Stock Market Live Feb 25: Sensex jumps 575 points, Nifty tops 25,600 as markets rebound

Marketup

Stock in focus: Vedanta shares up 5% after BoFA upgrade to ‘buy’

Vedanta shares up 5% after BoFA upgrade to ‘buy’

Vedanta shares rise 5% after BoFA upgrades stock to ‘buy’, citing improved aluminium prices and strong dividend yield potential.

Stock market

Nifty Prediction Today – February 25, 2026: Nifty 50 Futures: Gaining momentum; go long now and on dips

Nifty Prediction Today – February 25, 2026: Nifty 50 Futures: Gaining momentum; go long now and on dips

Nifty 50 March Futures contract can rise to 25,880 or even 25,950

Industryupdate

Stock market live: NTPC-MAHAGENCO consortium completes Sinnar Thermal Power acquisition; shares flat on NSE

NTPC has informed the Exchange regarding ‘Completion of acquisition of Sinnar Thermal Power Limited by Consortium of NTPC Ltd and Maharashtra State Power Generation Company Limited (MAHAGENCO)

NTPC shares flat on the NSE at Rs 385.80

Industryupdate

Stock market live: Natco Pharma gets CDSCO nod for Semaglutide; plans March 2026 launch in India

Natco Pharma has disclosed about the receipt of approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) for Semaglutide in India on February 14, 2026.

In this regard, we bring to your notice that we are working with different marketing partners to launch the product in the month of March 2026 in India and the partnership for the said product with Eris Lifesciences Ltd is in the ordinary course of business which has no material impact on the operations of the company.

Banking

Rupee rises 6 paise to 90.89 against US dollar in early trade

Rupee rises 6 paise to 90.89 against US dollar in early trade

The rupee gained 6 paise to 90.89 against the US dollar in early trade on Wednesday aided by a weaker greenback and a strong opening in the domestic equity markets.

Economy

India’s GDP growth likely at 8.1% in Q3FY26 amid domestic demand boost: SBI report

India’s economy is expected to maintain strong growth momentum, with GDP projected to expand by around 8.1 per cent in the third quarter of the current financial year (FY26), according to a report by the State Bank of India (SBI).

The report highlighted that despite global headwinds, the Indian economy has remained resilient, supported by strong domestic demand and steady economic activity across sectors.

It stated “we expect Q3FY26 real GDP growth of closer to 8.1 per cent”.

According to the report, high-frequency economic indicators suggest resilient economic activity during the third quarter of FY26. Rural consumption has remained strong, supported by positive signals from both farm and non-farm activities.

At the same time, urban consumption has shown a steady improvement, supported by fiscal stimulus and increased spending since the last festive season.

As per the first advance estimates, India’s GDP is projected to grow at 7.4 per cent in FY26, with growth largely driven by domestic demand.

The report emphasised that domestic consumption continues to play a key role in supporting economic expansion despite uncertainties in the global economic environment.

The report also noted that the second advance estimates of GDP for FY26 are scheduled to be released on February 27, 2026. These estimates will incorporate additional data and revisions, and previous quarterly GDP figures for the first and second quarters are expected to change due to the revision in the base year.

India has updated its GDP base year from 2011-12 to 2022-23, with the new series scheduled for release on February 27, 2026. The report stated that, given the significant methodological changes, it is difficult to predict the direction of revisions in the GDP data.

The base year revision is aimed at better reflecting the current structure of the Indian economy, including changes such as the growing role of digital commerce and the services sector.

In addition, India has also updated the base year for the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to 2024, which will help provide a more accurate measure of inflation based on current consumption patterns.

Recently, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Sanjay Malhotra also said that the revision of the inflation targeting range following the CPI base year update is under examination and will be considered in the next policy.

“The revised framework would be taken into account in the RBI’s next set of projections to be released during the April monetary policy,” he said.

The report highlighted that strong domestic demand, resilient consumption trends, and ongoing economic activity continue to support India’s growth outlook, even as global economic challenges persist.

Industryupdate

Sectoral recommendation: Motilal Oswal on Automobiles

Auto demand sustained strong momentum in Jan’26, aided by lean channel inventory across segments at end-3Q

Domestic ICE 2Ws grew 25% YoY in Jan’26, while PV volumes rose ~13% YoY

Retail demand remained robust, supported by post-GST momentum, healthy rural volumes (Pongal/Makar Sankranti, marriage season), better affordability and financing comfort

Near-term outlook positive on infra- and agri-focused budget, festive tailwinds and improving rural liquidity

Top OEM picks: TVS Motor, Maruti Suzuki and Mahindra & Mahindra

Industryupdate

Stock recommendation: Motilal Oswal on EMS (Electronic Manufacturing Services)

Robust demand and diversification powering India’s EMS growth cycle

Indian PCB market poised for rapid scale-up, driven by smartphones, EVs and supply-chain localisation

