Latest news with #NiftyF&O
Business Standard
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Sensex ends 321 pts higher, Nifty ends above 24,800 level; VIX tanks 8.86%
The domestic equity benchmarks ended with moderate gains today, snapping a two-day losing streak, supported by positive cues from broader Asian markets and firm Wall Street futures. Investor sentiment was lifted after a U.S. federal court blocked former President Donald Trumps proposed Liberation Day tariffs. The market was volatile due to the monthly expiry of the Nifty F&O series today. The Nifty closed above the 24,800 level. Metal, realty, and IT stocks advanced, while PSU bank and FMCG shares declined. As per provisional closing data, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, added 320.70 points or 0.39% to 81,633.02. The Nifty 50 index rose 81.15 points or 0.33% to 24,833.60. In the broader market, the S&P BSE Mid-Cap index rose 0.48% and the S&P BSE Small-Cap index added 0.39%. The market breadth was positive. On the BSE, 2,036 shares rose and 1,939 shares fell. A total of 136 shares were unchanged. The NSE's India VIX, a gauge of the market's expectation of volatility over the near term, slumped 8.86% to 16.42. Economy: India's industrial output growth slowed to 2.7% in April, as against the revised growth of 3% in the preceding month of March, according to the data released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. Manufacturing output, which carries the largest weight in the index, advanced 3.4% in April as against 4% in the previous month, while electricity generation increased to 1.1% from 7.5% in March. Mining activity contracted by 0.2% in April from an expansion of 1.2% a month ago. RBI Annual Report Highlights: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), in its annual report, projected that the Indian economy is likely to maintain its position as the fastest-growing major economy in FY2025-26. The optimism is fueled by a pickup in private consumption, robust bank and corporate balance sheets, supportive financial conditions, and a sustained push from the government on capital expenditure. The central bank also painted a positive inflation outlook for the coming year, citing easing global supply chain pressures, a dip in commodity prices, and the prospect of a strong agricultural output driven by an above-normal southwest monsoon. However, the RBI cautioned that financial markets may face intermittent volatility, particularly in response to global uncertainties like shifting trade tariff policies and rising geopolitical tensions. On the financial front, the RBIs balance sheet grew 8.20% year-on-year to Rs 76.25 lakh crore as of 31 March 2025. While income for the year increased by 22.77%, expenditure increased by 7.76%. The year ended with an overall surplus of Rs 2.68 lakh crore as against Rs 2.10 lakh crore in the previous year, resulting in an increase of 27.37%. The asset side of the balance sheet saw increases in gold reserves, domestic investments, and foreign investments. Domestic assets accounted for 25.73% of total assets, while foreign currency assets, gold, and other holdings made up the remaining 74.27%. On the liabilities side, the growth was attributed to a rise in currency in circulation, revaluation accounts, and other liabilities by 6.03%, 17.32% and 23.31%, respectively. IPO Update: The initial public offer (IPO) of Scoda Tubes received bids for 7,66,36,600 shares as against 1,18,46,169 shares on offer, according to stock exchange data at 15:25 IST on Thursday (29 May 2025). The issue was subscribed 6.47 times. The issue opened for bidding on Wednesday (28 May 2025) and it will close on Friday (30 May 2025). The price band of the IPO is fixed between Rs 130 and 140 per share. An investor can bid for a minimum of 100 equity shares and in multiples thereof. The initial public offer (IPO) of Prostarm Info Systems received bids for 98,62,20,388 shares as against 1,12,00,000 shares on offer, according to stock exchange data at 15:25 IST on Thursday (29 May 2025). The issue was subscribed 88.06 times. The issue opened for bidding on Tuesday (27 May 2025) and it will close on Thursday (29 May 2025). The price band of the IPO is fixed between Rs 223 and 235 per share. An investor can bid for a minimum of 63 equity shares and in multiples thereof. Buzzing Index: The Nifty Metal index added 1.21% to 9,351.65. The index shed 0.07% in previous two consecutive trading sessions. Welspun