Nazara Technologies Acquires 8.97% Stake in Absolute Sports for ₹69.17 Crore

Nazara Technologies Ltd. has increased its stake in Absolute Sports Pvt. Ltd. from 91.03% to 100%, acquiring the remaining 8.97% equity for ₹69.17 crore. This acquisition makes Absolute Sports a wholly owned subsidiary of Nazara.

As of March 19, 1:18 PM, Nazara Technologies Ltd. is trading at ₹948.90, up ₹12.45 (1.33%) today, but down 8.10% over the past 6 months while gaining 40.69% in the past year.

Transaction Details

The acquisition involved purchasing 18,330 equity shares of Absolute Sports from its eligible employees. Each share had a face value of ₹1. This transaction was carried out under the Share Purchase Agreement (SPA) signed on December 2, 2024.

Impact of the Acquisition

With this purchase, Nazara now has full ownership of Absolute Sports, consolidating its control over its operations, financials, and strategic decisions. The acquisition is part of an ongoing effort to streamline its subsidiaries under its corporate structure.

Filing and Compliance

Nazara Technologies informed stock exchanges of the acquisition through a filing under Regulation 30 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015. The company had previously notified exchanges about the agreement on February 27, 2025.

Absolute Sports and Nazara

Absolute Sports is a sports media company that owns and operates Sportskeeda, a digital platform that covers various sports, esports, and gaming content. The company focuses on online sports coverage, including news, analysis, and opinion pieces on global and domestic sporting events.

Nazara Technologies operates across multiple regions, including India, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. The company has investments in gaming, esports, and interactive entertainment.

Conclusion

The acquisition completes Nazara’s ownership of Absolute Sports, giving it full decision-making authority over the subsidiary. The company has recorded the transaction in compliance with regulatory requirements and informed stakeholders accordingly.

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.

Cipla Signs Exclusive Licensing Agreement with Formosa for Ophthalmic Drug

Cipla has entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with Taiwan-based Formosa Pharmaceuticals to commercialise clobetasol propionate ophthalmic suspension (0.05%), known as APP13007. The agreement gives Cipla exclusive rights to market the drug in India, South Africa, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Myanmar, Kenya, Nigeria, Argentina, and Colombia.

Following the announcement, Cipla Ltd shares were trading at ₹1,501.00, down by ₹7.65 (0.51%) as of 12:44 PM on March 19. Over the past six months, the stock has declined 8.35%, while it has gained 4.55% over the past year.

Drug Approval and Usage

APP13007 is a USFDA-approved, patent-protected ophthalmic drug developed for post-operative inflammation and pain management following ocular surgery. The formulation offers a twice-daily dosing regimen for 14 days without tapering, simplifying its usage compared to conventional corticosteroids.

Cipla’s Expansion in Ophthalmology

This is Cipla’s first multi-regional licensing agreement in ophthalmology. According to their regulatory filing, Achin Gupta, Global Chief Operating Officer at Cipla, stated that the agreement allows Cipla to expand access to the therapy across multiple countries. The company plans to utilise its commercial network to support the distribution of the drug.

Formosa Pharmaceuticals’ Role

Erick Co, President and CEO of Formosa Pharmaceuticals, said the company looks forward to working with Cipla to provide the treatment in new markets. Formosa Pharmaceuticals specialises in ophthalmic drug development and has been expanding its partnerships globally.

Conclusion

Cipla operates across multiple therapeutic areas and has been expanding its speciality drug portfolio. The ophthalmology market is to grow due to increasing eye surgeries and the demand for post-operative care solutions, as per the reports. This agreement adds to Cipla’s existing product line in the segment.

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.

IndusInd Bank Share Price Recovers but Still Down 31% in March

Several leading mutual funds offloaded IndusInd Bank shares in February 2025, marking a significant reduction in their exposure to the private lender. Among the Nifty 50 stocks, IndusInd Bank witnessed the largest decline in mutual fund ownership.

According to a  report, mutual fund holdings in IndusInd Bank fell by 7.4% to ₹20,020 crore. The total number of shares held by fund houses declined by 7.3% to 20.22 crore by the end of February. This pre-emptive sell-off coincided with emerging concerns over the bank’s financial reporting.