EMS players diversifying into high-value segments including smart meters, EVs, advanced PCBs, semiconductor equipment, telecom and defence

Companies expanding capabilities via JVs, acquisitions and new facilities, enhancing technological depth and market reach

Structural shift strengthens long-term growth visibility with healthy order pipeline and capacity addition

Expect EMS companies to deliver revenue/EBITDA/adj. PAT CAGR of 30%/36%/42% over FY25–28

Industryupdate

Stock recommendation: Morgan Stanley on India credit cards

Post-festive industry spending growth moderated to 9% YoY vs 15% YoY pre-festive YTD

January 2026 spending up 8% YoY; cards in force grew 7% YoY

Festive period spending rose 21% YoY, aided by GST cuts, Navratri and e-commerce sales

4Q FY26 growth seen at ~9.5% YoY, assuming ~10% YoY February trend sustains

Industryupdate

Stock recommendation: HSBC on Credit Cards Data (Jan 2026)

Spends visibility remains a challenge — YTD spend growth of 12.9% year-on-year

New card issuances are stable, although average spend per card and ticket size is lower

Slow spend growth and further anticipation of moderation in spends make growth recovery a challenge

Net card issuances were stable for SBI Cards but lost 39 bps market share in January

In 10M FY26 SBI Cards increased spends on e-commerce and overall +218 bps rise in market share

Technicalcallbuy

Stock recommendation: Morgan Stanley on SRF

Maintain Underweight with target price raised to ₹2,209 from ₹2,177

Estimates updated post F3Q26 results and management commentary

Chemicals EBITDA raised 2–3% on refrigerant gas strength and weaker rupee

Packaging EBITDA cut 13%/6% for F26–27 amid muted demand and pricing pressure

Consolidated EBITDA largely unchanged; F26 EPS down 1.5%, F27–28 EPS up 0.5–1%

Industryupdate

Stock recommendation: Jefferies on Nykaa

Recommendation: Buy, Target: ₹315

Management highlighted mid-20% user growth in beauty segment

Improving margins driven by mix, own labels and disciplined cohort acquisition

Offline, luxury formats and fashion remain strategic

Execution and governance stay tightly separated across businesses

Industryupdate

Stock recommendation: Bernstein on Private vs Public Banks

Public sector banks continue to outperform private ones on most metrics

See no signs of inflections as PSBs have sufficient liquidity buffers

PSBs can have higher loan growth rates for next 4 quarters

They don’t face any imminent margin pressures either

PSBs valuations largely reflecting performance — see limited upside for SBI

Valuations of private banks provide compelling entry points for long-term investor

Maintain Outperform for HDFC Bank, Axis Bank and IndusInd Bank

Industryupdate

Stock recommendation: CLSA on Telecom Sector

India’s mobile sector revenue up 3% quarter-on-quarter to ₹3 lakh crore

Reliance Jio share gains 47 bps quarter-on-quarter (42.5% market share)

Bharti Airtel has 3 bps market share loss quarter-on-quarter (39.5% market share)

RJio and Bharti Airtel combine total of 82% of the sectoral revenue

Vodafone Idea lost 25 bps quarter-on-quarter market share to 13.1%

Key for Vodafone Idea will be planned fund raising of $5 billion following recent AGR relief

Technicalcallbuy

Stock recommendation: Macquarie on Lenskart

Recommendation: Outperform, Target: ₹500

Beneficiary of potential myopic AI smart glass lenses adoption

Has a wide distribution network (3100 stores across 430+ cities in India)

Becomes an important player for go-to-market strategies for any AI smart glass player

Alert: In March Lenskart had launched its smart glass portfolio

See more legs of realization growth — especially through adoption of myopia control lenses

Pre-Ind AS EBITDA growing 3.5x over FY25–28E

Industryupdate

Stock recommendation: Nuvama on Realty

Prestige Estates remains top pick in the realty space

Realty stocks have corrected post-H1CY24

In line with falling volumes despite strong pre-sales

Due to a correction in valuation multiples

Housing volumes would remain soft

Until developers reduce focus on luxury segment and reorient towards mid-income/premium segment

Remain cautious on the pure play housing stocks

Companies with a sizeable annuity portfolio should still do well on a relative basis

Industryupdate

Stock recommendation: Macquarie on Zomato vs Swiggy

Swiggy lags Zomato by 150 bps in terms of net take rates since FY23

Consensus estimates current duopoly structure holds along-side no take rate deflation

EBITDA margins for Zomato at 6% vs 5% for Swiggy

Zomato’s food delivery business street ascribes $12–14 billion valuation

Fair value is 30–35% below consensus for both businesses

Maintain Underperform on both Eternal and Swiggy

Industryupdate

Stock recommendation: Bernstein on Quick Com

Do expect Indian consumers to increasingly leverage AI Apps as part of their shopping journey

