Latest Stock Market News

Railway-related stocks will be in focus on February 1, with expectations of a significant capital expenditure boost in the upcoming Budget. Key companies to watch include IRCON, RVNL, IRCTC, BEML, and those linked to the Kavach safety system. Increased rail investment is expected due to environmental and logistical benefits, with a shift in Budget allocation favoring railways over highways.

The Indian market is expected to remain volatile ahead of Budget 2025 announcements. Nifty closed positively on Friday, while India VIX dropped. Options data suggests a broader trading range between 23,100 and 24,000. Experts recommend stocks like MGL, Manappuram Finance, UPL, Ashok Leyland, and HAL for short-term trading opportunities based on technical analysis.

Motilal Oswal Financial Services maintains a neutral rating on Hindustan Zinc Ltd. with a target price of Rs 460. Hindustan Zinc, operating in the Non-Ferrous Metals sector, reported significant quarterly income growth. Focus remains on improving production and controlling costs. Promoters hold 63.42% stake, with expectations of sustained profitability driving the market valuation.

Biocon plans to list its biosimilars business by March 2026 and aims for a double-digit market share in the U.S. for five new biosimilars launching next fiscal year. The U.S. market, already significant for Biocon, is set to increase with new products in diabetes, oncology, and immunotherapy.

The 200-day DMA is a key indicator used by traders to determine the overall trend of a stock.

Oil prices rose as President Trump anticipated reducing proposed tariffs on Canadian oil from 25% to 10%, with duties on oil and gas expected around February 18. The adjustment and potential inclusion of oil in tariffs led to uncertainty and price increases. Canada and Mexico, major crude exporters to the U.S., may retaliate if tariffs are implemented.

Budget Day triggers significant market volatility, with the Nifty often fluctuating within a 2-3% range. Experts suggest focusing on key technical levels, proper risk management, and suitable strategies like Short Iron Fly and Short Iron Condor. Traders are advised to monitor sectors like railways, defense, and infrastructure for profitable opportunities, while employing confirmation-based trades.

Nifty may show higher-than-usual volatility on Budget day with historical intraday fluctuations of 2-3%. Sujit Modi of Share.Market suggests vega-based strategies like Short Iron Fly and Short Iron Condor, while HDFC Securities recommends a Long Butterfly Strategy to capitalize on expected IV changes.

ITC shares have historically performed well on Budget days, but traders are cautious this year due to potential excise duty hikes on cigarettes. Previous Budget days saw ITC stock gains, with a notable exception in 2020. The brokerage Nuvama anticipates a minor hike, projecting growth for ITC’s cigarette segment despite regulatory challenges.