Closing Bell: Markets Snap Winning Streak; Sensex Drops 403 Points on January 17, 2025

On January 17, 2025, the Sensex ended its 3-day winning streak, closing 403.24 points (0.52%) lower at 76,639.58. During the day, the index moved between a high of 77,069.19 and a low of 76,263.29.

The NSE Nifty50 also ended in the red, dropping 108.60 points (0.47%) to close at 23,203.20. The index hit a high of 23,292.10 during the session, with the day’s low at 23,100.35.

Top Gainers and Losers

Reliance Industries, BPCL, Hindalco, and Coal India were among the top gainers on Nifty50. On the other hand, Infosys, Axis Bank, Shriram Finance, Kotak Mahindra Bank, and Wipro led the losses, with Wipro declining the most by 5.75%.

Sectoral Performance

The sectoral markets had a mixed outcome. Nifty IT and Private Bank indices were the biggest losers, each dropping by over 2%. Bank Nifty and Financial Services indices also ended lower, falling by more than 1% each. On the brighter side, Nifty FMCG, Metal, OMCs, and Realty indices saw gains, with increases of up to 1.56%.

Oil Prices

As of January 17, 2025, at 03:40 PM, Brent Crude was trading at $81.54, up by 0.31%.

 

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Super Senior FDs Now Offering Up to 9.25% Interest – Compare Rates!

Banks are introducing attractive fixed deposit (FD) schemes for senior and super-senior citizens to help them maximise returns. Leading banks like SBI, HDFC Bank, and IDBI Bank have revised their FD rates to offer higher interest for individuals aged 60 and above, especially those over 80 years old.

Top FD Interest Rates for Super Senior Citizens

Bank Interest Rates Tenure
City Union Bank 8.10% 333 Days
RBL Bank 9.25% 500 Days
Bank of Baroda 7.90% 400 Days
Bank of India 7.95% 400 Days
Canara Bank 8.00% 3 to less than 5 years
Indian Bank 8.05% 1 to 375 days
Indian Overseas Bank 8.05% 444 Days
Punjab National Bank 8.05% 400 Days
Punjab & Sind Bank 8.10% 555 Days
Union Bank of India 8.05% 456 Days

 

Special Schemes for Super Seniors

  • IDBI Bank: Launched the “Chiranjeevi-Super Senior Citizen FD” for individuals aged 80+ with rates ranging from 7.85% to 8.05% (effective January 13, 2025).
  • SBI: Introduced the “SBI Patrons Term Deposit” offering 10 bps higher than the rates for senior citizens.

Why Super Senior Citizen FDs Are Beneficial?

  1. Higher Interest Rates: Super seniors enjoy an additional 0.5% to 0.75% interest above the regular FD rates.
  2. Safety and Guaranteed Returns: Fixed deposits offer a secure investment option with assured returns.
  3. Flexible Tenures: Choose a tenure based on your financial goals—short-term FDs provide liquidity, while long-term FDs offer higher rates.

Key Considerations for Super Senior Citizen FDs

  • Premature Withdrawal

Check the bank’s penalty policy for early withdrawals. Premature withdrawal could reduce the effective interest earned.

  • Tax Implications

Interest earned on FDs is taxable. However, under Section 80TTB, super senior citizens can enjoy tax-free interest up to ₹50,000 per year. Plan FDs to optimise tax benefits.

  • Cumulative vs Non-Cumulative FDs

Cumulative FDs: Interest is reinvested and paid at maturity, which is ideal for long-term goals.

Non-Cumulative FDs: Interest is paid regularly and is suitable for those needing steady income.

  • Nomination Facility

Always assign a nominee for your FDs. This ensures a smooth transfer of funds to beneficiaries in unforeseen circumstances.

  • Online vs Offline FDs

Opening FDs online is convenient and often provides better rates. Before proceeding, ensure the bank’s online platform is user-friendly.

 

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Why is the Indian Stock Market Falling Today? Here Are 5 Key Reasons

After 3 consecutive days of gains, the Indian stock market faced significant selling pressure on Friday, with both the Nifty 50 and BSE Sensex falling sharply. 