IndusInd Bank’s Accounting Discrepancy and Market Reaction

On March 10, 2025, IndusInd Bank disclosed an accounting discrepancy related to derivative transactions conducted before April 1, 2025. The estimated financial impact of this issue was calculated at 2.35% of the bank’s net worth, amounting to approximately ₹1,577 crore.

The market responded sharply to the announcement, leading to a 27% plunge in IndusInd Bank’s share price on March 11. This translated to a market capitalisation loss of nearly ₹20,000 crore. Additionally, the stock was placed under the Futures & Options (F&O) ban list, reflecting heightened caution among investors. For the month of March so far, the IndusInd Bank share price is down by 31%. 

IndusInd Bank’s CEO and Managing Director, Sumant Kathpalia, revealed that the accounting lapse was identified between September and October of the previous year. The bank had provided an initial update to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) last week, and a final assessment, conducted via an external review, is expected by early April.

RBI’s Assurance and Stock Price Recovery

Following the steep decline, IndusInd Bank’s share price showed signs of recovery after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) intervened, offering assurances about the bank’s financial stability. The central bank stated that IndusInd Bank remains ‘well-capitalised’ and that its financial position remains ‘satisfactory’ despite the discrepancy.

In a statement issued on March 15, 2025, the RBI clarified, “The Reserve Bank would like to state that the bank is well-capitalised and the financial position of the bank remains satisfactory.”

This announcement played a role in stabilising investor sentiment, leading to a slight rebound in the stock. By 18 March 2025, IndusInd Bank’s share price ended 0.60% higher at ₹681.45 on the National Stock Exchange (NSE).

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.

March 31 Tax Deadline: This ELSS Fund Saves Tax & Delivering Positive Returns Since 2019

As the financial year draws to a close, individuals rush to optimise their tax liabilities and explore tax-saving instruments under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. The old tax regime allows deductions of up to ₹1.5 lakh per annum, making tax-saving investments a strategic move to reduce taxable income.

One of the most popular choices among investors is Equity Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS). These mutual funds not only help in tax savings but also provide an opportunity for long-term wealth creation due to their exposure to equity markets.

Performance Insights: How This ELSS Funds Have Fared

When selecting an ELSS fund, historical performance can provide insights into its consistency. One such fund that has consistently delivered positive returns, even during turbulent market phases, is the Motilal Oswal ELSS Tax Saver Fund.

Performance Overview of Motilal Oswal ELSS Tax Saver Fund

 

Year 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Returns in % 12.47 43.96 -8.73 13.2 8.77 32.06 1.78 37.05 47.72

This data showcases resilience even during challenging periods, such as the 2020 pandemic. While past performance does not guarantee future returns, it provides a perspective on fund stability.

Motilal Oswal ELSS Tax Saver Fund: Fund Details

  • Investment Objective: The fund aims to generate long-term capital appreciation by investing in a diversified portfolio of equity and equity-related instruments.
  • Lock-in Period: 3 years (mandatory)
  • Minimum Investment: ₹500 (both lumpsum and SIP)

Understanding ELSS: Tax Saving with Market Exposure

ELSS funds are diversified equity mutual funds that offer tax benefits under Section 80C. They come with a mandatory lock-in period of 3 years, making them the most liquid option among other tax-saving instruments like PPF or NSC.

Key Features of ELSS Funds:

Tax Deduction: Investments up to ₹1.5 lakh qualify for tax deductions under Section 80C.

Market-Linked Returns: Unlike fixed-income tax-saving instruments, ELSS funds invest in equities, making them subject to market fluctuations.

Shorter Lock-in Period: Compared to PPF (15 years) and NSC (5 years), ELSS has the shortest lock-in period of three years.

Growth Potential: Historically, ELSS funds have delivered better returns compared to other tax-saving options.

Final Thoughts

With March 31 fast approaching, investors exploring tax-saving options under Section 80C might consider ELSS funds as they provide a blend of tax efficiency and potential market-linked growth. However, it is important to evaluate investment goals, risk tolerance, and fund performance before making any decision.

