Positive Global Cues, Firm GIFT Nifty and a Heavy Q1 Earnings Calendar Expected to Drive Stock-Specific Action in Friday's Trade

Indian benchmark indices are expected to begin Friday's trading session on a positive note, supported by strong global market cues, a sharp rebound in Asian equities and encouraging signals from GIFT Nifty. With the June quarter earnings season entering its busiest phase, investors are preparing for heightened volatility as several heavyweight companies announce their financial results and provide business outlooks.

Stocks from sectors including steel, automobiles, pharmaceuticals, financial services, railways, energy and technology are likely to dominate market activity. Besides quarterly earnings, investors will also track corporate announcements related to capital expenditure, expansion plans, fundraising initiatives and operational performance.

Market Set for a Positive Opening

Indian markets are expected to extend Thursday's gains following upbeat global sentiment.

As of 8:40 AM, GIFT Nifty was trading 58 points higher at 24,420, indicating a positive start for domestic equities.

Previous Session Snapshot

The positive opening is being driven by strong buying in Asian markets and a powerful overnight rally on Wall Street.

Global Markets Boost Investor Confidence

Global equity markets provided strong support to investor sentiment.

Asian Market Performance

The sharp recovery in South Korea's Kospi came after heavy losses earlier in the week, led by renewed buying in artificial intelligence and semiconductor stocks.

The rally has improved overall risk appetite across Asian markets.

Wall Street Extends Technology Rally

US markets ended Thursday's session with broad-based gains.

Overnight US Market Performance

Technology shares led the advance after investors returned to AI-linked companies, while Microsoft recorded one of its strongest single-day gains in nearly two decades.

Crude Oil Slips Slightly

Oil prices eased marginally despite continued geopolitical tensions in West Asia.

Commodity Snapshot

Lower crude prices could provide relief to oil marketing companies and help moderate inflationary pressures if the trend continues.

Tata Steel Announces Strong Q1 Results and Expansion Plan

Tata Steel will remain one of the most closely watched stocks after reporting better-than-expected quarterly earnings.

Key Highlights

• Consolidated net profit increased 19% YoY to ₹2,385 crore

• Total income rose to ₹61,027 crore

• Board approved ₹33,873 crore capital expenditure

• Expansion of steelmaking capacity approved

The ambitious expansion plan signals management's confidence in long-term domestic steel demand and infrastructure-led growth.

ITC Awaits Crucial Earnings Announcement

Consumer goods and cigarette major ITC is scheduled to announce its June quarter earnings today.

Investors will closely monitor:

• Cigarette volume growth

• FMCG business performance

• Hotel segment recovery

• Agri-business contribution

• Operating margins

• Dividend expectations

• Management commentary on future growth

The results could significantly influence sentiment across the FMCG sector.

Sun Pharma in Focus Ahead of Results

Pharmaceutical giant Sun Pharma will also report its quarterly earnings.

Market participants will watch:

• US formulation sales

• Specialty drug growth

• Domestic business performance

• Margin expansion

• Product pipeline

• Export outlook

Strong results could provide fresh momentum to the pharmaceutical sector.

Bajaj Finance Delivers Another Strong Quarter

NBFC major Bajaj Finance reported another robust set of numbers.

Q1 Performance

Healthy loan growth and improving operating performance continue to strengthen investor confidence in the company.

Tata Power Expands Renewable Energy Portfolio

Tata Power announced a significant renewable energy investment in Andhra Pradesh.

Project Details

• Total Capacity: 800 MW

• Investment: ₹5,750 crore

• Wind Power: 400 MW

• Solar Power: 400 MW

The project further strengthens the company's position in India's rapidly expanding renewable energy sector.

Maruti Suzuki Heads Busy Auto Earnings Calendar

The automobile sector will remain under focus as Maruti Suzuki announces its June quarter results.

Along with Maruti, investors will also monitor:

• Hyundai Motor India

• JBM Auto

Hyundai reported:

• Net profit declined 35% to ₹889 crore

• Revenue stood at ₹16,335 crore

Meanwhile, JBM Auto reported:

• Profit growth of 16%

• Revenue of ₹1,442 crore

The results will provide insights into consumer demand, pricing trends and industry competition.

Swiggy Continues Revenue Growth Despite Losses

Food delivery platform Swiggy reported mixed quarterly numbers.

Financial Highlights

• Revenue increased to ₹6,812 crore

• Net loss widened to ₹791 crore

Investors will focus on management's strategy to improve profitability while expanding its quick commerce and food delivery businesses.

IOCL and GAIL to Remain in Spotlight

Energy sector stocks will remain active as investors await earnings from:

• Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL)

• GAIL

Key areas of focus include:

• Refining margins

• Marketing performance

• Inventory gains or losses

• Capital expenditure

• Gas transmission volumes

Railway and PSU Stocks Continue to Deliver

Government-owned companies remain under investor focus.

IRFC

• Net profit increased 10%

• Profit reached ₹1,927 crore

• Total income rose to ₹8,391 crore

RailTel

• Net profit stood at ₹658 crore

• Revenue reached ₹8,933 crore

The railway infrastructure theme continues to attract long-term investors amid ongoing government spending.

Financial and Housing Finance Stocks Stay Active

LIC Housing Finance reported:

• Net profit increased 9%

• Profit stood at ₹1,488 crore

• Total income declined to ₹7,066 crore

Stable loan growth and improving housing demand remain key factors influencing investor sentiment.

Other Important Corporate Updates

Several companies announced notable developments:

Niva Bupa Health Insurance

• Net profit surged 93%

• Insurance revenue increased to ₹2,274 crore

NSDL

• Net profit increased nearly 10%

• Total income jumped 61.6%

RPG Life Sciences

• Plans to separate API business

• Strategic investment by InvAscent

• Focus on international expansion

LT Foods

• Net profit increased 8.9%

• Revenue rose nearly 28%

Olectra Greentech

• Became India's first company to deploy 4,000 electric buses

Transrail Lighting

• Approved ₹600 crore QIP

• Additional investment in UAE subsidiary

Thermax

• Reported an 85% decline in quarterly profit

Key Stocks to Watch Today

Investors should closely monitor the following counters:

• Tata Steel

• ITC

• Sun Pharma

• Maruti Suzuki

• Bajaj Finance

• Bajaj Finserv

• Tata Power

• Swiggy

• IOCL

• GAIL

• IRFC

• RailTel

• Hyundai Motor India

• JBM Auto

• LIC Housing Finance

• Niva Bupa Health Insurance

• NSDL

• LT Foods

• Olectra Greentech

Market Outlook

Friday's trading session is expected to be driven primarily by corporate earnings, with several large-cap companies reporting their June quarter results. Positive global cues, firm Asian markets and gains in GIFT Nifty provide a supportive backdrop for Indian equities, but stock-specific volatility is likely to remain elevated as investors react to financial performance and management guidance.

Going forward, market participants will focus on earnings quality, demand outlook, capital expenditure plans and commentary on the broader economic environment. Companies delivering strong profitability, healthy balance sheets and optimistic growth guidance could continue to attract buying interest, while disappointing results may trigger sharp corrections. Overall, sectors such as financial services, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, infrastructure, energy and capital goods are expected to remain at the forefront of investor attention in the coming sessions.