On January 17, 2025, Indian stock markets were trading lower on Friday due to weak global signals. By 12 PM, the BSE Sensex had fallen by 546.63 points, or 0.71%, to 76,496.19, while the Nifty 50 was down by 143.20 points, or 0.61%, at 23,168.60.

Here are five main factors behind this decline:

1. Economic Uncertainty Due to US Politics

The uncertainty surrounding the potential return of Donald Trump as US President has raised concerns. Countries that heavily rely on trade with the US, like China and Japan, may face challenges. 

2. Cautious Sentiment Amid Q3 Results Season

Investors are cautious due to weaker-than-expected Q3 results from Infosys and ongoing selling in the banking sector. Even though good Q3 results are expected from Indian banks, these concerns are making investors hesitant.

3. Rising US Dollar and Bond Yields

The US dollar remains strong, and US bond yields are on the rise. As a result, investors are moving their money from equities and other assets to US bonds and the currency market, causing a drop in the Indian stock market.

On January 17, as of 12:24 PM, the US dollar weakened as traders evaluated mixed economic data and speculated on potential Fed rate cuts. The dollar index fell 0.05% to 108.98. Bond yields also dropped, with the 10-year yield down to 4.615%, the 30-year at 4.8556%, and the two-year yield at 4.239%.

4. Selling by Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs)

Foreign investors are selling in Indian markets due to attractive returns in US bonds and currency markets. Meanwhile, domestic institutional investors (DIIs) are holding off on buying and waiting for the Union Budget 2025. This has contributed to the downward trend in Indian stocks.

5. Uncertainty About US Fed Rate Cuts

The uncertainty over when the US Federal Reserve will cut interest rates is also affecting the Indian market. Despite a slowdown in US inflation, the Fed has indicated that it won’t lower rates until inflation concerns ease. This uncertainty is preventing domestic investors from buying stocks and counteracting the foreign selling pressure.

 

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

IRFC, RVNL, and Other Railway Stocks Continue to Surge for 2nd Consecutive Day

Shares of railway infrastructure companies saw another day of gains on Friday, driven by expectations that the government will increase capital spending in the railway sector in the upcoming Union Budget for FY26. This rally follows a correction earlier in January.

IRFC Shares Surge

Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC) saw a significant rise in its share price after the company was rated “excellent” by the Department of Public Enterprises for its operational and financial performance in FY24. On Thursday, the IRFC share price surged nearly 6% and closed 4% higher after IRFC announced that it had secured financing for 20 BOBR rakes from the Indian Railways to NTPC for up to ₹700 crore.

RVNL Leading the Rally

RVNL share price has been among the top gainers, rising by over 6% on Friday. The stock jumped as much as 11% on Thursday after the company secured 2 large orders from BSNL, worth over ₹13,235 crore in total. On Friday, RVNL shares traded 5.67% higher at ₹434.45 per share as of 10:45 AM.

Other Stocks Show Gains

Ircon International Ltd. and Texmaco Infrastructure & Holdings Ltd. also saw positive movements, with their shares rising by 2% and 3.19%, respectively. These stocks benefited from renewed investor confidence as expectations grow that the government will focus on railway infrastructure in FY26.

Modest Rise for IRCTC

IRCTC share price saw a smaller gain of 1.24%, reaching ₹772.70 per share as of 11:05 AM., lagging behind other railway stocks. However, the overall market sentiment remains optimistic, driven by hopes for growth in the railway sector.

 

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Tech Mahindra Share Price in Focus Ahead of Q3 FY25 Results

Tech Mahindra, an IT services company, is set to announce its Q3 results for FY25 today, January 17. 

Share Price Movement

Tech Mahindra share price is currently priced at ₹1,680.25, down by ₹7.40 or 0.44% today as of 11:44 am IST. Over the past 6 months, the stock has risen by ₹140.90, a gain of 9.15%. In the past year, it has increased by ₹353.50, or 26.64%, and over the past 5 years, the stock has surged by ₹901.80, reflecting a remarkable 115.85% growth.

