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The Nifty Auto index closed 0.74 per cent down at 22407.45.

Jonathan Garner sees India s earnings slowdown as cyclical, expecting recovery by June 2025. Strong GDP growth, fiscal support, and investor inflows bolster resilience. He favors financials, industrials, and AI-driven companies while maintaining a cautious stance on IT services. India remains a key emerging market, benefiting from US partnerships and global shifts.

The key driver behind the ongoing FII selling is uncertainty stemming from global policy shifts, especially in the US. Recent tariffs on steel and aluminium, along with frequent policy changes, have made foreign investors cautious. Many FIIs are holding back, weighing market instability against attractive valuations, preferring to wait for clearer economic signals before re-entering.

100 BSE Smallcap stocks posted over 25% YoY growth in sales and profits in Q3 FY24, with 12 turning multibaggers. V2 Retail led with a 349% surge, followed by Shaily Engineering Plastics (274%) and Refex Industries (229%). Strong financials boosted valuations and investor confidence.

The IPO consists of a fresh issue of 44.52 lakh shares worth Rs 70.79 crore and an offer for sale (OFS) of 23 lakh shares totalling Rs 36.57 crore. Ahead of listing, the company s shares were trading at a Rs 3 GMP in the unlisted market on Wednesday, reflecting a modest 1.9% premium over the IPO price band’s upper limit of Rs 159.

Jignanshu Gor, from Bernstein India, shares insights on retail and restaurant stocks, highlighting an outperform rating on D-Mart, Trent, Jubilant, and Devyani. He explains the need for continuous innovation in FMCG and the growing impact of quick commerce. Gor emphasizes evaluating brands versus channels and highlights the current growth in apparel, groceries, and beauty products.

Sanjiv Mehta discusses India s growth potential through market expansion and consumption. He highlights the importance of macroeconomic stability, government initiatives, and premiumisation. Despite challenges, there s ample room for growth across various categories. Tax cuts could boost consumer confidence and spending, making India a promising market for big and small players alike.

Profit growth was fueled by strong demand for its aircraft from the country s defence ministry. The board has announced a first interim dividend of Rs 25 per fully paid-up Rs 5 share, with February 18 as the record date. Eligible shareholders will receive the dividend on March 14.

SAIL Q3 Results: SAIL s Q3 profit dropped 62% YoY to ₹126 crore due to lower steel prices, despite higher sales boosting revenue. EBITDA improved amid cheap imports and market challenges. The company expects infrastructure growth to support domestic steel demand.

The Nifty Smallcap 250 index has plunged 21% from its September 2024 peak of 18,688.30, entering bear territory. A security is considered in a bear zone after a 20% drop from its 52-week high. At an event last weekend, ICICI Prudential MF CIO S Naren stirred markets by cautioning against SIPs in small and midcap funds due to high valuations.