Corp (up 9.84%), Lloyds Metals & Energy (up 4.29%), Jindal Stainless (up 3.39%), Jindal Steel & Power (up 3.06%), Hindustan Zinc (up 2.71%), NMDC (up 2.05%), Hindustan Copper (up 1.13%), Tata Steel (up 1.08%), Adani Enterprises (up 1.02%) and Vedanta (up 0.91%) added. On the other hand, APL Apollo Tubes (down 0.46%), Hindalco Industries (down 0.06%), turned lower. Welspun Corp jumped 9.84% after its consolidated net profit surged 160.09% to Rs 698.31 crore, despite a 12.01% fall in revenue from operations to Rs 3,924.97 crore in Q4 FY25 over Q4 FY24. Stocks in Spotlight: Deepak Nitrite jumped 4.75% after the companys consolidated net profit surged 106.35% to Rs 202.41 crore on 14.52% increase in revenue from operations to Rs 2,179.69 crore in Q4 FY25 over Q3 FY25. On year on year (YoY) basis, the companys consolidated revenue jumped 2.5%, while net profit declined 20.3% in Q4 FY25. Birlasoft shed 0.48%. The company reported a 4.42% increase in consolidated net profit to Rs 122.11 crore in Q4 FY25, up from Rs 116.94 crore in Q3 FY25. However, revenue from operations decreased 3.36% quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) to Rs 1,316.89 crore in Q4 FY25. Cummins India surged 6.60%. The company has reported 7% fall in standalone net profit to Rs 521 crore on a 6% rise in total sales to Rs 2,414 crore in Q4 FY25 as compared with Q4 FY24. Avanti Feeds rallied 1.53% after the companys consolidated net profit jumped 45.8% to Rs 151.77 crore on 7.9% increase in revenue from operations to Rs 1,385.14 crore in Q4 FY25 over Q4 FY24. ITCONS E-Solutions rose 0.31%. The company announced it has entered into a three-year service agreement with WE WIN to provide manpower services. Insecticides (India) surged 3.08% after the company's consolidated net profit soared 85% to Rs 13.89 crore, while revenue from operations rose 32% to Rs 358.92 crore in Q4 March 2025 over Q4 March 2024. Waaree Energies surged 8.29% after the company announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Waaree Solar Americas, has secured an order worth $176 million from a prominent U.S.-based client. Sandur Manganese & Iron Ores tanked 10.55% after the companys consolidated net profit fell 4.52% to Rs 156.21 crore, despite a 139.46% surge in revenue from operations to Rs 1,321.27 crore in Q4 March 2025 over Q4 March 2024. Jyoti Structures dropped 6.94% after the company's consolidated net profit fell 15.51% to Rs 11.93 crore, while revenue from operations rose 27.71% to Rs 164.69 crore in Q4 March 2025 over Q4 March 2024. Global Markets: US Dow Jones futures jumped 389 points early Thursday, signaling a strong start for Wall Street. European shares advanced while Asian stocks ended higher on Thursday after a U.S. federal trade court ruled that President Donald Trump exceeded his authority with his reciprocal tariffs, dealing a blow to a major tenet of the presidents economic agenda. The court ruled that Trump had overstepped his authority by imposing tariffs on over 180 countries and territories back in April. The decision came from a three-judge panel at the US Court of International Trade. They found that the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), the legal crutch Trump leaned on, didn't give the president free rein to roll out such broad trade measures. The court issued a permanent halt to the tariffs named in the case and blocked any future tweaks. The Trump administration now has 10 days to make the necessary changes but has already appealed the decision to the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Meanwhile, South Korea's central bank, the Bank of Korea, cut its benchmark interest rate from 2.75% to 2.5%, marking its lowest level since August 2022. Investors in Asia are also keeping a close watch on chipmakers after Nvidias strong earnings. The GPU giant beat expectations on both top and bottom lines, driven by a 73% year-over-year surge in its data center business. Back in the US, stock markets closed lower on Wednesday. The S&P 500 dipped 0.56%, the Nasdaq fell 0.51%, and the Dow Jones lost 0.58% as investors digested earnings and the latest Fed minutes. Speaking of which, the Feds May 6-7 meeting minutes hinted at a looming policy dilemma. Officials acknowledged that they may soon face some tough calls if inflation and unemployment start rising together. The Fed might be forced to choose between fighting inflation with higher rates or supporting growth and jobs by cutting them.
