Stock markets decline in early trade after 2-day rally
The Hindu
Stock markets fell in early trade after a two-day rally, with key indices declining ahead of the upcoming Union Budget.
Benchmark equity indices Sensex and Nifty declined in early trade on Thursday (January 29, 2026) after a two-day rally as investors turned cautious ahead of the Union Budget presentation on Sunday (February 1, 2026).
The 30-share BSE Sensex dropped 343.67 points to 82,001.01 during initial trade. The 50-share NSE Nifty edged lower by 94.2 points to 25,248.55.
From the 30-Sensex firms, Maruti declined nearly 3% after its December quarter earnings failed to cheer investors.
Maruti Suzuki India on Wednesday (January 28) posted 4% increase in consolidated net profit at ₹3,879 crore for the December quarter FY26, hit by one-time provision of ₹594 crore on account of the new Labour Codes.
Asian Paints, Titan, Tata Consultancy Services, Hindustan Unilever and Mahindra and Mahindra were also among the laggards.
However, Larsen and Toubro climbed over 3% after its consolidated revenue from operations in the October-December quarter rose by 10% to ₹71,450 crore, over ₹64,668 crore in the year-ago period.
Discover why pension planning is essential in modern India to ensure financial security and peace during retirement.
The U.S. has launched two investigations under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 against India and other economies to examine practices that may be ‘unreasonable or discriminatory and burden or restrict U.S. commerce’. One probe examines whether countries, including India, are using excess manufacturing capacity to export to the U.S. in a manner that hurts American businesses, while another looks at whether countries have taken ‘sufficient steps’ to prohibit imports of goods produced with forced labour.
NHAI raises annual pass fee to ₹3,075 from April 1, 2026, streamlining toll payments for FASTag users.
The U.S. probes forced labour in global supply chains, scrutinizing China and India's exports, warns the Global Trade Research Initiative.
The Hindu collection of images of the LPG crisis: War lights a kitchen fire
The company, which launched its IPO in 2020, is now listed on the National Stock Exchange as well as the Bombay Stock Exchange.
Explore the Essential Commodities Act's role in addressing India's gas crisis and its impact on various sectors.
Star Health Insurance plans to boost AI-driven claim settlements from 20% to 50% within two years, investing heavily in technology.
The iron ore production has increased by nearly two-thirds since 2015
Benchmark indices fell 2% as high crude oil prices and FII selling pressures impacted market sentiment on March 14, 2026.
Follow The Hindu LIVE for updates on LPG crisis and crude oil prices due to the escalating Iran-Israel war in West Asia.
ICRA projects integrated sugar mills will see 5-8% revenue growth in FY26 due to improved cane supply and stable prices.
Benchmark indices fell 2% as high crude oil prices and FII selling pressures impacted market sentiment on March 14, 2026.