However, without significant on-ground operations, AI Apps are more likely to be a demand channel, rather than create a disintermediation risk

To counter, Indian platforms are already adopting AI – both consumer facing & embedded in operations

Remain constructive on Indian E-commerce based on fundamentals & believe that space offers a good anti-AI investment set, but may require stomach to absorb narrative based volatility over a few quarters

Eternal – O-P, TP Rs 370

Swiggy – O-P TP Rs 500

Technicalcallsell

Stock recommendation: CITI on DR Reddys

Sell, TP Rs 1070

Novo Nordisk’s announcement of significant 35%/50% reduction in Ozempic/Wegovy prices in US (starting from Jan 2027) is a negative read-through for the generic Semaglutide uptake

Move clearly shows Novo’s aggression when it comes to protecting & expanding volumes & co may opt for similar price cuts in markets like Canada and Brazil, which can limit the uptake of pick up in generics

Novo is already pursuing a dual-brand strategy in these markets to retain its share for Semaglutide, anticipating generic competition this year

Cautious on generic Semaglutide potential for Dr Reddy’s & est. for product (cUS$50m for FY27/28E in Canada) are significantly lower than street expectations

Technicalcallbuy

Stock recommendation: MOSL on Polycab

Buy, TP Rs 9600

Management meet takeaways

Channel inventory, which had risen to 40-45 days in 3QFY26 (vs. normal ~21-24 days), normalized within first 20 days of Jan’26 amid strong demand recovery

Co has now passed on entire cost increase (vs 70% in 3Q), driving margin recovery in 4QFY26

Co gained meaningful market share in 9MFY26, growing well ahead of industry, & has reiterated its 1.5x industry growth target till FY30 under Project Spring

Real estate demand remains strong, while affordable housing and the government’s City Economic Region push should further support wire demand.

Exports form 6% of revenue (target 10%+ by FY30)

With reduced tariff, the US and Europe offer incremental opportunities amid the China+1 sourcing shift

Technicalcallbuy

Stock recommendation: Nuvama on Pidilite

Buy, TP Rs 1915

Management meet key highlights

i) Targeting ~10% volume growth with near-term EBITDA margin likely to trend toward the upper end of the 20–24% guidance.

ii) Key growth drivers remain Roff, Dr Fixit and the Projects business, each scaling up at 2–4x GDP growth.

iii) Taking calibrated bets in paints (recently entered two–three eastern states), joinery and grouts.

iv) Expanding TAM by foraying into Electronic Adhesives (annual opportunity of INR9–10bn by FY30).

Industryupdate

Stock recommendation: Macquarie on OIL & Gas

Remain constructive on Indian OMCs despite macro volatilites, & expect gas companies to benefit from lower natural gas prices in FY27E/28E.

Positive thesis is underpinned by MQ’s bearish outlook on crude / natural gas prices in 2026 (Brent: US$61/bbl; spot LNG: US$9.4/MMBtu).

Prefer HPCL > BPCL > IOCL in OMCs, GAIL > PLNG (Super 6s Tactical Buy Idea) in midstream

MAHGL > IGL in downstream segments

Industryupdate

Stock recommendation: Morgan Stanley on Indian OMCs

Fuel retailer margins tracking slightly below Street FY expectations despite higher crude

Crude sourcing discounts offset higher freight costs and INR depreciation

YTD domestic fuel consumption up 130 kbpd (+2.5% YoY); transport fuels up 4% YoY

Refining margins remain elevated and seen staying meaningfully above mid-cycle through 2026

IOCL’s full-barrel economics could drive incremental outperformance if crude rises toward USD 72/bbl

Government monetisation of crude and gas storage assets could aid re-rating and value unlocking

Technicalcallsell

Stock recommendation: Elara Capital on GRSE

Upgrade to Reduce from Sell with target price raised to ₹2,300 from ₹2,030

NGC order value raised 32% to ₹330 bn; order book seen reaching lifetime high of ₹500 bn by March 2026

Defence order pipeline at ₹1.5 tn and non-defence at ₹1 tn over next 12–18 months

NGC revenues to commence in FY28; first ship delivery in FY31, followed by one ship every six months

₹30 bn capex announced for greenfield expansion at Kandla and Bhavnagar

FY27E/FY28E EPS raised by 10%/26%; EPS CAGR of 30% seen over FY25–28E with ~32% average ROE in FY26–28E

Target price based on 35x Dec’27E core shipbuilding value plus cash value

Technicalcallbuy

Stock recommendation: CLSA on HAL

O-P, TP Rs 5436

Our deep dive into Cos prospects point to orders of US$33bn over FY25-30CL even after it was excluded from India’s 5th generation fighter development race, as expect a repeat order of helicopters & recently cleared Super Sukhoi fully compensate

HAL’s exclusion is only from AMCA 1.0, and it will be eligible to bid for mass production stage.