Business Standard
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Indices trade near flat line; FMCG shares extent losses for 3rd day
The headline equity indices traded near the flatline with minor losses in early afternoon trade, despite positive global cues after a U.S. federal court blocked former President Trump's proposed Liberation Day tariffs. The Nifty traded below the 24,750 mark. FMCG shares extended losses for the third consecutive trading session. The market is volatile due to the monthly expiry of the Nifty F&O series today. At 12:30 ST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, shed 4.42 points or 0.01% to 81,308.10. The Nifty 50 index fell 8.95 points or 0.03% to 24,743.50. The broader market outperformed the frontline indices, The S&P BSE Mid-Cap index rose 0.26% and the S&P BSE Small-Cap index added 0.37%. The market breadth was positive. On the BSE, 1,873 shares rose and 1,937 shares fell. A total of 154 shares were unchanged. Derivatives: The NSE's India VIX, a gauge of the market's expectation of volatility over the near term, dropped 7.21% to 16.72. The Nifty 26 June 2025 futures were trading at 24,860.20, at a premium of 116.70 point as compared with the spot at 24,743.50. The Nifty option chain for the 26 June 2025 expiry showed a maximum call OI of 44.3 lakh contracts at the 26,000 strike price. Maximum put OI of 48.9 lakh contracts was seen at 24,000 strike price. Economy: India's industrial output growth slowed to 2.7% in April, as against the revised growth of 3% in the preceding month of March, according to the data released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. Manufacturing output, which carries the largest weight in the index, advanced 3.4% in April as against 4% in the previous month, while electricity generation increased to 1.1% from 7.5% in March. Mining activity contracted by 0.2% in April from an expansion of 1.2% a month ago. RBI Annual Report Highlights: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in its annual report projected that the Indian economy is likely to maintain its position as the fastest-growing major economy in FY2025-26. The optimism is fueled by a pick-up in private consumption, robust bank and corporate balance sheets, supportive financial conditions, and a sustained push from the government on capital expenditure. The central bank also painted a positive inflation outlook for the coming year, citing easing global supply chain pressures, a dip in commodity prices, and the prospect of a strong agricultural output driven by an above-normal southwest monsoon. However, the RBI cautioned that financial markets may face intermittent volatility, particularly in response to global uncertainties like shifting trade tariff policies and rising geopolitical tensions. On the financial front, the RBIs balance sheet grew 8.20% year-on-year to Rs 76.25 lakh crore as of 31 March 2025. While income for the year increased by 22.77%, expenditure increased by 7.76%. The year ended with an overall surplus of Rs 2.68 lakh crore as against Rs 2.10 lakh crore in the previous year, resulting in an increase of 27.37%. The asset side of the balance sheet saw increases in gold reserves, domestic investments, and foreign investments. Domestic assets accounted for 25.73% of total assets, while foreign currency assets, gold, and other holdings made up the remaining 74.27%. On the liabilities side, the growth was attributed to a rise in currency in circulation, revaluation accounts, and other liabilities by 6.03%, 17.32% and 23.31%, respectively. Buzzing Index: The Nifty FMCG index slipped 0.39% to 55,489.30. The index declined 2.73% in three consecutive trading sessions. United Breweries (down 1.86%), Godrej Consumer Products (down 1.74%), Tata Consumer Products (down 1.28%), Patanjali Foods (down 0.86%), Colgate-Palmolive (India) (down 0.73%), Varun Beverages (down 0.72%), ITC (down 0.68%), Marico (down 0.56%), Dabur India (down 0.52%) and United Spirits (down 0.01%) declined. Stocks in Spotlight: Birlasoft shed 0.51%. The company reported a 4.42% increase in consolidated net profit to Rs 122.11 crore in Q4 FY25, up from Rs 116.94 crore in Q3 FY25. However, revenue from operations decreased 3.36% quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) to Rs 1,316.89 crore in Q4 FY25. Cummins India surged 6.98%. The company has reported 7% fall in standalone net profit to Rs 521 crore on a 6% rise in total sales to Rs 2,414 crore in Q4 FY25 as compared with Q4 FY24.
