From auto giants to pharma titans, a glance at stocks likely to steer market momentum today
The first trading day of 2025 is shaping up to be eventful, with several stocks across different sectors expected to make a significant impact on market movements. Key among them are auto giants releasing their December sales data, along with developments at ITC, Thomas Cook, and KPIL. Here’s a closer look at stocks to keep an eye on today.
Auto Stocks Set to Stir Market Sentiment
Automobile stocks are the focal point of attention today. Mahindra & Mahindra, Tata Motors, Maruti Suzuki, and other major players in the auto sector are scheduled to release their sales data for December 2024. Investors are particularly keen on how these companies have performed amid fluctuating demand and supply chain issues that marked the latter part of the year. The monthly sales numbers can often provide an early gauge of market health and give investors insight into consumer sentiment and vehicle demand.
The stocks of these auto companies are expected to be highly volatile in the short term as investors react to the numbers. Last year, auto stocks showed resilience despite economic challenges, and all eyes are on whether this trend continues into the new year. Auto manufacturers will be looking to prove that they are poised for sustained growth in the months ahead.
- Mahindra & Mahindra: The stock showed a 1.60% increase recently and remains a standout in the market.
- Maruti Suzuki: With a steady 0.30% rise, Maruti is another name to watch as sales data may reveal how the company is managing its inventory and production ramp-up.
ITC’s Strategic Reshuffle: What’s in Store After the Demerger?
Another company that has been buzzing lately is ITC. The company has completed the demerger of its hotel business into a separate entity, ITC Hotels Ltd., effective from January 1. This move allows ITC to streamline its operations and focus on core segments. As part of the restructuring, all shares held by ITC in several subsidiaries, including Maharaja Heritage Resorts and Gujarat Hotels, will be transferred to ITC Hotels Ltd.
Investors are intrigued by how the reorganization will affect ITC’s market position. The company’s core FMCG business continues to show resilience, and with this demerger, analysts are expecting a more focused approach that could yield positive results over time. While the long-term benefits are still unclear, market sentiment around ITC’s strategic shift could result in a positive response in today’s trading.
KPIL Scores Big with ₹1,011 Crore in New Orders
Kalpataru Projects International Limited (KPIL) is also on investors’ radar today after securing new orders worth ₹1,011 crore. These orders are spread across multiple sectors, including transmission & distribution (T&D) in international markets, as well as railway and buildings & factories (B&F) businesses within India. This impressive win reflects KPIL’s growing presence in both domestic and international markets.
KPIL’s ability to secure substantial projects from diverse industries is a positive indicator of the company’s potential for sustained growth. Market watchers will likely react favorably to this news, with KPIL’s stock expected to benefit from the optimism surrounding its expanding order book.
Thomas Cook’s Cyber Incident: What Are the Implications?
In an unexpected turn of events, travel and tourism giant Thomas Cook has reported a cyber attack on its IT infrastructure. The company swiftly acted by shutting down affected systems and is working with cybersecurity experts to investigate the extent of the breach. While these types of incidents are increasingly common, they can severely impact a company’s reputation and operational capacity, especially in the tech-driven tourism industry.
Investors may approach Thomas Cook with caution today, as companies recovering from cyber attacks often experience short-term volatility. However, if the company can manage the situation effectively and restore operations, it could bounce back relatively quickly. The stock’s performance today will largely depend on how well Thomas Cook communicates its recovery efforts to the market.
Sun Pharmaceutical Makes Strategic Move in Japan
In pharma news, Sun Pharmaceutical is making headlines with a significant deal involving its Japanese subsidiary. The company has agreed to sell 100% of its shares in Sun Pharma Japan Technical Operations Limited to Zaza Industrial Holdings K.K., a move that marks Sun Pharma’s strategic focus on its core operations.
This deal reflects Sun Pharma’s ongoing efforts to streamline its business operations and focus on profitable markets. While the immediate financial impact may be limited, this decision could prove beneficial in the long term by allowing the company to refocus resources and enhance operational efficiency. Investors will be keeping a close watch on any further developments in this space, particularly if the company shares more insights about how it plans to reinvest the proceeds from this sale.
Stocks are set to remain volatile today, with key developments across multiple sectors. Whether it’s the auto sector’s sales data, ITC’s reshuffle, or the potential fallout from Thomas Cook’s cyber incident, investors have a lot to process. As always, keeping an eye on market movements and staying informed will be crucial for making timely investment decisions.
