Latest Stock Market News

Equity markets faced pressure last week due to election uncertainties and FII selling. Analysts predict a positive market reaction on Monday post BJP win in exit polls.

Unilever Plc’s Indian unit reported a 5.5% drop in net income for the first quarter, missing analyst estimates. Behind the decline was sluggish rural demand combined with high net-worth urban consumers pivoting to other brands. Similar trends can be seen elsewhere, with Chilean retailer Cencosud SA, restaurant chain operator Yum China Holdings Inc. and Swiss-South African jeweler Compagnie Financiere Richemont SA all delivering weaker-than-expected results.

The Indian rupee tends to weaken during such times due to increased risk aversion and capital outflows. A weaker rupee makes gold and silver more expensive in the domestic market, potentially leading to profit booking and increased liquidity among investors.

"The rollover data and the price action on the index suggest that Bank Nifty will not be a laggard anymore. The line in the sand to cross is 50,500. Once this level is taken out, you can expect a decent rally on this index."

Adani Enterprises price after giving a breakout of a falling channel on the upside gave a retracement towards a breakout level

"Fundamentally, India is witnessing its own mini-Goldilocks moment with excellent macros, solid corporate earnings (Nifty ended FY24 with 25% earnings growth and FY25/26 earnings are likely to post 14-15% CAGR), focus on manufacturing, capex and infrastructure creation, and valuations at 20x one-year forward earnings," Motilal Oswal said.

Kronox Lab Sciences plans to raise around Rs 130 crore from the issue. The IPO is completely an offer for sale of up to 97.5 lakh shares with no fresh issue component. The current GMP of the company is Rs 80 in the unlisted market.

"A favorable outcome for BJP is likely to take the index on a wild ride towards 23,500. However, at this juncture, 24,000 appears slightly unlikely, at least in the 4-5 trading sessions."

Global brokerage firm Bernstein has predicted that if BJP alone wins over 290 seats, a heavy focus on manufacturing will continue with money being diverted from subsidies towards more incentives for manufacturing firms.