Indian benchmarks delivered blockbuster gains last week, but the real test comes now. US-Iran talks wrapping up without resolution have heightened uncertainties, as markets digest potential escalations that could spike oil and unsettle global risk appetite.
Q4 FY26 earnings take center stage, with marquee names such as ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Wipro, Tejas Networks, Crisil, HDFC AMC, HDFC Life, and Yes Bank reporting. Expectations run high for banks to show robust loan growth, while IT firms face scrutiny over deal wins amid US slowdown fears.
Oil prices, hovering under $100/barrel thanks to a fragile US-Iran ceasefire, offer a breather. Yet, investors remain vigilant; renewed tensions could push Brent higher, fueling imported inflation in oil-guzzling India.
A barrage of domestic indicators looms: CPI on April 13, WPI on 14th, and jobless rates plus import-export stats on 15th. Sticky inflation might delay rate cuts, pressuring valuations, while softer unemployment could boost sentiment.
Recapping the prior week’s euphoria: Sensex rocketed 5.77% to 77,550.25, Nifty 5.89% to 24,050.60. Realty soared 12.97%, Autos 10.59%, Consumer Durables 9.35%, Defence 9.20%, Financials 9.04%, Private Banks 8.57%, and PSU Banks 7.92%. Mid and smallcaps shone too, up 7.76% and 7.60% respectively.
Looking ahead, strategists recommend hedging against geo-risks while eyeing dips in high-beta sectors. Earnings could catalyze fresh legs up if results exceed forecasts, but weak data might cap upside. Stay diversified and data-driven as markets navigate this high-stakes stretch.