Business Standard
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Sensex jumps 255 points, Nifty above 24,800 after US court blocks Trump tariffs
The domestic equity indices traded with moderate gains in early trade, tracking positive cues from broader Asian markets and firm Wall Street futures. Investor sentiment was buoyed after a U.S. federal court blocked former President Donald Trump's proposed Liberation Day tariffs. The Nifty traded above the 24,800 level. IT, metal and private bank shares advanced while FMCG, realty and PSU bank shares declined. The market could be volatile due to the monthly expiry of the Nifty F&O series today. At 09:30 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, rallied 254.63 points or 0.34% to 81,568.10. The Nifty 50 index rose 65.85 points or 0.27% to 24,819.30. In the broader market, the S&P BSE Mid-Cap index rose 0.27% and the S&P BSE Small-Cap index added 0.37%. The market breadth was positive. On the BSE, 1,730 shares rose and 1,104 shares fell. A total of 140 shares were unchanged. Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) bought shares worth 4,662.92 crore, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) were net buyers to the tune of Rs 7,911.99 crore in the Indian equity market on 28 May 2025, provisional data showed. The NSE's India VIX, a gauge of the market's expectation of volatility over the near term, tanked 4.96% to 17.12. Deepak Nitrite added 1.59%. The companys consolidated net profit declined 20.3% to Rs 202.41 crore, despite a 2.5% jump in net sales to Rs 2,179.69 crore in Q4 FY25 over Q4 FY24. Insecticides (India) rallied 5.05% after the company reported 84.7% jump in consolidated net profit to Rs 13.89 crore on 31.7% increase in net sales to Rs 358.92 crore in Q4 FY25 over Q4 FY24. Numbers to Track: In the foreign exchange market, the rupee edged lower against the dollar. The partially convertible rupee was hovering at 85.4500, compared with its close of 85.3875 during the previous trading session. MCX Gold futures for 5 June 2025 settlement shed 0.63% to Rs 94,673. The US Dollar index (DXY), which tracks the greenback's value against a basket of currencies, was up 0.41% to 100.31. The United States 10-year bond yield added 0.60% to 4.506. In the commodities market, Brent crude for July 2025 settlement rose 78 cents or 1.20% to $65.68 a barrel. Global Markets: US Dow Jones futures surged 528 points early Thursday, setting the stage for a buoyant open on Wall Street. Asian shares mostly followed suit, climbing higher after a US federal court delivered a significant blow to President Donald Trump's sweeping "reciprocal" tariffs. The court ruled that Trump had overstepped his authority by imposing tariffs on over 180 countries and territories back in April. The decision came from a three-judge panel at the US Court of International Trade. They found that the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), the legal crutch Trump leaned on, didn't give the president free rein to roll out such broad trade measures. The court issued a permanent halt to the tariffs named in the case and blocked any future tweaks. The Trump administration now has 10 days to make the necessary changes but has already appealed the decision to the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Meanwhile, South Korea's central bank, the Bank of Korea, cut its benchmark interest rate from 2.75% to 2.5%, marking its lowest level since August 2022. Investors in Asia are also keeping a close watch on chipmakers after Nvidias strong earnings. The GPU giant beat expectations on both top and bottom lines, driven by a 73% year-over-year surge in its data center business. Back in the US, stock markets closed lower on Wednesday. The S&P 500 dipped 0.56%, the Nasdaq fell 0.51%, and the Dow Jones lost 0.58% as investors digested earnings and the latest Fed minutes. Speaking of which, the Feds May 6-7 meeting minutes hinted at a looming policy dilemma. Officials acknowledged that they may soon face some tough calls if inflation and unemployment start rising together. The Fed might be forced to choose between fighting inflation with higher rates or supporting growth and jobs by cutting them.
Business Standard
22-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Nifty settles below 24,650 mark; FMCG shares tumble
The key equity indices ended with significant losses today weighed down by global risk aversion. Market sentiment remained subdued amid concerns that the U.S. budget bill could significantly increase the national debt, potentially threatening the country's status as a global safe haven. Traders are expected to monitor global bond markets and fiscal developments closely in coming days. The Nifty settled below the 24,650 mark. The market was volatile due to the weekly expiry of the Nifty F&O series today. Barring media index al the sectoral indices on the NSE were ended in red with FMCG, IT and oil & gas shares declining the most. As per closing provisional data, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex tanked 644.64 points or 0.79% to 80,951.99. The Nifty 50 index tumbled 203.75 points or 0.82% to 24,609.70. In the broader market, the S&P BSE Mid-Cap index declined 0.33% and the S&P BSE Small-Cap index rose 0.17%. The market breadth was negative. On the BSE, 1,745 shares rose and 2,176 shares fell. A total of 165 shares were unchanged. The NSE's India VIX, a gauge of the market's expectation of volatility over the near term, fell 1.65% to 17.26. India's private sector activity witnessed a notable acceleration in May, as indicated by the HSBC Flash India Composite Output Index, which rose to 61.2 from 59.7 in April. The seasonally adjusted indextracking month-on-month changes in output across both manufacturing and servicessignaled a sharp rate of expansion. This uptick was largely driven by stronger