Markets End Week Slightly Lower; Airtel, LIC, SBI, HUL, and TVS Motor Among Stocks in Focus Next Week

Domestic equity benchmarks Sensex and Nifty ended the week on a slightly negative note, snapping their four-week winning streak. Both indices declined about 0.3% each, weighed down by profit-booking and mixed global cues. Analysts said the broader market remained resilient, even as volatility picked up toward the end of the week.

According to Ajit Mishra, SVP – Research at Religare Broking Ltd, “The week’s market mood reflected a blend of domestic resilience and global caution. On the domestic front, India’s industrial output rose 4% year-on-year in September 2025, driven by strong manufacturing activity—up from 3.2% in the same month last year.”

Sector-wise, Metals, Energy, and Realty stocks outperformed amid firm demand and supportive global trends, while profit-taking in Auto, Pharma, and IT stocks capped gains. The broader indices, however, continued to show strength, with the Midcap index up 1% and the Smallcap index rising 0.7%.


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Stocks to Watch Next Week

1. Bharti Airtel, LIC, SBI, M&M, Sun Pharma, Titan, Adani Enterprises, Adani Ports
These companies are scheduled to announce their Q2 FY26 earnings next week, according to BSE data. The results will likely influence near-term market direction.

2. Hindustan Unilever (HUL)
The FMCG major disclosed that it received an Assessment Order and a notice of demand worth ₹1,986.25 crore from the Income Tax Department. The stock will also turn ex-date for a corporate action next week.

3. TVS Motor Company
The automaker reported record monthly sales of 5.43 lakh units in October 2025, marking an 11% YoY increase from 4.89 lakh units in October 2024. The figures reflect robust domestic and export demand.

4. Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, Coal India, BPCL, NTPC
These stocks will turn ex-date next week for various corporate actions, as per BSE disclosures.

5. Astra Microwave Products
Its joint venture, Astra Rafael Comsys Pvt Ltd, secured a ₹285.56 crore order from the Ministry of Defence, a development expected to boost sentiment around the stock.

6. JK Cement
The company posted a 27.6% YoY rise in consolidated net profit to ₹160.53 crore for Q2 FY26, driven by improved volumes and operational efficiency.

7. R R Kabel
The wires and cables manufacturer reported a 135% YoY jump in net profit to ₹116.25 crore for the July–September quarter, supported by strong sales growth and improved margins.

8. Gujarat Gas
The company announced the resignation of Chairman & Director Pankaj Joshi, effective November 1, 2025. The market will watch for any leadership updates.

9. Zensar Technologies
The IT services firm reported a flat quarterly profit at ₹182.2 crore for Q2 FY26, reflecting stable performance amid global demand moderation.

Overall, while near-term volatility may persist due to global factors and earnings reactions, analysts believe domestic fundamentals remain strong. Selective buying interest in mid and small-cap segments could continue to support market breadth in the coming week.