Previous Quarter Performance

In the December 2023 quarter, Tech Mahindra’s net profit dropped by 61% year-on-year to ₹510.4 crore, compared to ₹1,296.6 crore in Q3FY23. Revenue also fell by 4%, from ₹13,734.6 crore in Q3FY23 to ₹13,101.3 crore. However, there was a slight improvement in net profit and revenue compared to the previous quarter, with net profit up by 3% and revenue rising by 2% sequentially.

Key Areas to Watch

  • Updates on the CEO’s turnaround efforts.
  • Impact of Project Fortius on margins.
  • Outlook on growth and margin trajectory for the rest of FY25.
  • The performance of the communications vertical post-US elections and rate cuts.

About Tech Mahindra

Tech Mahindra is an Indian multinational IT services and consulting company. It was established in 1986 as a partnership between BT Group and Mahindra & Mahindra. The company is part of the Mahindra Group and is based in Pune, with its registered office located in Mumbai.

 

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Jio Financial Services Share Price Moves Ahead of Q3 FY25 Results

Jio Financial Services, a non-banking finance company (NBFC) owned by billionaire Mukesh Ambani, will announce its Q3 results for FY25 today, January 17. Ahead of the earnings report, Jio Finance shares remained flat, although the stock has fallen over 17% in the past month. Over the past year, however, the stock has gained 15%. The company offers services such as loans, savings accounts, UPI bill payments, and digital insurance. It currently has a market capitalisation of more than ₹1.76 lakh crore.

Q2FY25 Results Show Profit Increase

For Q2FY25, Jio Financial Services reported a 3.1% increase in its consolidated net profit, reaching ₹689 crore, up from ₹668 crore in the same period last year. The company’s net profit also surged 120% compared to ₹312.63 crore in the previous quarter (Q1FY25).

Share Price Sees Gains Before Q3 Results

Ahead of the Q3 results announcement, Jio Financial Services saw a rise in its share price. The stock gained as much as 1.68%, reaching an intraday high of ₹281.40 on the BSE. The stock opened at ₹279.70, up from its previous close of ₹276.75.

Board Meeting to Discuss Q3 Results

The company’s Board of Directors is set to meet on January 17, 2025, to consider and approve the standalone and consolidated unaudited financial results for the quarter and nine months ended December 31, 2024.

About Jio Financial Services Ltd

Jio Financial Services Ltd is a financial services company located in Mumbai, India. It was initially a part of Reliance Industries but became an independent entity after being demerged and was listed on Indian stock exchanges in August 2023.

 

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Vodafone Idea Share Price in Focus: Gains Amid Strategic Partnerships

Vodafone Idea share price is currently trading at ₹8.97, up 0.45% today. Over the past 5 days, the stock has gained 14.12% and 14.85% in the past month. 

Vodafone Idea’s stock prices surged after the company announced a partnership with HCL Technologies’ software unit, HCL Software, to improve its 4G and 5G networks.

The telecom company will utilise HCL Augmented Network Automation (HCL ANA), a platform that helps manage its multi-vendor networks from Ericsson and Samsung. The HCL ANA platform uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to simplify the management of Vodafone Idea’s complex network, which consists of different technologies and vendors, ensuring better integration and smoother network operations. Additionally, the platform is designed to be future-proof, as it is ready for SMO (ORAN) upgrades.

In addition to this partnership, Vodafone Idea also awarded network equipment contracts worth ₹30,000 crore to Nokia, Ericsson, and Samsung in September 2024. This deal will span 3 years and cover the supply of necessary equipment for its network.

Financial Highlights

Vodafone Idea reported a net loss of ₹7,175.9 crore for the September quarter (Q2FY25), driven by a shrinking user base. In comparison, the company reported a larger loss of ₹8,737 crore in the same quarter of FY24. However, the loss in Q2FY25 was 11.5% higher than the ₹6,432 crore loss in Q1FY25.

This is the second consecutive quarter where the company reduced its overall loss figures, mainly due to a significant reduction in tax expenses, which fell sharply to ₹7.8 crore in Q2, compared to ₹817.7 crore in Q2FY24. The company also benefited from a decrease in interest and financing costs, which dropped 3.38% to ₹6,313 crore from ₹6,534 crore in the previous year.

