Nifty slips below 23,550 while DCM Shriram, Aditya Birla, and Force Motors shares rally
On March 28, 2025, the Indian stock market opened with a cautious tone, reflecting mixed cues from global markets and a flurry of corporate announcements. The Nifty 50 index slipped below the 23,550 mark in early trade, weighed down by losses in information technology (IT) and automobile stocks. The Sensex mirrored the cautious sentiment, fluctuating between minor gains and losses throughout the morning session. Concerns over global trade, particularly in response to fresh U.S. tariff announcements, influenced investor mood and triggered selective profit booking across sectors.
DCM Shriram Shares Soar on CBG Plant Commissioning in Uttar Pradesh
DCM Shriram Ltd. surged over 9% after the company announced the commencement of commercial operations at its Compressed Biogas (CBG) plant located in Ajbapur, Uttar Pradesh. The project, developed with an investment of ₹131.30 crore, marks the company’s foray into green energy initiatives. The plant is expected to process agricultural waste into biogas, contributing to renewable energy goals and opening new revenue streams.
The announcement aligned with the broader push towards sustainable industrial development in India. The positive sentiment surrounding DCM Shriram reflects investor enthusiasm for companies investing in future-focused, environmentally friendly operations. The move also supports India’s energy transition strategy by reducing dependency on fossil fuels.
ABFRL Gains on Demerger Approval for Madura Fashion Unit
Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd. (ABFRL) witnessed a 3% rise in its stock price after the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) approved the proposed demerger of its Madura Fashion and Lifestyle (MFL) division. The plan involves carving out MFL as a separate listed entity, enabling it to focus independently on its portfolio of premium fashion brands.
Market analysts see this restructuring as a value-unlocking initiative that could improve capital allocation and operational efficiency. The split also allows each business to pursue tailored growth strategies, aligning with their market positioning and customer segments. ABFRL’s shares responded positively to the development, with expectations that the standalone MFL entity will attract focused investor attention.
Force Motors Rises on Major Defence Deal
Shares of Force Motors climbed 7% following the announcement that the company had been selected as the lowest (L1) bidder by the Indian Defence Forces for the procurement of 2,978 Force Gurkha light utility vehicles. The vehicles, categorized as GS 4X4 800 kg Soft Tops, are designed for rugged performance, particularly suited to defense operations in diverse terrains.
This contract marks a significant win for Force Motors, reflecting its growing credibility in the specialized vehicle segment. The deal is also expected to positively impact revenue and earnings over the coming quarters, further reinforcing the company’s strategic alignment with government procurement and indigenous defense initiatives.
Bharat Forge Sees Buying Interest on Defence Ministry Contract
Bharat Forge witnessed a 3.2% intraday surge after it secured a major domestic defense contract with the Indian Ministry of Defence. The order includes the supply of precision-engineered components and systems, reinforcing the company’s leadership in the defense manufacturing sector.
The development is seen as a boost for Bharat Forge’s long-term growth prospects, particularly in the high-margin defense vertical. The contract aligns with India’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) vision, which aims to boost indigenous defense production. Investors responded with confidence, betting on increased earnings visibility and robust order book momentum.
BSE Shares Rally on SEBI’s Derivatives Expiry Proposal
The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) recorded a sharp 12% jump in share price following a regulatory proposal by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). The proposal aims to stagger the expiry of derivatives across exchanges to enhance market efficiency and volume distribution.
Investors see the move as a potential game-changer that could divert significant derivatives trading volume to BSE, historically dominated by the NSE. A broader derivatives footprint could increase BSE’s trading activity, fee income, and overall valuation in the medium to long term.
Global Cues: U.S. Tariff Move Sparks Market Volatility
Global market sentiment remained fragile following the announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump of a 25% tariff on all auto imports. The measure is aimed at addressing trade imbalances but has rattled international markets due to concerns over retaliatory action and disruptions in global supply chains.
Asian equities responded sharply. Japan’s Nikkei 225 dropped 2.2%, led by losses in major automakers such as Toyota and Honda. South Korea’s Kospi Index also declined by 1.8%, with auto-related stocks under pressure. The global volatility trickled into Indian markets, especially affecting export-heavy sectors like IT and auto components.
Investors in India remained cautious, balancing the optimism from corporate developments with the broader geopolitical and economic concerns emanating from global trade tensions.
Commodities Update: Gold and Silver Continue Bullish Momentum
In the commodities space, gold prices continued their upward trajectory, hitting a record high of $3,059 per ounce. The rally was driven by increased demand for safe-haven assets amid rising global uncertainty and a weakening U.S. dollar. Silver mirrored gold’s trend, marking a fresh cycle high in intraday trade.
The strength in bullion markets has had a spillover effect on related equities and ETFs in India, with precious metals-focused funds witnessing increased inflows. Domestic investors are showing a growing preference for gold and silver exposure as a hedge against equity market volatility.
Zaggle Prepaid Hits 5% Upper Circuit for Second Consecutive Day
Shares of Zaggle Prepaid reached the 5% upper circuit limit for the second day in a row, signaling strong buying momentum. The company has recently reported positive operational updates and has seen increased investor interest in the fintech segment. The consistent rally places Zaggle among the top gainers on the broader market indices.
BEML Surges on ₹405 Crore Rail Contract Win
BEML Ltd. soared 22% over two days after securing a ₹405 crore contract from the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL). The deal involves the supply of coaches and rolling stock for upcoming metro lines in Mumbai and Bhubaneswar. The rail and metro infrastructure segment is expected to drive revenue growth in FY26, backed by a robust project pipeline.
The announcement bolstered confidence in BEML’s strong order book and its strategic positioning in India’s urban infrastructure expansion.
The stock market on March 28, 2025, reflected the complexity of navigating both micro and macroeconomic forces. While benchmark indices like the Nifty 50 and Sensex remained under pressure due to global trade-related concerns, sector-specific gains lifted select counters. Corporate announcements in energy, defense, infrastructure, and fashion retail drove significant movements in individual stocks, offering targeted opportunities amid the broader caution.
Market participants remain attentive to evolving geopolitical scenarios, central bank signals, and policy developments, both domestic and international. The trading day highlighted the importance of selective positioning and the growing role of sectoral stories in determining market direction.
