
|
+ 1.51%
|
|
SBI Life Insurance Company
|
+ 1.17%
|
Top Losers on Indian Stock Market
|
Stocks
|
Change
|
|---|---|
|
Adani Ports & Special Economic Zone
|
- 1.41%
|
|
Cipla
|
- 1.39%
|
|
Bharti Airtel
|
- 1.08%
|
|
HDFC Life Insurance Company
|
- 1.03%
|
|
Asian Paints
|
- 0.92%
|
News
RBL Bank’s Stock Gains Amid Positive Deposit Growth
RBL Bank shares added a spark to Monday’s trading, closing at ₹166.80, up 2.46%. Investors seemed buoyed by the bank’s upbeat December quarter business update, marking three consecutive days of gains and a 5.6% rise for January so far. Here’s what caught everyone’s attention: RBL Bank’s deposits surged 15% year-on-year to ₹92,746 crore. While that’s an impressive climb, a 1% dip compared to the previous quarter raised some eyebrows. What really stood out was the spike in high-value deposits, those above ₹3 crore, which jumped 30% year-on-year. Retail deposits under ₹3 crore now make up just over half of the total, signaling a steady push toward granular deposits. On the lending side, retail advances soared 20% year-on-year, led by a remarkable 37% growth in secured retail loans. Wholesale lending saw a modest 5% increase, though commercial banking advances within that category grew a healthier 21%. While December’s microfinance collection efficiency nudged upward to 98.4%, the bank still faces the shadows of its September quarter. Back then, a 24% drop in profit and a shrinking net interest margin of 5.04% spooked markets. Higher slippages in credit cards and microfinance led to a 69% jump in provisions, dampening the stock’s appeal and causing a steep two-month decline. Today’s uptick suggests renewed confidence, but with mixed signals on growth and profitability, investors will be keenly watching the Q4FY25 results for clarity on the bank’s longer-term trajectory.
PSU Bank Stocks Take a Beating After Underwhelming Updates
Public sector banking stocks faced a tough crowd today, with the Nifty PSU Bank index sinking 4.30% to a six-week low of 6,334. The weekend’s business updates from state-owned lenders failed to spark any optimism, leaving investors unimpressed and dumping shares across the board. Union Bank of India took the biggest hit, diving 8% after revealing a lackluster performance. Deposits edged up just 3.8% year-on-year to ₹12.16 lakh crore in the December quarter, while advances crawled up by 5.9% to ₹9.49 lakh crore. Sequentially, deposits even dipped by 2%, further denting sentiment. Other players like Bank of Baroda and UCO Bank managed to post more respectable numbers. Bank of Baroda reported a 9.23% rise in domestic deposits and an 11.82% bump in global deposits, while UCO Bank showcased a robust 16.20% year-on-year growth in total advances. Yet, these weren’t enough to calm nerves, with losses between 4% and 6% hitting most PSU bank stocks, from Canara Bank to Punjab National Bank. Even the Bank of India, which delivered double-digit growth in both gross advances (up 15.31%) and total deposits (up 12.29%), couldn’t escape the sell-off. Its total business climbed 13.63% year-on-year to ₹14.46 lakh crore, but investors remained hesitant. Today’s drop marks the steepest slide for the Nifty PSU Bank index since June 4, when it plunged over 15%. With rising concerns about sequential deposit declines and relatively muted year-on-year growth, the market’s mood seems firmly bearish on this sector for now.
ITC Unveils New Chapter with Hotel Business Demerger
ITC’s long-anticipated hotel business demerger became official on January 6, marking a pivotal move to unlock shareholder value. ITC shareholders will hold 1 ITC Hotels share for every 10 ITC shares. While live trading for ITC Hotels is still pending, its shares are expected to debut within 60 days, bringing it into the fold of the Nifty 50 and Sensex indices. The market’s reaction was swift. ITC shares adjusted to ₹455.60 on the NSE and ₹455 on the BSE, shedding over 5% during a special price discovery session. Investors are recalibrating after the demerger, but the strategic rationale seems solid: ITC Hotels is stepping into the spotlight with a zero-debt balance sheet and ₹1,500 crore in cash reserves to fund growth and manage contingencies. On the expansion front, ITC Hotels has ambitious plans. The company is targeting a portfolio of 200 hotels with over 18,000 keys in five years, leveraging an asset-light model. Recent achievements include 28 managed hotels launched in the past two years, with more than one property set to open every month for the next two years. Major projects in the pipeline include a sprawling greenfield property in Puri and expansions in Bhubaneswar, alongside a robust strategic land bank. The focus is on scaling up managed properties, which will make up two-thirds of the portfolio. With these, ITC Hotels aims to more than double its management fees by FY30. Coupled with high-potential occupancy rates and newer inventory, there’s room for significant RevPAR growth, making this a well-calculated step. For ITC shareholders, the demerger opens up a direct play into India’s expanding hospitality sector, with ITC Hotels poised for robust growth. It’s a fresh start for the hospitality arm, and all eyes are on its upcoming stock market debut and execution of its aggressive expansion plans.
