Bullish News
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Bharti Airtel Explores Entry into NBFC Sector with Proposed Rs 20,000 Crore Investment
Bharti Airtel has officially transitioned from a loan distributor to a direct lender following the approval of its NBFC license by the Reserve Bank of India on February 13, 2026. This move is backed by a massive capital commitment of 20,000 crore INR to be injected into its subsidiary, Airtel Money Limited, over the next few years. The capital structure for this venture is split with Bharti Airtel contributing 70% and the promoter group, Bharti Enterprises, providing the remaining 30%. This investment aims to build a credit book potentially reaching 1 trillion INR by leveraging a 5x capital-to-loan ratio. The company is entering a high-growth market where NBFC assets under management are projected to grow by 15% to 17% in the 2026 fiscal year. While traditional bank credit growth is stabilizing around 12%, the digital lending space continues to expand as India’s formal credit-to-GDP ratio remains at 53%. Airtel is building its direct lending business on a proven foundation. Its existing Lending Service Provider platform has already disbursed over 9,000 crore INR in loans over the past two years. This transition allows the company to retain higher margins and gain full control over product design and risk assessment. The competitive landscape is intensifying with the entry of telecom-backed NBFCs. Airtel now competes directly with Jio Financial Services and established leaders like Bajaj Finance. With 463.4 million mobile customers in India as of late 2025, Airtel holds a massive data advantage for underwriting and customer acquisition. Risk management remains a primary focus for the new entity. The company employs over 500 data scientists to power its underwriting models and real-time risk monitoring. This strategy aims to maintain industry-leading performance metrics as the broader NBFC sector deals with delinquency rates of 6% to 7% in unsecured segments. On the stock market, Bharti Airtel closed at 1,997 INR on February 23, 2026, reflecting a market capitalization of 11.38 trillion INR. While the stock has seen a 5.37% decline year-to-date, its five-year returns exceed 256%, signaling long-term investor confidence in its diversification beyond core telecom. This strategic pivot positions Bharti Airtel to capture the underserved credit market, specifically targeting the 22% to 23% growth seen in the affordable housing and MSME segments. By transforming into a comprehensive digital services platform, the company is securing a recurring, high-margin revenue stream for the next decade.
**Nipun Goel: 2026 IPO Fundraising Projected to Exceed $20 Billion Amid Market Acceleration**
India's primary market has entered a historic expansion phase, with 2025 closing as a record-breaking year for public listings. Total fundraising through mainboard IPOs reached an all-time high of **1.76 lakh crore**, marking a **10% increase** over the previous record set in 2024. The momentum remains exceptionally high as we move into early 2026. Domestic stock exchanges now demonstrate the depth and liquidity required to fund "jumbo" listings that previously sought international markets. This shift is exemplified by landmark issues such as Hyundai Motor India and Swiggy, which paved the way for a massive pipeline of upcoming offerings. Current data shows over **247 companies** have draft documents (DRHPs) filed or awaiting approval with SEBI. In the first half of 2025 alone, **118 new draft papers** were submitted, more than double the volume seen in the same period a year prior. This surge indicates that promoters and private equity funds remain highly bullish on long-term valuation prospects. New-age technology and SaaS companies are spearheading this growth. In 2025, **18 tech startups** successfully listed, raising over **41,283 crore**. This sector is becoming more mature, with a notable shift toward companies showing clear paths to profitability. Fintech and e-commerce continue to dominate, while newer segments like quick commerce and electric vehicles are gaining rapid traction. Valuations have undergone a necessary recalibration. While 2024 saw average listing gains of **30%**, that figure moderated to approximately **10%** in 2025. Investors have become increasingly selective, focusing on business quality and cash flow predictability rather than speculative growth. This "realistic pricing" trend is helping stabilize the market and prevent overheating. Private equity and venture capital exits are a major driver of current activity. Offer for Sale (OFS) components accounted for roughly **45%** of total IPO proceeds last year. Promoters and early-stage backers are utilizing the current market strength to monetize holdings, with nearly **1 lakh crore** in shares sold through these exits. Retail participation remains a cornerstone of the Indian market. While individual application sizes have moderated slightly, the total number of retail investors has surpassed **108 million**. Significant SIP inflows and robust domestic institutional demand provide a strong floor for new issuances, even during periods of global volatility. The outlook for 2026 points toward another blockbuster year. Heavyweights like Reliance Jio, OYO, and PhonePe are among the marquee names expected to hit the floor. With the Indian economy projected to grow above **6%**, the IPO ecosystem is structurally positioned to absorb annual primary issuances of up to **2%** of the total market capitalization. [India's IPO Market Trends](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjrV92p67u0) This video provides a comprehensive breakdown of the record-breaking 2025 IPO season and offers expert projections for the major listings expected throughout 2026. http://googleusercontent.com/youtube_content/0
Nvidia Earnings Boost Tech Sector; IT Stocks Including Infosys and TCS in Focus
