Stock Market News Today Live Updates: Nifty, Sensex Fluctuate After Declining In Opening Trade; HDFC Bank, Reliance Top Losers

• The 25,000 strike had the highest call open interest in Nifty monthly options.
• Significant call positions were also seen at 24,500 and 25,300 strikes.
• The setup indicates resistance levels on the upside.

• Fresh put additions were highest at the 24,300 strike in Nifty weekly options.
• Put build-up was also visible at 24,200 and 24,000 strikes.
• Traders are tracking these levels as immediate support zones.

• Sameer Sawant of Mirae Asset Sharekhan said 15% growth is sustainable for ICICI Bank.
• He said the overall Q4 results were positive for ICICI Bank.
• Sawant added that HDFC Bank is yet to reach its desired credit-deposit ratio level.

• Gautam Shah of Goldilocks Global said silver offers a bigger opportunity than gold for investors.
• He said crude oil could affect markets over the medium to long term and added that there is no clear outcome yet to the Middle East conflict.
• Shah said micro-cap and small-cap stocks may outperform the Nifty this year. He added that investors should use volatility to their advantage.

• Yes Bank shares rose as much as 3.1% to Rs 20.82 after its Q4FY26 results.
• The bank reported profit after tax of Rs 1,068 crore, up 45% year-on-year. Net interest income increased 16% to Rs 2,638 crore, while operating profit rose 23% to Rs 1,618 crore.
• Asset quality improved, with gross NPA ratio falling to 1.3% from 1.5% and net NPA ratio declining to 0.2% from 0.3%. Return on assets improved to 1% from 0.9%.

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• Indian benchmark indices turned volatile after a weak opening and moved between losses and gains in early trade.
• The Nifty fell as much as 0.46% to 24,241 before rising up to 0.3% to 24,420. The Sensex dropped 290 points to 78,203 and later gained as much as 238 points to 78,732.

• Indian equities opened lower at the start of trade.
• The Sensex fell as much as 290 points, or 0.4%, to 78,203. The Nifty declined 0.46% to 24,241.

• Shares of Hyundai Motor India, Canara HSBC Life Insurance and Amagi Media Labs are set to exit anchor lock-in on Monday.
• Hyundai Motor India will see 162.5 million shares become eligible for trade, equal to 20% of outstanding shares after a 1.5-year lock-in. Canara HSBC Life Insurance has 522.5 million shares, or 55% of outstanding shares, exiting a six-month lock-in. Amagi Media Labs will see 11.1 million shares, or 5% of outstanding shares, exit a three-month lock-in.

• The price band for Allied Blenders & Distillers and Oswal Pumps has been revised to 5% from 10%.
• Aequs, Astec Lifesciences, Enviro Infra Engineers, Gallantt Ispat, KRN Heat Exchanger & Refrigeration, and Suven Life Sciences have been added to the short-term ASM framework.
• Antelopus Selan Energy and Gujarat Alkalies & Chemicals have been removed from the ASM framework.

• The rupee opened stronger against the US dollar in early trade.
• The local currency appreciated by as much as 15 paise to 92.77 against the greenback.

• Indian equities showed a firm start in pre-open trade.
• The Nifty moved above 24,400, while the Sensex rose more than 300 points.

• Brokerages remained positive on ICICI Bank after its Q4FY26 results, with target prices ranging from Rs 1,670 to Rs 1,800.
• Citi highlighted faster loan growth, stable margins and near-zero credit cost, while Morgan Stanley said lower provisions and higher net interest income supported an earnings beat.
• Kotak Securities cited steady execution and balance sheet strength, while Jefferies pointed to improving loan growth, stable asset quality and support from corporate recoveries.

• Global brokerages retained positive ratings on HDFC Bank after its Q4FY26 results, with target prices ranging from Rs 950 to Rs 1,050.
• Morgan Stanley said lower provisions and operating costs helped profit beat estimates. BofA cited healthy demand, deposit growth and improving loan growth outlook for FY27.
• Citi kept its Buy rating but cut estimates and target price, citing softer revenue trends. Jefferies said operating efficiencies, deposit growth and stable asset quality keep the bank among its top picks.

• Citi maintained its Neutral rating on Concord Biotech and cut the target price to Rs 1,190 from Rs 1,680.
• The brokerage reduced FY26 and FY27 earnings estimates by 20-23%, citing slower growth in both API and formulations revenue.
• Citi said lower sales growth has also led to pressure on EBITDA margins. It now expects FY27-FY28 revenue growth of 14% year-on-year, lower than its earlier forecast of 17-18%.

