Stock Market News Today Live Updates: Nifty Tops 24,250 In Pre-Open, Sensex Up Over 300 Points

• William Lee of Global Eco Advisors said talks between countries are still continuing.

• He said Asia and Europe are bearing the impact of the energy shortage.

• Lee also said 10% of the population owns 90% of equity holdings in the U.S.

• Wipro’s CFO said the company is seeing early green shoots in AI demand and does not view AI as deflationary at this stage.

• The CEO said Wipro has a strong pipeline in BFSI and healthcare, while clients in the Middle East remain in wait-and-watch mode amid uncertainty.

• He added that the Americas and Europe posted consistent quarter-on-quarter growth, with three of four geographies growing in Q4.

• Sandip Agarwal of Sowilo Investment said Wipro could deliver 30% upside over the next two years.

• He said the stock looks inexpensive on valuations.

• Agarwal added that Wipro has underperformed peers despite better execution.

Indian equities indicated a firm start in pre-open trade. Nifty moved above 24,250, while the Sensex gained more than 300 points.

The Indian rupee strengthened 0.3% to 92.93 against the U.S. dollar.

• Jefferies said the impact of Middle East tensions is visible in logistics trends, while higher transshipment volumes supported port cargo growth in March.

• Indian Railways container volumes fell 7% year-on-year, while truck freight rates remained largely stable.

• The brokerage said strong commercial vehicle registrations could support a recovery in road logistics and named Adani Ports and JSW Infra as top picks.

• Morgan Stanley maintained an attractive view on the auto sector, saying a volume up-cycle could help companies pass on cost pressures despite near-term margin headwinds.

• Its preferred overweight picks remain M&M, Maruti Suzuki, TVS Motor and Hero MotoCorp.

• The brokerage also revised target prices across the sector, raising targets for TVS Motor, Hero MotoCorp and Maruti, while cutting some others including Ashok Leyland and M&M.

• Citi and Investec maintained Buy ratings on Angel One with target prices of Rs 340.

• Brokerages said Q4 earnings were supported by strong client trading activity, better order realisation and higher net interest income.

• They also highlighted operating leverage from the digital model and traction in wealth management.

• Asian markets traded lower, while investors awaited progress on extending the U.S.-Iran ceasefire after a 10-day Israel-Lebanon truce began.

• Crude oil extended losses on hopes of an Iran deal, while gold was set for a fourth weekly gain.

• Foreign investors bought Indian shares for the second straight session, with technical indicators pointing to market consolidation.

• HDFC Bank approved an investment of up to Rs 1,000 crore in HDFC Life. Dodla Dairy said its unit received 7.15 acres of land in Bihar, while Rishabh Instruments secured a Rs 30 crore order from a Germany-based energy company.

• DCM Shriram, Firstsource Solutions, Aditya Infotech and Isgec Heavy announced business updates, including a joint venture, product launch and new agreements.

• DCB Bank said its board will consider fund raising through debt or QIP on April 24.

• Stocks in focus on positive updates include Adani Group, after CCI closed the Adani solar bid case, VST Industries, Waaree Renewable, Angel One, Kolte Patil, Brookfield REIT, KPI Green, CESC and RVNL.

• Wipro may remain in focus after constant currency growth missed estimates in Q4. HDFC Life is also on watch after pressure on value of new business.

• Maruti Suzuki may see attention after halting Ignis production amid lower demand.

• Nomura upgraded Gujarat Gas to Buy from Reduce and set a target price of Rs 390.

• The brokerage said the recent correction offers an entry point, while the Iran crisis could support demand and margins.

• It also raised FY27 EBITDA estimates by 14% on higher industrial margins and slightly better volumes.

• Citi maintained Buy on HDFC Life with a target price of Rs 950. Morgan Stanley kept Overweight with a target of Rs 745, while Macquarie retained Outperform with a target of Rs 900.

• Brokerages said Q4 was soft, with pressure on value of new business growth.

• They expect recovery in FY27, supported by margin improvement, valuation comfort and easing regulatory changes.

• Jefferies maintained Buy on HDFC AMC and raised the target price to Rs 3,090 from Rs 2,960. Morgan Stanley kept Overweight and increased its target to Rs 2,975 from Rs 2,915.

• Citi maintained Neutral with a target price of Rs 2,800.

• Brokerages said quarterly results were broadly in line, while steady mutual fund flows and growth in non-mutual fund business remained in focus.

• Wipro reported Q4 consolidated net profit of Rs 3,501.8 crore, up 12.27% quarter-on-quarter, while revenue rose 2.88% to Rs 24,236.3 crore.

• The company announced a Rs 15,000 crore buyback at Rs 250 per share.

• Wipro guided for next-quarter constant currency revenue growth between -2% and 0%.

• Wipro reported Q4 consolidated net profit of Rs 3,501.8 crore, up 12.27% quarter-on-quarter, while revenue rose 2.88% to Rs 24,236.3 crore.

• The company announced a Rs 15,000 crore buyback at Rs 250 per share.

• Wipro guided for next-quarter constant currency revenue growth between -2% and 0%.

• Donald Trump said he could visit Pakistan if a deal to end the war with Iran is finalised in Islamabad.

• He said talks were close to conclusion and Iran had accepted most proposals under discussion.

• Markets may watch further developments in the negotiations for cues on oil prices and global risk sentiment.

• Aviation regulator DGCA has started an investigation after an Akasa Air aircraft and a SpiceJet plane came in contact at Delhi airport on Thursday.

• Both Boeing 737 aircraft have been grounded following the incident.

• The regulator said the concerned air traffic controller and SpiceJet pilots have been taken off roster pending the probe.

• Lupin said its unit Lupin Pharmaceuticals Inc has entered a settlement agreement with Humana Inc.

• The unit will pay $30 million towards final claims under the pact.

• The settlement states the company denies all allegations made against it, according to an exchange filing.

• All three major U.S. indices closed higher on Thursday.

• The S&P 500 rose 0.26% and the Nasdaq Composite gained 0.36%, with both ending at record highs.

• The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 115 points, or 0.24%.

• U.S. President Donald Trump said the war in Iran was progressing well and could end soon.

• He made the remarks at an event in Las Vegas on Thursday.

• Global markets may track further developments in the conflict for cues on risk sentiment and commodity prices.

• Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 1.02%.

• Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index declined 0.69%.

• Australia’s ASX 200 lost 0.57%, while South Korea’s Kospi slipped 0.41%.

• GIFT Nifty stood at 24,163 in early trade.

• That compares with the Nifty 50 close of 24,196.75 on Thursday.

• The reading points to a softer start for the domestic market.

• U.S. crude oil for May delivery fell 1.45% to $93.32 a barrel.

• Brent crude for June delivery declined 1.11% to $98.36 a barrel.

• Lower oil prices remain in focus for energy-linked and import-dependent sectors.