Renewed FII confidence: Foreign institutional investors turned net buyers last Friday, reversing prior selling and injecting fresh liquidity into equities.

Resilient exports sentiment amid tariffs: Despite U.S. tariff threats escalating to 50%, markets showed composure, buoyed by confidence in India’s economic fundamentals.

Pipeline volatility from oil and rupee swings: Crude price fluctuations remain a key macro risk, given India’s heavy import dependence—any spike tightens the current account and pressures the rupee.

Monsoon and rural demand supporting stability: Steady rainfall and rural income helped cushion consumption-driven sectors, limiting downside even as auto and discretionary segments remain cautious.

Weakening rupee undermines valuations: The rupee's recent depreciation to near-record lows has dented investor confidence, especially among foreign buyers, due to heightened currency risk

SBI profit jumps 12.5% YoY - boosted PSU banking sector and broader market sentiment.

Grasim earnings beat forecasts - gained on optimistic chemical outlook and analyst upgrades.

JSW Cement IPO fully subscribed - strong demand with ₹36 Bn issue peaked in just three days.

Lord’s Mark Industries to list on BSE - early-stage offer signals growth strategies and new capital markets entry.

Power Grid flat despite rally - stock lags peers amid subdued trading volume and middling performance.

Strong quarterly growth: SBI reported a 12.5% year-on-year rise in Q1 profit to ₹18,070 crore, supported by robust non-lending income and steady loan growth. Stable asset quality and improved margins helped the bank outperform other PSU lenders in the quarter.

Analysts highlight banking resilience: Brokerages note SBI’s diversified income streams and cost control as key strengths in a tightening credit environment. Upbeat guidance suggests the bank could maintain double-digit earnings growth in FY26.

PSU banking benchmark: The result boosted PSU banking stocks broadly, lifting the Nifty PSU Bank index by nearly 2%. It reinforces the narrative that India’s largest bank can continue to drive the sector’s re-rating

Strong subscription close: JSW Cement’s ₹36 billion IPO achieved full subscription on its third day, attracting strong interest from institutional and retail investors. Demand was particularly strong among Qualified Institutional Buyers, showing confidence in the company’s expansion plans.

Analysts highlight infrastructure positioning: Analysts believe JSW Cement is well-placed to benefit from India’s multi-year infrastructure investment cycle. The IPO proceeds will help fund a new greenfield plant in Rajasthan and reduce debt.

Capital market benchmark: The strong subscription comes at a time of active IPO markets, setting the stage for a potentially robust listing on August 14. It adds momentum to infrastructure-linked equity plays.

$JSWCEMENT.P ( 0.0% )

Record chemical segment strength: Grasim delivered better-than-expected Q1 earnings on strong demand for chemicals and improved operational efficiencies. Revenue and margins both exceeded consensus forecasts.

Analysts highlight industrial momentum: Jefferies and Morgan Stanley raised their price targets, citing capacity expansion and stable raw material costs. The company’s forward guidance points to sustained growth in its core business lines.

Materials sector benchmark: The stock’s 2.2% rise added to the positive momentum in industrials and materials. The performance strengthens confidence in specialty chemical growth as a driver for the company.

Upcoming market entry: Lord’s Mark Industries, active in healthcare, diagnostics, renewables, and technology, will list on the BSE this week. Management also plans an NSE listing later to broaden its investor base.

Analysts highlight diversification: Analysts see the company’s multi-sector exposure as a strength, offering multiple growth levers in varied market conditions. IPO proceeds will be used for capacity expansion, tech upgrades, and acquisitions.

IPO market benchmark: The listing will test investor appetite in a busy primary market and could set the tone for other diversified conglomerates eyeing public capital. It also broadens the market’s sectoral depth.

Muted price action: Power Grid shares closed unchanged at ₹284.90, trading 22% below their 52-week high despite the broader market rally. Low trading volumes point to subdued investor interest in the near term.

Analysts highlight rotation effect: Some market watchers suggest investors are rotating towards higher-growth utilities like Tata Power, which rose 1.45% today. Power Grid’s defensive profile may be less appealing during bullish phases.

Utility sector benchmark: The stock’s underperformance contrasts with broader gains in infrastructure-related counters. Future performance may depend on fresh project announcements or policy triggers.

$POWERGRID.NSE ( ▼ 0.43% )