Stocks to Watch: Reliance Industries, LIC, IREDA Among 10 Shares Drawing Investor Attention

Indian Stock Market Outlook

Key Figures:

• 23,112: Current level of GIFT Nifty
• 188 points: Discount compared to the previous close of Nifty futures
• 1.63%: Gain in Sensex on Wednesday
• 1.72%: Gain in Nifty 50 on Wednesday
• 75,273.45: Closing level of Sensex on Wednesday
• 23,306.45: Closing level of Nifty 50 on Wednesday
• $465 million: Acquisition price of Optimum Healthcare IT by Infosys
• $95 million: Acquisition price of Stratus Global by Infosys
• ₹0.6: Interim dividend per share by IREDA
• ₹8: Interim dividend per share by Chennai Petroleum
• ₹26,000 crore: Order book of Bharat Dynamics
• ₹15,000 crore: Additional orders expected by Bharat Dynamics in FY 2026-27
• ₹8,000 crore: Borrowing plan approved by NHPC

Market Analysis

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The Indian stock market is expected to open lower on Friday, tracking weak global cues amid the ongoing US-Iran conflict and rising concerns over inflation. Trends in GIFT Nifty point to a subdued start, with the index trading around 23,112, reflecting a discount of nearly 188 points compared to the previous close of Nifty futures. The Indian equity market is likely to open on a weak note, driven by a mix of global uncertainty, macro pressures, and continued institutional selling.

Stocks in Focus

• Reliance Industries: The company has refuted media reports of buying Iranian crude oil, calling them baseless, factually incorrect, and misleading.
• LIC: The company has received a demand order pertaining to income tax and interest, which can be challenged before the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals).
• Infosys: The digital services and consulting firm has entered into definitive agreements to acquire Optimum Healthcare IT and Stratus Global for $465 million and $95 million, respectively.
• IREDA: The company has announced an interim dividend of ₹0.6 per share for FY26, with a record date of April 2, 2026.
• Azad Engineering: The company has entered into a long-term agreement with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to supply advanced hot-section nozzle vane segments used in gas turbine engines.
• Chennai Petroleum: The state-owned company has announced an interim dividend of ₹8 per share for the financial year 2026.
• Bharat Dynamics: The company is in the process of setting up two new manufacturing facilities in Telangana and Uttar Pradesh, aligned with its existing order book of nearly ₹26,000 crore, along with additional orders worth ₹15,000 crore expected in FY 2026-27.
• Sadhav Engineering: The company has signed a Master Restructuring Agreement (MRA) with the majority of its consortium lenders as part of its debt restructuring plan.
• NHPC: The board has approved a borrowing plan to raise up to ₹8,000 crore in debt during FY 2026-27.
• HFCL: The board has approved the establishment of a preform manufacturing facility through the company's wholly owned subsidiary, HFCL Technologies, with a total investment of ₹580 crore.