Market dynamics for Indian IT stocks are shifting as the sector navigates a high-stakes transition between global AI-led rallies and local volatility. Recent record earnings from Nvidia have provided a critical floor for market sentiment, while breakthrough tools from AI startup Anthropic continue to challenge traditional service models. Nvidia Records and Sector Support Nvidia reported a monumental fourth quarter with revenue hitting $68.1 billion, a 73% increase year-over-year. This surge was primarily fueled by record Data Center revenue of $62.3 billion. For the full fiscal year 2026, the chipmaker's revenue reached $215.9 billion, marking a 65% rise. This performance has reignited confidence in the global AI infrastructure cycle, which serves as a long-term growth driver for Indian firms providing AI implementation and integration services. AI Disruption and Market Correction The Nifty IT index has faced significant pressure, dropping approximately 21% in February 2026. This marks the steepest monthly decline for the sector in over 23 years. The sell-off was triggered by the debut of Anthropic’s "Claude Code" and "Claude Cowork" agentic AI tools. These platforms have demonstrated the ability to automate complex coding tasks and back-office functions, leading to fears that the traditional labor-arbitrage model—worth over $200 billion annually in exports—could be structurally impaired. Performance of Key Players Despite the broader index slump, individual stock performance reflects varying degrees of resilience based on AI integration: - TCS and Infosys have seen declines of roughly 19% to 21% this year as investors weigh their high exposure to application services. - Wipro has faced a steeper correction of 24%, while HCLTech and Tech Mahindra have dropped 18% and 16% respectively. - Mid-tier firms such as Coforge and Persistent Systems are being monitored closely as they attempt to pivot toward higher-margin AI consulting. Strategic Pivot and Monetization The industry is moving from experimental pilots to scaled execution. Nasscom projects Indian tech revenue to reach $315 billion in FY26, with a growth rate of 6.1%. AI-specific revenue is expected to contribute $10–12 billion of this total. Major firms are already reporting measurable AI income: - TCS has established an annualized AI revenue run rate of $1.8 billion. - Infosys reports that AI now accounts for 5.5% of its total revenue, generating $275 million. - HCLTech attributes 4% of its topline to AI-driven earnings, totaling $146 million. The Road Ahead Market analysts suggest the sector is entering a "Human + AI" phase where revenue growth is decoupling from traditional hiring. While headcount grew marginally by 1.35 lakh to a total of 5.9 million in 2026, the focus has shifted to domain-specialized roles. Total IT spending in India is forecasted to hit $176.3 billion by the end of the year, driven by a 20.5% surge in data center investments and a 17.6% rise in software spending. Strategic alliances, such as the recent partnership between Infosys and Anthropic to deploy Claude AI for enterprise clients, indicate that leading firms are choosing to integrate disruptive tools rather than compete against them. This transition is expected to redefine the industry’s profitability through platform subscriptions and outcome-based pricing models.
IRFC Shares Steady as Government Forgoes Greenshoe Option in OFS; Retail Tranche Opens
Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC) remains a central focus in the capital markets as the government proceeds with its stake divestment strategy. In a recent development, the government decided not to exercise the **oversubscription (greenshoe) option** in its Offer for Sale (OFS). This decision followed moderate participation from institutional investors during the initial bidding phase. The OFS was launched with a base offer of **2% equity**, equivalent to approximately **26.14 crore shares**. While an additional **2%** was available via the greenshoe option, the final sale is expected to remain limited to the base portion. The floor price for the transaction was set at **104 per share**, representing a discount to the prevailing market price at the time of the announcement. Market Performance and Valuation Following the OFS news, IRFC shares experienced downward pressure, touching a **52-week low** near the **104.80** mark. This correction reflects the market's absorption of the additional share supply. Despite the short-term price volatility, the company maintains a significant market capitalization of approximately **1,36,600 crore**. The stock currently trades at a Price-to-Earnings (P/E) ratio of approximately **19.50**, with a Price-to-Book (P/B) value of **2.71**. For the trailing twelve months, the Earnings Per Share (EPS) stands at **5.36**, supported by a consistent dividend yield of **1.53%**. Financial Highlights and Growth IRFC continues to report a resilient financial profile, characterized by record-breaking profitability. For the quarter ended December 2025, the company posted its **highest-ever quarterly Profit After Tax (PAT)** of **1,802 crore**, marking a **10.5% increase** year-on-year. * **Assets Under Management (AUM):** Reached an all-time high of **4.75 lakh crore**. * **Net Interest Margins (NIM):** Improved by over **8% YoY**, driven by disciplined liability management. * **Revenue:** Witnessed a marginal dip of **1.5%**, totaling **6,661 crore** for the quarter, primarily due to a moratorium extension on certain lease agreements. * **Sanctions:** The company achieved its full-year sanction guidance of **60,000 crore** within the first nine months of the fiscal year. Strategic Shift: IRFC 2.0 Under its "IRFC 2.0" strategy, the corporation is evolving from a single-client model focused solely on the Ministry of Railways to a broader multi-client ecosystem. This includes financing for allied infrastructure and the **Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFCCIL)**. Recent global engagement remains strong, with IRFC securing a **400 million USD** loan from a consortium of Japanese banks in February 2026. This follows a **300 million USD** facility raised in late 2025, aimed at optimizing borrowing costs and diversifying its capital base. The company maintains a **zero Non-Performing Asset (NPA)** track record, ensuring high asset quality as it expands its footprint across India's transport and infrastructure landscape. While the OFS has introduced near-term supply pressure, the underlying fundamentals remain supported by robust credit growth and a dominant role in national infrastructure financing.
