Stocks to Watch: Tariff Shocks, Big Bets, and Billion-Dollar Deals
- US’ 50% import duty on Indian goods hits textiles, gems, jewellery, leather, and other export sectors.
- TCS launches new AI unit, IndiGo promoters plan Rs 7,028 crore stake sale, and Hindalco to invest Rs 586 crore in iPhone supply chain.
- HAL nears $1B GE engine deal, Texmaco–RVNL form rail JV, and Markolines secures Rs 100 crore road contract.
The domestic equity market is expected to open in the red on Thursday, August 28. The GIFT NIFTY futures suggest that the NIFTY50 index will open 53 points lower. Investors will be closely watching a number of companies and sectors that are likely to be in focus during today’s trading session.
Textiles, Gems & Jewellery Under Pressure
Export-linked sectors such as shrimp, apparel, diamonds, leather and footwear, and gems and jewellery are expected to remain under pressure. The United States has imposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods, which came into effect on Wednesday. These tariffs are set to impact exports and job creation in these labour-intensive sectors.
Industries that will be affected the most include textiles and clothing, gems and jewellery, shrimp, leather, footwear, animal products, chemicals, and electrical and mechanical machinery. Analysts believe that this move by the Trump administration could make Indian goods less competitive in the global market, putting pressure on companies operating in these areas.
TCS Launches AI & Services Transformation Unit
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), India’s largest IT services firm, has set up a new artificial intelligence (AI) and services transformation unit. This move highlights the growing importance of AI in the company’s overall strategy.
The unit will be headed by Amit Kapur, a TCS veteran who currently leads the company’s UK and Ireland business. According to a report by Business Standard, the company informed its employees about the development through an internal email. With AI playing a key role in digital transformation, TCS aims to strengthen its position in this fast-growing sector.
InterGlobe Aviation: Promoter Stake Sale
Shares of InterGlobe Aviation, the parent company of IndiGo airlines, will be in focus as promoter Rakesh Gangwal and his family trust are expected to divest up to a 3.1% stake in the company for Rs 7,027.7 crore.
The divestment is part of Gangwal’s phased exit from the airline after his fallout with co-founder Rahul Bhatia. Apart from Rakesh Gangwal, the Chinkerpoo Family Trust, whose trustees include Shobha Gangwal and JP Morgan Trust Company of Delaware, will also be selling shares. IndiGo remains the country’s largest carrier, and this stake sale could attract strong investor interest.
Texmaco Rail & RVNL Form Joint Venture
Texmaco Rail & Engineering Ltd. and Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd. (RVNL) have announced a joint venture aimed at strengthening India’s railway modernisation efforts and boosting export competitiveness.
The new venture will focus on manufacturing freight and passenger rolling stock such as wagons, locomotives, coaches, trainsets, and metro coaches. It will also take up EPC projects, depot operations, and participate in global tenders.
Texmaco, part of the Adventz Group, will hold a 49% stake in the venture, while PSU RVNL will remain the majority shareholder. The transaction is expected to be completed by December 2025, subject to necessary approvals.
Hindalco’s Big Bet on iPhone Supply Chain
Hindalco Industries is in focus as it plans to invest Rs 586 crore in an integrated aluminium extrusion facility in Kuppam, Andhra Pradesh. According to reports, this facility will manufacture raw material for mobile phone chassis and enclosures, which will be used in Apple’s iPhones.
The proposal will be presented to the State Investment Promotion Board (SIPB) today for approval. If cleared, the investment will strengthen India’s position in Apple’s supply chain and support the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative.
Acme Solar Approves Rs 3,000 Crore Fundraise
Acme Solar Holdings has received board approval to raise Rs 3,000 crore in multiple tranches. The funds will be raised through equity shares or other equity-linked instruments via permissible modes such as QIP, FPO, or private placement.
Additionally, the board approved the reappointment of Shashi Shekhar as vice-chairman and whole-time director for one year, starting April 9, 2026. This decision was made on the recommendation of the company’s nomination and remuneration committee.
Markolines Pavement Secures Rs 100 Crore Order
Highway infrastructure company Markolines Pavement Technologies has bagged a Rs 100 crore order from Trans Metalite India for road maintenance works in Andhra Pradesh.
The contract will be executed over a period of five years. Apart from this order, the company has received multiple contracts worth Rs 97.47 crore in the current financial year, including repeat orders from Varanasi Aurangabad NH-2 Tollway Private Ltd.
Sri Lotus Developers Reports Profit Decline
Sri Lotus Developers and Realty Ltd reported a 36% decline in consolidated net profit for the first quarter of the current fiscal year. The company posted a net profit of Rs 25.78 crore compared to Rs 40.16 crore in the same quarter last year.
Total income also dropped to Rs 68.09 crore from Rs 122.46 crore in the corresponding period. The company, which was recently listed on stock exchanges after a successful IPO, is expected to face near-term challenges as earnings remain under pressure.
Cement Stocks in Focus
Cement companies are likely to attract attention as cement prices have risen sharply in the current fiscal year. Industry sources told PTI that prices have climbed to an average of Rs 360 per 50 kg bag in May 2025, marking an 8% year-on-year increase.
The price rise has been driven by higher input costs, especially petroleum coke (petcoke). Regional variations persist, with eastern India seeing sharper hikes, while western India witnessed modest increases. Demand remains strong, growing 9% in May to 39.6 tonnes, supported by housing and government-led infrastructure. Analysts expect 6-7% growth in FY26 volumes.
HAL Nears $1 Billion Engine Deal
Shares of Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) are expected to remain in focus after reports that India is close to finalising a deal worth about $1 billion with US-based General Electric (GE). The agreement involves the purchase of 113 GE-404 engines to power India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mark 1A fighter jets.
This development comes shortly after the government cleared a massive Rs 62,000 crore order for 97 additional LCA Tejas Mark 1A jets. The new deal will further boost India’s defence manufacturing sector and reduce reliance on foreign imports.
Market Outlook
With global headwinds, trade tensions, and sector-specific developments, investors are expected to remain cautious in today’s trading session. Export-oriented sectors may see selling pressure, while stocks like TCS, InterGlobe Aviation, Hindalco, and HAL could see strong activity due to company-specific news.
Analysts suggest that volatility is likely to remain high, and traders should keep an eye on sectoral cues along with global market trends.
