Date: October 24, 2025
By: Khabrain Hindustan Business Desk
Stock Market Today Highlights
The Indian stock market opened on a positive note on Friday, October 24, 2025, following mixed global cues. The Sensex and Nifty started the day with optimism, driven by strong momentum in IT, defence, and FMCG stocks. Market sentiment was further boosted as Federal Bank approved the issuance of warrants to Blackstone, marking a significant corporate development in the banking sector.
However, investors remain cautious ahead of key earnings announcements from major companies like Colgate-Palmolive, Dr. Reddy’s, SBI Cards, Coforge, and ABSL AMC.
Key Highlights of the Day
- Nifty 50 resistance levels: 26,000 and 26,100
- Nifty Bank support level: 58,000
- Brent crude oil: Near $66 per barrel
- Federal Bank: Approves issuance of warrants to Blackstone
- Defence stocks: In focus after ₹79,000 crore approval by the Defence Acquisition Council
- IT stocks: Continue upward momentum
- Hindustan Unilever (HUL): 75% analysts remain bullish despite flat UVG
- Bharat Rasayan: Board meeting today to discuss stock split and bonus issue
Sensex and Nifty Market Overview
The Sensex Today opened with moderate gains as Nifty 50 attempted to reclaim the 26,000 level amid easing global pressures. On Thursday, despite a strong start, the Nifty failed to sustain gains and ended lower due to profit booking in select heavyweight stocks.
Today’s trading session marks the end of a holiday-shortened week, and investors are closely watching the global cues and domestic earnings for direction.
Market Opening Snapshot
- Sensex: Up by 280 points at 85,260
- Nifty 50: Up by 90 points near 25,960
- Bank Nifty: Opened flat around 58,150
- India VIX: Down 1.2%, indicating reduced volatility
Federal Bank Approves Issuance of Warrants to Blackstone
One of the biggest updates in today’s trading session comes from Federal Bank, which announced the approval of issuing warrants to global private equity giant Blackstone.
Key Details:
- The board approved the issuance as part of a capital-raising initiative.
- The warrants will be convertible into equity shares at a later stage.
- This move strengthens Federal Bank’s capital structure and partnership with institutional investors.
- The transaction indicates foreign investors’ growing confidence in India’s banking sector.
Impact on Stock:
Following the announcement, Federal Bank shares gained more than 3% in early trade, supported by strong investor sentiment and optimism regarding long-term growth.
IT Stocks Continue to Lead Market Gains
After several months of underperformance, the IT sector has staged a remarkable comeback. Stocks like Infosys, TCS, Wipro, and HCLTech are witnessing a steady rally as headwinds from global demand and currency fluctuations begin to ease.
Top IT Gainers Today:
- Infosys: Up 2.5%
- TCS: Gains 1.8%
- HCLTech: Up 2.1%
- Wipro: Rises 1.6%
Reasons for the Rally:
- Easing U.S. economic data and stable interest rate outlook
- Improved Q2 guidance from major IT firms
- Positive commentary from management regarding digital transformation deals
The Nifty IT Index is among the top sectoral performers, helping the broader index sustain momentum above 25,900.
Defence Sector in Focus After ₹79,000 Crore Approval
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) recently approved defence projects worth ₹79,000 crore, making defence stocks the new market favourites.
Expert Insights:
Jyoti Gupta of Nirmal Bang Securities told CNBC-TV18 that defence-related companies are likely to see strong earnings visibility from FY27 onwards.
Top Defence Stocks to Watch:
- HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) – Top pick in the aviation defence segment
- BEML – Positive momentum expected due to manufacturing orders
- BEL (Bharat Electronics Ltd) – Likely to benefit from defence electronics
- Astra Microwave and Data Patterns – Key players in defence electronics
- BDL (Bharat Dynamics Ltd) – May post a positive earnings surprise
Defence Stock Rally Drivers:
- Rising domestic production and exports
- Policy support from the Government of India
- Long-term visibility in order books
Oil Prices Near $66 — What It Means for Indian Markets
The Brent crude oil price hovering near $66 per barrel provides some relief to the Indian economy, especially for oil-importing sectors.
Impact on the Market:
- Lower oil prices help control inflationary pressures.
- Positive for aviation, logistics, and FMCG companies.
- Negative impact on oil exploration firms like ONGC due to reduced realizations.
Experts suggest that if crude remains below $70, it could boost corporate margins and support market sentiment in the near term.
Nifty Outlook: Key Levels to Watch
According to technical analysts, Nifty 50 has immediate resistance at 26,000, followed by 26,100. On the downside, 25,800 acts as crucial support.