PNGS Reva Diamond Jewellery IPO: Subscription Status, GMP, and Brokerage Reviews
The initial public offering of PNGS Gargi Fashion Jewellery—operating under the brand "Gargi by P.N. Gadgil & Sons"—concluded its subscription phase with a massive surge in investor interest, contrasting sharply with earlier muted expectations. As of late February 2026, the company’s market performance and financial health have taken center stage. The stock has demonstrated significant volatility, recently trading near **842.20**, well above its original issue price of **30**. This represents a staggering long-term gain for early investors, despite the broader market's current consolidation phase. **Market Context and Sector Trends** The jewellery sector is navigating a high-cost environment. Domestic gold prices have hit record highs this month, with 24K gold reaching approximately **16,205 per gram** and 22K gold at **14,856 per gram** as of February 26, 2026. While high prices have led to a **20%** drop in purchase volumes year-on-year, the value of sales across the industry has grown by **25% to 30%**. This trend favors established brands with strong margins, though it places pressure on working capital requirements for smaller players. **Financial Performance Highlights** PNGS Gargi Fashion Jewellery reported robust growth in its most recent fiscal disclosures. For the year ending March 2025: - Operating income surged **150.1%** year-on-year to **1,263 million** - Net profit grew by **240.5%**, reaching a margin of **22.8%** - The company maintains a healthy current ratio of **6.0x**, indicating strong liquidity In the latest quarter ending December 2025, the company maintained steady momentum with a net profit of **10.60 crore**, a **15.85%** increase compared to the same period in the previous year. Revenue for the quarter stood at **46.06 crore**. **Subscription and Investor Sentiment** The IPO was eventually subscribed **230.94 times**, driven by an overwhelming response from retail investors (**248.68 times**) and non-institutional buyers (**213.21 times**). This level of interest suggests that the market has looked past initial concerns regarding regional concentration and valuation. The company is actively expanding its footprint, recently opening a new exclusive brand store in Uttar Pradesh in February 2026. This move aims to address geographic concentration risks by moving beyond its traditional strongholds. **Market Outlook** The broader Indian indices, with the Nifty 50 hovering around **25,482** and the Sensex at **82,276**, show a trend of range-bound consolidation. While the jewellery sector remains sensitive to gold price fluctuations and global trade policies, PNGS Gargi's zero-debt status and high Return on Equity (**28.9%**) position it as a resilient player in the fashion jewellery segment. Investors continue to monitor the impact of rising raw material costs on consumer demand, though the shift toward branded, certified silver and fashion jewellery provides a competitive cushion against traditional bullion volatility.
ITC Outlines ₹20,000 Crore Capex Strategy Targeting FMCG, Technology, and Hotel Sector Expansion
ITC Limited is undergoing a deep structural transformation, pivoting toward a technology-first model while committing to a massive ₹20,000 crore capital expenditure plan. This strategic outlay is designed to scale its manufacturing footprint and accelerate emerging growth vectors over the medium term. The conglomerate recently concluded a landmark corporate restructuring with the demerger of its hotel business. Effective January 6, 2025, the hospitality arm transitioned into a standalone entity, ITC Hotels Limited. Under this arrangement, shareholders received one share of the new hotel entity for every 10 shares held in ITC Ltd, while the parent company retains a 40% stake to maintain strategic synergy. Market performance in early 2026 has been defined by regulatory shifts and sector-specific volatility. As of late February 2026, ITC’s stock has shown signs of recovery, trading around the ₹320 to ₹330 range after hitting a 52-week low of ₹302 on February 2. This pressure followed a significant hike in cigarette taxes—effective February 1, 2026—which saw excise duties rise by 20% to 55% depending on product size. To protect margins against these tax headwinds, the company implemented strategic price hikes across its cigarette portfolio ranging from 20% to 40%. Despite the immediate impact on stock pricing, ITC maintains a robust dividend yield of approximately 4.4%, continuing to attract institutional interest. The non-cigarette FMCG segment remains a primary growth engine, with a long-term revenue target of ₹1 lakh crore by 2030. Currently, non-cigarette businesses contribute 65% of the group’s total revenue. High-performing categories like staples, dairy, and biscuits, along with digital-first brands such as Yoga Bar and Mother Sparsh, are driving this momentum. Innovation is being spearheaded through the ITCMAARS digital platform. This "phygital" ecosystem now supports over 2.2 million farmers across 11 states. By integrating advanced tools like the Krishi Mitra AI assistant and image-based disease diagnostics, the platform has reportedly boosted farm incomes by 25% while reducing fertilizer use by up to 15%. Operational efficiency remains a core focus as the company evaluates its broader corporate structure. With a debt-free balance sheet and a focus on "Bharat First," ITC is positioning itself to capture rising domestic consumption, projecting that India’s per capita income will exceed $4,000 by 2030.
Nvidia Q4 Results and Positive Outlook Offset AI Demand Concerns Amid Continued China Market Challenges
Nvidia has solidified its position as the primary engine of the global artificial intelligence boom, reporting record-breaking financial results for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026. The company reached a quarterly revenue peak of $68.1 billion, representing a 73% increase from the previous year. This performance was largely propelled by the Data Center division, which saw revenue surge 75% to $62.3 billion, effectively quieting concerns regarding a potential slowdown in infrastructure spending. The chipmaker’s profitability remains exceptional, with gross margins holding steady at 75.2%. For the full fiscal year 2026, Nvidia generated $215.9 billion in total revenue, a 65% jump from 2025. Following these results, the stock price rose approximately 2% in extended trading, bringing the company’s market capitalization to a staggering $4.66 trillion. Investor focus has shifted toward the upcoming first quarter of fiscal 2027, where Nvidia has issued bullish guidance. The company expects revenue to reach $78.0 billion, significantly exceeding market expectations of $72.8 billion. This optimistic outlook is supported by a massive $700 billion projected capital expenditure from major hyperscalers—including Google, Amazon, and Meta—who continue to prioritize AI infrastructure. Product cycles are a major catalyst for 2026. Demand for the current Blackwell architecture remains "exceptional," while the newly announced Vera Rubin platform is expected to enter production in the second half of the year. This next-generation series is designed for "AI factories" and agentic workflows, promising a fivefold increase in inference performance. Despite the financial triumphs, the regulatory landscape in China remains a significant headwind. While a recent agreement eased some export restrictions, U.S. officials confirmed this week that zero H200 chips have been sold to Chinese end-users thus far as licensing details are finalized. Nvidia has prudently excluded all China-related Data Center revenue from its next-quarter guidance. Competition is also intensifying as the market enters the "Inference Era." While Nvidia maintains an estimated 80% to 90% share of the accelerator market, AMD has secured high-profile deals with OpenAI for its MI-series chips. Simultaneously, hyperscalers like Google are increasingly deploying internal Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) to optimize costs, challenging Nvidia’s dominance in specific AI workloads. Nvidia’s current market position reflects a transition from providing standalone chips to delivering full-stack AI supercomputing ecosystems. With a remaining share repurchase authorization of $58.5 billion, the company is signaling confidence in its ability to navigate geopolitical friction and rising competition while maintaining its lead in the global AI race.