Vodafone Idea’s revenue from operations increased by just 2%, reaching ₹10,932 crore in Q2FY25, up from ₹10,716 crore in the same quarter last year.

The company’s average revenue per user (ARPU), a key measure of performance, rose to ₹156 in Q2, a 6.84% increase from the previous quarter’s ₹146. On a year-on-year basis, ARPU grew by 9.8%. This rise in ARPU was driven by tariff hikes introduced by major telcos like Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea itself in July.

About Vodafone Idea

Vodafone Idea is a major telecom provider in India, offering mobile and long-distance communication services. It also deals in handsets and data cards. The company provides a range of services, including voice calls, broadband internet, and content services. It also offers solutions for businesses, entertainment options, SMS, utility services, and other value-added features.

 

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Banks Offering 8% or Higher Interest on Fixed Deposits

Fixed deposits (FDs) continue to attract risk-averse investors, with several banks in India offering interest rates of 8% or more. Notably, small finance banks dominate this space with higher rates compared to public and private sector banks.

Small Finance Banks Offering High FD Rates

Small finance banks provide some of the highest FD rates, making them popular among investors seeking better returns.

  • NorthEast Small Finance Bank: 9.00% for 546–1111 days
  • Unity Small Finance Bank: 9.00% for 1001 days
  • Suryoday Small Finance Bank: 8.60% for above 2 years–3 years
  • Jana Small Finance Bank: 8.25% for 1–3 years
  • Utkarsh Small Finance Bank: 8.50% for 2–3 years or 1500 days
  • Equitas Small Finance Bank: 8.25% for 888 days
  • Ujjivan Small Finance Bank: 8.25% for 12 months

Private Sector Banks: Competitive Rates

Private sector banks also offer attractive FD rates, especially for specific tenures.

  • Bandhan Bank: 8.05% for 1 year
  • IDFC First Bank: 7.90% for 400–500 days
  • RBL Bank: 8.00% for 500 days
  • DCB Bank: 8.05% for 19–20 months
  • IndusInd Bank: 7.99% for 1 year 5 months to less than 1 year 6 months
  • HDFC Bank: 7.40% for 55 months
  • ICICI Bank: 7.25% for 15 months–2 years

Public Sector Banks: Stability and Security

Public sector banks may offer slightly lower rates but remain a secure choice for conservative investors.

  • Bank of Maharashtra: 7.45% for 366 days
  • Central Bank of India: 7.50% for 1111 or 3333 days
  • Bank of Baroda: 7.30% for 400 days (Bob Utsav)
  • Bank of India: 7.30% for 400 days
  • Canara Bank: 7.40% for 3–5 years
  • Indian Bank: 7.30% for 400 days (IND SUPER)
  • Union Bank of India: 7.30% for 456 days

Foreign Banks Offering Competitive FD Rates

Some foreign banks also offer attractive rates for FDs in India.

  • Deutsche Bank: 8.00% for above 1–3 years
  • HSBC Bank: 7.50% for 601–699 days
  • Standard Chartered Bank: 7.50% for 1–375 days

 

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

IOC Secures 7 Million Barrels of Crude Oil from the Middle East and Africa

Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), the largest refiner in India, has acquired 7 million barrels of crude oil from the Middle East and Africa through spot market tenders. This includes a rare purchase of Abu Dhabi’s Murban crude oil. The move comes as U.S. sanctions against Russia are expected to disrupt supplies, tightening availability globally.

French energy giant TotalEnergies, through its trading arm Totsa, sold 2 million barrels of Murban crude to IOC, according to trade sources.

Additional Crude Oil Purchases

IOC also secured other shipments through tenders, including:

  • A very large crude carrier (VLCC) from Shell contains 1 million barrels each of Nigeria’s Agbami and Akpo crude, as well as 1 million barrels of Gabon’s Rabi Light crude.
  • Another VLCC from Chevron carrying 1 million barrels of Nigeria’s Agbami and Angola’s Nemba crude.

These purchases were reportedly concluded on a delivered basis, although pricing details were not disclosed.

Increased Middle East Oil Purchases

Indian refiners are ramping up Middle Eastern crude imports from spot markets to counteract supply disruptions caused by sanctions on Russian producers and tankers. This shift has also tightened shipping availability.