Curious about your SBI SIP returns? Get accurate estimates of your investment growth using our SBI SIP Calculator and stay ahead of your financial goals.

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. 

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

Top 5 Small-Cap Stocks Attracting Mutual Fund Managers

Mutual fund inflows witnessed a notable decline in February, as per data released by the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI). Net equity inflows dropped to ₹29,241.78 crore from ₹39,669.6 crore recorded in January, marking a 26.29% decrease on a month-on-month (MoM) basis. The decline in inflows suggests a shift in investor sentiment or portfolio reallocation in response to market conditions.

Breakdown of Fund Inflows by Category

A detailed analysis of the mutual fund inflows reveals a decline across major equity fund categories:

  • Large-Cap Funds: Inflows stood at ₹2,866 crore in February, a slight dip from ₹3,063.3 crore in January.
  • Mid-Cap Funds: The inflows for mid-cap funds reduced to ₹3,407 crore, compared to ₹5,148 crore in the previous month.
  • Small-Cap Funds: Although inflows into small-cap funds fell to ₹3,722.5 crore from ₹5,721 crore in January, they exhibited an annual increase of 27% from ₹2,922 crore in February 2024.

These fluctuations highlight a potential moderation in fresh investments across segments, while small-cap funds continue to attract sustained investor interest on a yearly basis.

Top 5 Small-Cap Stocks Attracting Mutual Fund Investments in February

Despite the overall decline in mutual fund inflows, several small-cap stocks gained traction among fund managers. The following stocks emerged as the top picks within the small-cap category in February 2025:

 

Stock Name Sector Classification Month Net Qty Bought Approx. Buy Value(₹ in crore)
Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Ltd. Consumer Durables Small-Cap Feb-25 1,61,95,303 538.13
Ajax Engineering Ltd. Capital Goods Small-Cap Feb-25 68,38,059 401.58
TeamLease Services Ltd. Miscellaneous Small-Cap Feb-25 17,28,505 379.51
Global Health Ltd. Healthcare Small-Cap Feb-25 30,29,432 331.61
Dr. Agarwal’s Health Care Ltd. Healthcare Small-Cap Feb-25 77,09,431 309.53

 

Conclusion

Despite the overall slowdown in mutual fund inflows, small-cap stocks such as Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals, Ajax Engineering, and Global Health attracted significant investments from fund managers. This indicates selective interest in specific sectors like consumer durables, healthcare, and capital goods. Monitoring these investment trends can offer insights into fund managers’ strategies and evolving market dynamics.

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.

Investing ₹1,20,000 Per Year: Will SIP or PPF Deliver a Bigger Corpus in 20 Years?

For investors seeking long-term wealth creation, both Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) in mutual funds and Public Provident Fund (PPF) are popular choices. However, they differ significantly in terms of risk, returns, and liquidity. Suppose you invest ₹1,20,000 per year in both instruments for 20 years. How much corpus will you generate by the end of this period? Let’s break it down.

Understanding SIP and PPF Investments

What is an SIP?

An SIP is a disciplined investment approach in mutual funds where a fixed amount is invested periodically (monthly or annually). The returns are market-linked, and the power of compounding and rupee cost averaging play a key role in wealth accumulation.

What is PPF?

PPF is a government-backed investment scheme that provides fixed, tax-free returns. It has a 15-year lock-in period, which can be extended in blocks of 5 years. The interest rate is set by the government and generally remains stable compared to equity-based investments.

If an investor starts a PPF account today, it will mature after 15 years.

To reach 20 years, they must extend the account by 5 years.

This means that PPF can be compared to SIP over 20 years only if the investor chooses to extend it for 5 more years.

Comparing the Corpus Growth Over 20 Years

Scenario 1: SIP Investment Growth

  • Annual investment: ₹1,20,000 (₹10,000 per month)
  • Investment period: 20 years
  • Expected annual return: 12% 
  • Total Investment: ₹24,00,000
  • Estimated Corpus: ₹99,91,479
  • Capital Gains: ₹75,91,479

SIPs offer higher returns due to their equity exposure, but they are also subject to market fluctuations.

