Ethanol Blending Reached New Heights in December 2024

Ethanol blending in petrol under India’s Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP) has achieved record-breaking levels during the ongoing Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2024-25. The government’s focus on increasing ethanol usage marks a significant step towards reducing dependency on imported fuels.

Record-Breaking Ethanol Blending in ESY 2024-25

In December 2024, ethanol blending in petrol reached an unprecedented 18.2%, the highest ever recorded. From November to December 2024, the cumulative blending rate stood at 16.4%, with 140.8 crore litres of ethanol blended during this period. Specifically, December 2024 alone accounted for 76.6 crore litres of ethanol under the EBP programme. This milestone highlights India’s progress in its ethanol usage targets.

Steady Growth in Ethanol Supply Over the Years

The supply of ethanol under the EBP programme has witnessed a sharp rise over the past decade. Official data from the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoPNG) indicates that ethanol supply has grown from 38 crore litres in ESY 2013-14 to 707.4 crore litres in ESY 2023-24, with an average petrol blending rate of 14.6% in the last year. For ESY 2024-25, the total ethanol allocation, including both cycles, is approximately 930 crore litres. Achieving the government’s target of 20% ethanol blending by ESY 2025-26 will require 1,016 crore litres for blending and a total supply of 1,350 crore litres, factoring in other uses.

Conclusion

India’s Ethanol Blending Programme continues to achieve remarkable progress, with record-breaking blending rates and significant growth in ethanol supply. These milestones highlight the country’s commitment to reducing fuel imports through increased ethanol utilisation.

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. 

 

NFO Alert: LIC Mutual Fund Introduces LIC MF Multi Asset Allocation Fund

LIC Mutual Fund is launching an investment opportunity through its LIC MF Multi Asset Allocation Fund- Direct (G), an open-ended scheme to provide diversified exposure to equity, debt, and gold assets. 

The New Fund Offer (NFO) opens on January 24, 2025, and closes on February 7, 2025, with the scheme reopening for continuous sale and repurchase on February 18, 2025.

Investment Strategy and Allocation

The fund adopts a diversified approach, allocating its portfolio as follows:

  • Equity and Equity-Related Instruments: 65-80%, with investments across large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap stocks.
  • Debt and Money Market Instruments: 10-25%, focusing on fixed-income securities.
  • Gold ETFs: 10-25%

Additionally, the scheme may invest in Silver ETFs, REITs, and InvITs, adjusting allocations tactically based on market conditions.

Key Details of the Fund

  • Minimum Investment: ₹5,000, with increments of ₹1.
  • Exit Load:
    • Nil for up to 12% of units redeemed within 3 months.
    • 1% for amounts exceeding 12% if redeemed within 3 months.
    • No exit load after 3 months.
  • Fund Management: The scheme will be managed by an experienced team comprising Nikhil Rungta, Sumit Bhatnagar, and Pratik Harish Shroff.
  • Benchmark: 65% Nifty 500 TRI, 25% Nifty Composite Debt Index, and 10% Domestic Gold Price.

Why Consider This Fund?

The LIC MF Multi Asset Allocation Fund caters to investors seeking long-term capital growth with reduced volatility. Its benefits include:

  • Diversification: Allocation across equity, debt, and gold to manage risk and optimize returns.
  • Systematic Investment Options: SIPs start ₹100 daily, promoting disciplined investment habits.
  • Tax Efficiency: Classified under equity taxation, potentially reducing tax liability.

Balancing Opportunities and Risks

While this fund promises diversification, investors must remain mindful of market risks. Equity components may face stock market volatility, debt segments are susceptible to interest rate changes, and gold ETFs may experience liquidity challenges during adverse conditions. As a new fund, there is no historical performance data, making it essential for investors to align their goals and risk tolerance before investing.

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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.

NFO Alert: Axis Mutual Fund to Launch Nifty500 Momentum 50 Index Fund

Axis Mutual Fund is launching the Axis Nifty500 Momentum 50 Index Fund, an open-ended index fund tracking the Nifty500 Momentum 50 TRI. The New Fund Offer (NFO) will be open from January 24, 2025, to February 7, 2025, and will re-open for continuous subscriptions within five business days after allotment.

Investment Objective

The scheme will provide returns that correspond to the Nifty500 Momentum 50 TRI before expenses, subject to tracking errors. The portfolio will replicate the index by investing in the same stocks and weightings as the index.

In terms of asset allocation, the fund will allocate 95-100% of its assets to stocks in the Nifty500 Momentum 50 Index and up to 5% in debt and money market instruments for liquidity purposes.

Minimum Investment and Charges

The minimum investment amount is ₹100, with additional investments in multiples of ₹1. The scheme has an exit load of 0.25% for redemptions within 15 days, with no charges for redemptions after this period. Recurring expenses are capped at 1% of the scheme’s daily net assets.