Adani Ports Keeps Growth Momentum
Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) has once again demonstrated its operational strength, handling 38.4 MMT of cargo in December 2024, an 8% year-on-year increase. Container handling stole the spotlight with a stellar 22% YoY growth, while the liquid and gas segment chipped in with a steady 7% rise. For the nine months ending December 2024, the numbers tell a robust story. Total cargo handled climbed to 332.4 MMT, marking a 7% YoY growth. Containers led the charge with a 9% increase, trailed by liquids and gas, which posted an 8% rise. Logistics rail volumes also showed promise, reaching 0.48 million TEUs—a 9% jump YoY. The General Purpose Wagon Investment Scheme (GPWIS) added another highlight, logging a 13% surge to 16.1 MMT. Financially, Adani Ports remains on a roll. In Q2FY25, it reported a net profit of ₹2,445 crore, a whopping 39.9% rise YoY, driven by handling 111 MMT of cargo, up 10% from the same period last year. The consistent growth across segments—containers, liquids, and rail logistics—reflects the company’s strategic adaptability and its ability to meet rising demand. Adani Ports is clearly navigating the waves of opportunity with precision, setting a strong course for the future.
Titan’s Sparkling Quarter Sends Shares Soaring
Titan Company is riding high after its standout December quarter results, with shares climbing over 2% in early trading. The jewelry giant reported a stellar 24% year-on-year growth, lighting up the market and cementing its position as the Nifty 50’s top performer for the day. Rekha Jhunjhunwala’s 5.14% stake in Titan looks all the more golden with this festive season-fueled rally. The jewelry division was the crown jewel this quarter, boasting a 26% YoY growth as Diwali demand pushed both buyer numbers and average ticket sizes into impressive territory. Caratlane sparkled too, notching a 25% jump with its studded jewelry portfolio leading the charge. Expansion efforts hit a milestone with the brand’s first U.S. store in New Jersey and 19 new stores across India. Meanwhile, Tanishq made waves with fresh outlets in Seattle, Dubai, and 24 other locations nationwide. Titan’s Watches & Wearables division delivered a mixed bag. Domestic watch sales rose 13%, powered by a strong 19% surge in analog watches. However, the wearables segment stumbled, declining 20% year-on-year. Retail growth continues, though, with 23 new stores added, showcasing the brand’s commitment to brick-and-mortar expansion. EyeCare proved a sharp performer, clocking 17% growth as both physical stores and e-commerce channels thrived. Emerging categories were a tale of contrasts: fragrances grew a robust 27%, while fashion accessories took a 20% hit. Meanwhile, Taneria held steady, expanding its footprint with a new store in Salem. Titan’s results showcase its ability to adapt and thrive, leveraging festive fervor, strategic expansions, and consumer-focused innovation. With strong brand equity and a knack for spotting growth opportunities, the company continues to shine across segments, keeping its investors smiling.
Gensol Engineering Shines with New Solar Win
Gensol Engineering continues its stellar run in the renewable energy space, with shares climbing 6.13% to ₹796.40 in Monday’s intraday trade. The surge comes on the heels of the company landing a massive ₹1,061.97 crore EPC contract for a 275 MW solar PV project at RE Solar Park in Gujarat’s Khavda Rann of Kutch. This isn’t just a big win—it’s a statement of Gensol’s growing stature in the solar EPC sector. CEO Shilpa Urhekar called the new deal a strong start to 2025, emphasizing the trust placed in Gensol by a major public sector player. With the project including three years of operations and maintenance, it sets the stage for both immediate and sustained revenue generation. This isn’t Gensol’s first major splash in recent months. December saw the company secure a ₹897.47 crore project from NTPC Renewable Energy for a 225 MW-AC solar PV installation, also in Khavda. And in September, it was the buzz of the industry as it clinched India’s first bio-hydrogen project in partnership with Matrix Gas & Renewables. On top of these wins, the consortium of Gensol and Matrix Gas bagged a 237 MW annual capacity under SECI’s PLI scheme to establish an electrolyzer manufacturing plant. Each of these projects showcases Gensol’s ability to diversify and innovate, cementing its role as a renewable energy leader. For investors, Gensol’s ability to consistently win high-value contracts signals strong growth potential. With solar demand surging and the company leveraging its expertise across emerging sectors like hydrogen, it’s clear Gensol Engineering is on a path to long-term success.
