Stocks in Focus: Maruti Suzuki, Indian Oil, Varun Beverages Among 10 Companies of Note

Indian Stock Market Set to Open on a Weaker Note Amid US-Iran Tensions

The Indian benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty 50, are expected to open on a weaker note on Thursday, April 2, 2026, as investor sentiment turns cautious following US President Donald Trump's statement on the US-Iran conflict. Trump stated that American forces would strike Iran "very hard" over the next two to three weeks.

This development has led to a cautious opening for the domestic markets, with the Nifty index trading around 22,393, a decline of nearly 445 points from the previous close of Nifty futures. Despite this, the Indian equity markets are attempting to build on the previous session's rebound driven by easing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and tentative signs of de-escalation in the U.S.-Iran conflict. The shift has helped cool crude oil prices, offering immediate relief to global markets and lifting investor sentiment.

Market Performance

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Asian markets were trading higher, while US equities closed in positive territory overnight, driven by gains in heavyweight index stocks.

On Wednesday, the Indian stock market ended its two-day losing streak, posting strong gains. The Sensex surged 1,186.77 points, or 1.65%, to finish at 73,134.32, while the Nifty 50 rose 348.00 points, or 1.56%, to settle at 22,679.40.

Key Stocks to Watch

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Several stocks are expected to remain in focus on Thursday, April 2, 2026, amidst the backdrop of US-Iran tensions. These stocks include:

• Maruti Suzuki: The company reported a 17% year-on-year increase in total sales, reaching 2,25,251 units in March compared to 1,92,984 units in the corresponding month last year.
• Indian Oil Corp: The company reported that its refineries recorded a historic high crude throughput of 75.4 MMT in FY26, while maintaining an operational reliability of 99.5%.
• IndiGo: The airline announced that it will adjust fuel surcharges on both domestic and international flights for all new bookings made from 12:01 am on April 2, due to a sharp increase in aviation fuel prices.
• Varun Beverages: The company set Wednesday, April 8, 2026, as the record date to identify shareholders eligible to receive the final dividend for the financial year ending December 31, 2025.
• Lupin: The drugmaker announced that its subsidiary will acquire a 43.38% stake in Multicare Pharmaceuticals Philippines, Inc. (MPPI) in a deal worth up to $39.6 million, as part of its strategy to expand its footprint in the Philippine market.
• NMDC: The state-owned miner reported a significant increase in iron ore production and sales in March, with both output and dispatches posting robust year-on-year growth, as per the company's provisional data.
• Hero MotoCorp: The company finalized the acquisition of 2,68,219 Series E cumulative compulsorily convertible preference shares of Euler Motors for ₹210 crore.
• Glenmark Pharma: Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Inc., USA, announced that it will take charge of the complete commercialization and distribution of Ryaltris (Olopatadine Hydrochloride and Mometasone Furoate) Nasal Spray, 665 mcg/25 mcg, in the United States, effective April 1.
• Wipro: Nagendra Bandaru, currently serving as President and Managing Partner of Technology Services Global Business Lines (GBLs), has been named Chief Executive Officer of the AI-Native Business & Platforms unit.
• Tata Power: The company restarted operations at its 4,150 MW Mundra thermal power plant after being shut down for nearly nine months.