GIFT Nifty Opening Update
GIFT Nifty opened today at 25,651.00. It is down 129.00 points (-0.50%) from yesterday’s close of 25,851.00— so the trend is negative.
Indian equity benchmark indices, the Sensex and the Nifty 50, are expected to commence trading on a subdued note on Friday, reflecting a widespread sell-off in global markets. Asian equities experienced a decline, and US stocks closed lower overnight as technology shares faced pressure due to renewed concerns regarding disruptions driven by artificial intelligence. On Thursday, domestic markets experienced a decline as profit booking took place across various sectors, particularly impacting IT stocks which faced significant selling pressure. The Sensex experienced a decline of 558.72 points, representing a decrease of 0.66%, ultimately closing at 83,674.92. Meanwhile, the Nifty 50 fell by 146.65 points, which is a reduction of 0.57%, finishing at 25,807.20.
Asian markets exhibited a generally muted performance on Friday, reflecting the declines observed on Wall Street the previous night. Japan’s Nikkei 225 experienced a decline of 1.69%, whereas the broader Topix index decreased by 0.58%. South Korea’s Kospi experienced a decline of 0.48%, while the Kosdaq faced a more significant drop of 1.36%. Futures for Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index indicated a potential decline at the opening. US equity markets concluded the day in the red on Thursday, impacted by ongoing declines in technology stocks, as investors remained wary in anticipation of crucial US inflation data.
In the meantime, attention turned to geopolitical developments following a report indicating that the Kremlin has put forth proposals that may lead Russia to re-adopt the dollar as part of a wider economic partnership with the Trump administration, as referenced in an internal Russian document.
Equities to Monitor:
- Coal India reporting a consolidated net profit of Rs 8,505.57 crore in the previous year, Coal India holds a significant position, contributing approximately 80% to the domestic coal output. Sales decreased to Rs 30,818.17 crore compared to Rs 32,358.98 crore year-over-year, whereas consolidated expenses increased to Rs 28,132 crore from Rs 27,280 crore. The board has announced a third interim dividend of Rs 5.50 per equity share for FY26.
- Indian IT stock experienced a significant decline on the NYSE. Infosys ADRs experienced a significant decline of 10%, settling at $14.21, whereas Wipro ADRs saw a decrease of 5%. Global software and tech stocks experienced a decline as concerns grow that AI disruption may significantly alter the conventional outsourcing-driven IT services business model.
- Indian Hotels Company experienced a substantial 50.86% year-over-year increase in consolidated net profit, reaching Rs 954.24 crore for the quarter ending December 31, 2025, up from Rs 632.53 crore in the same quarter last year, driven by consistent demand throughout its hospitality offerings.
- Hindustan Unilever experienced a 30% year-over-year decrease in consolidated net profit from continuing operations, reporting Rs 2,118 crore compared to Rs 3,027 crore. Reported consolidated net profit more than doubled to Rs 6,603 crore, supported by a one-time gain from the ice cream business demerger. PBT before exceptional items was reported at Rs 3,495 crore.
- Hindalco Industries reported a 45% year-over-year decline in Q3 net profit, totaling Rs 2,049 crore, down from Rs 3,735 crore, falling short of expectations of Rs 4,141 crore. Revenue from operations increased by 13.9% year-over-year to Rs 66,521 crore, marginally surpassing market expectations of Rs 64,581 crore.
- Honasa Consumer has reported a significant increase in Q3 net profit, nearly doubling to Rs 50 crore compared to Rs 26 crore in the same quarter last year. Revenue increased by 16% to Rs 602 crore, whereas expenses saw an 8% rise. The company reported that a Rs 28 crore revenue impact from a Flipkart settlement change did not influence profitability.
- Bharat Forge has demonstrated a significant performance, showcasing a 28% year-over-year increase in consolidated net profit, reaching Rs 272.80 crore. Additionally, revenue has risen by 24.9%, totaling Rs 4,342.93 crore. Standalone profit decreased by 17% year-over-year to Rs 288.1 crore, influenced by labour code provisions and increased tariffs, while revenue declined by 0.6% to Rs 2,083.7 crore.
- ONGC reported a consolidated net profit increase of 22.6% year-over-year, reaching Rs 11,946 crore in the third quarter of FY26. Meanwhile, revenue from operations held steady at Rs 1.67 trillion. The board has announced a second interim dividend of Rs 6.25 per share, resulting in a total payout of Rs 7,863 crore, with the record date set for February 18, 2026.
- IRCTC has demonstrated a 15.6% year-over-year growth in its Q3 net profit, reaching Rs 394.3 crore, up from Rs 341 crore. Revenue experienced an impressive increase of 18.4% year-over-year, reaching Rs 1,449.4 crore, propelled by advancements in the catering, tourism, and ticketing sectors.
- Lupin reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 1,175.6 crore for Q3 FY26, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 37.5%, although it showed a decline compared to the previous quarter. Revenue increased by 24.3% year-over-year, reaching Rs 7,167.5 crore. Exceptional items comprised Rs 449.4 crore related to antitrust litigation and Rs 134.8 crore allocated for an Astellas settlement.
- Biocon – In Q3 FY26, Biocon achieved a net profit of Rs 143.8 crore, significantly up from Rs 25.1 crore year-over-year, benefiting from a low base effect. Revenue increased by 9.2% year-over-year to Rs 4,173 crore, falling short of the anticipated Rs 4,556.2 crore. The quarter reflected a singular extraordinary loss amounting to Rs 293.4 crore.