Scenario 2: PPF Investment Growth

  • Annual investment: ₹1,20,000
  • Investment period: 20 years
  • Interest rate: 7.1% (current PPF rate)
  • Total Investment: ₹24,00,000
  • Estimated Corpus: ₹53,26,631
  • Interest Earned: ₹29,26,631

PPF offers stable and risk-free returns, but the corpus generated is significantly lower compared to SIPs.

Which One Should You Choose?

The choice between SIP and PPF depends on risk appetite, financial goals, and investment horizon. If you seek higher returns and can withstand market volatility, SIP in equity mutual funds may be more rewarding in the long run. However, if capital protection and fixed returns are your priority, PPF remains a reliable option.

Conclusion

Over a 20-year period, investing ₹1,20,000 annually in an SIP can generate almost double the corpus compared to PPF. While PPF provides stability, SIPs have the potential for wealth creation through compounding and market growth. The decision ultimately depends on your investment objective and risk-taking capacity.

Ready to watch your savings grow? Try our SIP Calculator today and unlock the potential of disciplined investing. Perfect for planning your financial future. Start now!

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. 

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

CCI Greenlights Tata Sons’ Additional Stake Purchase in Tata Play

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has granted approval for Tata Sons Private Limited (Tata Sons) to acquire an additional 10% stake in Tata Play Limited (Tata Play) from Baytree Investments (Mauritius) Pte Ltd. This transaction will see Tata Sons increase its holding in Tata Play to 70%, further consolidating its position in the entertainment content distribution sector.

Understanding the Stake Acquisition

The approved transaction involves Tata Sons acquiring 10% of Tata Play’s shareholding from Baytree Investments, an affiliate of Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund, Temasek Holdings. With this acquisition, Tata Sons will strengthen its control over Tata Play, reinforcing its presence in India’s pay television and digital content distribution market.

About Tata Sons

Tata Sons serves as the principal investment holding company for the Tata Group. It is registered as a core investment company with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and classified as a “Systemically Important Non-Deposit Taking Core Investment Company.” The company holds significant stakes in various Tata Group enterprises spanning multiple industries, including technology, automotive, steel, and consumer goods.

Tata Play’s Role in India’s Content Distribution Market

Tata Play, formerly known as Tata Sky, is a prominent player in India’s content distribution sector. It provides Direct-to-Home (DTH) television services, delivering satellite television channels and platform services across multiple languages and genres. Additionally, the company operates Tata Play Binge, an Over-the-Top (OTT) platform that integrates various OTT apps into a unified user interface, enhancing digital content accessibility for consumers.

Baytree Investments’ Role in the Transaction

Baytree Investments (Mauritius) Pte Ltd, an affiliate of Singapore’s Temasek Holdings, has been a shareholder in Tata Play. Following the stake sale, Baytree Investments will reduce its shareholding in the company, marking a shift in ownership dynamics.

Conclusion: Implications of the Acquisition

The acquisition aligns with Tata Sons’ broader strategy to strengthen its foothold in India’s media and entertainment sector. With increased ownership in Tata Play, Tata Sons could play a more decisive role in shaping the company’s strategic direction, particularly in expanding its digital and OTT offerings to cater to evolving consumer preferences.

The CCI’s approval ensures compliance with competition regulations, enabling Tata Sons to proceed with the acquisition without regulatory hindrances.

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.

Govt Eyes Privatisation of 11 Airports by End of 2025-26: Full Details Inside

The Indian government is preparing for its third phase of airport privatisation, aiming to transfer operations of 11 airports to private entities by the end of the financial year 2025-26. According to reports, the strategy involves bundling loss-making airports with profitable ones to enhance investor appeal.

This initiative is part of a broader strategy to monetise state-owned assets and bridge the fiscal deficit. The 11 airports under consideration account for nearly 10% of total domestic passenger traffic and around 4% of international traffic in India.

Airports Identified for Privatisation

A combination of commercially viable and underperforming airports will be offered in the upcoming divestment phase:

  • Varanasi Airport will be bundled with Kushinagar and Gaya airports. While Varanasi attracts millions of pilgrims, Gaya—despite its significance as a Buddhist pilgrimage site—sees relatively lower tourist footfall, and Kushinagar has reported no passenger traffic since June.
  • Bhubaneswar and Amritsar airports will be grouped with Hubli and Kangra airports.
  • Raipur and Tiruchirapalli airports will be clubbed with Aurangabad and Tirupati airports.

