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Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) reported a 14% YoY increase in Q3 profit, reaching Rs 1,440 crore, driven by strong demand from the defense ministry. Revenue rose 15% YoY to Rs 6,957 crore, with EBITDA up 17% YoY. HAL declared a first interim dividend of Rs 25 per share, with a record date of February 18 and payment on March 14.

Kotak Mahindra Bank s shares will be in focus after the RBI lifted restrictions on its issuance of new credit cards and online account openings.

Sandip Agarwal, Co-Founder of Sowilo Investment Managers, highlights their strong investment in private banks due to optimistic GDP forecasts and the anticipated Rs 1 lakh crore tax relief. He explains that recent market corrections brought sanity to stock prices and expects credit growth. Agarwal also discusses concerns about private capex and the shift in corporate focus towards high return ratios.

JM Financial has recommended buying Welspun Corp shares, setting a target price of Rs 940. The company, which operates in the Metals - Ferrous sector, showed a strong performance in 3Q with EBITDA at Rs 4.3 billion. Key highlights include robust demand in the US and successful operational strategies, reducing net debt to Rs 1 billion.

The Union Budget 2025 balances fiscal discipline with a strong push for demand-driven growth. It addresses economic moderation seen in the first half of the financial year, marked by reduced government spending, credit tightening in unsecured lending, urban consumption slowdown, extended monsoons, and inflation.

SIP inflows have consistently stayed above Rs 26,000 crore for the second month, demonstrating investor confidence despite market volatility. Investors are advised to continue their SIP commitments for long-term goal achievement. Equity inflows remain strong, especially in largecap and flexicap categories. Gold ETFs have also seen increased interest as a safe haven during market corrections.

The S&P 500 fell as a higher-than-expected inflation reading raised concerns about the Federal Reserve s stance on interest rate cuts. CVS Health and Gilead Sciences surged on positive quarterly reports, while Nvidia and Amazon declined. Fed Chair Jerome Powell reiterated that there is no rush to cut rates further, and Treasury yields rose after the inflation data.

Gold prices edged up slightly on Thursday, following concerns of a potential global trade war stemming from President Trump s tariff plans. Investors are also waiting for U.S. inflation data results, which could influence the Federal Reserve s future rate decisions. Meanwhile, silver, platinum, and palladium saw minor increases.

Oil prices dropped on Thursday due to potential peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, which could end sanctions affecting supply flows. Brent fell to $74.63, and WTI to $70.85. Additionally, U.S. President Donald Trump s plans for reciprocal tariffs and a rise in U.S. crude inventories increased concerns about economic growth and oil demand.

About 460 companies are set to announce their Q3 earnings, including Hindalco and SJVN. Hindalco is expected to show robust growth, with a 62% YoY profit increase and an 11% revenue rise due to higher aluminium and alumina prices. Novelis may struggle with lower EBITDA due to tight scrap availability and flooding impacts at its Swiss plant.