HAL’s backlog was up 88% YoY in FY25, & forecast it to reach US$28bn by FY27, with its US$3.6bn helicopter order receiving government ok, improving visibility of this order in FY27 itself. HAL has strongest pipeline of orders & 14 years of backlog, making it our preferred pick

See start of Mk1A fighter deliveries in 2Q 2026, visibility on GE engine deliveries & GE 414 MII production deal as key catalysts

HAL is cheapest pure-play defence stock despite its sector-leading compelling position.

Technicalcallbuy

Stock recommendation: CLSA on TCS

O-P, TP Rs 3593

TCS has partnered with ServiceNow to accelerate large-scale AI adoption for enterprises

ServiceNow has grown strongly, 20.5% YoY CC in FY25, and guided for a 19.5%-20% YoY CC growth for FY26 backed by a strong orderbook implying similar growth for SIs around SaaS implementation having strong partnerships with these platforms.

ServiceNow has partnered with foundation model companies like Anthropic and OpenAI which improves the customer experience on the platform

Note TechM has strongest ServiceNow capabilities across Indian & global peers

Technicalcallbuy

Stock recommendation: BoFA Sec on Hindalco

Buy, TP Rs 1050

Raise FY28E EBITDA forecasts by 6% as incorporate higher aluminium forecasts

Technicalcallbuy

Stock recommendation: BoFA Sec on Vedanta

Upgrade to Buy from Neutral, TP Raised to Rs 840 from Rs 480

Upgrade given bullish view on aluminium, supportive silver prices, & a healthy dividend yield (FY27E: +6%)

Moreover, significant deleveraging at parent company minimizes risk of an increase in brand‑fee rates or inter‑corporate loans

Raise FY26E-28E EBITDA by 16-21% as incorporate

(i) higher aluminium forecasts,

(ii) higher fair value of HZ

(iii) USD‑INR depreciation

(iv) a reduced holding‑co discount of 5% (vs 15% earlier)

Technicalcallbuy

Stock recommendation: Nomura on Lloyd Metals

Initiate Buy, TP Rs 1600

Supported by low-cost iron ore assets to 2057, vertical integration into steel, predictable (MDO) earnings, & diversification into copper, LMEL is transitioning from a pure-play miner to a more stable, diversified & less cyclical business model

Estimate LMEL will generate consolidated EBITDA of Rs109bn by FY28F vs Rs19bn in FY25, implying a 77% CAGR

Stock is currently trading at 8.6x

Risks

(1) a delay in steel capacity;

(2) political unrest in the Democratic Republic of the Congo affecting copper business;

(3) BHQ beneficiation not yielding the same results as seen in pilot project

(4) resurfacing of Naxal activities.

Stock market

OPENING BELL: IT stocks lead rebound; Nifty reclaims 25,500 after Tuesday’s sharp selloff

IT stocks lead rebound; Nifty reclaims 25,500 after Tuesday’s sharp selloff

IT stocks drive market rebound as Nifty reclaims 25,500 following a sharp selloff, boosted by positive global cues.

Industryupdate

Stock market live: Thyrocare invests in Tanzania subsidiary via CCPS; shares remain flat on NSE

Thyrocare Technologies has made an additional investment of USD 4,75,000 in Thyrocare Tanzania, subsidiary of the Company by subscribing to Compulsorily Convertible Irredeemable Preference Shares (CCPS). 

Shares flat on the NSE at Rs 403.40

Industryupdate

Stock market live: Cabinet approves enhanced delegation of powers to POWERGRID; shares remain flat on NSE

Cabinet approves enhanced delegation to POWERGRID from the extant guidelines on delegation of powers to Maharatna CPSEs

Shares flat on the NSE at Rs 307.90

Marketup

Stock market live: Motherson incorporates new energy subsidiary; shares gain 1% on NSE

Samvardhana Motherson International has informed the exchange about incorporation of indirect wholly owned subsidiary namely Motherson Energy Systems Bhend Limited

Shares up 1% on the NSE to Rs 133.40

Industryupdate

Stock market live: Adani Ports announces early results of tender offers for 2027 and 2031 senior notes

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone today announced the early results of its previously announced tender offers to purchase for cash (the “Tender Offers”) up to: 

US$345,137,000 in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding 4.0% Senior Notes due 2027, Common Code: 163626683, ISIN: XS1636266832 (Regulation S) and CUSIP: 00652M AD4, ISIN: US00652MAD48 (Rule 144A) (the “4.0% Notes”); and 

US$150,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding 3.10% Senior Notes due 2031, CUSIP: Y00130 XS1, ISIN: USY00130XS17 (Regulation S) and CUSIP: 00652M AH5, ISIN: US00652MAH51 (Rule 144A) (the “3.10% Notes”),

Marketup

Stock market live: L&T PT&D wins major EPC orders; shares rise 1% on NSE

L&T’s Power Transmission & Distribution (PT&D) vertical has secured a batch of EPC orders to establish electricity grid system elements in India and abroad. (order worth Rs 5,000-10,000 cr)

Shares up 1% on the NSE to Rs 4,309.40.

