Latest Stock Market News

IDFC First Bank shares fell 4.1% after it approved raising Rs 7,500 crore via preferential issue to Warburg Pincus and ADIA affiliates. Despite microfinance headwinds in FY25, the bank highlighted strong long-term growth, improved metrics, and a turnaround in profitability. Analysts maintain a Hold rating with a 4% upside potential, as the stock trades near key technical levels.

Sonata Software shares plunged 13.5% after the company warned of lower-than-expected Q4FY25 revenue from its largest international client. The stock has dropped nearly 50% in 2025 and is trading below key technical levels. Weak guidance and ongoing client issues have triggered bearish sentiment despite recent analyst buy recommendations.

Independent EM Commentator, Geoff Dennis, suggests India s resilience in the post-Trump tariff world will persist. Inflation is decreasing, and interest rates have been cut. Latin America and parts of EMEA will also be defensive. China, Taiwan, Korea, and ASEAN may face challenges until tariff issues resolve. Trade talks are complex, and a mid-year review is expected.

Amnish Aggarwal of Prabhudas Lilladher suggests a positive outlook for the Indian market due to tax cuts, increased capital expenditure, and favorable monsoon forecasts. While global tariffs pose a risk, recent FII buying and corrected valuations offer near-term support.

Indian stock and commodity markets will remain closed on Friday, April 18, 2025, for Good Friday. Trading on NSE, BSE, and MCX will be suspended across all segments. Regular operations resume on April 21. Investors should note the upcoming holidays to plan their trades effectively.

Cello World shares surged 7% after Kotak Equities upgraded the stock to “buy” citing easing inventory issues and growth prospects from its new glassware unit. Despite recent underperformance, the brokerage sees recovery potential.

Cryptocurrencies traded mixed as Bitcoin held above $84,000 amid caution following Fed Chair Powell’s tariff warning. Ethereum stayed under $1,600, while altcoins saw varied moves. Analysts expect rangebound action due to macro uncertainty, miner activity, and technical indicators like a potential death cross in Bitcoin.

In Q4, mutual fund holdings in ITC remained steady at 12.87%, while foreign institutional investors (FIIs) slightly reduced their stake from 40.17% to 39.87% quarter-on-quarter. Additionally, the number of FII investors declined significantly, dropping from 1,675 to 974 during the March quarter.

Over the past two decades, the Nifty Midcap 150 has generally outperformed the Nifty 100, delivering higher returns but with greater volatility, especially during market downturns like 2008. While midcaps offer significant growth potential during economic expansions, large-caps provide stability in uncertain times, suggesting a diversified approach may be optimal for long-term investors.