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Markets rally on hopes of US-Iran deal; Sensex, Nifty hit one-month highs

Markets rally on hopes of US-Iran deal; Sensex, Nifty hit one-month highs

by | Apr 15, 2026 | Share Market



Domestic equity markets surged on Wednesday, with benchmark indices logging their highest close in over a month, as softer crude oil prices and optimism around renewed US–Iran peace talks lifted investor sentiment. 


The benchmark Sensex rose 1,264 points, or 1.6 per cent, to settle at 78,111, while the Nifty 50 gained 389 points, or 1.6 per cent, to close at 24,231. Both indices recorded their strongest single-day gain since April 8 and their highest closing levels since March 10, 2026. 


The total market capitalisation of BSE-listed companies increased by ₹9.4 trillion to ₹458.5 trillion ($4.91 trillion). 


The decline in crude oil prices boosted risk appetite. Brent crude prices were trading at $ 92.08, a decline of 0.6 per cent. The drop in oil prices — a key positive for import-dependent India — followed rising expectations of renewed diplomatic engagement between the United States and Iran. 

 


US President Donald Trump, in separate interactions with media outlets, indicated that talks could resume within the next two days and suggested the conflict could be nearing an end. This raised hopes of a potential de-escalation in the Iran–Israel conflict, which has disrupted flows through the Strait of Hormuz — a critical route handling nearly a fifth of global oil supply.


After a sharp slump in March, the markets have staged a strong rebound so far this month. 


The Sensex and the Nifty have rallied 8.5 per cent this month, while the Nifty Midcap 100 and the Nifty Smallcap 100 has surged 11.6 per cent and 12.8 per cent, respectively. 


“Markets tend to price in the best-case scenario, even if it may not eventually play out. The current optimism reflects fatigue after seven to eight weeks of decline amid persistent negative news flow. Any positive trigger is therefore being quickly embraced,” said UR Bhat, co-founder of Alphaniti Fintech. 


Mid- and small-cap indices have recovered all losses incurred during the US–Iran conflict, but benchmark indices still remain about 4 per cent below their pre-war levels. 


Going ahead, the trajectory of peace negotiations and the upcoming corporate earnings season are likely to guide market direction. 


“Despite a muted Q4 outlook, investors are encouraged by attractive valuations and a relatively stronger FY27 earnings visibility, suggesting the rally could sustain in the near term. The decline in India’s 10-year bond yield and easing in India VIX also indicate improving stability. Sectorally, resilient demand expectations supported gains in power and consumer durables, while easing global risk sentiment aided IT outperformance,” said Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Investments. 


Market breadth remained robust, with 3,547 stocks advancing against 836 declines. Broader markets outperformed, with the Nifty Midcap 100 rising 2.2 per cent and the Nifty Smallcap 100 gaining 2.35 per cent. All sectoral indices ended in the green, led by consumer durables, which advanced 2.9 per cent. 


Among Sensex constituents, all but two stocks ended higher. HDFC Bank, up 1.97 per cent, contributed the most to the index’s gains, followed by Reliance Industries, which rose 2.3 per cent. InterGlobe Aviation (IndiGo) was the top gainer, climbing 4.6 per cent, while Larsen & Toubro advanced 3.08 per cent. 


Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) were net buyers of Rs 666 crore, while domestic institutions were net sellers of Rs 569 crore.



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HDB Financial Services Q4 profit jumps 41% YoY

HDB Financial Services Q4 profit jumps 41% YoY

by | Apr 15, 2026 | Share Market


HDB Financial Services delivered a strong Q4 FY26 performance, with earnings growth accelerating on the back of steady loan expansion and improving operating efficiency.

On a standalone basis, net profit rose 41.4% YoY and 16.6% QoQ to Rs 751 crore in Q4 FY26 from Rs 531 crore in Q4 FY25 and Rs 644 crore in Q3 FY26.

Net interest income increased 21.6% YoY and 5% QoQ to Rs 2,399 crore, compared to Rs 1,973 crore in the year-ago quarter and Rs 2,285 crore in the previous quarter.

