WEEKLY REPORT
Indian markets erased part of the previous week’s losses to close about 1% higher ahead of the Union Budget. The week remained volatile, driven by sustained FII outflows, DII support, delays in the India-US trade deal, rising geopolitical tensions, mixed corporate earnings, a weakening rupee, and a cautious outlook from the US Federal Reserve after it kept interest rates unchanged.
The BSE Sensex climbed 732.08 points, or +0.89%, to close at 82,269.78, while the Nifty50 advanced 272 points, or +1.08%, to settle at 25,320.65.
During the week, State Bank of India added the most to market capitalisation, followed by Axis Bank, Bharat Electronics, and Larsen & Toubro. In contrast, Maruti Suzuki India, Asian Paints, and Kotak Mahindra Bank witnessed a decline in their market value.
Among sectors, the Nifty Defence index outperformed with a nearly 9 percent gain, followed by Nifty Energy, which rose 6 percent. The Nifty Oil & Gas index added 4 percent, while the Nifty Realty and Metal indices climbed 3 percent each. On the other hand, the Nifty IT, FMCG, and Healthcare indices declined by 0.5 percent each.
Among the broader market indices, the BSE Large-cap, BSE Mid-cap index, and the Small-cap indices added +1.30, +2.0,0 and +3.00 percent respectively this week.
Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) turned buyers on Friday, purchasing equities worth Rs 2,251 crore. However, they remained net sellers for the week, having offloaded shares worth Rs 730 crore. Meanwhile, Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) continued their support, buying equities worth Rs 14,398.03 crore.
The Indian rupee remained under pressure for the third consecutive week, hitting a fresh record low of 92.01. It closed 3 paise lower at 91.99 per dollar on January 30, compared with 91.96 on January 23, and traded in a range of 91.52–92.01 during the period.
ECONOMY NEWS
Indian Firms’ Overseas Investment Jumps in FY25
Economic Survey 2025-26, noted that outward investment by Indian companies surged from $14 billion in FY24 to $24 billion in FY25. The increase reflects the progression along the Investment Development Path, with firms increasingly using overseas ventures to acquire capabilities, strategic assets and access to global production systems. It also highlighted that such overseas expansion may boost India’s global economic footprint.
Oil Prices Surge due to Middle East Tensions
Oil prices climbed 3 percent to a five-month high rising concerns that global supplies could be disrupted if the U.S. attacks Iran, one of OPEC’s biggest crude producers. Brent crude and U.S. West Texas Intermediate both hit multi-month highs as investors priced in geopolitical risk, while concerns over supply stability boosted energy markets. The rally reflects heightened uncertainty over Middle East stability and possible interruptions in oil exports.
STOCKS IN NEWS
Bharat Coking Coal
The subsidiary of Coal India gained over 5 percent during the week after the government designated coking coal as a ‘Critical and Strategic Mineral’ under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.
South Indian Bank
The shares of South Indian Bank crashed over 18 percent this week, after the lender announced that its Managing Director and CEO PR Seshadri is not seeking a reappointment after the completion of his ongoing term. The lender added that he will continue in the office of the Managing Director & CEO till the completion of his current term i.e., up to September 30, 2026.
GRSE
Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE) shares rose over 19 percent this week, along with other defense shares, as the sectoral index logged its biggest weekly gain since May 2025, amid expectations of higher capital outlay in the upcoming Union Budget on February 1.
Hindustan Zinc
The shares of Hindustan Zinc tumbled over 10 percent this week, as silver prices crashed after a record rally. The sharp fall in global prices of the precious metals comes amid speculations that the US Federal Reserve may get a more hawkish chair.
Asian paints
Shares of the paint company declined over 10 percent this week, as the company released their Q3 results, where the revenue has fluctuated over the past five quarters, with a high of Rs 8,938.55 Crore in June 2025 and a low of Rs 8,358.91 Crore in March 2025. Net profit also varied, peaking at Rs 1,080.73 Crore in June 2025 and falling to Rs 677.78 Crore in March 2025.
Source – Moneycontrol, Reuters
