The stock market experienced notable fluctuations on February 11, 2025, reflecting investor sentiment amid looming global economic concerns. The benchmark BSE Sensex witnessed significant declines, falling 548.39 points or 0.70 percent, to settle at 77,311.80, marking its lowest point for the week. The NSE Nifty similarly sank 178.35 points, or 0.76 percent, reaching 23,381.60. Analysts pointed to fresh threats of US tariffs as the catalyst for the downturn, triggering substantial selling across major blue-chip stocks, especially within the banking, metal, and oil sectors.
Despite the dip, several analysts continue to express optimism for select stocks. For example, Axis Securities has issued a ‘buy’ recommendation for Bharti Airtel, setting a target price of Rs 1,900, expecting a 12 percent rise owing to the telecom giant's impressive performance during the October-December quarter. Notable positives include increased market share and the company’s high Average Revenue Per User (ARPU), which is considered the best within the industry, alongside average data usage of 24.5 GB per month.
Meanwhile, ICICI Securities has upgraded Mahindra & Mahindra, raising its target price to Rs 3,680 (+17% from Rs 3,400). Analysts believe the company will continue its strong performance, buoyed by the robustness of its Utility Vehicle portfolio and gains in both SUV and tractor segments, alongside improving margins.
Emkay Global Financial Services has retained its ‘buy’ recommendation for Hero MotoCorp with a target price set at Rs 5,600 (+33%). There’s confidence from management about achieving double-digit revenue growth for FY25 and FY26, underpinned by sustained demand within the two-wheeler market amid recovering urban and rural economies.
Elara Securities India’s recommendation for Delhivery also deserves attention, albeit with caution. They maintain their ‘buy’ stance but have lowered the target to Rs 387 from Rs 570, citing mixed revenue growth across segments; the Part Truck Load segment grew by 25 percent, but the express segment saw limited growth at just 5 percent. Analysts anticipate substantial competition could continue to challenge growth rates, especially with eCommerce demands facing headwinds from qCommerce and shifting market dynamics.
Star Cement is also recognized by Anand Rathi Share & Stock Brokers, who updated their target price to Rs 270 (+33% from Rs 251). Although the company is expected to outperform the industry’s growth, there are operational hurdles such as the delayed stabilization of their Meghalaya clinker facility.
On another note, the stock market witnessed regulatory actions as Manappuram Finance was placed on the National Stock Exchange's F&O ban list on February 11 due to exceeding 95 percent of the market-wide position limit. While this means no new position can be taken, the stock remains available for trading on the cash market. The announcement by the NSE indicated strict trading conditions for members holding positions.
Vishal Kapoor, CEO of Bandhan AMC, weighed in on market sentiment, noting disappointment among investors due to the absence of new liquidity supports following the latest Reserve Bank of India monetary policy. He articulated concerns about how this reluctance might impact future growth within the financial markets.
Finally, there are glimmers of hope with recommendations for stocks like Gulf Oil Lubricants India gaining around 20 percent over the past week, indicating its potential for continued upward momentum. These insights showcase the complexity of the current market environment, where caution coexists with selective optimism.