Net income came in at Rs 2,769 crore, up 19.8% YoY and 4% QoQ. Profit before tax stood at Rs 991 crore in Q4 FY26, up 44.3% YoY and 17.6% QoQ.

 

Pre-provisioning operating profit stood at Rs 1,675 crore in Q4 FY26, rising 26.9% YoY and 7.8% QoQ, indicating strong underlying operating momentum.

On the cost front, employee expenses rose 7.5% YoY but declined 5.4% QoQ to Rs 709 crore, while other operating expenses increased 16% YoY and 7.1% QoQ to Rs 385 crore. Total expenses rose 10.3% YoY but declined 1.3% QoQ, aiding margin expansion.

Credit costs stood at Rs 685 crore, up 8% YoY but down 3.9% QoQ, suggesting some sequential easing.

On the balance sheet front, assets under management rose 10.7% YoY to Rs 1,18,733 crore as of 31 March 2026, while the gross loan book grew 10.9% YoY and 3.4% QoQ to Rs 1,18,493 crore.

Asset quality saw slight pressure, with gross stage 3 assets rising to 2.44% from 2.26% YoY, while net stage 3 assets increased to 1.09% from 0.99%.

Provision coverage ratio remained stable at 55.53% compared to 55.95% a year ago.

For the full year, net profit rose 16.9% YoY to Rs 2,544 crore, while net interest income grew 20.4% to Rs 8,968 crore in FY26.

The NBFC’s board approved a fundraising of Rs 32,824.72 crore through debt. The fundraising, which includes renewal of Rs 31,974.72 crore and fresh capital of Rs 850 crore, will be done through issue of debt securities on private placement basis, in one or more tranches.

Further, the board also declared a final dividend of Rs 2 per share for the financial year ended March 2026.

HDB Financial Services (HDBFS) is a non-deposit taking non-banking finance company (‘NBFC’) offering wide range of loan products to individuals, emerging businesses and micro enterprises. Established in 2007, as a subsidiary of HDFC Bank Limited, HDBFS is categorized as an upper layer NBFC by the RBI. HDBFS offers a large portfolio of lending products that cater to a growing and diverse customer base through a wide omni-channel distribution network. Its lending products are offered through the three business verticals: Enterprise Lending, Asset Finance and Consumer Finance. As of 31 March 2026, the companys distribution network spans 1,730 branches across 1,161 cities/ towns.



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Ujjivan SFB shares tumble after RBI returns universal bank application

Ujjivan SFB shares tumble after RBI returns universal bank application

by | Apr 15, 2026 | Share Market



Ujjivan Small Finance Bank’s shares tumbled over 6 per cent on Wednesday after the bank disclosed to the exchanges on Monday that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has returned its application to convert into a universal bank. The bank’s shares recovered some of the losses and closed 3 per cent lower on the BSE at Rs 58.53. 


The central bank returned its application, saying the lender needs to further diversify its loan book beyond the progress made so far. The central bank has advised the bank to consider reapplying after demonstrating a more diversified loan portfolio. 


The bank had submitted its application to transition into a universal bank in February 2025. It was among three small finance banks — Ujjivan Small Finance Bank, AU Small Finance Bank, and Jana Small Finance Bank — that had applied to the RBI for such a conversion. 

 


While AU Small Finance Bank received the RBI’s approval last year and is currently in the process of transitioning, Jana Small Finance Bank’s application has also been returned by the central bank. 


According to RBI guidelines, only listed SFBs are eligible to apply for a universal banking licence. To qualify, they must have a minimum net worth of Rs 1,000 crore, scheduled bank status, and a satisfactory operational track record of at least five years. 
Additionally, they should have been consistently profitable, with gross non-performing assets below 3 per cent and net NPAs under 1 per cent over the past two financial years. 


