Indian Markets Eye Muted Start Amid Global Tech Sell-off; Key Q2 Results & Bharti Airtel Stake Sale on Watch

Indian equity benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, are anticipated to open on a subdued note on Friday, November 7, 2025, influenced by a general weakness in global markets, especially following a sell-off in technology and artificial intelligence (AI) stocks. As of early morning, GIFT Nifty futures indicated a decline. Asian markets traded lower, with Hong Kong's Hang Seng, Japan's Nikkei, and South Korea's Kospi all registering losses. Overnight, the US equity market also settled lower, with the S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Dow Jones falling amid concerns over the high valuations of tech stocks.

Several companies reported their July-September 2025 quarter (Q2FY26) results: - **Apollo Hospitals Enterprises** posted a net profit of ₹494 crore, up 24.8%, with revenue increasing 12.8% to ₹6,303.5 crore. - **Bharti Airtel** is in focus as Singapore Telecommunications Ltd (Singtel) plans to sell around a 0.8% stake, valued at approximately ₹10,300 crore, likely at a discount to its closing price. - **Life Insurance Corporation of India** reported a consolidated net profit growth of 31% to ₹10,098 crore, with net premium income up 5.5%. - **Lupin**'s profit surged 73.3% to ₹1,477.9 crore, and revenue increased 24.2%. - **NHPC** recorded a 13.5% profit growth to ₹1,021.4 crore, with revenue up 10.3%. - **ABB India** reported a 7.2% decline in profit to ₹408.9 crore, although revenue grew 13.7%. - **Mankind Pharma**'s consolidated profit declined 22% to ₹511.5 crore, despite a 20.8% rise in revenue. - **GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals** saw a marginal 2% profit increase to ₹257.5 crore, while revenue fell 3%. - **Bajaj Housing Finance**'s profit jumped 17.8% to ₹643 crore, with revenue up 14.3% and Net Interest Income (NII) surging 34%. - **Amber Enterprises India** posted a loss of ₹32.9 crore, compared to a profit last year, and revenue declined 2.2%.

Additionally, numerous companies, including Bajaj Auto, Hindalco Industries, and FSN E-Commerce Ventures (Nykaa), are scheduled to announce their Q2 results today.

Impact: This news has a significant impact on the Indian stock market. Individual company results will directly influence their stock prices. The large stake sale in Bharti Airtel is expected to affect its trading dynamics. The global market sentiment, particularly the tech sell-off, could dampen overall investor sentiment in India. The upcoming results from a wide array of companies will provide further direction. Rating: 6/10

Difficult terms: - **Q2FY26**: Refers to the financial results for the second quarter of the fiscal year 2025-2026, typically covering the period from July 1 to September 30, 2025. - **Net Profit**: The profit remaining after all expenses, including taxes and interest, have been deducted from total revenue. It represents the company's bottom line. - **Revenue**: The total amount of income generated by the sale of goods or services related to the company's primary operations. It is also known as turnover. - **Block Deal**: A large transaction of shares traded privately between two parties, rather than on the public exchange. It usually involves institutional investors. - **Floor Price**: The minimum price set for the sale of shares in a block deal or auction. Shares cannot be sold below this price. - **Discount**: A reduction in price. In this context, shares might be offered at a price lower than their current market value. - **Net Premium Income**: The revenue generated by an insurance company from insurance premiums after accounting for reinsurance costs. It is a key income metric for insurers. - **Consolidated Profit**: The total profit of a parent company and its subsidiaries combined, after eliminating any transactions between them. - **Net Interest Income (NII)**: The difference between the interest earned by a financial institution (like a bank or housing finance company) on its lending activities and the interest it pays out on its borrowings and deposits.