Latest Stock Market News

Sushant Bhansali, CEO of Ambit Asset Management, sees short-term value in largecap stocks and financials, but advises focusing on companies with visible earnings. He highlights long-term potential in pharmaceuticals, IT, FMCG, and financials, despite market challenges. Bhansali suggests being selective, especially in cyclical sectors like metals, and emphasizes patience and strategic weight adjustments in portfolios.

Ujjivan Small Finance Bank approved the sale of a Rs 364.51 crore micro banking loan pool to an Asset Reconstruction Company to improve asset quality and financial health. Despite a rise in gross NPAs, the bank reported a 9.8% year-on-year growth in its loan book, and its shares show a potential upside of 46%.

Granules India has acquired Swiss CDMO company Senn Chemicals AG for Rs 192 crore, expanding its peptide therapeutics market presence. The move enhances Granules CDMO capabilities, leveraging Senn s peptide synthesis expertise for global solutions. The acquisition is set to be finalized by the first half of 2025.

Gurmeet Chadha, CIO & Managing Partner at Complete Circle Consultants, highlights the slow but beneficial adoption of new technologies, particularly in India s diverse powertrain market. He emphasizes the gradual growth of the EV ecosystem with foreign entrants like Tesla and discusses investment opportunities in various sectors, including FMCG, tourism, pharma, and power.

Manappuram Finance is in the final stages of talks with Bain Capital, which plans to acquire a significant promoter stake. The deal includes a preferential allotment and a secondary share sale, with Bain potentially acquiring up to 46% of the company. Regulatory hurdles and previous failed attempts have delayed similar ventures, but shares have risen in anticipation.

Navneet Munot, MD & CEO of HDFC AMC, highlights their collaboration with ecosystem partners to reduce the minimum SIP ticket size to Rs 250, making mutual fund investments more accessible. The Mitra platform helps investors trace untraceable units, reinforcing SEBI and AMFI s commitment to investor protection and broad market participation. The initiative aims to increase unique investors and maintain sustainability.

ICICI Securities recommends holding Utkarsh Small Finance Bank with a target price of Rs 26. The bank reported a net loss in the latest quarter, but improving collection efficiency signals some recovery. Short-term profitability remains under pressure. Promoters hold a significant stake in the company. FIIs and DIIs also have notable holdings.

Ajay Bagga identifies long positions in gold, emerging market debt, US and Chinese technology stocks as popular strategies. He warns the market is complacent about Trump s tariffs, anticipating clearer implications in the next few months. He advises caution in broader markets and highlights power sector opportunities, while noting concerns about discom losses and LPG under-recoveries affecting OMCs.

India s central bank plans to inject $10 billion via a foreign exchange swap to alleviate a cash crunch in the banking system. The three-year swap auction on Feb. 28 will provide rupee liquidity and may reduce short-term rates as banks face fiscal year-end challenges.