performance in the services sector. Robust inflows of new business, both domestic and international, fueled faster growth in business activity and employment. Meanwhile, the HSBC Flash India Manufacturing PMI remained largely stable, edging up slightly to 58.3 in May from 58.2 in April. The reading continued to reflect a strong improvement in the overall health of the manufacturing sector, the HSBC Flash India services PMI business activity index surged to 61.2 in May from 58.7 April, while the HSBC Flash India manufacturing PMI output activity index dipped marginally to 61.4 from Aprils 61.9. IPO Update: The initial public offer of Belrise Industries received bids for 42,51,93,064 shares as against 17,70,58,824 shares on offer, according to stock exchange data at 15:33 IST on 22 May 2025. The issue was subscribed 2.40 times. The issue opened for bidding on 21 May 2025 and it will close on 23 May 2025. The price band of the IPO is fixed between Rs 85 and 90 per share. An investor can bid for a minimum of 166 equity shares and in multiples thereof. The initial public offer of Borana Weaves received bids for 52,55,15,316 shares as against 36,89,457 shares on offer, according to stock exchange data at 15:33 IST on 22 May 2025. The issue was subscribed 142.44 times. The issue opened for bidding on 20 May 2025 and it will close on 22 May 2025. The price band of the IPO is fixed between Rs 205 and 216 per share. An investor can bid for a minimum of 69 equity shares and in multiples thereof. Buzzing Index: The Nifty FMCG index declined 1.44% to Rs 55,598.05. The index advanced in the past trading session. Colgate-Palmolive (India) (down 6.54%), United Breweries (down 2.36%), Varun Beverages (down 1.92%), ITC (down 1.63%), Marico (down 1.57%), Hindustan Unilever (down 1.45%), Nestle India (down 1.24%), Godrej Consumer Products (down 1.18%), Dabur India (down 0.98%) and Britannia Industries (down 0.97%) tumbled. Colgate Palmolive (India) tanked 6.54% after the companys standalone net profit declined 6.53% to Rs 355 crore in Q4 FY25 as against Rs 379.82 crore posted in Q4 FY24. Revenue from operations fell 1.93% year on year (YoY) to Rs 1,452 crore in the quarter ended 31 March 2025. Stocks in Spotlight: Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) declined 2.71% after the companys standalone net profit fell 34.66% to Rs 6,448.28 crore in Q4 FY25 as against Rs 9,869.37 crore posted in Q4 FY24. Revenue from operations declined marginally to Rs 34,982.23 crore in Q4 FY25, compared to Rs 34,636.69 crore reported in Q4 FY24. H.G. Infra Engineering dropped 6.49% after the company reported 22.65% decline in consolidated net profit to Rs 146.98 crore in Q4 FY25 as against Rs 190.03 crore posted in Q4 FY24. Revenue from operations fell 20.33% YoY to Rs 1,360.89 crore in the quarter ended 31 March 2025. Rupa & Company rose 3.04% after the company's net profit rose 26% to Rs 30.6 crore while net sales rose 4% to Rs 415.5 crore in Q4 March 2025 over Q4 March 2024. Astral jumped 5.05% after its standalone net profit jumped 3.76% to Rs 190 crore on 3.64% rise in revenue from operations to Rs 1,542.3 in Q4 FY25 over Q4 FY24. IndusInd Bank added 1.73%. The bank reported a standalone net loss of Rs 2,235.99 crore in Q4 FY25 as against a net profit of Rs 2,346.84 crore posted in Q4 FY24. Total income declined 22.83% year on year to Rs 11,342.65 crore in the quarter ended 31 March 2025. Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail (ABFRL) 6.44% as the stock turned ex-demerger following the spin-off of its lifestyle brands business into a separate listed entity, Aditya Birla Lifestyle Brands (ABLBL). Dishman Carbogen Amcis surged 11.32% after the company reported consolidated net profit of Rs 43.09 crore in Q4 March 2025 as against net loss of Rs 69.92 crore in Q4 March 2024. Consolidated net sales rose 9.41% year-on-year to Rs 716.34 crore in Q4 March 2025. Global Markets: European shares declined on Thursday as investors will be closely watching earnings reports from BT, British Land, and Tate & Lyle on Thursday. Additionally, preliminary Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) data for France and the U.K. is scheduled to be released. Most Asian stocks ended lower, mirroring overnight losses on Wall Street. Investor sentiment was impacted by concerns that a proposed U.S. budget bill could significantly increase the national debt. In Japan, the manufacturing sector contracted for the eleventh consecutive month in May, according to preliminary data from the au Jibun Bank flash manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI). The index registered at 49.0 for the first three weeks of May, slightly improving from 48.7 in April but remaining below the 50-mark that separates growth from contraction. In the United States, all three major stock indices closed lower on Wednesday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 1.91%, the S&P 500 dropped 1.61%, and the Nasdaq Composite declined 1.41%. The market selloff was attributed to a sharp rise in Treasury yields amid concerns that the proposed budget bill could increase fiscal pressure. The proposed legislation, which includes tax cuts and spending measures, is reportedly facing resistance from within the Republican party. Analysts estimate the bill could add between $3 trillion and $5 trillion to the current U.S. debt, which stands at $36.2 trillion. The development follows a recent credit rating downgrade by Moodys, citing concerns over the rising national debt. In corporate news, Alphabet Inc. shares rose more than 2% following the company's announcement of new AI-related products and initiatives aimed at maintaining its competitive edge in the sector. Microsoft Corporation traded slightly lower after disclosing that approximately 394,000 Windows devices worldwide had been infected by the Lumma malware.
