Stock Market Update: Key Drivers Include Trent, BPCL, Bajaj Finance, Mankind Pharma, and Apollo Tyres
**Market Brief: Indices Surge on US-India Trade Pact**
**Market Snapshot** Indian equity markets witnessed a massive rebound on Tuesday, February 3, effectively reversing the post-Budget sell-off. The benchmark indices recorded their best single-day performance in recent months, driven by improved global sentiment and domestic buying.
* **Sensex:** Surged over **2,000 points** (+2.54%) to close at **83,739**.
* **Nifty 50:** Climbed **639 points** (+2.55%) to settle at **25,727**.
* **Sector Performance:** Broad-based rally led by Financials, Energy, and Export-oriented sectors like Textiles and Pharma.
**Key Driver: US-India Trade Deal** The primary catalyst was the announcement of a landmark trade agreement between New Delhi and Washington.
* **Tariff Cut:** The US has agreed to slash reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods from **25% to 18%**.
* **Impact:** This move significantly boosts the outlook for Indian exporters, particularly in textiles, gems, and jewelry, countering fears of protectionist measures.
**Stocks in Focus**
**Bajaj Finance** Shares rallied over **6%** despite reporting a headline drop in net profit.
* **Q3 Performance:** Consolidated net profit declined **6% YoY** to **₹4,066 crore**, impacted by a one-time charge related to new labor codes and higher provisioning.
* **Operational Strength:** Investors cheered a robust **21% YoY** jump in Net Interest Income (NII) to **₹11,317 crore** and healthy loan growth, signaling strong core business momentum.
**Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL)** The state-run refiner is aggressively pivoting toward future growth engines.
* **Capex Push:** BPCL has hiked its capital expenditure plan for FY27 by **35%** to **₹25,000 crore**.
* **Strategy:** The increased outlay is heavily skewed toward **petrochemicals**, with investment in this segment nearly tripling to **₹9,750 crore**, aiming to de-risk the core refining business.
**Trent Ltd** The retail major remains in the spotlight today ahead of its Q3 earnings release.
* **Expectations:** Street estimates project strong revenue growth of **17–20%**, driven by aggressive store expansion in Westside and Zudio formats.
* **Watchpoint:** Investors will closely monitor margins and management commentary on demand trends following a volatile quarter for the fashion retail sector.