CLSA’s Forecast for 2025 Paints a Cautious Picture for Nifty
CLSA isn’t sugar-coating it—2025 might be a bumpy ride for the Nifty. Global uncertainties and India’s near-term economic slowdown set the stage for muted returns, with stretched valuations and lagging capex spending adding fuel to the fire. The firm’s game plan? Lean into affordable consumption. Staples are the new heroes, as CLSA goes big on Tata Motors, NTPC, Nestlé, and Britannia, while scaling back its love for banks by booting out HDFC Bank and trimming its overweight stance on the sector. Commodities and insurance remain darlings, while IT, discretionary, industrials, and healthcare get the cold shoulder. Adding a global twist, Trump’s potential trade policies could rattle export-heavy markets like China. If his stance softens, emerging markets might rally, leaving India trailing. But harsher measures could play to India’s strengths. Back home, with inflation easing, the Reserve Bank of India is paving the way for rate cuts, though lofty bond and rupee valuations might spoil the party. Valuation jitters persist, as Indian equities still trade at a premium to peers. Yet, government welfare splurges and favorable weather may lift rural incomes, nudging affordable consumption into recovery mode. Large-cap consumption stocks are already looking more appealing after shedding their hefty premiums, unlike their capex counterparts. Post-correction, CLSA flagged over 30 NSE 200 companies that have tumbled 20%+ from their peaks but still boast promising outlooks. Tata Motors makes the list, its 35% dip baking in risks tied to Jaguar Land Rover and the commercial vehicle slowdown. NTPC is another favorite, with its recent price drop seen as an entry point to ride upcoming capacity expansions. Nestlé and Britannia are also back in the spotlight, bolstering the portfolio’s resilience amid global turbulence. But the shake-up came at a cost—CLSA’s portfolio underperformed the Nifty by 4.1% last quarter, even if it’s still up a jaw-dropping 186.7% since 2021, miles ahead of the Nifty’s 77.3%. In short, CLSA is playing defense, betting on staples to weather the storm while keeping one eye on capex recovery.
Easy Trip Planners Sees a Sharp Rally After Promoter Assurance
Investors in Easy Trip Planners got a hefty dose of optimism as the stock shot up 15% on Monday, riding the wave of a clear and emphatic message from Chairman Nishant Pitti. His announcement? No more promoter stake sales, period. Pitti took to X (formerly Twitter) to underline his long-term commitment to steering the company’s future and expanding its global footprint. But let’s backtrack for a moment. Just last week, Pitti sold a 1.4% stake, raking in ₹78.32 crore, which raised a few eyebrows among investors. Fast-forward to January 6, and his assurance of zero future sales turned sentiment around. Throw in the promise of ambitious plans—corporate travel, luxury tourism, and international expansion—and you’ve got a narrative investors are eager to believe in. On the leadership front, it’s all change at EaseMyTrip. Pitti stepped down as CEO on January 1, handing over the reins to Rikant Pittie. While he cited personal reasons for the move, Pitti’s staying put as Chairman, ensuring his strategic vision continues to shape the company’s trajectory. He doubled down on this in his resignation letter, emphasizing his focus on the bigger picture and long-term growth. For investors, the reassurance couldn’t have come at a better time. The stock, despite Monday’s bounce, remains 34% off its 52-week high of ₹27, set back in February 2024. That said, it’s clawed back 25% from the October low of ₹14.23. Over the past year, the stock has dropped 25%, but the recent rally suggests confidence is creeping back. With Nishant Pitti’s pledge to maintain investor trust and Rikant Pittie stepping up as CEO, the stage is set for EaseMyTrip to tackle its next growth chapter. Promises of “big things coming” might just be the start of a turnaround story worth watching.
