Thursday’s stock market outlook seems set for a tug-of-war between global cues and individual stock-specific movements, as domestic triggers remain limited. The focus is squarely on international developments, particularly US President Donald Trump’s latest tariff threats and upcoming US core retail inflation and producer price inflation (PPI) data for February — both of which are likely to steer market sentiment.
Trump has intensified his trade war rhetoric, this time aiming at the European Union (EU) with threats of additional tariffs in response to the EU’s countermeasures. Canada has also joined the fray, imposing 25% tariffs on steel, aluminum, computers, and other goods worth $20 billion, escalating the situation further. This backdrop has investors wary of potential global economic fallout.
GIFT Nifty futures indicate a cautiously optimistic start for Indian markets, buoyed slightly by February’s consumer price index (CPI) inflation data, which eased to a seven-month low of 3.61%. This suggests some cooling on the domestic inflation front, which might offer brief support to sentiment.
Asian markets are showing mixed signals: Japan’s Nikkei and South Korea’s Kospi are both up, gaining 0.9% and 0.8%, respectively, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng slipped 0.3% and Australia’s ASX 200 dipped 0.17%. Meanwhile, on Wall Street, the Nasdaq surged 1.22% after softer inflation data helped ease recession fears. The S&P 500 rose 0.49%, but the Dow Jones bucked the trend with a 0.2% drop.
Several stocks are poised to see significant movement today:
Ola Electric has launched a Holi flash sale, offering discounts of up to Rs 26,750 on its S1 Air scooter and Rs 22,000 on the S1 X+ (Gen 2). The rest of the S1 lineup, including new Gen 3 models, sees discounts of up to Rs 25,000. The offer runs until March 17, which could help boost sales volumes in the EV segment.
Infosys is expanding its partnership with US-based Citizens Bank, focusing on AI, cloud, and automation solutions. This collaboration supports the bank’s transition to cloud-native platforms and data center exits. However, Infosys stock remains under pressure after falling nearly 5% in the previous session.
BEML has signed a non-binding MoU with Siemens India to explore opportunities in the semi-high-speed and suburban train segments, signaling growth in the railway infrastructure space. It has also inked a separate deal with Italy’s Dragflow SRL to enhance indigenous dredging solutions — a strategic move to strengthen its presence in the heavy engineering market.
Bharat Electronics (BEL), the state-owned defense company, secured a significant Rs 2,463 crore contract from the Ministry of Defence to supply Ashwini radars to the Indian Air Force. This new order brings BEL’s total order book for the year to an impressive Rs 17,030 crore, reinforcing its position in the defense sector.
Tata Motors faces a setback, as reports indicate Jaguar Land Rover has shelved plans to manufacture electric vehicles at Tata’s $1 billion Tamil Nadu facility. The decision reportedly stems from cost and quality concerns surrounding locally sourced components — a blow to India’s EV manufacturing ambitions.
Vedanta’s promoters will retain over 50% ownership across all newly demerged entities, aligning with the group’s strategy to create focused, sector-specific businesses. This move aims to streamline operations and improve value unlocking across its diverse portfolio.
NTPC Green Energy has fully commissioned its 105 MW Shajapur solar project, with the final 50 MW going live recently. The first 55 MW was operational by November 2024, marking a key milestone in NTPC’s renewable energy expansion plans.
NHPC’s board will meet on March 19 to deliberate on its borrowing plans for the upcoming fiscal year 2025-26, which could influence its growth and project financing strategies.
Jubilant Pharmova received an Establishment Inspection Report (EIR) with a "voluntary action indicated" (VAI) status from the USFDA for its Salisbury facility. The positive outcome follows an inspection in January, which should ease regulatory overhangs on the stock.
Coromandel International is making a strategic acquisition, purchasing a 53% stake in NACL Industries for Rs 820 crore at Rs 76.7 per share. Additionally, it’s planning an open offer to acquire another 26% stake from public shareholders, potentially reshaping the agrochemical landscape.
Zydus Lifesciences’ venture capital arm has invested in Illexcor Therapeutics, a US-based biotech firm working on next-generation oral treatments for sickle cell disease — a move that supports its long-term pipeline diversification strategy.
Jaiprakash Associates saw its lenders transfer the company’s outstanding debt to the National Asset Reconstruction Company (NARCL), signaling ongoing restructuring efforts for the debt-laden infrastructure giant.
Swelect Energy Systems, a player in the solar energy sector, secured orders for over 150 MW of TOPCon Bi-facial solar PV modules and raised Rs 290 crore via non-convertible debentures — a move that could support expansion and project execution.
Rollatainers announced it is scrapping plans to issue 11.76 crore convertible warrants, a proposal initially approved in April 2024. The reversal reflects changing capital structure strategies within the company.
With limited domestic cues, the market’s trajectory today will likely hinge on global developments — particularly Trump’s escalating trade war with the EU and Canada, and the US inflation data release. Investors will closely watch these factors for clues on market direction, while stock-specific moves could provide pockets of opportunity amid the broader volatility.
