Latest Stock Market News

ICICI Securities maintains an add call on Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services, with a target price of Rs 310. The company s FY25 performance was in line, featuring a 17% AUM growth. While quarterly volatility persists, management anticipates improvements in NIM and RoA, projecting continued AUM growth and stable credit costs.

In Q4FY25, FIIs trimmed stakes in several new-age stocks like Zomato and Policybazaar, while mutual funds increased their holdings, reflecting divergent strategies. CarTrade Tech saw the highest rise in FII holding, while MFs diluted their holdings in the same. Corporate earnings will be the next big trigger for price trajectory.

The Indian Rupee saw a rise of 12 paise against the US dollar, reaching 85.29 in early trading. This boost is due to India s strong financial base, including growing forex reserves and healthy investments. Geopolitical tensions could pose challenges. Forex reserves increased to USD 686.145 billion. The BSE Sensex climbed by 426.00 points and Nifty rose by 144.55 points.

Pricey valuations and fading earnings growth prospects are prompting caution among top fund managers. Abhishek Singh of DSP Mutual Fund has raised cash holdings in a large-cap fund to 13% amid concerns over India s slowing economy and global volatility. Singh warns investors to temper return expectations, anticipating sharp rallies and crashes as valuations remain elevated.

Amid India-Pakistan tensions, the spotlight is on defence stocks, though market enthusiasm remains muted. Analysts suggest companies with strong financials and alignment with national defence objectives stand to benefit. While some stocks like Bharat Dynamics and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders have performed well, valuations appear high, advising caution for new investors and suggesting a wait for better entry points.

Paras Defence and Space Technologies surged 7.8% after announcing a board meeting on April 30 to consider its first-ever stock split and dividend declaration alongside Q4 results. No further details were disclosed. The stock has rallied over 50% in the past year, with strong gains across six months, three months, and one month periods.

Indian markets soared, with Sensex surpassing 80,000, fueled by Reliance Industries strong earnings and positive Asian market cues. FII buying, a weakening dollar, and lower crude oil prices further boosted investor sentiment. Despite India-Pakistan tensions, most sectors traded positively, led by PSU Banks and Oil & Gas. Market capitalization surged significantly, reflecting broad-based gains and optimism.

Motilal Oswal Financial Services reported its first quarterly loss in five years, with a Q4FY25 net loss of Rs 63.2 crore, driven by a sharp fall in fair value changes. Shares fell 12.6% in two days. Despite the loss, wealth and asset management businesses posted strong growth. The company also approved a Rs 3,000 crore NCD fundraise.

With rising volatility in stocks, bonds, and the U.S. dollar, economists are sounding alarms about a possible recession, intensifying worries among retirees.

Gold prices are consolidating after profit booking, with MCX June futures opening lower at Rs 94,812/10 grams. Silver May futures also declined to Rs 95,800/kg. Prices weakened following U.S. President Trump s indication of reduced tariffs on Chinese imports, impacting safe-haven demand. Analysts suggest potential volatility amid dollar index fluctuations and upcoming U.S.