Stocks in Focus as Powell Hints at Rate Cut, Markets Eye Bright Start
- Markets set for a strong start as Powell signals possible US rate cut.
- InterGlobe Aviation & Max Healthcare to replace Hero MotoCorp & IndusInd Bank.
- Yes Bank, Reliance, Brigade Enterprises, Titagarh Rail, and Akums Drugs in news.
Indian equity markets are expected to begin the week on a strong note today, Monday, August 25, 2025. The optimism comes on the back of gains across global markets, especially after a positive cue from US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.
As of 7:56 AM, GIFT Nifty futures were trading at 24,955, up by 57 points, indicating a positive opening for the domestic indices.
Global Market Boost
Markets across Asia-Pacific traded higher in Monday’s early session, taking cues from Wall Street. Powell’s speech at the Jackson Hole Symposium in Wyoming fueled hopes of an interest rate cut as early as next month, which lifted global investor sentiment.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 climbed 1.08 per cent, South Korea’s Kospi gained 0.75 per cent, and Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 moved up 0.87 per cent. Mainland China’s Shanghai Composite rose 0.64 per cent. Investors in the region are also awaiting Singapore’s July consumer price index (CPI) data, which could shed light on inflation trends.
On Wall Street, stocks closed sharply higher last Friday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average surged 1.89 percent to a record high, while the S&P 500 advanced 1.52 percent. The Nasdaq Composite, supported by tech stocks, jumped 1.88 per cent.
Stocks to Watch Today
Nifty50 Rejig: Shares of InterGlobe Aviation and Max Healthcare Institute will remain in focus. These two companies are set to replace Hero MotoCorp and IndusInd Bank in the benchmark Nifty50 index, effective September 30.
Yes Bank: The Reserve Bank of India has granted approval to Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) to acquire up to 24.99 percent of the paid-up share capital or voting rights in Yes Bank. The approval will be valid for one year. The central bank clarified that SMBC will not be considered a promoter of the bank.
Reliance Industries (RIL): RIL announced that its step-down wholly owned subsidiary, Nauyaan Tradings Pvt Ltd (NTPL), has acquired the remaining 6.1 percent stake in Nauyaan Shipyard Pvt Ltd (NSPL) from Welspun Corp Ltd for Rs 45.32 crore. With this acquisition, NSPL becomes a step-down wholly owned subsidiary of Reliance.
Titagarh Rail Systems: The company has received a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from Banaras Locomotive Works for the complete shell assembly of WAG-9HC locomotives. The order is worth Rs 91.12 crore, including GST.
Brigade Enterprises: The company has launched a new residential project named “Brigade Lakecrest” beside Bhattarahalli Lake on Old Madras Road, Bengaluru. Developed under a joint development model, the project spans about 9.33 lakh square feet and has a revenue potential of more than Rs 950 crore.
IDBI Bank: The bank said that SEBI has approved the reclassification of Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) as a ‘public shareholder’ in IDBI Bank, subject to some conditions.
RailTel Corporation of India: RailTel announced that it has won a work order worth Rs 13.16 crore (including tax) from the Rajasthan Skill & Livelihoods Development Corporation (RSLDC). The order is for project management consultancy (PMC) services.
Interarch Building Solutions: The company has bagged an order worth Rs 90 crore from Rungta Mines Limited. The order involves design, engineering, manufacturing, supply, and erection of a pre-engineered steel building system. The company has also received a Letter of Intent (LOI) from the client.
IndusInd Bank: Credit rating agency CRISIL has affirmed IndusInd Bank’s rating at ‘CRISIL AA+’ with a Negative outlook. The bank has also been removed from watch with negative implications.
Akums Drugs and Pharmaceuticals: The pharmaceutical firm signed a Framework Agreement with the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) on August 22, 2025. The agreement aims to establish a local manufacturing facility in Zambia and supply medicines to support its national health programs.
Eris Lifesciences: The company has received a show cause cum demand notice from the Directorate General of GST Intelligence, Mumbai. The notice alleges non-payment of IGST under the reverse charge mechanism for the import of services.
Outlook
With positive global signals, including the possibility of a US interest rate cut, Indian markets are likely to open on a firm note today. Investors will closely track movements in heavyweight stocks, especially those linked to the Nifty50 rejig, banking developments, and corporate announcements.