While a diversified loan book is not an explicit requirement under the central bank’s norms, industry insiders said that, beyond the prescribed guidelines for small finance banks (SFBs) seeking conversion into universal banks, the Reserve Bank of India is closely evaluating additional parameters. These include the extent of diversification across asset classes and geographies, the size of the loan book, governance standards, and asset quality, with particular emphasis on gross NPAs.



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HDB Financial Services Q4 profit jumps 41% YoY

Sensex soars 1,264 pts, Nifty above 24,200 on oil slide and US-Iran optimism

by | Apr 15, 2026 | Share Market


The headline equity benchmarks surged on Wednesday, tracking firm cues from other Asian markets amid renewed optimism over the resumption of US-Iran peace talks. Sentiment strengthened as crude oil prices slipped decisively below the $100 per barrel mark, while the rupee appreciated against the US dollar, supported by softer crude and a weaker greenback. The Nifty closed firmly above the 24,200 level, led by strong buying in consumer durables and IT stocks.

The S&P BSE Sensex surged 1,263.67 points or 1.64% to 78,111.24. The Nifty 50 index jumped 388.65 points or 1.63% to 24,231.30.

Larsen & Toubro (up 3.08%), Reliance Industries (up 2.26%) and HDFC Bank (up 1.97%) boosted the indices higher today.

 

The broader market outperformed the frontline indices. The BSE 150 MidCap Index soared 2.16% and the BSE 250 SmallCap Index climbed 2.41%.

The market breadth was strong. On the BSE, 3,585 shares rose and 802 shares fell. A total of 137 shares were unchanged.

The NSE’s India VIX, a gauge of the market’s expectation of volatility over the near term, dropped 8.93% to 18.67.

Economy:

Indias wholesale inflation rose to a 38-month high of 3.88% in March, up from 2.13% in February, driven by higher prices of crude petroleum, fuel, and manufactured goods, according to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

The increase was led by a rise in prices of crude petroleum and natural gas, non-food articles, basic metals, manufactured products, and food articles. The index for this major group rose 4.13% in March 2026, compared with 1.17% (provisional) in February 2026. Prices of manufactured goods increased 0.88% in March from 0.75% in February, with 16 of 22 manufacturing groups recording gains while 6 reported declines. Meanwhile, WPI food inflation remained unchanged at 1.85% YoY in March.

Meanwhile, Indias trade deficit narrowed to $20.67 billion in March 2026, down from $27.1 billion in February and $21.69 billion in the same month last year, marking the smallest gap since June 2025.

The improvement was driven by a rise in exports to $38.92 billion in March 2026 from $36.61 billion in February 2026, along with a decline in imports to $59.59 billion from $63.71 billion.

However, the outlook remains uncertain amid escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia.

IMF lifts India growth outlook to 6.5%:

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has marginally raised Indias GDP growth forecast for 2026 to 6.5%, citing strong domestic demand and carryover momentum, while retaining the same growth estimate for 2027.

However, the IMF cautioned that escalating geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, could weigh on global growth and push inflation higher in the near term.

Globally, growth is projected at 3.1% in 2026 and 3.2% in 2027, with China expected to grow at 4.4% and the US at 2.3%, underscoring Indias relatively stronger growth outlook.

Numbers to Track:

The yield on India’s 10-year benchmark federal paper slipped 0.78% to 6.884 compared with the previous session close of 6.938.

In the foreign exchange market, the rupee edged lower against the dollar. The partially convertible rupee was hovering at 93.4400 compared with its close of 93.3500 during the previous trading session.

MCX Gold futures for the 5 June 2026 settlement fell 0.41% to Rs 154,179.

The US Dollar Index (DXY), which tracks the greenback’s value against a basket of currencies, was up 0.16% to 98.06.

The United States 10-year bond yield added 0.28% to 4.264.

In the commodities market, Brent crude for June 2026 settlement jumped $1.85 or 1.95% to $96.64 a barrel.

Global Markets:

Most European shares declined on Wednesday as investors assessed developments in the U.S.-Iran conflict and the possibility of renewed peace talks.

