What to Expect in the Stock Market This Week: Key Drivers and Earnings Reports
Market Influencers This Week
Analysts indicate that geopolitical tensions, particularly the escalating situation between the US and Iran, along with crude oil prices and quarterly earnings, will significantly impact stock markets this week. Investors are also expected to monitor the US midterm elections, trading activities of foreign investors, and the release of macroeconomic data.
Ajit Mishra, Senior Vice President of Research at Religare Broking, noted that the focus will be on the earnings season for the September quarter, key economic indicators, and global events. Investors will be looking for signs of consistent revenue growth, margin stability, and increasing demand. Insights from banking results will shed light on credit growth, deposit mobilization, and asset quality, while sectors like automobiles, consumer goods, and industrials will provide a broader view of domestic demand.
Mishra emphasized that crude oil prices will be a crucial factor, as high levels amid geopolitical instability could lead to imported inflation, affecting the rupee and corporate profit margins.
Additionally, fluctuations in US Treasury yields, foreign institutional investor activities, and currency markets will play a role in shaping market sentiment and the sustainability of recent recoveries.
Siddhartha Khemka, Head of Research at Wealth Management, Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd, highlighted key events to watch, including the US midterm elections, US PMI, and India's HSBC PMI. Notable companies reporting earnings this week include M&M, Bajaj Finserv, ITC, Dabur, Apollo Hospitals, BSE, Cummins India, and Hindalco.
Other firms set to announce their earnings include Lupin, NSE, State Bank of India, Apollo Tyres, LIC, ONGC, and Titan.
On Monday, Reliance Industries Ltd will attract attention after reporting a record quarterly profit of Rs 29,550 crore for the July-September period, marking a 33.8% increase from the previous year, driven by its oil-to-chemicals sector and growth in its telecom division.
Jio Platforms also reported a 13.7% increase in consolidated net profit to Rs 8,389 crore for the September 2026 quarter, fueled by subscriber growth and increased revenue per user.
Ponmudi R, CEO of Enrich Money, pointed out that developments in the Middle East will likely remain a significant external risk. The trajectory of crude oil prices will influence global inflation expectations and monetary policy, impacting US Treasury yields, the dollar, and capital flows into emerging markets.
He added that a rise in yields or a stronger dollar could reduce foreign investor interest in Indian equities, while a decrease in both could provide some support. Investors will closely monitor movements in the US bond market and evolving expectations regarding the Federal Reserve's policy direction, alongside international equity developments.
Last week, the BSE benchmark Sensex surged by 1,335.7 points (1.82%), while the NSE Nifty rose by 453.1 points (2%).