• Jio Financial Services reported Q4FY26 profit of Rs 272 crore, down 14% year-on-year, while revenue from operations jumped 106% to Rs 1,019 crore. Net interest income rose 28% to Rs 344 crore.
• Finance cost increased sharply and operating expenses rose as the company expanded operations. Pre-provision operating profit fell 13% to Rs 327 crore.
• Key subsidiaries reported growth during the quarter. Jio Credit assets under management rose 156% year-on-year to Rs 25,711 crore, while Jio Payments Bank total income increased to Rs 87 crore from Rs 8 crore a year earlier.

• MCX said SEBI has approved its investment in a proposed Coal Exchange Company, marking a diversification move into the coal market.
• MCX will initially hold a 100% stake in the new subsidiary and may later bring in other partners. The company will then apply for a licence with the Coal Controller Organisation of India.
• The initial investment will be up to Rs 100 crore to meet draft net worth requirements. MCX also said trading volumes are expected to remain strong, supported by growth in options activity.

• China left its benchmark lending rates unchanged for an 11th consecutive month as policymakers assess the impact of the Middle East conflict, higher oil prices and domestic growth trends.
• The one-year loan prime rate was kept at 3.0%, while the five-year rate, used as a reference for mortgage pricing, remained at 3.5%.
• The decision follows first-quarter economic growth of 5%, up from 4.5% in the previous quarter.

• Stocks with positive triggers include Aurobindo Pharma after USFDA approval for a cough suppressant drug, TVS Supply Chain after a dispute settlement, and Trent with a board meeting on April 22 for bonus and fund raise.
• Bharat Wire Ropes, Gujarat Gas, Sundaram Finance, NTPC Green, ACME Solar, EMS, Lemon Tree Hotels and Onix Solar Energy are also on the watchlist after corporate updates including stake sale, approvals, project wins, commissioning, hotel expansion and a rights issue.
• Cipla and Lupin remain in focus after USFDA observations. Shyam Metalics is on watch after enforcement action linked to a PMLA case. Hyundai, Canara HSBC Life and Amagi Media Labs also remain in focus due to share lock-in expiry.
• Among earnings, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Yes Bank and Jio Financial reported strong numbers, while Mastek delivered mixed results.

• Asian Paints announced a second round of price increases of 3-5%, effective May 5, 2026.
• The latest revision follows an earlier 6-8% increase implemented in April. This takes the cumulative price rise to high single digits to double digits.

• Markets may remain volatile as oil prices surge after fresh escalation around the Strait of Hormuz and uncertainty over the Iran-US ceasefire. Brent crude moved above $95 a barrel, while risk-off sentiment returned.
• Asian markets opened mixed and US futures declined. Foreign institutional investors were net buyers in the cash market for a third straight day, while short positions stood at 79% versus 80% earlier.
• Strong Q4 results from ICICI Bank and HDFC Bank may support stock-specific moves. Gold fell 1% amid renewed tensions around Hormuz.

Jio Financial Services (Q4)

• Total income up 96.9% at Rs 1,020 crore versus Rs 518 crore.

• Net profit down 13.9% at Rs 272 crore versus Rs 316 crore.

YES Bank (Standalone Q4)

• NII up 15.9% at Rs 2,638 crore versus Rs 2,276 crore.

• Op profit up 23.1% at Rs 1,618 crore versus Rs 1,314 crore.

• Net profit up 44.7% at Rs 1,068 crore versus Rs 738 crore.

• Provisions down 41% at Rs 188 crore versus Rs 318 crore.

• Gross NPA improved to 1.3% versus 1.5% QoQ.

HDFC Bank (Standalone Q4)

• NII up 3.2% at Rs 33,082 crore versus Rs 32,066 crore.

• Op profit up 4.8% at Rs 27,801 crore versus Rs 26,537 crore.

• Net profit up 9.1% at Rs 19,221 crore versus Rs 17,616 crore.

• Provisions down 18.3% at Rs 2,610 crore versus Rs 3,193 crore.

• Gross NPA reported at 1.15%.

• Note: The board recommended a final dividend of Rs 13 per share and approved raising up to Rs 60,000 crore via debt.