Eurozone industrial production rose 0.4% month-on-month in February 2026, recovering after two consecutive months of decline and coming in above estimates of 0.3%. The growth was driven by non-durable consumer goods, capital goods, and intermediate goods, although energy output and durable goods declined. On a year-on-year basis, industrial production fell 0.6%.

Most Asian indices ended higher, tracking overnight gains on Wall Street, as oil prices eased on hopes of a diplomatic resolution to the Middle East conflict. Media reports indicated that a second round of talks between Washington and Tehran is under discussion, though no official schedule has been announced.

U.S. President Donald Trump said, “Weve been called by the other side. Theyd like to make a deal very badly.”

Chinas finance ministry is expected to issue 15.5 billion yuan-denominated treasury bonds in Hong Kong on 22 April.

On Wall Street, equities advanced on Tuesday as investors remained optimistic about a potential U.S.-Iran deal despite the recent breakdown in negotiations. The S&P 500 rose 1.18% to close at 6,967.38, remaining less than 1% below its 52-week high. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 317.74 points, or 0.66%, to 48,535.99, while the Nasdaq Composite climbed 1.96% to 23,639.08.

Investor sentiment was also supported by the March producer price index data. The index rose 0.5% month-on-month, significantly below expectations of a 1.1% increase, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, easing concerns of a sharp inflation spike driven by higher energy prices.

Stocks in Spotlight:

Anand Rathi Share and Stock Brokers surged 1.79% after the companys consolidated net profit surged 125.74% to Rs 41.56 crore on a 28.06% increase in total revenue from operations to Rs 255.66 crore in Q4 FY26 over Q4 FY25.

Ujjivan Small Finance Bank declined 3% after the Reserve Bank of India returned the lenders application for transition to a universal bank.

ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company (AMC) dropped 4.05% after the company reported a 16.76% drop in consolidated net profit to Rs 763.42 crore on a 0.15% decline in revenue from operations to Rs 1517.01 crore in Q4 FY26 over Q3 FY26.

ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company advanced 2.61% after reporting a strong set of Q4 FY26 results, with standalone net profit rising 57.60% year-on-year to Rs 608.81 crore compared with Rs 386.29 crore in the same quarter last year. The company’s total income witnessed a sharp loss of 78.98% YoY, reaching Rs 3,306 crore for the quarter ended 31 March 2026.

Shanti Gold International rose 4.58% after the company reported a robust operational performance for the quarter and full year ended 31 March 2026.

For Q4 FY26, the company reported volume growth of 25% YoY despite volatility in gold prices, reflecting resilient demand and strong client relationships. Revenue surged over 120% YoY during the quarter, supported by both higher volumes and favourable gold price trends. The company said this marked its strongest quarterly performance to date, aided by wedding season demand.

On a full-year basis, gold volumes rose 15% YoY in FY26, while revenues increased by more than 80% YoY, driven by steady demand from existing clients as well as new customer additions.

Eimco Elecon (India) slipped 7.70% after its standalone net profit tanked 57.22% to Rs 6.36 crore in Q4 FY26 as against Rs 14.87 crore in Q4 FY25. However, revenue from operations rose 4.04% to Rs 66.88 crore in Q4 FY26 as against Rs 64.28 crore in Q4 FY25.

Nuvoco Vistas Corporation shed 1.22%. The companys consolidated net profit slipped 14.99% to Rs 140.71 crore in Q4 FY26 as against Rs 165.54 crore in Q4 FY25. However, revenue from operations rose 8.69% year on year (YoY) to Rs 3,306.75 crore in Q4 FY26.

Swaraj Engines jumped 3.49% after the company reported a 20.12% jump in standalone net profit to Rs 54.56 crore in Q4 FY26, compared with Rs 45.42 crore in Q4 FY25. Revenue from operations rose 20.18% year-on-year to Rs 545.79 crore in the quarter ended 31 March 2026.

Just Dial slipped 4.97% after the company reported a 36.54% decline in standalone net profit to Rs 100 crore, despite a 6.23% increase in net revenue to Rs 307.24 crore in Q4 FY26 over Q4 FY25.

