Markets will track sector-specific developments and company announcements on Monday, August 18. Key updates span GST rationalisation measures, capex plans, earnings, and trade duty recommendations.
Positive cues
Steel companies may see momentum after the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) recommended safeguard duty on imports of non-alloy and alloy steel flat products. Automakers are also in focus as sources indicate GST rationalisation could lead to lower taxes on two-wheelers and cars. FMCG firms are expected to benefit from tax cuts on daily-use items, while consumer durable majors such as Voltas, Blue Star, and Havells could gain if GST on ACs, TVs, refrigerators, and washing machines is reduced to 18%.
Insurance companies are in spotlight as sources suggest the Centre is considering reducing GST on insurance premiums to 0% or 5%. JK Cement will be tracked after its board approved a Rs 4,805 crore capex for a 7 mt cement line in Rajasthan. Supreme Industries and Astral may move after DGTR recommended anti-dumping duty on PVC suspension resin imports.
Among individual stocks, Alembic Pharmaceuticals received final US FDA approval for Tretinoin Cream USP, with an estimated market size of USD 94 million. KEC International reported fresh orders worth Rs 1,402 crore across businesses. Signature Global executed three sale deeds to purchase 33.47 acres of land in Sohna, Haryana. Swiggy increased its platform fee to Rs 14 in select regions. Zaggle Prepaid posted a 37% rise in EBITDA with margins improving to 9.2% from 8.8% YoY, while Borosil reported a 14% rise in EBITDA with margins at 16.2% against 15% YoY. SP Apparels delivered strong results with EBITDA up 60% and revenue up 64% YoY.
Negative cues
Glenmark’s earnings showed flat revenue with margins slipping to 17.8% from 18%. Vodafone Idea posted a 1% decline in EBITDA with margins easing to 41.8% from 42.3% sequentially. Textile and chemical companies may face pressure as a 25% additional tariff is expected to take effect on August 27. Inox Wind reported flat margins and Q1 FY26 execution below estimates.