LT Foods shares in focus as US reduces soybean duty and Rs 163 crore liability
LT Foods: Market Brief **February 26, 2026** Shares of **LT Foods Ltd** are witnessing significant market attention following a major regulatory breakthrough in the United States. The U.S. Department of Commerce issued a final order on February 23, 2026, drastically reducing the countervailing duty (CVD) on organic soybean meal exports for its subsidiary, Ecopure Specialities Limited. The duty rate has been slashed from a provisional **340.27%** down to **75.48%**. This revision follows an administrative review of exports conducted during the 2023 calendar year. Financial Relief and Liability The sharp reduction in the CVD rate is a pivotal development for the company’s balance sheet. LT Foods has confirmed that this adjustment lowers its potential financial liability by approximately **Rs 163 crore**. Previously, the high provisional rate was based on "adverse facts available" (AFA) methodology, which applied to sales worth **Rs 50 crore** during the review period. The new, lower rate significantly improves the export competitiveness of the company’s organic segment in the North American market. Quarterly Performance Highlights The regulatory relief coincides with a period of robust operational growth. For the third quarter of FY2026 (ending December 2025), LT Foods reported: * **Revenue:** A **23.5%** year-on-year increase to **Rs 2,809.2 crore**. * **Net Profit:** Growth of **9.8%**, reaching **Rs 157.35 crore** compared to Rs 143.25 crore in the previous year. * **EBITDA:** Rose by **25.8%** to **Rs 314.32 crore**. * **Margins:** Operating margins expanded slightly to **11.19%**, up from 10.98%. The company, known for its flagship brands **Daawat** and **Royal**, continues to see strong demand in its core basmati rice segment, which has cushioned the impact of fluctuating commodity costs. Stock Market Momentum The equity markets have responded positively to these updates. In recent trading sessions leading into late February 2026, the stock has shown high volatility and upward momentum. As of February 25, 2026, the share price settled around **Rs 408.50**. Earlier in the month, the stock hit intraday highs near **Rs 420**, outperforming the broader agricultural products sector. Technical indicators show the stock trading above its 50-day and 100-day moving averages, reflecting a strengthening short-to-medium-term trend. Broader Export Context While the duty cut provides immediate relief, the **75.48%** rate remains a significant factor for export margins. This development comes at a time when Indian oilmeal exports have faced general pressure, with total soybean meal shipments experiencing volume declines due to competitive pricing from the U.S. and Brazil. However, the specific relief for LT Foods' organic subsidiary is expected to stabilize its niche export volumes to the U.S., where demand for organic feed continues to grow at an estimated **7%** annually. Investors are now monitoring how this reduced liability will reflect in the upcoming year-end audited financial statements.
Sedemac Mechatronics Sets IPO Price Band at ₹1,287–1,352 for ₹1,087 Crore Public Issue
Sedemac Mechatronics has confirmed the price band for its upcoming initial public offering (IPO) at Rs 1,287 to Rs 1,352 per share. The Pune-based technology firm aims to raise approximately Rs 1,087.45 crore through this issue. The bidding process is scheduled to open for public subscription on March 4, 2026, and will conclude on March 6, 2026. Prior to this, the anchor book for institutional investors will be active for one day on March 2. The entire issue is structured as an Offer for Sale (OFS) of 80.43 lakh equity shares. This means the company will not receive any proceeds from the sale; instead, the funds will go to the selling shareholders, including promoters Manish Sharma and Ashwini Amit Dixit, alongside major backers like A91 Partners and Catamaran Ventures. Sedemac is entering the public market at a valuation of approximately Rs 5,970 crore at the upper end of the price band. The company is a prominent manufacturer of powertrain controllers and electronic control units (ECUs), holding a market share of over 75 percent in India’s genset controller segment. Financial performance has shown a significant upward trajectory leading into the IPO. Revenue from operations climbed from Rs 423.03 crore in FY23 to Rs 658.36 crore in FY25. Even more notable is the profit growth, which surged nearly eightfold from Rs 5.88 crore in FY24 to Rs 47.05 crore in FY25. Current market conditions present a mixed backdrop for the debut. As of February 26, 2026, Indian benchmark indices have shown signs of consolidation. The Nifty 50 is hovering around the 25,450 level, while the BSE Sensex remains near 82,500. While the primary market has seen lower listing gains in 2026 compared to last year, the industrial electronics sector remains a point of interest for institutional buyers. The share allotment is expected to be finalized by March 9, with the tentative listing date on the BSE and NSE set for March 11, 2026. Retail investors can participate with a minimum application size of 11 shares, requiring an investment of Rs 14,872 at the cap price.
