“A decisive breakout above the 26,200 level could pave the way for a move towards the 26,500–26,700 zone in the near term. Traders are advised to maintain a positive bias and adopt a buy-on-dips strategy, with preference for banking, auto and metal stocks, while continuing to focus on disciplined risk management,” said Ajit Mishra, SVP Research at Religare Broking.
In today’s trade, shares of ITC, Devyani International, Hudco, Tata Steel, KPI Green among others will be in focus due to various news developments.
ITC
Shares of ITC will be in focus today after cracking 10% on Thursday, the steepest single-day decline in nearly six years. This was on the back of finance ministry’s notification of excise duties ranging from Rs 2,050 to Rs 8,500 per 1,000 cigarette sticks depending on length, effective February 1. The levy comes on top of the existing 40% Goods and Services Tax (GST), creating a cascading impact that has analysts warning of volume losses and pricing pressure.
Devyani International
KFC and Pizza Hut operator Sapphire Foods India is set to merge into Devyani International which also operates the QSR chains in the country, the company said in a statement on Thursday. The deal comes as fast-food franchisees in India face slowing same-store sales and margin pressures, with consumers cutting back on dining out and ordering in amid high living costs.
Hudco
State-owned Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO) has sanctioned loans of more than Rs 46,000 crore during the third quarter of this fiscal year. In a regulatory filing on Thursday, HUDCO informed that the company has achieved loan sanctions of Rs 1,39,151 crore during the April-December period of the current fiscal year.Tata Steel
Steel prices in India touched their lowest level in the past five years during 2025, despite strong domestic demand and supply, Tata Steel CEO and Managing Director T V Narendran said on Thursday. Addressing employees at a function here to celebrate the New Year, Narendran said the past year had been challenging due to growing global trade disruptions and protectionist measures adopted by several countries.
KPI Green
KPI Green Energy announced securing approval to connect 32.40 megawatts of solar and hybrid projects to the main electricity grid. In an exchange filing, the company said it has developed these projects for clients of its subsidiary company.