Banking

Market analysis by Vikram Subburaj, CEO, Giottus.com

Bitcoin steadied near $66,000 on Wednesday after a choppy two-day stretch that kept the market pinned in its now-familiar $60,000-$70,000 range. Trading dashboards showed BTC at about $66,002, with Ether near $1,928, BNB around $601, Solana near $82, and XRP about $1.39 during the session.

The flow picture into the US spot Bitcoin ETFs remains mixed. Data compiled by Farside Investors show net outflows of $203.8 million on February 23, followed by a net inflow of $178.8 million on February 24. This is definitely a sharp reversal but not yet a decisive turn in the broader trend of soft institutional demand. 

On positioning and ‘the tape feeling heavy,’ multiple analysts’ desks reported that whale selling had increased and that recent buyers were locking in losses as BTC dipped under $65,000. That matches the market’s price behaviour of rallies meeting supply quickly. On the other side, dips have not yet triggered capitulation-level liquidation.

Technically, the market is still trading around well-watched pivots. A sustained break below $60,000 is widely framed as a downside trigger, with ~$57,500 cited as the next notable level. Conversely, reclaiming $72,000-$75,000 would be a cleaner signal that risk appetite is returning.

Macro remains the key overhang. Fed commentary has kept rate expectations fluid. Fed Governor Christopher Waller described a March decision as a ‘coin flip.’ The calendar is dense too, with the February CPI (US) due for March 11. The next Fed decision window is the March 17-18 FOMC meeting. Both these are potential volatility catalysts for crypto. 

Our advice: Investors and traders should avoid leveraged longs near range highs and size spot exposure conservatively. This is especially so because of the ongoing ETF flow volatility and evidence of large-holder distribution. For accumulation strategies, stagger entries closer to structural supports rather than chasing momentum. Any sustained move above $75,000 with improving ETF inflows would warrant reassessing risk exposure. Until then, capital preservation should take priority over return optimisation.

Marketup

Stock market live: Nifty IT rebounds nearly 3% as all components trade in green

Nifty IT rose nearly 3% in early trade today to 30,999.75, from the previous close of 30,053.50 (falling up to 5% in the previous trading session to a 52-week low of 29,875 intraday). All components traded in green. MphasiS, Tech Mahindra, LTIMindtree, HCL Tech and Infosys gained 2-3 per cent.

Stock market

Nifty today: Top gainers, losers at this hour of trade

Top gainers of Nifty 50:

Tech Mahindra (+2.45%), Infosys (+2.29%), HCL Tech (+2.26%). TCS (+2.18%), Wipro (+1.83%)

Top losers:

Dr Reddy’s Lab (-1.56%), Max Health (-1.03%), Eicher Motors (-0.50%), Bajaj Finance (-0.39%), SBI (-0.23%)

Industryupdate

Stock market live: AXISCADES signs deal to boost India’s space situational awareness

AXISCADES Technologies signed an agreement at the Embassy of France, New Delhi in the distinguished presence of Ms. Eléonore Caroit, Minister Delegate to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, as a part of the delegation of HE Mr. Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic, to India, for enhancing India’s capability in Space Situational Awareness

Marketdown

Waaree Energies, Premier Energies, Vikram Solar tumble up to 10% after US imposes 126% preliminary duty on solar imports

Waaree Energies, Premier Energies, Vikram Solar tumble upto 10% as US imposes 126% preliminary duties on solar imports

Waaree Energies, Premier Energies and Vikram Solar fell up to 10% after the US imposed 126% preliminary countervailing duties on Indian solar imports.

Industryupdate

US sets initial duties on Indian solar imports at 126%

US sets initial duties on Indian solar imports at 126%

The US imposes 126% duties on Indian solar imports, citing foreign subsidies that undercut domestic manufacturers, raising market uncertainties.

Commodities

Commodities update: Crude oil futures rise on supply risk concerns ahead of US-Iran talks

Crude oil futures traded higher on Wednesday morning as markets feared supply risks if scheduled talks between the US and Iran fail on Thursday. At 9.19 am on Wednesday, May Brent oil futures were at $71.01, up by 0.61 per cent, and April crude oil futures on WTI (West Texas Intermediate) were at $66.02, up by 0.59 per cent. March crude oil futures were trading at ₹6030 on Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) during the initial hour of trading on Wednesday against the previous close of ₹6008, up by 0.37 per cent, and April futures were trading at ₹6041 against the previous close of ₹6020, up by 0.35 per cent.

Stock market

OPENING BELL: Sensex and Nifty rebound after sharp losses

Sensex gained 450.93 pts or 0.55% to 82,676.85 at 9.17 am, and Nifty 50 rose by 121.55 pts or 0.48% to 25,546.20.

