Tech Enhanced Investing

Indian stock markets continued to trade slightly lower this morning, impacted by the weekly Nifty options expiry and caution ahead of the RBI policy announcement. Concerns arose after the World Bank reported a $31 billion rise in India’s external debt, reaching $646.79 billion in 2023. Interest payments also surged to $22.54 billion, compared to $15.08 billion in 2022.

Despite this, market losses were limited due to optimism from the OECD, which projected that India would sustain nearly 7% growth over the next two years, driven by strong investments and recovery in agricultural output. Public infrastructure projects remain key growth drivers.

Globally, Asian markets are largely positive, buoyed by softer U.S. private sector employment data that eased interest rate concerns.

Currently, the BSE Sensex is at 80,855.74, down 100.59 points or 0.12%, with 10 stocks advancing and 20 declining. The BSE Mid Cap index rose by 0.07%, and the Small Cap index gained 0.13%. Key gainers included Telecom (+0.72%), IT (+0.58%), and Consumer Discretionary (+0.09%), while sectors like Utilities (-0.73%) and Power (-0.58%) saw declines.

Top performers on the Sensex included Bharti Airtel (+1.01%), TCS (+0.65%), and SBI (+0.51%), while NTPC (-1.53%), Power Grid Corporation (-1.46%), and JSW Steel (-1.28%) were the major losers.

The Nifty is trading at 24,425.85, down 41.60 points or 0.17%. Bharti Airtel and TCS led gains, while Bajaj Auto and NTPC were top losers.

Meanwhile, the government is launching a unified National Legal Metrology Portal (eMaap) to streamline licensing, verification, and compliance processes, enhancing consumer protection and ease of doing business. The platform will integrate various state portals, creating a centralized system for legal metrology functions, including enforcement activities.

In Asia, Nikkei 225 and Shanghai Composite traded higher, while Hang Seng and KOSPI saw declines.

Indian stock markets continued their winning streak for the fourth session on Wednesday, closing in positive territory despite fluctuations. Investors remained cautious as they awaited the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) interest rate decision. On Thursday, markets are expected to open cautiously, influenced by mixed cues from Asian markets and the weekly Nifty options expiry. The upcoming RBI policy announcement and global concerns could impact sentiment.

Concerns were raised as the World Bank’s International Debt Report highlighted a rise in India’s external debt by $31 billion, reaching $646.79 billion in 2023. Interest payments also surged to $22.54 billion from $15.08 billion last year. However, optimism emerged from the OECD’s forecast that India would maintain near 7% growth over the next two years, driven by strong investments and agricultural recovery.

Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) provided a boost by purchasing equities worth ₹1,797 crore on December 4. Banking stocks are expected to see movement after RBI data showed a rise in net liquidity surplus to ₹1 trillion, attributed to government spending. Telecom stocks may gain attention as the Department of Telecommunications pushes for expanding the PLI scheme to boost local production and exports of 4G and 5G equipment. Coal stocks will also be in focus as the government launches the 11th round of commercial coal mine auctions, offering 27 blocks across various states.

In global markets, U.S. stocks closed higher on Wednesday, driven by tech gains and positive comments from Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell. Asian markets traded mixed on Thursday.

On Wednesday, Indian equity benchmarks ended slightly higher, driven by foreign investments and positive global cues. However, caution prevailed as the GDP growth slowed to 5.4% in the July-September quarter, significantly below RBI’s estimate of 7%. Mid-session losses were triggered by Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal’s remarks on the impact of extended shipping routes on trade.

Markets recovered later, supported by robust performance in the services sector. The HSBC India Services PMI remained strong at 58.4 in November, indicating steady demand and record hiring. Meanwhile, the Lok Sabha passed the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, allowing up to four nominees for bank accounts and updating rules for directorship eligibility.

The BSE Sensex rose 110.58 points to close at 80,956.33, while the Nifty gained 10.30 points to end at 24,467.45.

Quick Heal Technologies' stock is trading at ₹642.20, reflecting a rise of ₹6.10 or 0.96% from its previous close of ₹636.10 on the BSE. The stock opened at ₹637.50 and reached an intraday high of ₹658.75, with a low of ₹637.50. So far, 7,723 shares have changed hands.

The company, categorized under the BSE group 'B', has a face value of ₹10. It recorded a 52-week high of ₹825.90 on October 11, 2024, and a 52-week low of ₹350.70 on December 18, 2023. Over the past week, the stock has fluctuated between ₹658.75 and ₹599.80. Quick Heal’s market capitalization currently stands at ₹3,488.99 crore. Promoters hold 72.08% of the shares, while institutions and non-institutional investors account for 4.23% and 23.68%, respectively.

At the 19th nasscom-DSCI Annual Information Security Summit (AISS) 2025, Quick Heal’s enterprise division, Seqrite, introduced several groundbreaking cybersecurity tools. A highlight of the event was the release of the ‘India Cyber Threat Report 2025’, developed in collaboration with the Data Security Council of India (DSCI). This report offers an in-depth analysis of emerging cyber threats facing India.

