Indian stock markets are poised for a higher open, with GIFT Nifty signaling positive sentiment. Major lenders reported robust business updates for the December quarter.
Banking Sector Performance
HDFC Bank saw its loan book grow 11.9% year-on-year as of December 31, 2025, with deposits rising 11.5%. This marks a significant acceleration from previous quarters. Kotak Mahindra Bank's net advances climbed 16% year-on-year to ₹4,80,229 crore. Axis Bank reported gross advances up 14.1% year-on-year, reaching ₹11.71 lakh crore, while total deposits grew 15%.
IndusInd Bank, however, showed a moderation in growth, with net advances declining 13.1% year-on-year to ₹3.18 lakh crore. Deposits also saw a marginal decrease. Central Bank of India reported an approximate 16% growth in total business and a substantial increase in deposits, though these figures await auditor review.
Manufacturing & Consumer Goods Updates
Samvardhana Motherson International's arm, Motherson Electronic Components, secured government incentives under the production-linked incentive scheme. The company plans a ₹1,900 crore investment over six years from FY26 to FY31, aiming to create over 5,000 jobs at its Tamil Nadu plant.
Dabur India expects consolidated revenue for the December quarter to grow at a mid-single-digit percentage. The fast-moving consumer goods major anticipates operating profit and net profit to outpace revenue growth, citing positive macroeconomic conditions and tax reforms supporting demand.
Strategic Disinvestment & Financial Ventures
The strategic disinvestment of IDBI Bank is anticipated to extend beyond the current fiscal year, as procedural and evaluation processes continue. This delay may lead to the government's non-debt capital receipts falling short of the Budget target for the current fiscal. Separately, HDFC Asset Management Company has launched a new Structured Credit Fund-I, with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) committing up to ₹220 crore as an anchor investor.
Oil And Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has entered into joint venture agreements with Japan's Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) to establish two entities in Gift City, Gandhinagar. ONGC will hold a 50% stake in each venture, Bharat Ethane One IFSC Private Ltd and Bharat Ethane Two IFSC Private Ltd.