Den Networks shed 0.28%. The company reported a 38.25% decline in consolidated net profit to Rs 38.39 crore in Q4 FY26 as against Rs 62.18 crore posted in Q4 FY25. Revenue from operations slipped 3.03% year on year to Rs 240.57 crore in the quarter ended 31 March 2026.

Landmark Cars rose 3.42% after the companys total revenue from operations (including agency sales) jumped 17.50% to Rs 1,790 crore in Q4 FY26 compared with Rs 1,526 crore in Q4 FY25.

TANFAC Industries jumped 5.82% after the company announced that it has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the supply of 5,000 MT per annum of its key fluorinated product with a large multinational company.

Ramco Systems rose 1.06% after the company announced the go-live of its Aviation Suite at the Engine Maintenance Center of Korean Air.

Shelter Pharma gained 1.58% after the company announced key senior-level appointments aimed at strengthening its sales and export functions.



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HDB Financial Services Q4 profit jumps 41% YoY

Sensex settles 1,264 pts higher; Nifty ends above 24,200 level

by | Apr 15, 2026 | Share Market


The key domestic indices ended higher on Wednesday, following a rally in global markets, amid optimism over the resumption of US-Iran peace talks. The Nifty ended above the 24,200 level. All sectoral indices on the NSE traded in the green, with consumer durables, IT, and realty stocks advancing the most.

As per provisional closing data, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex advanced 1,263.67 points or 1.64% to 78,111.24. The Nifty 50 index jumped 388.65 points or 1.63% to 24,231.30.

The broader market outperformed the frontline indices. The BSE 150 MidCap Index jumped 2.16% and the BSE 250 SmallCap Index rose 2.41%.

 

The market breadth was strong. On the BSE, 3,584 shares rose and 803 shares fell. A total of 126 shares were unchanged.

The NSE’s India VIX, a gauge of the market’s expectation of volatility over the near term, declined 8.93% to 18.67.

Economy:

Indias wholesale inflation rose to a 38-month high of 3.88% in March, up from 2.13% in February, driven mainly by higher crude petroleum prices, fuel costs, and manufactured goods, according to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

The rise was led by increases in crude petroleum and natural gas, other manufacturing items, non-food articles, basic metals, and food articles.

The fuel and power index rose 4.13%, with mineral oil prices up 8.77%, while electricity prices fell 5.07% during the month.

Prices of manufactured goods increased 0.88%, with 16 of 22 manufacturing groups reporting gains and 6 witnessing declines. Meanwhile, WPI food inflation remained unchanged at 1.85% YoY in March.

Indias merchandise trade deficit narrowed to $20.67 billion in March, government data showed on Wednesday, amid concerns that the Iran conflict could disrupt exports to Gulf countries while increasing the cost of energy and other imports.

Imports during the month stood at $59.59 billion, down 6% from $63.74 billion in March 2025, while exports declined 7.4% to $38.92 billion compared with $42.05 billion in the year-ago period.

Buzzing Index:

The Nifty Consumer Durables index jumped 2.91% to 37,361.25. The index shed 0.44% in the past trading session.

PG Electroplast (up 10.31%), Dixon Technologies (India) (up 5.44%), Blue Star (up 4.34%), Amber Enterprises India (up 4.31%), Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals (up 3.97%), Kajaria Ceramics (up 3.3%), Voltas (up 2.97%), Whirlpool of India (up 2.86%), LG Electronics India (up 2.37%) and Titan Company (up 1.96%) rose.

Stocks in Spotlight:

Anand Rathi Share and Stock Brokers surged 1.66% after the companys consolidated net profit surged 125.74% to Rs 41.56 crore on a 28.06% increase in total revenue from operations to Rs 255.66 crore in Q4 FY26 over Q4 FY25.

ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company (AMC) dropped 3.78% after the company reported a 16.76% drop in consolidated net profit to Rs 763.42 crore on a 0.15% decline in revenue from operations to Rs 1517.01 crore in Q4 FY26 over Q3 FY26.

ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company advanced 3.21% after reporting a strong set of Q4 FY26 results, with standalone net profit rising 57.60% year-on-year to Rs 608.81 crore compared with Rs 386.29 crore in the same quarter last year. The company’s total income witnessed a sharp loss of 78.98% YoY, reaching Rs 3,306 crore for the quarter ended 31 March 2026.

Eimco Elecon (India) slipped 7.70% after its standalone net profit tanked 57.22% to Rs 6.36 crore in Q4 FY26 as against Rs 14.87 crore in Q4 FY25. However, revenue from operations rose 4.04% to Rs 66.88 crore in Q4 FY26 as against Rs 64.28 crore in Q4 FY25.

Nuvoco Vistas Corporation shed 0.08%. The companys consolidated net profit slipped 14.99% to Rs 140.71 crore in Q4 FY26 as against Rs 165.54 crore in Q4 FY25. However, revenue from operations rose 8.69% year on year (YoY) to Rs 3,306.75 crore in Q4 FY26.

Swaraj Engines jumped 3.87% after the company reported a 20.12% jump in standalone net profit to Rs 54.56 crore in Q4 FY26, compared with Rs 45.42 crore in Q4 FY25. Revenue from operations rose 20.18% year-on-year to Rs 545.79 crore in the quarter ended 31 March 2026.

Just Dial slipped 5.04% after the company reported a 36.54% decline in standalone net profit to Rs 100 crore, despite a 6.23% increase in net revenue to Rs 307.24 crore in Q4 FY26 over Q4 FY25.

Den Networks shed 0.17%. The company reported a 38.25% decline in consolidated net profit to Rs 38.39 crore in Q4 FY26 as against Rs 62.18 crore posted in Q4 FY25. Revenue from operations slipped 3.03% year on year to Rs 240.57 crore in the quarter ended 31 March 2026.

Landmark Cars rose 3.42% after the companys total revenue from operations (including agency sales) jumped 17.50% to Rs 1,790 crore in Q4 FY26 compared with Rs 1,526 crore in Q4 FY25.

TANFAC Industries jumped 6.07% after the company announced that it has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the supply of 5,000 MT per annum of its key fluorinated product with a large multinational company.

Global Markets:

European shares traded mixed on Wednesday as investors assessed the trajectory of the U.S.-Iran conflict and the prospects of renewed peace talks.

Eurozone industrial production rose 0.4% month-on-month in February 2026, rebounding after two months of decline and beating estimates of 0.3%, driven by gains in non-durable consumer goods, capital goods, and intermediate goods. However, energy output and durable goods declined, while on a year-on-year basis, industrial production fell 0.6%.

Asian markets ended higher, tracking overnight gains in U.S. stocks, as oil prices fell amid rising hopes of a diplomatic solution to the Middle East conflict.

Media reports suggested that a second round of negotiations between Washington and Tehran was under discussion. Nothing has been officially scheduled yet, the reports added.

Weve been called by the other side, President Donald Trump said Monday. Theyd like to make a deal very badly, he added.

Meanwhile, Chinas finance ministry has reportedly said it will issue 15.5 billion yuan-denominated treasury bonds in Hong Kong on April 22.

Overnight on Wall Street, stocks rose on Tuesday following a strong session in which traders shrugged off a breakdown in peace talks between the U.S. and Iran yet were optimistic that a deal between the two countries was still possible.

The S&P 500 gained 1.18% and closed at 6,967.38. The broad market index now stands less than 1% below its 52-week high. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 317.74 points, or 0.66%, to close at 48,535.99. The Nasdaq Composite advanced 1.96% and ended at 23,639.08.

Also helping sentiment was the release of Marchs producer price index reading. The index recorded a rise in March, but the rise was considerably less than expected as the Iran wars push on energy prices rekindled fears of another inflation burst.

The producer price index, a gauge of pipeline costs for final demand goods and services, increased a seasonally adjusted 0.5% for the month, well below the widely reported estimate for 1.1%, according to a Bureau of Labor Statistics report Tuesday.



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