TLDR
Market Recap: August 13, 2025
Indian equities ended higher on Wednesday as softer U.S. retail inflation reinforced expectations of a Federal Reserve rate cut in September, while domestic retail inflation eased to an eight-year low of ~1.55% in July, boosting investor sentiment. The BSE Sensex rose 304.32 points (0.38%) to 80,539.91, and the NSE Nifty 50 gained 131.95 points (0.54%) to 24,619.35. Broader markets mirrored the positive mood, with the Nifty Midcap 150 and Smallcap 250 both climbing about 0.6–0.65%. Buying was broad-based, led by autos, financials, metals, and healthcare, while volatility eased as the India VIX slipped 0.76% to 12.14. Gains tracked a global rally sparked by hopes of looser monetary policy and improved risk appetite across emerging markets. The upbeat sentiment was further aided by expectations of stable policy at home and sustained inflows into mid- and small-cap segments.
Key Drivers :
U.S. inflation eases – July retail prices rose marginally, lifting Fed rate cut hopes in September.
Domestic inflation cools – CPI at eight-year low improves sentiment for policy stability.
Auto & financials lead – Broad-based gains in key sectors drive market higher.
Volatility declines – India VIX drops below 12.2, supporting risk-on positioning.
Global rally spillover – Positive global cues strengthen domestic market momentum.
Today’s Top Stories:
Apollo Hospitals surges ~8% after delivering a strong Q1 earnings beat, driven by higher occupancy, specialty care growth, and expansion into AI-driven diagnostics.
Hindalco gains ~5% as robust Q1 results, cost control, and stable commodity prices bolster investor confidence in the metals sector.
NMDC Steel hits 20% upper circuit following a ₹26 crore Q1 profit turnaround, marking its first positive quarter in over a year.
Bharat Dynamics rises nearly 6% on strong earnings, a robust order book, and bullish brokerage targets of up to 50% upside.
Antony Waste jumps ~9% after securing ₹3,200 crore in renewable waste management contracts, boosting multi-year growth visibility.
TOP STORIES
1. Hindalco Rallies on Robust Earnings and Metals Optimism
DALL-E
Earnings Strength: Hindalco posted a strong set of Q1 numbers with solid growth in both revenue and EBITDA. Aluminium segment margins improved on the back of cost optimization and stable input prices. The Novelis subsidiary’s performance also contributed to consolidated gains.
Sector Support: The metals sector saw renewed investor interest following the results. Commodity market stability and infrastructure demand in India have created a supportive environment. Analysts expect Hindalco to benefit from both domestic and export opportunities.
Stock Impact: The stock rallied around 5% in today’s session. It was among the top gainers on both Sensex and Nifty. Market participants see scope for further upside if metal prices hold steady.
Is Hindalco’s beat the start of a stronger cycle?
2. Apollo Hospitals Jumps on Strong Q1 and AI Push
DALL-E
Earnings Beat: Apollo Hospitals reported robust Q1 results, exceeding analyst expectations on revenue and profitability. The performance was boosted by strong occupancy rates and growth in specialty care. Management also highlighted ongoing investments in AI-enabled diagnostics as a long-term growth driver.
Strategic Focus: The company is actively expanding its AI integration for clinical decision support. This is expected to enhance operational efficiency and improve patient outcomes. Investors see this as a step towards future-proofing healthcare services.
Stock Impact: Shares surged nearly 8%, making it the top gainer on the Nifty 50 today. The rally also buoyed sentiment in the healthcare and pharma sector. Analysts have upgraded near-term outlooks following the earnings surprise.
Was the ~8% rally on Q1 results justified?
3. NMDC Steel Hits 20% Circuit on Turnaround Profit
DALL-E
Turnaround Profit: NMDC Steel reported a Q1 net profit of ₹26 crore, reversing losses from the previous year. The improvement was driven by higher capacity utilization and improved product mix. This marked its first quarterly profit in over a year.
Operational Gains: Management cited efficiency measures and improved demand in the domestic steel market as key factors. Order books have strengthened, signaling a potentially better FY26 trajectory. The company is also exploring downstream product expansion.
Stock Impact: Shares hit the 20% upper circuit limit, their sharpest single-day gain since January 2024. Trading volumes spiked significantly on the BSE. The rally drew heavy retail and institutional buying interest.
Is this turnaround sustainable?
4. Bharat Dynamics Climbs on Solid Q1 and Bullish Outlook
DALL-E
Earnings Momentum: Bharat Dynamics delivered a strong Q1 performance with healthy revenue growth and margin expansion. Order execution remained steady despite supply chain challenges. Defence PSUs have seen consistent inflows from government contracts this year.
Brokerage Outlook: Several brokerages maintained bullish targets, some projecting up to 50% upside from current levels. Confidence stems from a robust order book and government’s push for indigenisation in defence manufacturing. Export orders are also being pursued aggressively.
Stock Impact: Shares rose nearly 6% during the day. The stock has been on a steady uptrend for weeks. Momentum indicators suggest further strength if order flow continues.
Does the stock have more upside?
5. Antony Waste Rockets on ₹3,200 Crore Contract Wins
DALL-E
Contract Wins: The company’s subsidiary bagged contracts worth ₹3,200 crore from Andhra Pradesh’s renewable energy division. These involve waste-to-energy and waste management services across multiple sites. The win significantly boosts the company’s long-term revenue visibility.
Growth Potential: Management sees these projects as a major step into renewable-linked waste management solutions. Execution will be phased, ensuring steady cash flow over several years. The deal also opens opportunities for similar bids in other states.
Stock Impact: Shares jumped about 9% in today’s trade. The rally reflects investor enthusiasm for order-driven growth in the ESG space. Analysts view the order as a transformative win for the mid-cap waste management player.
Will ₹3,200 crore contracts transform the company?
GYAANI HOT TAKES
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