ICICI Bank (Standalone Q4)

• NII up 8.4% at Rs 22,979 crore versus Rs 21,193 crore.

• Op profit up 3% at Rs 18,199 crore versus Rs 17,664 crore.

• Net profit up 8.5% at Rs 13,702 crore versus Rs 12,630 crore.

• Provisions down 89.2% at Rs 96.2 crore versus Rs 891 crore.

• Gross NPA improved to 1.4% versus 1.5% QoQ.

• Note: The board declared an interim dividend of Rs 12 per share and renewed its fundraise limit of Rs 25,000 crore via debt.

• Nearly 106 BSE-listed companies are set to list on NSE today. Key names include Grauer & Weil, Dr. Agarwal's Eye Hospital, Kirloskar Ferrous and Z F Steering Gear.
• The list also includes Praveg, Novartis, Mafatlal Industries, John Cockerill, Timex Group and Deccan Gold Mines.

• HPCL said the Petroleum Ministry approved an increase in HRRL project cost to Rs 79,459 crore from Rs 43,129 crore. The company will retain a 74% stake with total investment of Rs 19,600 crore.
• Lupin and Cipla received Form 483 observations from the US FDA after inspections at their manufacturing facilities. Lupin received three observations for its US plant, while Cipla received two observations for its Goa unit.
• BHEL withdrew its acceptance of a Letter of Intent for the Anuppur Thermal Power Project and filed a Rs 143 crore recovery suit linked to a supply contract. Zee Entertainment plans to invest Rs 116 crore in Phantom Digital Effects. Dredging Corp signed an MoU worth Rs 2,157 crore with IOCL, while Hathway Cable named Gurjeev Singh Kapoor as COO and CEO-designate.

• Markets will track South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s state visit to India for any business or policy developments.
• Share lock-in expiry is due for Hyundai, Canara HSBC Life and Amagi Media Labs. A total of 106 BSE-listed companies are also set to list on NSE.
• Q4 earnings due today include Groww, Bank of Maharashtra, PNB Housing, E2E Network and SML Mahindra.

• Macquarie has a bearish pair trade view on Hindalco Industries, saying the company is in a favourable phase but upside may be limited.
• The brokerage said a 25% rise in aluminium prices this year is already reflected in the stock price. It added that the company’s hedge policy partly limits gains from higher prices.
• Macquarie said current valuations of about 6.7 times September 2027 estimated EV/EBITDA also cap further upside.

• Jefferies maintained its Buy rating on Larsen & Toubro with a target price of Rs 4,500.
• The brokerage said the stock has recovered most of its recent losses linked to the Middle East conflict. It added that stronger ordering activity in the region and oil prices below $90 a barrel support the outlook.
• Jefferies said conservative guidance could support the stock, while margins have built-in protection.

• ICICI Bank reported Q4FY26 profit of Rs 13,702 crore, up 8% year-on-year and 21% quarter-on-quarter. Net interest income increased 8% to Rs 22,979 crore, while operating profit rose 3% to Rs 18,199 crore.
• Asset quality improved in the quarter. Gross NPA ratio declined to 1.4% from 1.53%, while net NPA ratio fell to 0.33% from 0.37%. Advances grew 16% year-on-year to Rs 15.54 lakh crore and deposits rose 11% to Rs 17.95 lakh crore.
• The bank declared a dividend of Rs 12 per share. Management said margins are expected to remain range-bound and deposit growth remains healthy.

• Mainland China’s CSI 300 index traded marginally lower.
• Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index rose 0.22%.

• The Strait of Hormuz has been closed again after the US and Iran accused each other of breaking a ceasefire following attacks on ships over the weekend.
• The US said its military seized an Iranian cargo ship that tried to cross its blockade. Iran said it will not join a second round of peace talks after a warning of renewed airstrikes.
• The US continues its blockade of Iranian ports, while Iran has reimposed restrictions on the Strait, a key route for global oil flows before the conflict began.

• West Texas Intermediate futures climbed 8.11% to $90.65 a barrel.
• Brent crude increased 7.21% to $96.90 a barrel.

• Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 0.76%, while South Korea’s Kospi gained 0.98% in early trade.
• Australia’s ASX 200 fell 0.18%.

• IFT Nifty declined 1% to 24,470, indicating a weaker start for Indian equities. It is tracked as an early signal for the Nifty 50.
• On Friday, the Nifty 50 closed 156.8 points, or 0.65%, higher at 24,353.55.