Nykaa Parent Sees a Boost as Investors Celebrate Solid Growth Numbers
Shares of FSN E-Commerce Ventures, the parent company behind Nykaa, made a solid leap on January 6, climbing 5.3% to hit ₹176.60, marking a two-week high. The upbeat move comes after the company dropped its Q3 FY25 update, and it’s clear that investors are loving what they see. Here’s the breakdown: FSN reported solid numbers for Q3, with net revenue growth expected to outpace GMV growth. This is a good sign of how well the company is translating gross merchandise value into real money. The beauty business is where the action is, showing strong momentum across e-commerce, retail stores, owned brands, and its expanding eB2B distribution arm. The beauty vertical alone should see a GMV jump in the low thirties, while net revenue growth comes in stronger than the mid-twenties. The eB2B side—Superstore by Nykaa—continues to expand fast, servicing 260,000 retailers in over 1,100 cities. That’s a 1% growth in its GMV share from the same time last year, and it’s only gaining steam. Over in fashion, things aren’t as hot right now, but the company expects net revenue growth of about 20%. Despite the cooling demand for online fashion, Nykaa remains bullish long-term. Looking ahead, Nykaa’s beauty business will keep its lead, with the company eyeing over 30% market share and significant growth by FY29. Fashion, though smaller, is expected to see its slice of the pie grow to 21% by then. FSN also has its eyes set on GCC markets after launching “Nysaa” last March. The region’s high consumption rates and rapid growth give Nykaa a prime opportunity to leverage its Indian success and scale up profitability. In short, FSN’s numbers paint a promising picture for the future. As long as they keep riding the beauty wave and strategically expand, this stock could be worth watching closely.
Dolly Khanna’s Stake Sparks a Rally in Indian Metals & Ferro Alloys
Shares of Indian Metals & Ferro Alloys took a sharp 5% leap on January 6, catching investor attention after the latest shareholder update revealed that Dolly Khanna, the renowned investor, had quietly picked up a 1.16% stake in the small-cap metal company. This move stirred the market, as Khanna’s involvement with the stock wasn’t previously on the radar, with no stake or a holding under 1% noted in the prior quarter. Her buy—6,23,464 shares—was enough to draw attention, especially since companies are required to report when any shareholder crosses the 1% threshold. The stock’s sharp jump to ₹942.85 is a testament to the influence of Khanna’s name, which often acts as a seal of confidence for retail investors. Along with Khanna, another familiar name, Mukul Mahavir Agrawal, holds a stake in the company, though his share has slightly dipped from 6,00,000 shares to 5,99,128. Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) are also taking a liking to the company, raising their stake from 3.10% to 4.03% in the December quarter. On the flip side, domestic institutional investors pulled back a bit, lowering their stake from 0.92% to 0.82%. This surge in interest has pushed the stock’s value up 84% over the past year, with a market cap nearing ₹5,000 crore. The company, which operates in the ferro chrome sector, has a strong setup with its substantial furnace capacity and captive power generation. It’s also serving some heavy hitters, including Jindal Stainless, POSCO, and Marubeni Corporation. For those keeping an eye on small-cap gems, Indian Metals & Ferro Alloys could be one to watch, especially with backing from prominent investors and growing institutional interest. The stock’s steady climb shows potential, but, as always, investors should tread carefully when chasing high-flying names.
Overview
It was a rough day for the Indian stock market on January 6, as both the Nifty and Sensex ended in steep losses, dropping over 1.5%. The Nifty closed at 24004.75, shedding 1.62%, while the Sensex followed suit, slipping 1.59% to settle at 79223.11. The market’s storm was triggered by unsettling news about a new virus outbreak in China, which sent waves of panic through investors. The Nifty briefly hit a high of 24089.95 but couldn’t hold onto the gains, plummeting to 23551.9 before closing. The Sensex saw similar wild swings, hitting a high of 79532.67 and falling to 77781.62 during the day. The broader market took an even worse beating, with small-cap stocks particularly underperforming. The Nifty Small Cap 100 sank by 3.2%, while the Nifty Midcap 50 dropped 2.68%.
Across the board, it was heavy selling, with all major sectoral indices closing in the red. Nifty PSU Bank, Nifty Metal, Nifty Energy, Nifty Realty, and Nifty Media were the hardest hit, down between 2.5% and 4%. The pain wasn’t limited to just sectors—individual stocks like ITC, Tata Steel, and Trent saw significant losses, with ITC tumbling 8.1% alone. Many blue-chip names also bled, including BPCL, Coal India, NTPC, Adani Enterprises, and Kotak Mahindra Bank, all seeing losses between 3% and 4%.
It wasn’t just India feeling the pinch. Most Asian markets dropped, too, amid concerns over potential changes in U.S. trade policy under President-elect Donald Trump. Japan’s Nikkei 225 lost 1.47%, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng and Shanghai Composite also posted small declines.
Even commodities weren’t spared. Gold prices dipped slightly, with 24-carat gold in India falling ₹10 to ₹7887.3 per gram, while crude oil futures also slid. Brent crude dropped 28 cents to $76.02, and U.S. WTI slipped 33 cents to $73.23 a barrel.
In short, the market is feeling the heat, and the fear sparked by the virus scare in China is making everyone a little jittery. The sell-off shows how quickly investor sentiment can shift, and with broader market indices in retreat, it’s a reminder that volatility can strike without warning.