Business Standard
22-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Sensex tumbles over 900 pts, Nifty sinks below 24,600; IT stocks drag
The headline equity benchmarks traded with major losses in early afternoon trade amid global risk aversion. A spike in U.S. Treasury yields, Moodys downgrade of the U.S. credit outlook, weak bond demand, and a technical correction following the recent rally triggered broad-based selling in Indian equities. IT shares declined after advancing in previous trading session. The Nifty traded below the 24,600 level. The market could be volatile due to the weekly expiry of the Nifty F&O series today. At 12:30 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, tanked 907.92 points or 1.10% to 80,709.54. The Nifty 50 index tumbled 253.25 points or 1.02% to 24,559.75. In the broader market, the S&P BSE Mid-Cap index declined 0.46% and the S&P BSE Small-Cap index rose 0.08%. The market breadth was negative. On the BSE, 1,621 shares rose and 2,116 shares fell. A total of 191 shares were unchanged. Economy: India's private sector activity witnessed a notable acceleration in May, as indicated by the HSBC Flash India Composite Output Index, which rose to 61.2 from 59.7 in April. The seasonally adjusted indextracking month-on-month changes in output across both manufacturing and servicessignaled a sharp rate of expansion. This uptick was largely driven by stronger performance in the services sector. Robust inflows of new business, both domestic and international, fueled faster growth in business activity and employment. Meanwhile, the HSBC Flash India Manufacturing PMI remained largely stable, edging up slightly to 58.3 in May from 58.2 in April. The reading continued to reflect a strong improvement in the overall health of the manufacturing sector. Derivatives: The NSE's India VIX, a gauge of the market's expectation of volatility over the near term, added 2.21% to 17.77. The Nifty 29 May 2025 futures were trading at 24,625, at a premium of 65.25 point as compared with the spot at 24,559.75. The Nifty option chain for the 29 May 2025 expiry showed a maximum call OI of 81.9 lakh contracts at the 25,000 strike price. Maximum put OI of 73.7 lakh contracts was seen at 24,000 strike price. Buzzing Index: The Nifty IT index fell 1.38% to 37,023.60. The index rose 0.69% in the previous trading session. Tech Mahindra (down 1.71%), Persistent Systems (down 1.6%), Oracle Financial Services Software (down 1.59%), Wipro (down 1.55%), Tata Consultancy Services (down 1.35%), HCL Technologies (down 1.22%), Infosys (down 0.98%), Mphasis (down 0.81%), Coforge (down 0.28%) down. Stocks in Spotlight: H.G. Infra engineering dropped 6.33% after the company reported 22.65% decline in consolidated net profit to Rs 146.98 crore in Q4 FY25 as against Rs 190.03 crore posted in Q4 FY24. Revenue from operations fell 20.33% YoY to Rs 1,360.89 crore in the quarter ended 31 March 2025. Colgate-Palmolive (India) tanked 4.55% after the companys standalone net profit declined 6.53% to Rs 355 crore in Q4 FY25 as against Rs 379.82 crore posted in Q4 FY24. Revenue from operations fell 1.93% year on year (YoY) to Rs 1,452 crore in the quarter ended 31 March 2025. VRL Logistics jumped 7.03% after the company's net profit surged 244.71% to Rs 74.25 crore in Q4 FY25, compared with Rs 21.54 crore posted in Q4 FY24. Revenue from operations rose 5.84% to Rs 809.03 crore, compared to Rs 764.40 crore in Q4 FY24. Astral added 4.49% after its standalone net profit jumped 3.76% to Rs 190 crore on 3.64% rise in revenue from operations to Rs 1,542.3 in Q4 FY25 over Q4 FY24.
