Key economic indicators
Actual on 16:00 on December 27
World economic indicators
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Stocks
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Change
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|---|---|
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🇮🇳 Nifty
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+ 0.35%
|
|
🇮🇳 Sensex
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+ 0.33%
|
|
🇮🇳 India VIX
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– 5.72%
|
|
🇺🇸 S&P 500
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– 0.04%
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🇺🇸 Nasdaq
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– 0.05%
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|
🇺🇸 Dow Jones
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+ 0.07%
|
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🇪🇺 Euro Stoxx
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+ 0.67%
|
|
🇨🇳 China A50
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+ 0.03%
|
|
🇨🇳 DJ Shanghai
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+ 0.06%
|
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🇬🇧 FTSE 100
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- 0.01%
|
|
🇯🇵 Nikkei 225
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+ 1.77%
|
|
🇮🇩 IDX Composite
|
- 0.41%
|
|
🇸🇦 Tadawul All Share
|
- 0.28%
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Top Gainers on Indian Stock Market
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Stocks
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Change
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|---|---|
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Mahindra & Mahindra
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+ 2.47%
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Industrial Bank
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+ 2.3%
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Wipro
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+ 1.51%
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Bajaj Finance
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+ 1.37%
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Tata Motors
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+ 1.32%
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Top Losers on Indian Stock Market
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Stocks
|
Change
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|---|---|
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State Bank of India
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– 1.49%
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|
Tata Steel
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– 1.00%
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Ultratech Cement
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– 0.72%
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HCL Technologies
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– 0.52%
|
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Larsen & Toubro
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– 0.48%
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News
ICEX’s Exit from the Exchange Business
The Indian Commodity Exchange (ICEX) has officially exited the exchange business, with market regulator Sebi withdrawing its recognition through a notification dated December 24. This move follows a drawn-out process that began over two years ago when ICEX’s recognition was first revoked for failing to meet regulatory requirements. The exchange’s exit was greenlit after it fulfilled Sebi’s demands, including compliance reviews, valuation reports, and undertakings. ICEX, headquartered in Surat, Gujarat, made its debut in the commodity trading market in 2009, gaining permanent recognition under the Forward Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1952. After the Forward Markets Commission merged into Sebi in 2015, ICEX transitioned into a recognized exchange under the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956. However, by 2022, cracks in its operations became impossible to ignore. ICEX shareholders passed a resolution in May 2023, signaling the end of the road. Sebi then initiated the exit process, which concluded with this final notification.
India’s Path to Cleaner Energy and Economic Growth
India is betting big on ethanol, aiming to transform its energy sector while addressing environmental concerns and bolstering rural economies. By fast-tracking the target for 20% ethanol blending in petrol (E20) to 2025, the government has signaled a strong commitment to cleaner energy solutions. The stakes are high, and so are the opportunities—but the road ahead isn’t without bumps. Why the ethanol push? It’s simple: reducing dependence on imported crude oil, which feeds 85% of India’s petroleum demand, saves precious foreign exchange and cuts harmful emissions. From a mere 1.5% ethanol blend in 2014 to 15% in 2024, the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) program has already saved over ₹1,06,072 crore in forex and slashed COâ‚‚ emissions by 544 lakh tonnes. Not bad for a decade’s work. The National Policy on Biofuels (2018) turbocharged this movement, allowing ethanol to be produced from sugarcane juice, surplus grains, and even agricultural residues. Fixed ethanol procurement prices, while providing stability, aren’t keeping pace with skyrocketing raw material costs. Grain-based distilleries, which depend on rice and maize, are feeling the pinch. Over the past year, broken rice prices jumped to ₹28/kg (up from ₹22.5/kg), while maize prices surged to ₹26/kg (from ₹21/kg). These rising costs are squeezing margins, and with falling byproduct prices, like those of DDGS, some producers are teetering on the edge of financial viability.
