Several major Indian companies are expected to be in the spotlight today following significant corporate announcements, earnings results, and strategic developments that could influence market sentiment and trading activity.

Banking Sector Performance

The banking sector showed mixed but generally positive results in recent earnings announcements. Axis Bank demonstrated steady growth with its standalone net profit rising 3% in the December quarter, reaching ₹6,490 crore compared to ₹6,304 crore in the corresponding quarter last year.

Kotak Mahindra Bank also reported encouraging results, with its standalone net profit increasing 4% year-on-year to ₹3,446 crore in Q3 FY26, up from ₹3,305 crore in the same period last year.

Technology and Strategic Acquisitions

HCL Technologies made a significant strategic move by entering into a definitive agreement to acquire Singapore-based Finergic Solutions. This acquisition aims to enhance the company's digital transformation capabilities specifically in the wealth management space, with the transaction expected to be completed by April 30.

Major Corporate Transactions

A notable transaction in the consumer goods sector involves PVR Inox and Marico. PVR Inox has divested its complete holding in gourmet popcorn brand 4700BC to Marico through an all-cash deal worth ₹226.8 crore. This divestment marks the end of PVR Inox's decade-long investment in the packaged foods segment.

Pharmaceutical and Commodity Exchange Updates

Torrent Pharma strengthened its position in JB Chemicals by acquiring an additional 2.36% stake, bringing its total equity ownership to 48.75%. Meanwhile, Multi Commodity Exchange of India (MCX) reported exceptional performance with consolidated net profit surging 151% to ₹401 crore for the quarter ended December 31, compared to ₹160 crore in the corresponding period last year.

Renewable Energy and Infrastructure Developments

Waaree Renewable Technologies announced plans to sign a binding term sheet to acquire approximately 55% stake in Associated Power Structures for ₹1,225 crore. This acquisition will be executed through a combination of primary and secondary transactions, subject to due diligence and standard closing conditions.

Quarterly Results Watch

Several companies are scheduled to announce their Q3 results today, which will likely influence their stock performance:

• Vodafone Idea
• Asian Paints
• Tata Consumer Products
• Marico
• Motilal Oswal
• Vishal Mega Mart

Additional Corporate Developments

Pine Labs expanded its strategic partnerships by entering into an alliance with Wio Bank, described as the Middle East's leading digital financial services platform. In the mining sector, Hindustan Copper emerged as the preferred bidder for the Baghwari-Khirkhori copper and associated mineral block in Madhya Pradesh.

These developments across various sectors demonstrate the dynamic nature of corporate India, with companies focusing on strategic acquisitions, partnerships, and operational improvements to drive growth and market positioning.

Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty 50 are expected to open higher on Tuesday, rebounding from Friday's sharp decline following positive global market cues. The recovery comes after markets remained closed on Monday for Republic Day 2026, with Gift Nifty indicating a strong opening for domestic equities.

Market Performance and Opening Indicators

Gift Nifty was trading around the 25,160 level, showing a premium of nearly 81 points from the Nifty futures' previous close, signaling a positive start for Indian stock market indices. This follows Friday's significant sell-off when both benchmark indices witnessed sharp declines amid heightened geopolitical uncertainties and sustained foreign capital outflows.

Key Market Triggers This Week

Market participants will closely monitor several critical developments that could influence trading sentiment. The India-EU trade deal stands out as a major catalyst, with India and the European Union having concluded negotiations for a free trade agreement, and an official announcement expected today. The deal aims to strengthen economic integration between India and the EU, potentially boosting trade and investment flows.

Additionally, the US Federal Reserve's policy meeting, Q3 earnings results, and geopolitical developments will remain key focus areas for investors throughout the week.

Global Market Cues and Tariff Developments

US markets provided positive momentum, with major indices advancing for a fourth consecutive session. The performance was led by strong gains across key benchmarks:

A significant development emerged from US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who signalled the possibility of rolling back the additional 25% tariffs on India. Bessent noted "there could be a path" to removing the levies, citing India's sharply declined purchases of Russian oil following tariff measures imposed by the Trump administration.

Asian Markets and Currency Movements

Asian markets displayed mixed performance after US President Trump announced plans to increase tariffs on South Korea. Japan's Nikkei 225 declined 0.24% while the Topix fell 0.31%. South Korea's Kospi dropped 0.36%, though the Kosdaq rallied 1.41%. Hong Kong Hang Seng index futures indicated a higher opening.

The US dollar hit a four-month low, falling more than 1% year-to-date, with the dollar index at 97.05 after touching a four-month low of 96.808. Meanwhile, gold and silver prices declined sharply, with Comex gold falling 1.16% to $5,023.60 an ounce and Comex silver declining 6.41% to $108.095 an ounce.

Corporate Earnings Update

Axis Bank reported Q3FY26 results showing steady growth, with net profit rising 3% year-on-year to ₹6,489.6 crore and net interest income increasing 5% to ₹14,286.4 crore. The bank's asset quality improved sequentially, with Gross NPA falling to 1.40% from 1.46% and net NPA declining to 0.42% from 0.44% quarter-on-quarter.