Weekly Market Recap: Markets End Lower; LIC’s New Pension Plan and Q3 FY25 Earnings in Focus

On February 21, 2025, the Indian stock markets ended the last trading session of the week in negative territory. The BSE Sensex declined by 424.90 points, or 0.56%, to settle at 75,311.06. Throughout the session, the 30-share index fluctuated between an intraday high of 75,748.72 and a low of 75,112.41.

Similarly, the NSE Nifty50 also closed lower, losing 127.25 points, or 0.51%, to end at 22,795.90. The index reached a high of 22,921 and touched a low of 22,720 during the day’s trading.

Between January 21 and February 21, 2025, the Nifty 50 index showed fluctuations, closing at 22,810.25 on February 21, down 0.45%. Throughout the week, the index saw minor declines, except on February 17, when it posted a 0.13% gain. The highest trading volume was recorded on February 20 at 240.84 million.

Roundup of Major News This Week

• LIC (The Life Insurance Corporation of India) has introduced its latest offering, the Smart Pension Plan, a comprehensive and flexible pension scheme designed to provide financial security for retirees and their families. 
• The RBI staff report highlights that the Union Budget 2025-26 effectively balances fiscal consolidation with economic growth. It sets a fiscal deficit target of 4.4% of GDP, down from the revised 4.8% for FY25, aligning with the government’s aim to keep the deficit below 4.5% by FY26.

Major Q3FY25 Earnings This Week

• Gujarat Toolroom Limited reported a decline in performance for Q3 FY25 compared to Q2 FY25. Revenue fell from ₹27,050.76 lakh to ₹23,073.77 lakh, a drop of ₹3,976.99 lakh. Net profit saw a sharp decline from ₹2,678.76 lakh to ₹142.88 lakh, indicating a significant decrease in profitability.
• Deepak Nitrite Limited reported a decline in earnings for Q3 FY25. Total income stood at ₹1,924 crore, down 5% YoY and 6% QoQ. EBITDA dropped 40% YoY and 41% QoQ to ₹190 crore. Profit before tax (PBT) fell 51% YoY and 49% QoQ to ₹135 crore.
• Godfrey Phillips’s net profit surged 48.7% YoY to ₹316 crore, while revenue from operations grew 27.3% YoY to ₹1,591 crore, driven by strong performance in its core cigarette and tobacco business.

Conclusion

Markets ended lower this week amid economic updates and earnings reports. While LIC launched a new pension plan, Gujarat Toolroom and Deepak Nitrite saw declines, whereas Godfrey Phillips posted strong growth. Investors should stay informed and make well-researched decisions.

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.

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