This strategic bundling aims to ensure that investors take on responsibility for loss-making airports while benefiting from the revenue streams of profitable ones.

The Rationale Behind Privatisation

The privatisation of these airports is part of a larger objective to raise ₹47,000 crore through asset monetisation in FY 2025-26. The government is seeking alternative revenue sources to manage its fiscal deficit, targeting a reduction to 4.4% of GDP.

The Airports Authority of India (AAI), currently managing these airports, will finalise the privatisation framework and seek government approval within the next month. The selected bidders will be determined based on their offer to share the highest revenue per passenger with AAI, ensuring a transparent bidding process.

Key Contenders for Bidding

The bidding process is expected to attract major airport operators, with industry giants likely to participate:

  • Adani Airport Holdings Ltd, India’s largest private airport operator, is anticipated to be a strong contender. The Adani Group acquired 6 airports in the second phase of privatisation and also took over GVK’s stake in Mumbai International Airport.
  • GMR Airports Ltd, which currently operates New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, is another potential bidder. GMR secured its Delhi airport contract during the first phase of privatisation.

With these major players in the race, competition is expected to be intense, shaping the future of India’s airport infrastructure.

The Road Ahead

The privatisation of these airports marks a significant shift in India’s aviation sector, bringing in private expertise for improved operational efficiency. While privatisation is expected to enhance passenger experience and infrastructure development, it remains to be seen how it will impact airport charges, employment, and regional connectivity.

As the government moves forward with this initiative, industry stakeholders and travellers alike will be closely watching the developments in India’s evolving aviation landscape

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.

Market Correction Delays ₹66,000 Crore Worth of IPOs: 44 Companies Put Plans on Hold

Persistent volatility in the Indian stock market has led to a significant slowdown in initial public offerings (IPOs), with 44 companies, including National Securities Depository Ltd. (NSDL), Ather Energy, and JSW Cement, deferring their listing plans. These firms, along with other major names such as SK Finance, Avanse Financial Services, Manjushree Technopack, Schloss Bangalore, and SMPP, have opted to wait for more favourable market conditions before proceeding with their public offerings.

As per news report, collectively, these companies were planning to raise approximately ₹66,000 crore through the IPO route and had already secured regulatory approval from SEBI. However, given the prevailing market conditions, they have chosen to delay their launches.

Stock Market Turmoil Deters Investors

The Indian equity market has witnessed sharp corrections in recent months, leading to a decline in investor confidence. The BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty have fallen up to 14% from their peaks in September 2024, resulting in a staggering ₹90 lakh crore erosion in investor wealth.

This downturn has directly impacted the primary market, making investors more risk-averse. As market conditions become increasingly volatile, the enthusiasm surrounding IPOs has waned, leading to lower participation and reduced appetite for newly issued stocks.

The Cooling of IPO Frenzy

The primary market, once a hotspot of activity, is now facing heightened valuation concerns and sharp corrections in mid-cap and small-cap stocks. Several factors have contributed to this downturn, including:

  • Strong foreign institutional investor (FII) outflows
  • Sluggish economic growth
  • Weaker-than-expected corporate earnings
  • Global trade uncertainties

As a result, companies that had planned to go public are now reconsidering their options, fearing tepid investor response and limited liquidity.

A Look at IPO Performance in 2025

After a record-breaking 2024, the IPO market has slowed considerably in 2025. In the first two months of the year, 10 mainboard IPOs raised a total of ₹16,000 crore—a 37% decline from the ₹25,400 crore raised by 15 IPOs in December 2024. The latter was the highest monthly fundraising since February 2007, when 18 firms launched IPOs.

For context, IPO activity in the last few years has been as follows:

  • 2024: 91 IPOs raised ₹1.59 lakh crore
  • 2023: 58 IPOs raised ₹49,437 crore
  • 2022: 40 IPOs raised ₹59,939 crore
  • 2021: 63 IPOs raised ₹1.2 lakh crore

This trend suggests that, while 2024 saw a peak in IPO activity, 2025 has started on a slower note due to unfavourable market conditions.

