Market News
Stay updated with the latest market trends, earnings, and economic indicators.
Sensex slips 252 pts, Nifty below 24,050 amid currency weakness and expiry volatility
The key equity benchmarks closed with measured losses on Tuesday, as a sharp slide in the rupee to a record low against the US dollar rattled sentiment, while the weekly expiry of Nifty derivatives injected fresh volatility into the market. Escalating US-Iran tensions further bruised investor confidence, wiping out recent optimism sparked by state election results and echoing weakness across global markets. Ongoing quarterly earnings announcements kept traders on edge, prompting a cautious stance. The Nifty slipped below the 24,050 mark, weighed down by private banks and consumer durables stocks, while FMCG, auto and pharma shares defied the broader weakness and ended in the green.
Earnings likely to improve, but rising oil could hurt in short term: SBI Securities
Sunny Agarwal, Head of Fundamental Research, Retail Desk at SBI Securities, expects double-digit earnings recovery over FY27–28, despite near-term risks from crude-led margin pressure in Q1. He sees mid- and small-cap opportunities in hospitality, capital markets, and select banks, with improving return ratios. He also flags recovery in building materials and consumer staples, while infra push and regional growth could support sectors like cement and logistics.
Sony Pictures Networks India hires Harsh Deep Chhabra to lead strategy, new business
Sony Pictures Networks India has appointed Harsh Deep Chhabra as Head of Strategy and New Business, with the executive joining from Godrej Consumer Products Limited.
Rising costs may hit smaller local Cos, says Unilever CEO Fernando Fernandez
Unilever has said that supply chain disruptions and rising crude-linked input costs could pressure smaller local competitors in India, potentially easing price competition in the consumer goods sector. Speaking during the company’s earnings call, CEO Fernando Fernandez noted that shortages faced by some local players in India and Southeast Asia may strengthen Unilever’s ability to pass on price increases in the future, particularly in categories such as laundry products.
Herjit Bhalla takes over as CEO of Dabur
Dabur India has appointed Herjit S. Bhalla as its new chief executive officer for the India business. This change is effective April 23, 2026. Mohit Malhotra will now serve as the global chief executive officer. Bhalla previously held a senior role at Hershey Company. This leadership transition follows a trend of executive changes across various consumer companies in India.
Gulf war fuels raw material inflation, FMCG firms shift to daily pricing strategy
In light of the Gulf War, consumer goods sectors are battling unprecedented rises in raw material costs. Firms are now implementing daily price surveillance and tightening their budgets dramatically. We are witnessing price hikes across a spectrum of products, potentially jeopardizing the fragile consumer spending recovery initiated by recent tax reductions.
Premiumisation and expansion into new markets key focus areas: Mother Dairy MD
Mother Dairy is prioritizing premium products and expanding into new markets. The company is also strengthening its distribution network and increasing its presence on quick commerce platforms. This strategy aims to meet evolving consumer demands and address competition. Mother Dairy anticipates significant growth in the coming fiscal year, projecting revenue to reach Rs 24,000 crore.
Retail sales in India up 10% year-on-year in March: RAI survey
Indian retail sales saw a 10% rise in March 2026. This marks a steady end to FY2026. Food, apparel, QSR, and jewellery performed strongly. Consumer durables faced challenges as people delayed large purchases. Rising costs for energy, logistics, and rent are affecting retailer profits. Consumers are shopping with more purpose.
Worst may be behind for Trent, but Nuvama prefers DMart
Abneesh Roy, Executive Director at Nuvama Institutional Equities, highlights improving sentiment in FMCG, likely price hikes ahead, and selective opportunities across retail and consumption stocks such as Titan, V Mart, Page Industries, Bajaj Consumer Care and Marico.
Tata’s Trent catches a trend as spending shifts beyond Bengaluru & Mumbai
Trent is expanding its retail footprint beyond metro cities, focusing on Tier II and III locations with its Zudio and Westside formats to tap growing income and economic activity. The company reported a 26% rise in Q4 net profit and announced its first-ever bonus issue, while acknowledging cautious consumer spending due to geopolitical tensions and rising input costs.
JM Financial Private Equity, family offices invest Rs 150 cr in NG Electro Products
Consumer goods-focused NG Electro Products has secured Rs 150 crore in funding from JM Financial Private Equity and family offices. The capital infusion will fuel expansion of manufacturing capacity, accelerate R&D and product innovation, and bolster quality and compliance infrastructure. This investment aims to strengthen the company's footprint and deepen its product innovation capabilities.
Iran war: HUL hikes prices of Dove, Pears, Surf, Red Label
Hindustan Unilever Limited has increased prices for its soap products. This move is a response to escalating costs of raw materials and packaging. The price hikes, ranging from Re 1 to Rs 20, are being passed on to consumers. This development could potentially delay a much-needed revival in consumer demand. FMCG companies were hoping for a boost from GST cuts.