Fund Management

The fund will be managed by Karthik Kumar and Sachin Relekar. Karthik Kumar has experience at SilverTree Hong Kong and Asiya Investment, while Sachin Relekar has worked with Bandhan Mutual Fund, LIC Mutual Fund, and other institutions.

Risk Profile and Benchmark

The scheme is categorised as very high risk. Its benchmark is the Nifty500 Momentum 50 TRI, which includes stocks selected based on momentum factors within the Nifty500 universe.

This fund follows a passive investment strategy and will rebalance its portfolio within seven days of any changes in the underlying index. It will not invest in overseas securities or derivatives beyond the constituents of the underlying index. 

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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.

Waaree Energies Received a Letter of Award for 180 MWp Solar Modules

Waaree Energies, a prominent Indian solar energy company, specialises in the manufacturing and distribution of cutting-edge solar products. Renowned for its diverse range of solar solutions, the company has established itself as a leader in the Indian solar energy market. Its offerings include high-performance solar panels, inverters, batteries, and energy storage systems, among others.

Project Details

On January 20, 2025, Waaree Energies proudly announced that it had secured a prestigious Letter of Award for the supply of 180 MWp of solar modules. This significant order comes from a distinguished customer deeply engaged in the ownership, development, and operation of renewable power projects across India. The delivery of these modules is set to commence in FY 2025-26.

About Waaree Energies 

Headquartered in Mumbai, Waaree Energies operates state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities with an impressive installed capacity of 13.3 GW for solar PV modules, including 1.3 GW from Indosolar. The company also boasts a robust 5.4 GW PV cell capacity in Gujarat and is in the process of constructing a cutting-edge 6 GW wafer-to-module manufacturing hub in Odisha.

Expanding its global footprint, Waaree Energies is set to establish a formidable solar PV module manufacturing presence outside India, with plans to develop a 1.6 GW facility in Houston, Texas. This facility is poised for expansion to 3 GW by fiscal year 2026 and further to 5 GW by fiscal year 2027.

Waaree Energies Q2 FY25 Results

Waaree Energies reported a 17% year-on-year growth in net profit for Q2 FY25, reaching ₹375.6 crore, up from ₹320.1 crore in Q2 FY24. Revenue remained stable at ₹3,574.4 crore, slightly higher than the previous year’s ₹3,537.8 crore. 

Total income rose to ₹3,663.5 crore from ₹3,558.5 crore, while total expenses increased to ₹3,164.6 crore due to higher material and finance costs. The company’s board has approved an investment of up to ₹600 crore in its subsidiaries to strengthen infrastructure for renewable power projects and expand its bidding pipeline.

Share Price Performance 

At 10:24 AM today, Waaree Energies Ltd. shares traded at ₹2,641.75 per share on the 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.

Nazara Technologies Secures ₹495 Crore in Funding from Existing Investors

Nazara Technologies, an Indian gaming and sports media powerhouse headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra, operates across the interactive gaming, esports, and gamified early learning sectors. 

Fund Raising of ₹495 Crore

On January 20, 2025, Nazara Technologies announced that Arpit Khandelwal, founder and managing partner of Plutus Wealth Management, alongside Mithun Sacheti, founder of CaratLane, have collectively invested ₹495 crore via Axana Estates LLP. 

This investment triggers a mandatory open offer due to their collective stake reaching a significant 25.47%, as per regulatory requirements. The preferential allotment, priced at ₹990 per share, grants Axana Estates a 5.4% stake in Nazara Technologies, as disclosed in a stock exchange filing.

Multiple Holdings in Nazara Technologies 

With this transaction, Plutus Wealth Management now holds a 10.92% stake, Junomoneta Finsol, an associate of Plutus Wealth, possesses 1.7%, and Khandelwal owns 7.45%. Their combined stake exceeds the 25% regulatory threshold, resulting in the open offer requirement.

Before this deal, Khandelwal and Sacheti, through personal investments and associated entities, held approximately 21% of Nazara Technologies. As part of the agreement, 50 lakh shares will be allocated to Axana Estates.

Nazara Technologies Q2 FY25 Results

Nazara Technologies reported a 33% decline in consolidated net profit for Q2 FY25, falling to ₹16.24 crore from ₹24.18 crore in the same period last year. However, operating revenue rose by 7% to ₹318.94 crore. 

The company saw a loss of ₹1.86 crore from discontinued operations, compared to a profit of ₹1.68 crore in Q2 FY24. Total expenditure increased by 11%, reaching ₹321.27 crore. The gaming segment grew by 9.34%, generating ₹114.05 crore in revenue, while the esports segment saw a 5.66% rise, contributing ₹181.76 crore.

Share Price Performance 

At 10:23 AM today, Nazara Technologies Ltd. shares traded at ₹1,036.85 per share on the 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.

