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Indian Equities Poised for Weak Start as US Raises H-1B Visa Fee
- Indian equities likely to open lower amid mixed global cues.
- US imposes $100,000 one-time fee on new H-1B visas, pressuring IT stocks.
- Focus on Vodafone Idea, RailTel, PNC Infratech, SCI, NTPC, Ola Electric, and JSW Energy.
Indian stock markets are expected to start lower on Monday as global cues remain mixed and after the US announced a sharp rise in visa costs for Indian tech workers. At 7:13 AM, GIFT Nifty futures were down 77 points at 25,335.
The sentiment turned cautious after US President Donald Trump imposed a one-time fee of $100,000 for new H-1B visas. This decision is likely to hit Indian IT firms, which are among the largest users of these work permits.
Global Markets Mixed
Across Asia, markets traded in a mixed manner. China kept its loan prime rates (LPR) unchanged for the fourth straight month, despite the US Federal Reserve cutting its key rates by 25 basis points last week. At last check, China’s CSI 300 index was up 0.10 percent, Japan’s Nikkei gained 1.42 per cent, and South Korea’s KOSPI rose 0.69 per cent. However, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng slipped 0.43 per cent.
On Wall Street, markets ended higher on Friday. The S&P 500 rose 0.49 per cent, the Nasdaq gained 0.72 per cent, and the Dow Jones added 0.37 per cent.
Key Stocks to Watch on September 22, 2025
IT stocks: Shares of Indian IT companies are likely to come under pressure after the US announced the $100,000 fee on new H-1B visas. This could raise costs for firms that depend heavily on these work permits.
Vodafone Idea: The telecom operator has been hit with a tax penalty of Rs 6.47 crore by the Central GST office in Ahmedabad.
RailTel Corporation: RailTel secured an Rs 18.06 crore order from Dredging Corporation of India. The project will provide seamless offshore internet services for DCI vessels and the ICCC.
PNC Infratech: The company received a Letter of Acceptance from Bihar State Road Development Corporation for building a high-level bridge and an approach road in the state.
Shipping Corporation of India (SCI): SCI signed an MoU with BPCL, HPCL, and IOCL to jointly build and operate a fleet. This move aims to strengthen India’s shipping capacity and energy security under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
360 ONE WAM: Along with TIMF Holdings, the company invested Rs 140 crore in Rubicon Research during a pre-IPO funding round.
Adani Group: Reports suggest that Adani is pressing for accountability against Hindenburg Research. Allegations made by the US short-seller in 2023 had temporarily wiped out nearly $150 billion in market value before being dismissed by regulators.
ONGC and Oil India: The two state-run energy explorers plan to launch a Rs 3,200 crore stratigraphic drilling project in unexplored offshore areas early next year.
Also Read: Stocks That Will Drive Today's Market
NTPC: India’s largest power producer is exploring overseas uranium assets to secure fuel for its upcoming nuclear projects.
Hero MotoCorp: The company expects this year’s festival season to be among the best for sales, further strengthening its leadership in the two-wheeler market.
Garden Reach Shipbuilders (GRSE): GRSE signed a $62.44 million deal with a Hamburg-based firm to build four hybrid multi-purpose vessels.
Ola Electric: Ahead of the festive season, Ola Electric is boosting production to cut delivery times to nearly half, from 12–14 days to around a week.
Hyundai Motor: The automaker said it expects electric vehicles to make up 60 per cent of its global sales by 2030, projecting 5.55 million units.
MRF: Production at the Wimco Nagar plant in Thiruvottiyur has come to a halt as around 800 workers launched an indefinite strike. The dispute is over insurance premium payments and apprentice hiring policies.
Eicher Motors: Royal Enfield has partnered with Flipkart to sell its entire 350cc motorcycle lineup online, aiming to reach more digital buyers.
JSW Energy: Through its renewable energy arm, JSW Neo Energy, the company will acquire Tidong Power Generation from Norway’s Statkraft IH Holding for Rs 1,728 crore.
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