Adani Enterprises Sparks Market Buzz
Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL) added a spark to Friday’s trading session, with shares climbing 1.66% to hit ₹2,446.15, following the acquisition of a 26% stake in Gidhmuri Paturia Collieries Private Limited (GPCPL). This move adds yet another feather to the cap of the Adani flagship company, already a heavyweight in infrastructure, energy, and logistics, with a market cap of ₹2.77 lakh crore. AEL bought 2,600 equity shares, valued at ₹10 each, from Sainik Mining and Allied Services Limited, making GPCPL a fully-owned subsidiary. This acquisition positions AEL to further cement its foothold in coal and mineral mining, aligning with its broader strategy of driving growth across diverse industries. Financially, Adani Enterprises isn’t just holding steady—it’s accelerating. Q2 FY24-25 saw revenues tick up slightly to ₹23,196 crore, but the real highlight was the net profit, skyrocketing from ₹227.82 crore to ₹1,741.75 crore. With a return on equity (RoE) of 13.31% and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.92, AEL remains a juggernaut in India’s corporate landscape, even amid global scrutiny of its debt levels.
Tiny Player, Big Moves in the PVDC Game
Creative Graphics Solutions India just shook things up. Shares of the micro-cap company jumped as much as 7% in Friday’s session, settling at ₹201.55, a 2.4% increase from the previous close. With a market cap of ₹490 crore and a respectable 15% return over the past year, this niche manufacturer is now eyeing a slice of the PVDC pie. Its wholly-owned subsidiary, Wahren India Private Limited, is stepping into the PVDC (Polyvinylidene Chloride) segment after acquiring some serious machinery. For ₹2.6 crore, Wahren scooped up a PVDC coating machine and a Moccon MVTR/OTR testing setup from Radha Madhav Corporation. Creative Graphics Solutions specializes in Digital and Conventional Flexo Plates, Letter Press Plates, Metal Back Plates, and more. These are the unsung heroes behind printing on labels, paper bags, cartons, and everything in between. Financially, Creative Graphics has been on a roll. Revenue skyrocketed 136%, climbing from ₹48 crore in H1FY24 to ₹113 crore in H1FY25, with profits growing from ₹7 crore to ₹9 crore. While modest, its return on equity (ROE) at 13.46% and return on capital employed (ROCE) at 13.35% are solid for its scale. The debt-to-equity ratio sits at a manageable 0.76, signaling that it’s playing it smart with its leverage.
Santa Claus Rally Lights Up U.S. Equity Funds Amid Cooler Inflation
U.S. equity funds are basking in some much-needed holiday cheer, pulling in $20.56 billion in the week leading to Dec. 25. This rebound follows last week’s massive $49.7 billion sell-off, thanks to a cocktail of investor optimism: cooling inflation, a stopgap funding bill that dodged a government shutdown. However, small-cap, mid-cap, and multi-cap funds experienced a total outflow of almost $5 billion, with investors gravitating toward the perceived safety and stability offered by large-cap stocks. U.S. bond funds recorded their second straight week of outflows, totaling $5.42 billion. Meanwhile, the real surprise came from U.S. money market funds, which snapped up a hefty $41.72 billion in net inflows. As the year wraps up, all eyes are on how long this seasonal glow will last. Will the Federal Reserve deliver the rate cuts investors are betting on, or is this rally just a brief holiday reprieve?Â
Concord Enviro Systems IPO Shines Bright with an 18.69% Premium Debut
Concord Enviro Systems made a stellar entry into the stock market on December 27, listing at ₹832 on the BSE—a robust 18.69% above its issue price of ₹701. The NSE wasn’t far behind, with shares opening at ₹826, marking a 17.83% premium. With a share price ranging from ₹665 to ₹701, the IPO sought to generate ₹500 crore at its highest price point. This consisted of fresh shares worth ₹175 crore and an offer for sale (OFS) totaling ₹325.33 crore. Promoters such as Namrata Goel, Nidhi Goel, and others, along with the investor AF Holdings, sold their shares through the OFS. The company plans to channel the fresh funds into strategic initiatives, including investments in subsidiaries like Concord Enviro FZE and Rochem Separation Systems. Capital will also fund greenfield and brownfield projects, manufacturing expansion, and working capital needs. Other uses include purchasing machinery, prepaying borrowings, pursuing joint ventures (like Reserve Enviro Private Limited), and advancing technology to unlock new markets.