Omnitech Engineering IPO: Day 2 Subscription Status, GMP, and Broker Analysis
Omnitech Engineering is currently navigating the second day of its **Rs 583 crore** initial public offering, which remains open for subscription until February 27, 2026. The issue is a combination of a fresh equity sale worth **Rs 418 crore** and an offer for sale totaling **Rs 165 crore**. As of the conclusion of the first day, the IPO saw a muted overall subscription rate of **0.09 times**. While retail and non-institutional categories showed initial caution with **0.06 times** coverage each, the employee portion emerged as a major highlight, achieving an oversubscription of **2.15 times**. Market sentiment in the unofficial grey market suggests a conservative debut. The current Grey Market Premium (GMP) is approximately **Rs 8**, implying a modest listing gain of roughly **3.5%** over the upper price band of **Rs 227**. Financially, the company has demonstrated significant growth. Revenue for fiscal 2025 surged by **92%** to **Rs 349.71 crore**, while profit after tax jumped **132%** to reach **Rs 43.87 crore**. This growth is supported by a robust order book which stood at **Rs 1,764.7 crore** as of late 2025. The company plans to utilize **Rs 233.55 crore** of the fresh proceeds to establish two new manufacturing facilities in Rajkot, Gujarat. Additionally, **Rs 50 crore** is earmarked for the repayment of existing borrowings to strengthen the balance sheet. Despite the strong growth trajectory, analysts have flagged risks regarding customer concentration and working capital cycles. The top ten customers account for nearly **48%** of the revenue, and the working capital cycle has stretched to **283 days** in the most recent fiscal year. At the upper price band, the stock is valued at a price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple of approximately **50.5x**. While this represents a premium, it remains competitive compared to certain industry peers, some of which trade at significantly higher multiples due to the niche nature of precision engineering. Final allotment of shares is expected on March 2, 2026, with the official listing on the BSE and NSE scheduled for March 5, 2026.
Mankind Pharma and Three Others Show Bullish RSI Upswing
Nifty 200 Momentum Brief: February 25, 2026 The Indian equity market demonstrated selective strength during the mid-week session. While broad benchmarks like the **Nifty 50** managed a modest gain of **0.23%** to close at **25,482.50**, specific momentum in the **Nifty 200** universe caught the attention of technical traders. A key development surfaced as four notable stocks signaled a shift in price strength by crossing above the **50 mark** on the **Relative Strength Index (RSI)**. This crossover is traditionally viewed as a transition from a neutral or bearish phase into bullish territory. Healthcare Leads the Charge The pharmaceutical sector emerged as a primary driver of this momentum shift. **Mankind Pharma** saw its share price surge by **4.92%**, ending the session at **2,155.70**. This movement was backed by a 50-day moving average crossover, a technical signal that has historically preceded price gains in this specific counter. **Aurobindo Pharma** mirrored this bullish sentiment, recording a **4.05%** jump to close at **1,211.50**. The stock’s RSI moved firmly above **50**, supported by healthy trading volumes exceeding **30 lakh shares**. Analysts have noted that the company’s expanding production capacities and steady quarterly growth are aligning with these improving technical indicators. Market Context and Volatility Despite these individual success stories, the broader market remains in a consolidation phase. The **Nifty 200** index has faced recent pressure, particularly from a sharp correction in the IT sector which saw a nearly **21%** decline throughout February. Institutional activity remains polarized. Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) were net sellers with outflows near **638 crore**, while Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) provided a significant cushion with net purchases exceeding **3,161 crore**. Key Technical Levels Traders are monitoring the **25,500** level for the **Nifty 50** as a crucial resistance zone. A sustained move above this threshold is expected to confirm the bullish momentum signaled by the RSI Trending Up scan. Conversely, the **25,000** psychological mark serves as the primary support base. With the **India VIX** hovering around **14.36**, volatility remains a factor, making these RSI-based momentum signals critical for identifying short-term entry points in an otherwise sideways market.
Lloyds Metals & Energy and Five Other Stocks Signal Potential Uptrend
The Indian equity market displayed a distinctive technical shift during the February 25 trading session, as select Nifty 500 constituents signaled a definitive change in momentum. The Nifty 50 index managed a modest recovery of 57.85 points to close at 25,482.50, while the broader Nifty 500 outperformed with a 0.4% gain, finishing at 23,403.80. A group of six Nifty 500 stocks captured significant attention by forming the bullish "White Marubozu" candlestick pattern. This technical formation, characterized by a long body with little to no shadows, indicates that buyers remained in absolute control from the opening bell to the final close. Lloyds Metals & Energy emerged as a primary leader in this trend, surging 7.53% to close at 1,251.80. The stock’s performance was supported by high trading volumes and a market capitalization that has now reached approximately 68,172 crore. This move marks a sharp reversal from its 52-week low of 942.15, as it edges closer to its yearly high of 1,612.00. Mankind Pharma and National Aluminium Company also mirrored this aggressive buying interest. Mankind Pharma rose 4.92% to settle at 2,155.70, while National Aluminium climbed 4.90% to finish at 359.80. These moves coincide with a broader appetite for the metal and pharma sectors, which have remained resilient despite volatility in other heavyweights. The list of Marubozu performers was rounded out by Laurus Labs, which gained 4.65% to reach 1,076.35, Aptus Value Housing Finance with a 4.57% rise to 247.30, and Aurobindo Pharma, which added 4.05% to close at 1,211.50. While these six stocks flashed signs of sustained strength, the overall market environment remained mixed. Sectoral rotation was evident as the Nifty Metal and Nifty IT indices provided support, while banking and energy heavyweights like State Bank of India and Reliance Industries faced selling pressure. The emergence of the White Marubozu pattern across these diverse sectors suggests a pocket of intense conviction among market participants. In technical terms, such a pattern often serves as a precursor to continued price appreciation, as it reflects a lack of selling resistance throughout the trading day. As of today, February 26, the market is navigating a cautious backdrop. While global sentiment and institutional flows remain variable, the localized strength in these Nifty 500 names highlights a shift toward high-conviction buying in stocks with improving technical profiles.