On Tuesday, Sensex ended 1068.74 pts or 1.28% lower at 82,225.92, and Nifty 50 dragged 288.35 pts or 1.12% to 25,424.65.

Banking

Bitcoin holds key support, eyes $70,000 as short covering and inflows boost crypto market—Pi42 CEO

“Bitcoin’s ability to stabilise above the key $65,000 to $67,000 zone, even as markets grapple with uncertainty, reflects structural resilience. After a stretch of corrective pressure that dragged prices near $64,000, the recent strength in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and the broader crypto market appears to be driven by short covering and renewed inflows into digital assets. Developments such as Trump’s address to Congress and the Jane Street lawsuit have helped improve sentiment. The persistence of extreme fear sentiment alongside this rebound suggests that the current phase is more about technical repositioning than outright capitulation. If Bitcoin holds above the $67,000 level and sustains momentum, it could clear resistance toward $70,000 and potentially set the stage for a fresh push toward $75,000 and beyond.” – Avinash Shekhar, Co-Founder & CEO, Pi42

Economy

Stock market live today: Global bits

Australia:

Hotter-than-expected January inflation lifted rate hike expectations and strengthened the Australian dollar.

Japan:

Persistent wage-driven inflation pressures continued, the yen weakened on political caution over rate hikes, and a Reuters poll projected strong medium-term gains for the Nikkei.

South Korea:

Markets were supported by gains in chipmakers amid improved AI sentiment.

United States:

A new temporary 10% global tariff rollout added policy uncertainty, consumer confidence rebounded modestly, and Fed officials signaled conditional openness to future rate cuts.

Brazil:

Zero U.S. tariffs on aircraft exports supported prospects for Embraer and the broader aerospace sector.

Argentina:

Vaca Muerta’s shale development continues to be viewed as a potential rival to the U.S. Permian Basin in scale.

Russia:

Oil exports faced disruption after a Ukrainian drone attack, while Western allies expanded sanctions targeting its energy and financial sectors.

United Kingdom:

Joined allies in imposing fresh sanctions on Russia’s energy, shadow fleet, and banking sectors.

Nigeria:

The central bank cut rates by 50 bps as inflation declined for a tenth straight month.

Senegal:

IMF loan negotiations remain strained amid high public debt exceeding 130% of GDP.

Tunisia:

Record cash holdings are increasing pressure on the banking system.

New Zealand:

The kiwi dollar edged higher in early trade amid broader currency movements.

Source: Reuters

Stock market

WHAT HAPPENED OVERNIGHT

-> S&P +0.77%, Nasdaq +1.05%

-> Rebound led by tech sector

-> Dollar Index +0.19% to 97.89

-> Gold & Silver Futures flat

-> UST 10y yield unchanged @ 4.03%, Oil @ $71.47

-> Meta deal > $100B to buy AI chips from AMD (+8.5%)

-> PayPal +6.7% on reports Stripe wants to buy it

-> Anthropic to build partnerships in software & svcs

-> Nvidia reports earnings tonightbch beigns shortly

-> Nvidia reports earnings tonight post close

Industryupdate

Stock in News

Schaeffler India: Net Profit at Rs 322.3 cr vs Rs 237.2 cr, Revenue at Rs 2724 cr vs Rs 2136 cr (YoY) (Positive)

RVNL: Company secures Rs 270.22 crore central railway EPC order for Daund–Solapur traction substation project (Positive)

Power Grid Corp: Powergrid Narela transmission has successfully commissioned project (Positive)

Waaree Energies: Company receives LOA for 300MW wind power project in Gujarat (Positive)

IOL Chemicals: Company says European directorate for the quality of medicines & health care (EDQM) grants cep for clopidogrel besilate API in addition to existing cep for clopidogrel bisulphate (granted on February 23, 2026) (Positive)

Hindalco: Company Novelis enters subscription agreement with AV minerals. AV minerals to buy 1.3m Novelis shares for $200M (Positive)

Hexaware Technologies: Company announces collaboration with Amazon Web Services to transform software engineering with AI-Powered SDLC Solutions (Positive) 

Intellect Design Arena: Deal win – purple fabric gains strong momentum in India with strategic deal mandate from a leading financial services group (Positive)

Dr Reddy’s Lab: Company says sec concludes investigation with no enforcement action against company (Positive)

Samhi Hotels: Company unit signs operating agreements with Marriott hotels for two hotels in Navi Mumbai (Positive)

PI Industries: Company Pidilite Intl, insignia form JV in Tanzania; co holds 55% stake in Pidilite insignia (Positive)

BIOCON: Company obtains approval for weight management drug, liraglutide, in the United States (Positive)

HG Infra: Company wins Major Rs 1,582 crore NHAI Road Project in Odisha (Positive)

