Defence stocks shone with HAL’s record fighter jet order and strong shipbuilder outlook. SRM Contractors, NTPC Green Energy, and RVNL gained on fresh projects, while Regaal Resources rallied post‑IPO. YES Bank and Paytm advanced on rating and stake updates, and Endurance Technologies moved higher on expansion plans.
Latest News
- Indices Hold Gains: Nifty 50 closed at 25,050.55 (+0.28%), Sensex at 81,857.84 (+0.26%), marking the fifth consecutive session of gains amid optimism over GST reforms and easing geopolitical tensions.
- Global Cues Mixed: Asian markets traded lower following Wall Street’s overnight weakness ahead of the US Fed’s Jackson Hole symposium. Nikkei fell 1.82%, Hang Seng down 0.63%.
- Sectoral Trends: FMCG, IT, and auto stocks led gains; pharma lagged. Broader markets outperformed with Nifty Midcap 100 up 0.97% and Smallcap 100 up 0.7%.
- Macro Watch: FIIs sold ₹634 crore worth of equities on Aug 19, while DIIs bought ₹2,261 crore.
Stocks in Focus Today
- Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) — In the spotlight after the Cabinet Committee on Security approved a ₹62,000 crore order for 97 LCA Tejas Mk1A fighter jets, one of the largest defence contracts in India’s history2.
- SRM Contractors — Climbed over 4% intraday after announcing ₹174 crore worth of new civil construction projects; Q1FY26 profit surged 167% YoY.
- Regaal Resources — Strong Dalal Street debut following an IPO oversubscribed nearly 160 times; stock rallied sharply on listing day.
- YES Bank — Credit rating upgraded to IND AA‑ (stable) by India Ratings, boosting sentiment in the private banking space.
- NTPC Green Energy — Commissioned 212.5 MW solar capacity at Khavda‑I project, Gujarat, plus additional wind‑solar hybrid capacity.
- Rail Vikas Nigam (RVNL) — Secured ₹85 crore AI‑enabled video surveillance contract for 441 stations, enhancing passenger security4.
- Paytm (One 97 Communications) — Motilal Oswal AMC increased stake to 5.16% via open‑market purchases.
- Endurance Technologies — Announced capacity expansion in ABS and braking systems to meet rising demand.
- Cochin Shipyard & GRSE — Defence shipbuilders highlighted robust order books in Q1FY26 updates, riding the sector’s momentum.
Stocks Updates
- SRM Contractors: Secured ₹174 crore worth of new civil construction projects; Q1FY26 profit up 167% YoY.
- NTPC Green Energy: Commissioned additional 212.5 MW solar capacity at Khavda-I project, Gujarat.
- Man Infraconstruction: Promoter stake increased to 29.24% via open market purchases.
- Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC: Technical breakout above ₹885; analysts see potential to ₹960–970.
- Endurance Technologies: Announced ₹135.6 crore capacity expansion in ABS and braking systems.
FAQs
Q1. Why did defence stocks rally today? A: The Cabinet’s approval of a massive ₹62,000 crore HAL order boosted sentiment across the defence sector.
Q2. Is the Nifty likely to sustain above 25,000? A: Technical indicators suggest a positive bias; sustaining above 24,850–24,880 support could open upside towards 25,2503.
Q3. Which sectors are showing near-term strength? A: FMCG, IT, auto, and select midcap names are outperforming; pharma remains weak.
Q4. Are FIIs still selling? A: Yes, FIIs were net sellers on Aug 19, but strong DII buying offset the pressure
Final Thoughts & Investment Perspective
The market’s ability to hold above the psychological 25,000 mark despite mixed global cues reflects underlying domestic strength. Swing traders can focus on defence, renewable energy, and select midcap infrastructure plays for momentum opportunities. However, with FIIs still cautious and global volatility in play, position sizing and disciplined stop-losses remain critical.
Disclaimer
This report is for educational and analytical purposes only. I am not a SEBI-registered Research Analyst. This is not a stock recommendation. Please consult your financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