Nvidia Exceeds Earnings Estimates Amid Investor Demand for Increased Capital Returns
Nvidia has delivered a historic performance for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026, reporting record-breaking revenue of **$68.1 billion**. This represents a staggering **73% increase** compared to the same period last year and a **20% jump** from the previous quarter, consistently outperforming market expectations. The surge is almost entirely fueled by the Data Center segment, which reached an all-time high of **$62.3 billion** in quarterly revenue. This division now accounts for the vast majority of Nvidia's business, growing **75% year-over-year**. The demand is driven by global hyperscalers and a strategic multi-year partnership with Meta to deploy millions of Blackwell and Rubin GPUs. Nvidia’s profitability remains exceptional, with non-GAAP gross margins reaching **75%**. For the full fiscal year 2025, the company reported total revenue of **$215.9 billion**, marking a **65% annual increase**. Despite these blockbuster figures, the stock price has seen a measured reaction, up roughly **3% to 5%** year-to-date, as investors weigh the sustainability of this exponential growth. The company is now aggressively transitioning to its next-generation architectures. The **Blackwell** platform is currently in full-speed production, while the newly unveiled **Vera Rubin** platform is expected to reduce AI inference costs by up to **10 times**. CEO Jensen Huang highlighted that the industry has reached an "agentic AI inflection point," where demand for inference is beginning to match training needs. Looking ahead, Nvidia provided a bullish forecast for the first quarter of fiscal 2027, projecting revenue of **$78.0 billion**. This outlook suggests that the company remains more constrained by supply than demand, particularly as advanced packaging and high-bandwidth memory (HBM) become the primary industry bottlenecks. The global semiconductor market is on track to hit **$975 billion** in 2026. Nvidia's current market capitalization fluctuates near **$4.7 trillion**, cementing its position as the primary architect of the global AI infrastructure. With the upcoming GTC 2026 event, the market is looking for further clarity on the production ramp of Blackwell Ultra and the long-term roadmap for AI sovereignty across international borders.
Nikkei Surpasses 59,000 Amid Easing Rate Hike Expectations and Nvidia Earnings
Tokyo’s stock market reached a historic milestone on Thursday, February 26, 2026, as the Nikkei 225 index surged past the 59,000 level for the first time in history. The benchmark index climbed 1.1% during the session to reach an all-time intraday high of 59,332.43 before stabilizing near 58,989. This rally marks the third consecutive session of record-breaking gains for Japanese equities. The primary catalyst for this record run is the "Takaichi Trade." Investors are aggressively betting on the growth-focused economic policies of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Her administration’s lean toward fiscal expansion and a continuation of "reflationary" policies has bolstered market confidence. This sentiment was further solidified by the recent nomination of two dovish, reflation-leaning academics to the Bank of Japan’s policy board, signaling that the central bank will likely maintain a cautious approach to further interest rate hikes. Monetary policy remains a central focus for traders. While the Bank of Japan raised its short-term interest rate to 0.75% in late 2025—the highest level since 1995—expectations for an immediate follow-up hike have faded. Current forecasts suggest the next move may not occur until the June 2026 meeting, following the conclusion of spring wage negotiations. This "wait-and-see" stance from the BOJ has kept the yen relatively weak, with the USD/JPY pair trading around the 156.00 range, providing a tailwind for Japan’s heavy exporters. Sector performance was dominated by technology and heavy industry. Despite a muted global reaction to Nvidia’s latest sales outlook, Japanese semiconductor and AI-related shares saw robust activity. Major gainers included Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, which rose 4%, and JX Advanced Metals, which gained 3.6%. The broader Topix index also hit a fresh peak, rising 1.45% to reach 3,895, reflecting a wide-based appetite for Japanese assets. While some analysts, including former central bank officials, have warned that high government spending could eventually stoke inflation and require tighter policy, the current market environment remains overwhelmingly bullish. Investors are focused on the "great shape" of the corporate sector, characterized by steady wage gains and solid earnings growth across the 225-issue average.
Oil Prices Rise Amid U.S.-Iran Tensions and Supply Risk Concerns
Global oil markets are currently navigating a period of intense volatility, with benchmarks hovering near seven-month highs. Geopolitical tension in the Middle East remains the primary driver of this upward momentum, as traders price in a significant risk premium despite a looming supply surplus in the United States. **Price Performance and Benchmarks** As of late February 2026, Brent crude futures are trading near **$71.00** per barrel, marking its highest level since July. Similarly, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) has surged toward **$66.00**, levels not seen since early August. Both benchmarks have gained approximately **8%** over the past month, reflecting heightened anxiety over potential regional supply disruptions. **Geopolitical Drivers** The spotlight remains on high-stakes negotiations between the U.S. and Iran in Geneva. While Iranian officials have signaled that a deal to avert conflict is "within reach," the U.S. has maintained a formidable military presence in the region, including two aircraft carriers and over **1,200** missiles. This "military posturing" acts as a double-edged sword: it keeps the market on edge regarding a potential strike on nuclear facilities while the diplomatic track attempts to deflate the **$3–$4** per barrel geopolitical risk premium currently embedded in prices. **U.S. Inventory Surge** Tempering the price rally is a massive and unexpected build-up in U.S. crude inventories. Latest data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) reveals a spike of **16 million barrels** in a single week, bringing total commercial stocks to **435.8 million barrels**. This represents the largest weekly increase in three years, starkly contrasting with analyst expectations of a modest **1.5 million-barrel** rise. **Market Outlook and Constraints** The market is currently caught between two opposing forces. On one side, the risk of conflict in the Strait of Hormuz—a transit point for **20%** of global oil—threatens to send prices soaring. On the other, a softening global demand outlook and rising production are creating a "super glut" narrative. The IEA has recently lowered its 2026 demand growth forecast to **850,000 barrels per day**, while global supply is projected to rise by **2.4 million barrels per day**. For now, geopolitical "optionality" is winning the tug-of-war against physical oversupply. Traders are increasingly paying high premiums for options that protect against sudden price spikes, even as major banks like Goldman Sachs maintain long-term forecasts that see Brent eventually drifting back toward the **$60** range later this year.