Star Cement Shares Surge 8% Amid UltraTech Stake Acquisition Announcement
Star Cement’s stock lit up on Friday morning, climbing nearly 8% following news that UltraTech Cement’s board had approved acquiring a minority stake in the company. The stock opened at ₹237.80 on the BSE, up from its previous close of ₹229.75, and reached an intraday high of ₹247.75, inching closer to its 52-week high of ₹248.35. On December 24, UltraTech completed its purchase of 10.13 crore equity shares (32.72% of India Cements’ equity) after receiving approval from the Competition Commission of India. Combined with its pre-existing stake of 22.77%, UltraTech now holds a majority 55.49% in India Cements, effectively making it a subsidiary. The India Cements acquisition strengthens UltraTech’s footprint in South India, aligning with its long-term growth strategy. While its stake in Star Cement is non-controlling, the move is seen as a step toward leveraging Star Cement’s stronghold in Eastern India.
Sanathan Textiles Shares Debut with Big Listing Gain
Sanathan Textiles kicked off its stock market journey with an impressive 31% premium on Friday, December 27. The stock opened at ₹419.10 on the BSE, marking a 30.6% increase over its issue price of ₹321. On the NSE, it debuted even higher at ₹422.30, reflecting a premium of 31.6%. The listing surpassed grey market predictions, where the grey market premium (GMP) earlier in the day was ₹88. Based on an issue price of ₹321, the anticipated listing price was pegged at ₹409—a 27% premium. The actual opening price outperformed expectations, reinforcing strong market sentiment. Sanathan Textiles’ IPO, which ran from December 19 to December 23, aimed to raise ₹550 crore and saw an overwhelming subscription of approximately 37 times. Priced between ₹305 and ₹321 per share, the IPO garnered significant investor interest despite a broader market downtrend and multiple IPOs competing for attention. The company plans to utilize the funds for various strategic purposes, including partial repayment of borrowings, investments in its subsidiary Sanathan Polycot Pvt Ltd, and general corporate expenses.
Presstonic Engineering’s Stock Surges
Presstonic Engineering Ltd (PESS) just caught the market’s attention, with its shares rising by nearly 2% after landing a meaty order worth Rs 14.51 crore from BEML Ltd. The company’s market cap now sits at Rs 88.02 crore, with its stock trading at Rs 114.20—up from Rs 112 in the last session. The order involves supplying Cable Duct Assy for the BMRCL-5RSDM Project, a deal that’s clearly giving the stock a solid push. On the surface, things look upbeat, but there’s more to the story. The company’s financials are showing both promise and caution. Revenue jumped a hefty 43% from Rs 14.25 crore in H1FY24 to Rs 20.5 crore in H1FY25, a sign of growth. Yet, despite this revenue uptick, the net profit took a strange turn, skyrocketing by 416% from a Rs 1.40 crore loss last year to a Rs 4.43 crore profit this time around. On the client front, they’ve managed to reel in some pretty significant names: UP Metro, Pune Metro, Mumbai Metro, and even Nestle and Prestige. These partnerships speak volumes about the company’s credibility in the rail and infrastructure space. With a diverse portfolio of products—from metro rail interiors and signaling systems to solar panel supports—Presstonic is carving out a solid niche.
Overview
The Indian stock market ended on a high note this Friday, December 27, with both the Sensex and Nifty 50 gaining ground. The rally was powered by big names in banking and autos, like Mahindra & Mahindra, IndusInd Bank, and Tata Motors, which helped boost the benchmarks. After a rough previous week where the indices dropped 5%, both Sensex and Nifty managed to climb nearly 1% for the holiday-shortened week, a welcome rebound.
Despite these gains, the market was relatively calm with little in the way of fresh triggers. Traders leaned into value-buying, picking up shares of select heavyweights. The India VIX, a measure of volatility, dropped nearly 6% as investors appeared confident in a stable short-term outlook.
The Indian rupee suffered a major decline, falling by 53 paise to a record low of 85.80 against the dollar—its sharpest single-day drop in six months. This was mainly driven by rising U.S. bond yields, which boosted the dollar’s appeal. Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) were net sellers, offloading Rs 2,376.67 crore worth of shares, while Asian markets saw capital flowing into cheaper equities, further weakening the rupee.
Looking at global markets, the U.S. dollar made moves as well, rising against a basket of currencies, with the dollar index hovering around 107.98. Meanwhile, Brent crude edged up to USD 73.31 per barrel, adding further pressure on oil-importing countries like India.
In commodities, gold prices saw a modest uptick, with gold rising by ₹280 per gram to ₹7,791.3, and silver gained ₹1,000 per kg, bringing the current price to ₹95,700.