Latest Stock Market News

Markets regulator Sebi has notified a stricter regulatory framework for small and medium enterprise (SME) IPOs by introducing a profitability requirement and capping a 20 per cent limit on offer-for-sale (OFS).

The shareholders of Zomato have approved a special resolution to rename the firm Eternal , the company informed in a stock exchange filing. The brand name of the company s food delivery business Zomato will remain the same, along with the app.

Stock market income taxation depends on whether one is an investor or trader. Traders income is taxed at slab rates as business income, while investors face capital gains tax—12.5% LTCG and 20% STCG. The new tax regime for FY 2025-26 introduces seven slabs, with no tax up to Rs 4 lakh. Tax planning is essential for optimal savings.

PDP Shipping & Projects SME IPO was subscribed to 9% on the first day, aiming to raise Rs 13 crore at Rs 135 per share. The IPO has no grey market premium. The company provides multimodal logistics solutions and reported Rs 13.77 crore revenue with Rs 1.57 crore profit till November 2024.

Girija Shankar Ray from Yes Securities outlines the fluctuating cement prices over recent months, highlighting regional variations and factors impacting demand. Eastern and central regions see significant price hikes, while Southern remains stable. Energy costs, including petcoke, are rising, affecting cement margins. Government capex slowdown and upcoming festivals also impact demand, with better forecasts for FY26.

Nilesh Shah sees strong long-term growth in India despite short-term corrections. Key opportunities lie in midcaps, digital platforms, premium consumption, infrastructure, and AI-driven IT firms, while market corrections create investment opportunities.

Trent shares dropped 2.6% after Kotak Institutional Equities downgraded its target price due to concerns over its store expansion strategy. The brokerage highlighted the risks of cannibalized sales from densely located stores and lowered revenue growth projections. Despite a 23.73% annual gain, Trent s stock has fallen 31.48% in the last six months, prompting cautious analyst sentiment.

Shares of JSW Steel surged 2.1% to a four-month high after the company reported a 12% YoY rise in consolidated crude steel production for February 2025. Domestic operations saw a 13% increase. JSW Steel s Q3 FY25 net profit dropped over 70% due to higher expenses, while the stock gained nearly 24% in the past year.

Markets are showing impressive performance with FMCG and Metal sectors leading the way. Aditya Arora of Adlytick highlights Hindustan Unilever and Emami as promising stocks to watch, given their recent correction and potential for upward movement.

Richard Harris highlights the uncertainty in markets due to unpredictable US policies and their impact on inflation and economic stability. He notes the damage to America s political credibility and the challenge for emerging markets with the fluctuating dollar. Emerging markets like India and China have significantly developed over the past decade.