Struggles of Newly Listed Companies

The downturn in IPO activity is further compounded by the underwhelming performance of big-ticket IPOs such as Hexaware Technologies, Dr Agarwal’s Health Care, and Ajax Engineering.

  • 5 out of 10 IPOs in 2025 are currently trading below their issue price.
  • Nearly half of the IPOs launched in 2024 have delivered negative returns.

The S&P BSE IPO Index, which tracks the performance of newly listed companies, has slumped 20.75% year-to-date (YTD) as of March 18, 2025 (12:40 PM). In comparison, the BSE Sensex has dropped by only 4% in 2025, indicating a significant underperformance in the IPO segment.

A Strong Pipeline Despite Headwinds

Despite the current slowdown, the IPO pipeline remains strong. 67 companies are awaiting SEBI approval to collectively raise ₹1.17 lakh crore. Some of the notable companies in this list include:

  • LG Electronics India
  • HDB Financial Services (HDFC Bank subsidiary)
  • Credila Financial Services
  • WeWork India
  • Indira IVF Hospital
  • Dorf Ketal Chemicals
  • Aegis Vopak Terminals

Additionally, a wave of startups is expected to file their offer documents soon. Some of the prominent names preparing for IPOs include:

  • boAt
  • Zepto
  • PhysicsWallah
  • CarDekho
  • InCred
  • Shiprocket
  • Milky Mist Dairy

Conclusion

The IPO market, once brimming with activity, has slowed down considerably due to persistent market volatility and weak investor sentiment. While companies continue to queue up for SEBI approval, the actual listing activity is likely to pick up only when market conditions stabilise. Until then, firms and investors alike remain in wait-and-watch mode.

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.

Nifty Metal Index Up Nearly 2%; Hindalco Share Price Surges 10% in March

Indian equity benchmark indices witnessed a strong upward trend on March 18, 2025, with the Sensex surpassing the 75,000 mark, a key psychological level. The rally was broad-based, with all sectoral indices trading in positive territory. The Nifty Media and Nifty Metal indices led the gains, reflecting investor optimism across industries.

Among the top performers, metal stocks stood out, particularly Hindalco Industries, an Aditya Birla Group company. The stock was up 2.72% as of 12:18 PM, trading at ₹699 on NSE.

Hindalco Industries: Strong Momentum in March 2025

Hindalco Industries has exhibited significant gains in March, reflecting strong investor confidence in the metal sector. The stock price has surged nearly 10% on an MTD (Month-to-Date) basis and has delivered a 16% return on a YTD (Year-to-Date) basis.

The recent surge in Hindalco’s share price aligns with a broader rally in metal stocks, driven by key macroeconomic factors, including China’s stimulus measures and a declining US dollar.

Key Factors Driving the Metal Sector Rally

1. China’s Economic Stimulus

China, a dominant player in the global commodities market, recently announced a stimulus package to boost economic growth. Given that China is a major consumer of metals, any policy move to revitalise its economy has a direct impact on global metal prices. Investors have responded positively, expecting increased demand for aluminium and other industrial metals.

2. Weaker US Dollar

The US dollar has declined by 3.24% over the past month, making commodities, including metals, more attractive to investors. A weaker dollar generally supports higher commodity prices, benefiting producers like Hindalco Industries.

 

Hindalco’s Q3FY25 Financial Performance

Hindalco Industries recently reported a 60% year-on-year (YoY) increase in consolidated net profit, reaching ₹3,735 crore for the December quarter. The growth was supported by higher revenues and improved operational efficiency.

  • Total income rose to ₹58,390 crore, compared to ₹52,808 crore in the same quarter last year.
  • EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortisation) surged 28% YoY to ₹8,108 crore. 

Conclusion

Hindalco Industries continues to benefit from favourable macroeconomic factors, including China’s stimulus, a weaker US dollar, and strong quarterly earnings. As metal stocks remain in focus, Hindalco’s performance underscores the sector’s growth potential amid global economic shifts.

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.