Indian stock markets faced a turbulent week. The Nifty index dropped below 25,300, a key support level. Bank Nifty also weakened, adding to market concerns. Experts suggest this indicates a potential for further declines in the short term. Investors are advised to be cautious and selective in their approach.
India is experiencing robust economic growth alongside subdued inflation, a rare "goldilocks" scenario. Nomura's Aurodeep Nandi highlights easing headwinds, supportive policy, and stable core inflation, projecting continued expansion. While rate cuts are unlikely, the RBI retains flexibility, and the rupee faces moderate volatility.
Market expert Nischal Maheshwari advocates a selective, valuation-conscious strategy across sectors like microfinance, banks, metals, autos, power, and defence. He highlights opportunities in PSU lenders and commercial vehicles, while cautioning on metals and defence stocks due to current valuations and volatility. Maheshwari also notes structural demand in data centres and a positive outlook for autos.
Mayur Patel of 360 ONE Asset Management sees improving structural drivers in financials, telecom, commercial vehicles, and integrated solar manufacturing, which are not fully valued for their medium-long term earnings. He highlights easing liquidity, trade deal benefits, and potential for revived foreign flows, while cautioning on AI disruption in IT services and rich valuations in FMCG and Defence.
The maker of the AI chatbot Claude said in a statement that its not walking away from negotiations, but that new contract language received from the Defense Department made virtually no progress on preventing Claudes use for mass surveillance of Americans or in fully autonomous weapons.
Manilam Industries is set to list on the NSE SME platform on February 27. The IPO closed on February 24 and was subscribed 6.25 times overall. The company plans to use the funds for equipment, solar panels, loan repayment, and working capital. Manilam Industries manufactures decorative laminates and trades in plywood.