Strides Pharma Secures USFDA Nod for Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen

Strides Pharma Science Limited, headquartered in Bengaluru, India, is a prominent pharmaceutical company specialising in the manufacturing of pharmaceutical products, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and nutraceuticals. Its diverse product portfolio includes soft gel capsules, hard-gel capsules, tablets, as well as dry and wet injectables.

Strides Pharma Unit Gets USFDA Nod

On January 20, 2025, Strides Pharma announced that its step-down wholly-owned subsidiary, Strides Pharma Global Pte. Ltd., Singapore, has received a coveted approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) for its Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen tablets (125 mg/250 mg, OTC).

The company confirmed that this product is bioequivalent to the reference listed drug, Advil Dual Action with Acetaminophen (125 mg/250 mg, OTC), marketed by Haleon US Holdings LLC.

Statement From Strides Pharma Company

This milestone further enriches Strides Pharma’s portfolio of OTC products, the company stated. “By introducing a dual-action pain relief option, we aspire to cater to a wider patient demographic, delivering effective and accessible solutions for pain management,” said a company representative.

The tablets will be manufactured at the company’s state-of-the-art flagship facility in KRSG, Bengaluru.

Details About NSAID

The combination of Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen offers relief from a variety of ailments, including headaches, dental pain, menstrual cramps, muscle aches, and arthritis. 

“Ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), works synergistically in this formulation by inhibiting the body’s production of natural substances responsible for inflammation. This action effectively reduces swelling, pain, and fever,” the company explained.

Strides Pharma Q2 FY25 Results

Strides Pharma reported a strong turnaround in Q2 FY25, posting a net profit of ₹93.7 crore compared to a net loss of ₹149.45 crore in the same period last year. 

Revenue from operations grew 20% YoY to ₹1,201.11 crore, driven by new product launches and a 26.2% surge in US revenues to $75 million. EBITDA rose 31% to ₹235.8 crore, with margins improving to 19.6% from 17.5% a year ago.

Share Price Performance 

At 10:22 AM today, Strides Pharma Science Limited shares traded at ₹586.00 per share on the 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.

Jupiter Hospitals Expands to Thane with New Hospital Land Purchase

Jupiter Life Line Hospitals Limited is a premier multi-speciality tertiary and quaternary healthcare provider operating under the esteemed “Jupiter” brand in India. Established in 2007, the organisation manages three state-of-the-art hospitals located in Thane, Pune, and Indore, collectively offering an operational bed capacity of 950 as of September 2024.

Acquired Land For ₹400 Crores

Jupiter Life Line Hospitals Ltd. has acquired a prime parcel of land spanning approximately 8,433 square metres in Ghodbundar, Mira Road, Thane district. The forthcoming hospital, designed to cater to underserved regions such as Dahisar, Mira Bhayandar, and the Vasai Virar Municipal areas, underscores the company’s vision of accessible and quality healthcare.

About Jupiter Life Line Hospitals Ltd 

As of January 1, 2025, the company operates an impressive 1,061 beds, maintaining a commendable 67.2% occupancy rate as of September 30, 2024. The proposed facility is anticipated to add a further 300 beds to its capacity, with completion targeted within approximately four years.

This ambitious project entails a capital investment of ₹400 crores, to be primarily funded through internal accruals. The ultimate financing structure will be subject to the Board of Directors’ discretion, adhering to regulatory approvals.

Jupiter Life Line Hospitals Q2 FY25 Results

Jupiter Life Line Hospitals Ltd. reported outstanding financial results for Q2 FY25, with consolidated net profit soaring 52.91% YoY to ₹51.50 crores and revenue from operations rising 22.57% to ₹322.57 crores. 

Profit before tax surged 66.55% to ₹68.9 crores, while EBITDA grew 23.5% to ₹76.6 crores with a robust 19.2% margin. For H1 FY25, total income increased 20.5% to ₹612.8 crores, EBITDA expanded 22.3% to ₹141.9 crores, and PAT rose 9.6% to ₹96.1 crores.

Share Price Performance

At 10:20 AM today, Jupiter Life Line Hospitals Ltd. shares traded at ₹1,530.00 per share on the 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.

Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) Issues First Sour Crude Tender After US Sanctions on Russia

Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) has issued its first tender for sour crude imports since March 2022. This comes in light of fresh US sanctions on Russian oil producers and tankers, prompting refiners to explore alternative supply options. Alongside its sour crude tender, IOC has floated a separate tender for sweet crude oil, seeking supplies for loading between February 16 and March 15, 2024. 

Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) Ltd stock was at ₹130.39 today, on January 20, at 3:24 PM, up 1.81% for the day but down 22.47% over 6 months and 6.16% over the past year.