Five long-term Indian stock picks for 2026 with projected returns of 10-50%.
The Indian equity markets are navigating a period of heightened volatility as of late February 2026. After recent selling pressure, the **BSE Sensex** is hovering around the **82,225** level, while the **Nifty 50** is trading near **25,425**. The market sentiment remains cautious following a sharp single-day wipeout of approximately **2.85 lakh crore** in investor wealth earlier this week. Despite this, India's macroeconomic foundation remains robust with **GDP growth** for the third quarter of FY26 projected at **8.1%**. Top Brokerage Recommendations Leading financial firms have issued fresh "Buy" ratings on high-conviction names. **Morgan Stanley** has identified **Bharti Airtel** as a top pick with a target price of **2,450**, representing a potential upside of **22%** from its current price of **1,997**. They also remain "Overweight" on **Indian Oil Corporation (IOC)** with a target of **219**. **Motilal Oswal** is particularly bullish on **Northern Arc Capital**, setting a target of **360**. This implies a significant potential gain of **46%** from the current level of **246**. The firm also maintains a positive stance on **Polycab India** with a target of **9,600**. **Elara Securities** highlights **Delhivery** as a major opportunity, maintaining a target of **620**. At a current price of **437**, the brokerage sees a potential upside of **41%**. Additionally, they recommend **PTC India** with a target of **210**. **Nuvama Institutional Equities** continues to favor **Pidilite Industries**, assigning a target price of **1,915**, which offers a **26%** cushion from current levels. They also recommend **TVS Motor Company** with a target of **4,300**. Sectoral Trends and Performance The **Banking** sector has shown resilience, with **Nifty Bank** attempting to hold the **60,000–61,500** range. **IndusInd Bank** is recommended as a tactical buy in the **920–930** zone, eyeing a target of **1,060**. In the **Consumer** and **Agrochemical** space, **UPL** has gained momentum with a target of **830**, while **Tata Chemicals** is tipped for a move toward **780**. **Colgate-Palmolive** also remains a favorite with a target of **2,450**. The **IT sector** continues to face headwinds, recently declining by over **2%** due to global demand concerns. Conversely, the **FMCG** and **Energy** sectors have outperformed, gaining **1.71%** and **2.44%** respectively in the latest weekly cycle. Economic Indicators The broader economy is supported by a stable **Repo Rate** of **5.25%** and a healthy **10-year G-Sec yield** near **6.72%**. **Foreign Exchange Reserves** have swelled to an all-time high of **725.7 billion**, providing a strong buffer against external shocks. While **Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs)** have been net sellers, **Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs)** continue to provide stability through consistent buying.
Striders Impex IPO: GMP, Price Band, and Key Details as Subscription Opens
**Market Brief: Striders Impex IPO Launch** **Striders Impex Limited** officially opens its Initial Public Offering today, **February 26, 2026**. The company, an emerging player in the toys and kids' consumer merchandise segment, is looking to raise **₹36.28 crore** through the **NSE Emerge** platform. The offering is a book-built issue with a price band set between **₹71 and ₹72** per share. It consists of a fresh issue of **45.31 lakh shares** (approximately **₹32.62 crore**) and an offer for sale of **5.08 lakh shares** (approximately **₹3.66 crore**). **Key Investment Details** * **Issue Period:** Feb 26 – March 2, 2026 * **Price Band:** ₹71 to ₹72 per share * **Market Lot:** 1,600 shares * **Minimum Retail Investment:** **₹2,30,400** (for 3,200 shares) * **Tentative Listing Date:** March 6, 2026 The Grey Market Premium (GMP) is currently hovering around **0%**, suggesting the market expects the stock to debut near its issue price. **Financial and Sector Performance** The company has shown strong growth momentum leading up to the listing. Revenue from operations climbed to **₹60.73 crore** in FY25, up from **₹41.70 crore** in FY24. Profit after tax (PAT) more than doubled in the same period, reaching **₹8.41 crore**. Striders Impex operates an asset-light model, relying on a mix of proprietary brands like **Pugs at Play** and **Fanster**, alongside high-profile licensing deals with global giants such as **Disney**, **Hamleys**, and **Landmark Group**. **Strategic Use of Funds** Management intends to utilize the net proceeds to fuel international and domestic expansion. Key allocations include: * Establishing a wholly-owned subsidiary in **mainland UAE**. * Repayment of existing high-interest loans. * Meeting increased working capital requirements for its pan-India distribution network. **Market Context** The Indian toy industry is currently in a high-growth phase, projected to reach **$4.74 billion by 2034** with a CAGR of **9.53%**. Striders Impex is positioning itself to capture this demand through a focus on educational and STEM-based toys, which are seeing significant traction in urban markets. The SME IPO segment remains active on the NSE, though investors are showing increased scrutiny toward valuation and debt-to-equity ratios. Striders' debt-to-equity ratio stood at **0.97** as of late 2025, reflecting a move toward a leaner balance sheet ahead of the public debut.