Samvardhana Motherson: Company incorporates MESBL for renewable energy project in Maharashtra (Neutral)

Vraj Iron And Steel: Company board approves Rs 35 crore capex to set up 1.5 lakh TPA TMT rolling mill at Bilaspur plant (Neutral)

Exide Industries: Company invests Rs 100 cr in wholly owned subsidiary exide energy solutions; total investment now Rs 4,352.23 crore (Neutral)

Wework India: Company enters agreement for capacity addition in Pune (Neutral)

Responsive Industries: Company targets 12–15% revenue growth, 20–24% EBITDA margins, with export expansion driving upside (Neutral) 

Apcotex Industries: Company says capacity addition project initiated worth Rs 210 crores towards nitrile rubber and synthetic latex (Neutral)

Economy

Equity Preview

Afcons Infrastructure (AFCONS): Says SAG Terminates €113M Gabon Road Contract

Alembic Pharma (ALPM): Gets U.S. FDA approval for generic Jubila solution

Aurobindo Pharma (ARBP IN): Forms new unit Engenra Biologics

Dr Reddy’s Lab (DRRD): Says SEC Concludes Probe, Doesn’t Recommend Action

Embassy Office Parks REIT (EMBASSY): Capital Group Sells 52.4M Units of Embassy REIT in Bulk Deals

Hexaware Technologies (HEXT): Expanded collaboration with Amazon Web services

IDFC First Bank (IDFCFB): Says Repaid $64.1M to Haryana, Fraud Probe Ongoing

Indian Railway Finance Corp. (IRFC): To sell up to 4% stake in IRFC via Offer-for-sale

KEC International (KECI): Wins $110M New Orders across its businesses

Larsen & Toubro (LT): In pact with Sufin Ltd for transfer of e-commerce platform business for INR600m

L&T Gets Order for India Gravitational Waves Observatory

Rail Vikas Nigam (RVNL): Gets INR2.7b order from Central Railway

Shree Cement (SRCM): Commissions 3.65 MTPA clinkerisation at Kodla of Karnataka

Utkarsh Small Finance (UTKARSHB): Partner with Kotak Life to sell insurance

Economy

Economic Calendar – 25.02.2026

07:30 U.S. President Speaks

10:30 BoJ Core CPI y/y (Expected: 1.9% versus Previous: 1.9%)

15:30 EURO Final CPI y/y (Expected: 1.7% versus Previous: 1.7%)

20:00 U.S. FOMC Member Barkin Speaks

Stock market

Stock Markets Live: Jane Street posts record $10 billion trading revenue, faces insider trading lawsuit amid India ban and Terra collapse scrutiny

Jane Street made $10 billion in trading revenue in a single quarter. 

For scale reference- thats more than Goldman, JP Morgan, Citi, or Bank of America managed in the same period

They got banned from India’s stock market last year for manipulating a national index. They seized $570 million and called them “not a good faith actor that deserves to be trusted”

Today they’re being sued for insider trading that helped trigger the $40b Terra collapse.

And because they’re classified as a trading firm and not a hedge fund, they’re exempt from the disclosure rules that would force them to show you how they actually make their money.

Commodities

Chevron sells first Venezuelan crude cargo to Reliance since December 2023

Chevron sells first Venezuelan Boscan crude cargo to Reliance in six years

Chevron sells its first Venezuelan Boscan crude cargo to Reliance since 2023, marking a rare heavy oil trade after nearly six years.

Stock market

Securities in Ban For Trade Date 25-FEB-2026

NIL

Commodities

Coal India backs phased rollout of National Coal Exchange to protect energy security

Coal India seeks phased rollout of National Coal Exchange to safeguard energy security

Coal India backs a phased National Coal Exchange rollout, warning that reforms must protect energy security and prevent tariff volatility for power producers.

Stock market

IT sell-off on generative AI fears hits LIC, mutual funds with 20% notional loss

IT sell-off on generative AI fears hits LIC, mutual funds with 20% notional loss

Institutional investors face significant losses in IT stocks, with LIC and mutual funds seeing a 20% decline amid AI disruption fears.

Stock market

Stocks in focus: PSUs, IT and pharma see key triggers

Stocks in focus: PSUs, IT and pharma stocks see key triggers

Tata Sons defers decision on N Chandrasekaran’s third term. POWERGRID, RVNL, IRFC, Lupin and Dr Reddy’s among key stocks in focus today.

Industryupdate

Paramount raises bid for Warner Bros Discovery to $31 per share amid Netflix rivalry

Paramount raises Warner Bros Discovery bid to $31 per share, setting up Netflix showdown

Paramount ups its Warner Bros Discovery takeover bid to $31 per share, challenging Netflix and triggering fresh antitrust scrutiny in Hollywood.