High Spot Premiums Reflect Strong Demand

Spot premiums for Middle Eastern crude oil hit their highest level in over 2 years on Thursday. Rising demand from major importers like China and India, seeking alternatives to Russian and Iranian supplies, has driven prices higher.

Future Tenders Issued by IOC

Earlier this week, IOC floated tenders to purchase sour and sweet crude for loading between late February and early March, reflecting its proactive strategy to secure steady supplies amid global uncertainties.

About Indian Oil Corporation Limited

Indian Oil Corporation Limited, commonly known as IndianOil, is an Indian multinational company in the oil and gas sector. It is owned by the Government of India and operates under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. Although registered in Mumbai, the company’s headquarters are located in New Delhi.

Indian Oil Corporation share price is trading at ₹127.21, up by ₹0.11 (0.087%) as of 9:43 AM IST on January 17. The stock opened at ₹127.00, reached a high of ₹128.40, and a low of ₹126.50 during the session. With a market capitalisation of ₹1.80 lakh crore, it has a P/E ratio of 9.99 and a dividend yield of 9.43%. The 52-week high is ₹196.80, while the 52-week low is ₹121.16.

 

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Top Gainers and Losers on January 16, 2025: HDFC Life Leads Gains; Trent and Dr Reddy’s Among Top Losers

On January 16, 2025, the BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty50 closed higher for the third straight session. The Sensex gained 318.74 points (0.42%) to finish at 77,042.82, moving between 76,895.51 and 77,319.50 during the day.

The Nifty50 also ended in the green, rising 98.60 points (0.42%) to settle at 23,311.80. It touched a high of 23,391.65 and a low of 23,272.05 during the session.

Here are the top gainers and losers for January 16, 2025:

Top Gainers of the Day

Symbol Open High Low LTP %chng
HDFCLIFE 630.1 663.6 628.95 641.7 7.99
BEL 273.40 278.05 271.40 277.5 3.6
SBILIFE 1,486.00 1,545.00 1,486.00 1,515.35 2.89
SHRIRAMFIN 535.55 553.75 535.55 546.95 2.58
ADANIPORTS 1,179.95 1,190.00 1,145.40 1,154.05 2.23

  • HDFC Life Insurance Company

HDFC Life share price surged 7.99% to ₹641.70, reaching a high of ₹663.60 after opening at ₹630.10.

  • Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL)

Bharat Electronics Share Price gained 3.6%, closing at ₹277.50 after touching an intraday high of ₹278.05.

  • SBI Life Insurance Company

SBI Life Insurance Company Share Price advanced 2.89% to ₹1,515.35, with a high of ₹1,545.00.

  • Shriram Finance

Shriram Finance share price climbed 2.58% to ₹546.95, peaking at ₹553.75 during the session.

  • Adani Ports (ADANIPORTS)

Adani Ports Share Price rose 2.23% to ₹1,154.05, recovering from a low of ₹1,145.40.

Top Losers of the Day

Symbol Open High Low LTP %chng
TRENT 6,498.00 6,498.00 6,150.50 6,230.00 -2.51
DRREDDY 1,340.90 1,347.00 1,297.00 1,307.00 -2.26
HCLTECH 1,833.00 1,837.95 1,785.30 1,790.15 -1.95
TATACONSUM 960.00 960.00 926.05 938 -1.84
INFY 1,965.95 1,966.95 1,916.85 1,920.05 -1.52

 

  • Trent

Trent share price dropped 2.51% to ₹6,230.00, declining sharply from its opening level of ₹6,498.00.

  • Dr Reddy’s Laboratories

Dr Reddys Laboratories Share Price slipped 2.26% to ₹1,307.00, after hitting a low of ₹1,297.00.

  • HCL Technologies

HCL Technologies Share Price fell 1.95%, ending at ₹1,790.15, after trading as low as ₹1,785.30.

  • Tata Consumer Products

Tata Consumer Products Share Price dropped 1.84% to ₹938.00, trading within a range of ₹926.05 to ₹960.00.

  • Infosys (INFY)

Infosys Share Price edged lower by 1.52%, closing at ₹1,920.05.

 

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.