Clean Max Enviro IPO: Allotment Status and Market Overview
Market Brief: Clean Max Enviro Energy Solutions IPO The final bidding phase for the **₹3,100 crore** Clean Max Enviro Energy Solutions IPO concluded on **February 25, 2026**, with the market displaying a clear divide between institutional confidence and retail caution. The issue closed with an overall subscription of **0.94 times**, narrowly missing full subscription as the broader market sentiment remained watchful. Subscription Breakdown The demand was heavily anchored by Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBs), who oversubscribed their portion **2.83 times**. This institutional interest was bolstered by an anchor book that raised **₹921 crore** from major global and domestic players, including Nomura and HDFC Mutual Fund. In contrast, the retail segment saw notably low participation, finishing at just **0.06 times** (6%) subscription. The Non-Institutional Investors (NII) portion also lagged, reaching only **0.54 times** (54%). This "muted" response from individual investors is largely attributed to the company's aggressive valuation and high leverage, despite its leadership in the commercial and industrial (C&I) renewable sector. Valuation and Financials The IPO was priced in a band of **₹1,000 to ₹1,053** per share. At the upper end, the company is valued at approximately **₹12,325 crore**. While Clean Max reported a turnaround with a net profit of **₹19.43 crore** in FY25 on revenues of **₹1,610 crore**, it carries a significant debt load of nearly **₹8,000 crore**. Approximately **₹1,122 crore** from the **₹1,200 crore** fresh issue proceeds is earmarked for debt repayment. This deleveraging strategy is a key component of the company's post-listing roadmap to improve its interest coverage ratio and bottom-line margins. Allotment and Listing Timeline The basis of allotment is being finalized today, **February 26, 2026**. Unsuccessful bidders can expect refund initiations to begin immediately, while successful applicants will see shares credited to their demat accounts by **February 27**. Shares are scheduled to debut on the BSE and NSE on **Monday, March 2, 2026**. Grey Market Sentiment Grey Market Premium (GMP) data continues to signal a flat opening. Current unofficial premiums are hovering between **₹1 and ₹3**, representing a negligible upside of less than **0.30%** over the issue price. This suggests that the stock may face a volatile listing day, with performance heavily dependent on continued institutional support and prevailing liquidity in the renewable energy sector. The company remains a dominant player in India’s C&I green energy space, managing an operational capacity of **2.80 GW** with a pipeline exceeding **3.17 GW**. Long-term performance will likely hinge on the successful execution of this pipeline and the impact of debt reduction on its high **9.43x debt-to-EBITDA** ratio.
Shree Ram Twistex IPO: Allotment Status, GMP, and Listing Details
The initial public offering of **Shree Ram Twistex Limited** concluded its bidding phase on **February 25, 2026**, drawing a massive response from the investment community. The **₹110.24 crore** issue was oversubscribed **43.66 times** by the final day, reflecting a sharp surge in demand during the closing hours. Retail investors led the charge with a subscription rate of **76.63 times**, while Non-Institutional Investors (NIIs) showed even greater aggression, booking their portion a staggering **220.3 times**. Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBs) also participated steadily, with their segment subscribed **3.94 times**. The price band for the fresh issue was set between **₹95 and ₹104** per share. Following the strong bidding cycle, the basis of allotment is expected to be finalized today, **February 26, 2026**. The Grey Market Premium (GMP) has shown significant recovery. Earlier concerns of a negative premium have dissipated, with the shares now commanding a premium of approximately **₹14** over the upper price band. This indicates a projected listing price of **₹118**, suggesting a potential debut gain of nearly **13.5%**. The company intends to deploy the net proceeds toward long-term operational efficiency. Key allocations include **₹22.23 crore** for a **6.1 MW** solar power plant and **₹39 crore** for a **4.2 MW** wind power plant. Additionally, **₹14.89 crore** is earmarked for debt repayment, alongside **₹44 crore** for working capital requirements. Financially, the textile manufacturer reported a total income of **₹256.32 crore** for the fiscal year ending **March 2025**, with a profit after tax of **₹8 crore**. For the first half of the current fiscal ending **September 2025**, the company has already recorded a profit of **₹7 crore**, signaling a notable margin expansion as it transitions toward captive renewable energy sources. The shares are tentatively scheduled to list on both the **BSE** and **NSE** on **March 2, 2026**. This listing comes at a time when the broader SME and mid-cap markets are seeking stability after a volatile start to the year.
13 Stocks Cross Above 200-Day Moving Average
Market performance as of late February 2026 reflects a critical technical juncture for major global indices. The S&P 500 currently trades in a narrow holding pattern between 6,800 and 7,000. While the index remains in an overall uptrend, market breadth has moderated, with approximately 63.02% of constituent stocks trading above their 200-day Simple Moving Average (SMA). A decisive technical threshold sits at 6,730. Maintaining price action above this level is viewed as constructive for the long-term trend. Conversely, a sustained break below this support could signal a transition from the current bullish phase into a deeper corrective cycle. The technology sector continues to serve as the market’s primary engine, though performance is increasingly polarized. Nvidia has emerged as a relative strength leader, posting a year-to-date gain of 3.4% and holding firmly above its own 200-day SMA. In contrast, other mega-cap peers have faced significant pressure, with Microsoft recording a double-digit loss of 19.6% so far this year. Global macroeconomic factors are introducing fresh volatility into these technical setups. U.S. GDP growth for the final quarter was reported at a lower-than-expected 1.4%, influenced by recent government shutdowns. Additionally, core PCE inflation has accelerated to 3.0% on a year-over-year basis, complicating the outlook for interest rate adjustments. Yield curves have reacted to this data with 10-year Treasury yields hovering near 4.09% and 30-year yields reaching 4.73%. These rising rates are testing the resilience of stocks currently trading near their long-term moving averages. In international markets, the Indian Nifty 50 has shown resilience, holding near the 25,482 level despite selling pressure at higher elevations. Analysts note that as long as the index stays above the 24,500 zone, the near-term structure remains positive. Sector rotation is becoming more evident as investors pivot toward defensive stability. Large-cap segments in metals and consumer goods have seen technical outlooks upgraded from mildly bullish to bullish. Meanwhile, the IT sector remains a drag on broader averages due to shifting sentiment regarding software pricing power and high capital expenditure. The 200-day SMA remains the definitive line in the sand for the current bull market. While the primary indices still hold above this baseline, the narrowing participation and high sensitivity to inflation data suggest a phase of heightened tactical caution for the remainder of the quarter.