Industryupdate

SCHAEFFLER INDIA Q3 RESULTS

Net Profit: ⬆️ 36% YoY at ₹ 322 Cr | ⬆️ 11% QoQ

Revenue: ⬆️ 28% YoY at ₹ 2,724 Cr | ⬆️ 12% QoQ

EBITDA: ⬆️ 31% YoY at ₹ 484.6 Cr | ⬆️ 6% QoQ

EBITDA Margin: 17.79% vs 17.37% (YoY) ⬆️ | 17.79% vs 18.73% (QoQ) ⬇️

Industryupdate

𝗘𝘅𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗟𝘁𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘀 ₹100 𝗖𝗿𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗪𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗢𝘄𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗘𝘅𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀

Exide Industries Limited announced a significant investment of ₹100 crore on 24th February 2026, subscribing to the equity share capital of its wholly owned subsidiary, Exide Energy Solutions Limited (EESL), on a rights basis. 💰

This latest infusion brings the total investment by Exide Industries in EESL to ₹4,352.23 crore. Importantly, this transaction does not alter Exide Industries’ 100% shareholding in EESL. 🤝

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀:

– 𝗣𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: The funds are earmarked to support EESL’s greenfield project in Bengaluru, which focuses on manufacturing and selling lithium-ion battery cells, modules, and packs. This aligns with the growing demand in India’s electric vehicle market and stationary applications

Info tech

Vaishnaw, Merck discuss expanding role in India semiconductor ecosystem

Ashwini Vaishnaw holds talks with Merck on India’s semiconductor growth

Ashwini Vaishnaw meets Merck Electronics EVP Katherine Dei Cas; company shows strong interest in expanding its role in India’s semiconductor ecosystem.

Banking

IDFC First Bank fraud case: FIR registered, Haryana ACB launches probe

IDFC First Bank case: Haryana Anti-Corruption Bureau registers FIR, starts probe

Haryana panel flags forgery and fund lapses in Rs 590 crore case involving IDFC First Bank and AU Small Finance Bank; FIR filed, banks de-empanelled.

Agriculture

India allows 25 lakh tonnes wheat exports to stabilise domestic prices

India permits 25 lakh tonnes wheat export; FCI stocks at 182 lakh tonnes

Government allows 25 LMT wheat exports and 5 LMT flour shipments as FCI stocks stay strong and Rabi acreage rises, aiming to stabilise prices and support farmers.

Agriculture

Centre approves gram, mustard and lentil procurement under PSS for Rabi 2026

Centre approves gram and mustard procurement under PSS for Rabi 2026; states urged to use funds

Government clears gram, mustard and lentil procurement under PSS for Rabi 2026. Shivraj Singh Chouhan urges states to utilise farm scheme funds before March 31.

Economy

Piyush Goyal says India will resume US trade talks once tariff clarity emerges

India to resume US trade talks after tariff clarity; government reviews Press Note 3 norms

Piyush Goyal says India will restart US trade talks after tariff clarity and may streamline Press Note 3 approvals for Chinese investments.

Industryupdate

Govt clarifies RoDTEP benefits not reduced for agricultural, food products exports

Govt clarifies RoDTEP benefits not reduced for agricultural, food products exports

Government clarifies RoDTEP benefits for agricultural exports remain intact, amid concerns from non-farm exporters over reduced competitiveness.

Banking

Positive flows support rupee despite external headwinds

Positive flows support rupee despite external headwinds

The rupee traded largely flat last week. Several factors were at play, which effectively kept the local currency in a sideways trend. On Tuesday, the Indian unit closed at 90.95

Technicalcallbuy

DLF: A premium residential and commercial spaces play

DLF: A Premium Residential and Commercial Spaces Play

Explore DLF’s strong market presence and investment potential in premium real estate, showcasing robust financial growth and future opportunities.

Stock market

Fund Call: Blending equity, debt & arbitrage

Blending Equity, Debt & Arbitrage

Explore Mirae Asset Equity Savings Fund’s balanced strategy, blending equity, debt, and arbitrage for stable, tax-efficient returns.

Commodities

Aluminium futures: Bearish bias emerge

Aluminium futures: Bearish bias emerge

Aluminium futures show a bearish trend, with crucial support at ₹304 posing challenges for sellers moving forward.

Stock market

Trading Guide for February 25, 2026: Intraday supports, resistances for Nifty50 stocks

Day Trading Guide for February 25, 2026: Intraday supports, resistances for Nifty50 stocks

Day Trading Guide gives you the key intraday supports and resistances to watch out for on the Nifty Futures and other widely traded stocks such as Reliance Industries, Infosys, HDFC Bank, TCS, SBI.

Technicalcallbuy

Stock to buy today: KIMS (₹733.40) – BUY

​

Stock to buy today: KIMS (₹733.40) – BUY

The rise this week is happening from the 200-Day Moving Average (DMA), currently at ₹688. Additionally, the 21-DMA has crossed over the 55-DMA

​