Impact of US Sanctions

The new sanctions, targeting Russian producers Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegaz and 180 tankers, are expected to impact the flow of Russian oil to India. These measures, effective from March 12, 2024, after a wind-down period, could end discounts on Russian oil. 

The sanctions also pose challenges for Indian refiners, as transactions involving sanctioned tankers may attract secondary sanctions, complicating dollar payments and dealings with US entities.

Indian Oil Corporation’s (IOC) Purchases

IOC has procured 7 million barrels of crude oil from the spot market, including supplies from the Middle East and Africa. This includes a purchase of Abu Dhabi’s Murban crude, acquired at a premium of approximately $5 per barrel above Dubai quotes. Other purchases include 1 million barrels each of Nigeria’s Agbami and Akpo crude, Gabon’s Rabi Light, and Angola’s Nemba crude.

Rising Crude Premiums and Tanker Rates

Spot premiums for Middle Eastern crude reached their highest levels in over 2 years, driven by demand from China and India. Meanwhile, tanker rates have surged, further increasing procurement costs. Indian refiners, heavily reliant on Russian oil, now face challenges in sourcing affordable alternatives amid rising costs.

Market Adjustments by Indian Refiners

With reduced Russian oil supplies, IOC and other Indian refiners are increasingly turning to the Middle Eastern spot market. This shift shows the broader impact of geopolitical developments on global energy markets.

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 Financial Services Index: Performance and Insights

The Nifty Financial Services Index (FINNIFTY) is a specialised benchmark designed to track the behaviour and performance of India’s financial sector. This index includes a wide range of entities such as banks, financial institutions, housing finance companies, insurance firms, and other financial services providers. Comprising 20 stocks listed on the National Stock Exchange (NSE), FINNIFTY offers a snapshot of the financial market’s health and trends.

FINNIFTY’s Recent Movement

On January 20, 2025, FINNIFTY briefly moved above the psychologically significant level of 23,000 during intraday trading. However, it closed slightly lower at 22,926.70, marking a gain of 1.41% for the day.

The advance-decline ratio favoured advances, with 11 stocks in the green and 9 stocks closed in the red. Among the top performers were:

Conversely, the laggards included:

Valuation Metrics: P/B Ratio Analysis

The Price-to-Book Value (P/B) ratio is a critical measure for evaluating financial stocks. As of January 17, 2025, the P/B ratio of FINNIFTY stood at 2.73—some key observations.

  • This ratio is near its 1, 3, and 6-month lows.
  • It is also trading below its 1-year and 2-year range.
  • Current levels are under its 1, 3, and 6-month P/B averages of 2.82, 2.87, and 3.06, respectively.
  • Furthermore, it remains below its long-term averages, including 1, 2, and 5-year averages.

Historical Performance: A Consistent Performer

Since 2016, FINNIFTY has delivered positive yearly returns, reflecting its robustness and resilience in tracking the financial sector’s growth. However, in CY2025, as of January 20, 2025, the index has registered a decline of 2.5%, marking a shift from its usual upward trajectory.

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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.

BSE Sensex Rallies Over 500 Points Despite Market Volatility Ahead of Trump’s Inauguration

On January 20, 2025, the BSE Sensex witnessed a significant gain of over 500 points, or 0.68%, reclaiming the 77,000 mark. This rally marked the second-best trading session of the calendar year 2025. The surge comes despite rising market volatility ahead of Donald Trump’s inauguration as the President of the United States for his 2nd term.

Donald Trump’s Inauguration: A Historic Day

Donald Trump, who won the 2024 Presidential race against Democrat Kamala Harris, is set to return to the White House. The swearing-in ceremony on January 20, traditionally known as Inauguration Day, includes celebratory events and the signing of key documents in the Capitol’s President’s Room. Global markets have been closely monitoring the event, which holds implications for economic and trade policies.

Advances Outpace Declines

The advance-decline ratio leaned slightly in favour of advances, with 18 stocks advancing compared to 12 in the red. Key contributors to the Sensex rally included Kotak Mahindra Bank, HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank. Kotak Mahindra Bank and Bajaj Finance emerged as the top gainers of the session, while M&M, TCS, and Maruti Suzuki each registered losses exceeding 1%.

Current Valuation of the BSE Sensex

As of January 17, 2025, the BSE Sensex is trading with a price-to-earnings (PE) ratio of 22. This figure is below its long-term average PE ratios of 24.29 (1-year), 23.64 (2-year), and 25.97 (5-year). In the short term, it also remains below its 3-month and 6-month averages of 23.80 and 24.37, respectively. 

Top Gainers and Losers

The financial sector was instrumental in driving the rally, with significant contributions from Kotak Mahindra Bank, HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank. In contrast, notable declines were observed in the auto and IT sectors, with M&M, TCS, and Maruti Suzuki among the underperformers.

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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.