Trading Strategy for Today:
- Buy on dips near 25,850 levels.
- Target: 26,100 – 26,200 zone.
- Stop-loss: 25,700.
For Bank Nifty, the crucial support level is 58,000, while resistance is seen near 58,600.
Hindustan Unilever (HUL): Analysts Remain Bullish Despite Flat UVG
Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) released its September quarter results after market hours on Thursday. While the underlying volume growth (UVG) was flat, 75% of analysts tracking the stock remain bullish.
Key Financial Highlights:
- Revenue: ₹16,600 crore (up 2% YoY)
- Net profit: ₹2,750 crore (up 5% YoY)
- UVG: Flat vs 0–1% estimated
Why Analysts Remain Bullish:
- Strong market leadership across FMCG categories
- Consistent margin performance
- Expected recovery in rural demand
HUL shares are likely to remain volatile today as investors react to quarterly performance, but long-term sentiment remains positive.
Bharat Rasayan: Stock Split and Bonus Issue Alert
Before the start of trade today, Bharat Rasayan Ltd confirmed that its board will meet to discuss a stock split and bonus issue along with its September quarter results.
Key Points:
- Stock split to improve share liquidity.
- Bonus issue may reward long-term shareholders.
- The move could attract retail investor participation.
Market experts believe that the company’s focus on chemical manufacturing and export diversification will continue to drive earnings in FY26.
Earnings to Watch Today
Companies Announcing Q2FY26 Results:
- Colgate-Palmolive (India) Ltd
- Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories
- SBI Cards and Payment Services
- Coforge Ltd
- Latent View Analytics
- Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC (ABSL AMC)
Key Focus Areas for Investors:
- Margin performance and cost management
- Demand recovery in domestic markets
- Commentary on export growth
- Management guidance for the coming quarters
Global Market Cues
Global markets showed mixed performance as investors assessed the economic outlook amid easing geopolitical tensions and stable interest rate expectations.
Asian Markets:
- Nikkei 225: Up 0.4%
- Hang Seng: Down 0.2%
- Shanghai Composite: Flat
US Markets Overnight:
- Dow Jones: +0.35%
- NASDAQ: +0.28%
- S&P 500: +0.31%
The global risk appetite appears to be improving as inflation concerns ease, benefiting emerging markets like India.
Top Gainers and Losers on Nifty 50
Top Gainers:
- Infosys – +2.5%
- HCLTech – +2.1%
- L&T – +1.9%
- HAL – +1.7%
- BEL – +1.5%
Top Losers:
- ONGC – -1.2%
- Tata Steel – -0.8%
- HUL – -0.5% (post-results reaction)
- BPCL – -0.4%
- Axis Bank – -0.3%
Expert Views on Market Outlook
1. Technical Perspective:
Market analysts suggest bullish momentum may continue if Nifty sustains above 25,900. Short-term traders should watch for a breakout above 26,100 for further upside.
2. Fundamental Perspective:
The corporate earnings season will drive the next leg of the rally. Sectors like IT, defence, and FMCG are expected to outperform, while metal and oil may stay subdued.
3. Investor Strategy:
- Stay invested in large-cap quality stocks
- Accumulate defence and IT names on dips
- Avoid aggressive bets in highly leveraged sectors
Market Sentiment and FII Activity
Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) have turned net buyers in the last two sessions, showing confidence in India’s growth story.
- FII Net Buy (Oct 23): ₹2,130 crore
- DII Net Sell: ₹980 crore
The positive FII flow trend supports market momentum and could push Nifty beyond 26,000 in the near term.
Sectoral Performance Snapshot
| Sector | Performance | Key Drivers |
|---|---|---|
| IT | Bullish | Strong earnings outlook |
| Defence | Positive | DAC approvals worth ₹79,000 crore |
| Banking | Mixed | Focus on Federal Bank & Nifty Bank support |
| FMCG | Cautious | HUL results impact |
| Energy | Weak | Oil price fluctuations |
| Pharma | Watchlist | Dr. Reddy’s Q2 results awaited |
Conclusion: Optimism Builds as Bulls Regain Control
As trading progresses, the Indian stock market is showing signs of renewed optimism. With IT stocks leading the charge, defence counters gaining traction, and positive institutional flows, the Sensex and Nifty appear well-positioned to retest record highs soon.
Investors are advised to watch key resistance levels and stay alert to earnings-driven volatility, especially in FMCG and pharma stocks.
The focus remains on sustainable growth sectors, strategic government reforms, and continued foreign investment interest — all pointing towards a bullish outlook for the medium term.