Seqrite also launched its Seqrite Malware Analysis Platform (SMAP), a sophisticated tool aimed at helping cybersecurity experts analyze suspicious files and URLs more effectively. SMAP’s features include advanced sandboxing, real-time behavioral analysis, and seamless integration with security solutions like SIEM, SOAR, and EDR/XDR. It provides a safe, multi-layered approach to threat detection using isolated virtual environments.

Additionally, Seqrite unveiled Seqrite Threat Intel, a real-time cyber defense hub powered by Seqrite Labs. This platform consolidates threat intelligence from various sources, including open-source intelligence (OSINT) and CERTs. With access to data from over 8.44 million endpoints, Threat Intel delivers actionable insights and industry-specific threat analysis, enabling organizations to strengthen their defenses proactively.

Quick Heal continues to lead in IT security solutions, offering products that simplify security management across devices and platforms.

Lancer Container Lines' stock climbed to ₹38.65 on the BSE, reflecting a gain of ₹1.96 or 5.34% from its previous close of ₹36.69. The stock opened at ₹37.80 and fluctuated between an intraday high of ₹39.50 and a low of ₹37.60. Trading volume reached 25.31 lakh shares.

The stock, categorized under the BSE group 'B', has a face value of ₹5. Over the past year, it hit a peak of ₹110 on February 5, 2024, and a low of ₹28.12 on October 25, 2024. In the last week, the stock’s high and low were ₹39.50 and ₹32.25, respectively, with a current market capitalization of ₹923.54 crore.

Promoters hold 41.89% of the company’s shares, while institutional investors and retail/non-institutional investors hold 14.46% and 43.65%, respectively.

In a significant development, Lancer Container Lines has partnered with Dubai-based Ocean Voyage Shipping Line LLC (OVSL) to collaborate on vessel chartering and related operations. OVSL, with expertise in vessel management, is expected to enhance Lancer’s operational capabilities.

The company aims to leverage this partnership to drive innovation and expects substantial growth over the next three years, accompanied by improved profit margins as operational scale increases. Lancer Container Lines specializes in logistics and shipping services.

Aurionpro Solutions' stock climbed by 2.57%, trading at ₹1690.05, up 42.40 points from its previous close of ₹1647.65 on the BSE. The stock opened at ₹1698.95, reaching an intraday high of ₹1730.00 and a low of ₹1662.00, with 4,928 shares changing hands.

This group 'B' stock, with a face value of ₹10, had earlier recorded a 52-week high of ₹1989.95 on August 28, 2024, and a 52-week low of ₹897.50 on March 19, 2024. Its market capitalization now stands at ₹9,413.91 crore. Over the past week, the stock fluctuated between ₹1730.00 and ₹1537.30. Promoters hold a 26.88% stake, while institutions and non-institutions hold 15.37% and 57.75%, respectively.

In a significant development, Aurionpro’s subsidiary, Integro Technologies, launched the SmartLender ESG platform, a digital suite aimed at boosting ESG strategies for banks. This follows a major deal with a leading Southeast Asian bank. The platform helps streamline ESG-linked financing by digitizing checklists and ensuring real-time updates, enhancing operational efficiency in managing green certifications and sustainability targets.

Integro’s recognition as a Category Leader in five corporate lending quadrants by Chartis highlights its innovative edge. The SmartLender ESG platform supports banks in ESG data management, mitigating greenwashing risks, and ensuring compliance with global and local ESG regulations, aligning with Green Loan Principles.

Aurionpro Solutions specializes in advanced technology solutions for banking, payments, mobility, and government sectors.

Indian stock markets started the final trading session of the week on a steady note, opening flat but quickly moving into positive territory. Weakness in Asian markets and a lack of direction from Wall Street, coupled with mixed economic data from Japan and South Korea, impacted sentiment. Investors are also closely monitoring India’s GDP figures, expected later today, which could provide further market direction. Reports suggest India’s GDP growth in the July-September quarter may slow to an 18-month low, primarily due to rising food prices affecting urban consumption.

In early trade, markets gained momentum with notable buying interest in utilities and healthcare stocks, offsetting declines in FMCG and IT sectors. The Sensex climbed past the 79,300 mark, while the Nifty regained the 24,000 level.

Additionally, the BSE announced a shift in the expiry dates for key derivatives contracts from Friday to Tuesday, effective January 1, 2025. Metal stocks were in focus after Crisil Ratings predicted that declining steel prices would hit the profitability of domestic steel producers. Meanwhile, Enviro Infra Engineers debuted on the stock exchange, and NCC surged after securing a ₹3,389 crore order.

Market Snapshot:

• Sensex: 79,305.20 (+261.46 points or 0.33%)
• Nifty: 24,003.10 (+88.95 points or 0.37%)
• Top Gainers: Adani Ports (+2.10%), Sun Pharma (+1.74%), Mahindra & Mahindra (+1.47%)
• Top Losers: Power Grid (-1.15%), ITC (-0.57%), TCS (-0.37%)

Global Market Movement:
Asian markets showed mixed trends. Japan's Nikkei and South Korea's KOSPI posted losses, while China’s Hang Seng and Shanghai Composite gained.

Political Commentary:
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal expressed optimism about India-US relations under a potential new Trump administration, emphasizing Prime Minister Modi’s strong rapport with global leaders and predicting a continuation of positive ties.

Indian equity markets are poised for a cautious start today, weighed down by weak cues from Asia-Pacific markets and lingering global uncertainties. On Thursday, markets witnessed a sharp correction, closing over 1% lower amid the monthly F&O expiry, driven by global weakness and geopolitical tensions. Renewed Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure have dampened investor sentiment.

Key Factors Influencing Markets:

• Foreign Investor Activity: After two days of net buying, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) resumed selling, offloading stocks worth ₹11,756.25 crore on November 28, according to SEBI data.
• GDP Data Focus: Investors are keenly awaiting India’s July-September GDP numbers, expected to show the slowest growth in 18 months due to weak urban consumption and high food prices. Estimates suggest growth may range between 6.2% and 6.9%.
• Banking and Metal Stocks: Banking stocks could see action as RBI data shows credit growth slowed to 11.15% YoY, while deposit growth slightly outpaced it. Metal stocks might remain under pressure as Crisil Ratings highlighted a potential drop in steel producers’ profitability.
• Derivatives Expiry Change: BSE has announced changes in the expiry days of key derivatives contracts, effective January 1, 2025.

Global Market Sentiment:

The U.S. markets remained closed for Thanksgiving. In Asia, markets are mostly trading in the red as investors react to Japan’s inflation and South Korea’s industrial output data.

Domestic Market Recap:

On Thursday, Indian indices fell sharply, with the Sensex losing 1,190 points (1.48%) to close at 79,043.74, and the Nifty shedding 360 points (1.49%) to end at 23,914.15. Heavyweights like Infosys, M&M, and Bajaj Finance were among the top losers. The sell-off was largely attributed to caution ahead of GDP data and mixed global trends.

Market participants will closely watch global developments and domestic economic indicators for further direction.

Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) saw its stock price rise to ₹792.60 on the BSE, gaining ₹13.90 or 1.79% from its previous close of ₹778.70. The stock opened at ₹778.50, hitting an intraday high of ₹792.90 and a low of ₹778.50, with 30,323 shares traded so far.

IHCL's stock, with a face value of ₹1, touched a 52-week high of ₹814.65 on November 25, 2024, and a 52-week low of ₹416.15 on December 21, 2023. Its market capitalization stands at ₹1,12,629.07 crore. Promoters hold a 38.12% stake in the company, while institutional and non-institutional investors own 46.23% and 15.64%, respectively.

IHCL has announced a new resort project in Kandla, Gujarat, under the Gateway brand. This will bring the company’s total presence in Gujarat to 25 hotels, including six under development.

The upcoming resort will span over eight acres and feature 93 rooms. It will be located near Kandla Airport, offering guests access to all-day dining, specialty restaurants, a modern gym, and a swimming pool. Additionally, the resort boasts a 19,000 sq. ft. banquet space, ideal for large events, corporate meetings, and destination weddings.

IHCL, operating as Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, is one of Asia’s largest and most esteemed hospitality brands, catering to luxury, premium, and mid-market segments.

Enviro Infra Engineers opened at ₹218 on the BSE, registering a significant jump of ₹70 or 47.29% over its issue price of ₹148.

Currently, the stock is trading at ₹210.75, reflecting a gain of ₹62.75 or 42.40% above its issue price. It recorded a high of ₹233.50 and a low of ₹210.05 during the session, with 30.16 lakh shares traded so far.

The IPO, available for subscription between November 22 and November 26, 2024, saw an overwhelming response, being subscribed 89.9 times. The issue price was set at ₹148, the upper limit of its ₹140-148 price band.

Enviro Infra Engineers specializes in the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of water and wastewater treatment facilities and water supply projects for government agencies.

Reliance Industries' stock gained momentum, trading at ₹1290.05, marking an increase of 18.70 points or 1.47% from its previous close of ₹1271.35 on the BSE. The stock opened at ₹1280.00 and fluctuated between a high of ₹1290.70 and a low of ₹1274.75, with 2,46,120 shares exchanged during the session.

The company, a BSE Group 'A' stock with a face value of ₹10, previously reached a 52-week high of ₹1608.95 on July 8, 2024, and a low of ₹1185.63 on November 30, 2023. Its market capitalization currently stands at ₹17,33,023.34 crore. The promoter shareholding is at 50.24%, while institutional and non-institutional investors hold 39.05% and 10.71%, respectively.

Reliance Finance and Investments USA LLC (RFIUL), a subsidiary of Reliance, acquired a 21% stake in Wavetech Helium, Inc. (WHI) for $12 million. WHI, established in July 2021, specializes in helium gas exploration and production in the U.S., targeting underground reservoirs.

Helium plays a crucial role in medical, aerospace, electronics, and fiber optic applications. The growing demand for semiconductors, driven by AI and data center expansions, is expected to boost helium consumption. The acquisition aligns with Reliance's strategy to enhance its presence in low-carbon exploration and production.

Reliance Industries, India's largest private-sector company, operates across various sectors, including hydrocarbons, petrochemicals, retail, and digital services.