Ten actively traded penny stocks have fallen between 34% and 73% over the past three months, highlighting the risks associated with low-priced shares. Cropster Agro recorded the steepest decline at 73%, followed by Bridge Securities and Empower India, which dropped 55% and 50%, respectively.
In the third quarter, spanning July to September, India's three major state-run fuel retailers announced a combined net profit of Rs 30,106 crore, reversing a previous loss of Rs 18,150 crore. This profitability surge defied the ongoing freeze on petrol and diesel prices since May. Indian Oil Corporation achieved its highest standalone quarterly net profit, buoyed by strong refining margins, yet faces ongoing challenges related to fuel under-recoveries.
Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty ended the week higher, gaining up to 0.5%, even as broader markets declined amid rising crude oil prices above $117 a barrel. Investors will track oil price movements, foreign institutional investor (FII) activity, global cues and domestic market trends for direction. FIIs turned net buyers after a 10-week selling streak, lending support to sentiment.
Amidst rising economic fears, foreign portfolio investors withdrew Rs 34,843 crore from Indian equities in October. Although they had made significant contributions in July and August, outflows continued through September. By late October, a turnaround occurred as foreign investors became net buyers, infusing approximately Rs 6,300 crore into the market. Support from domestic institutional investors provided much-needed stability as all eyes turn to potential global impacts on investor sentiment.
ITC is expected to report a weak Q2, with brokerages forecasting an 8% decline in cigarette volumes and a drop of up to 29% in cigarette operating profit following tax hikes. Nuvama expects consolidated revenue to fall 3% YoY and EBITDA to decline 20%. Growth in FMCG and paper businesses could provide some cushion against the pressure.
Nifty IT’s 18% October rally could signal a sustained leadership cycle, supported by improving momentum, a bullish RSI crossover and capital rotation from global AI stocks. Analyst Vatsal Bhuva sees the index targeting 35,000. He remains cautious on Swiggy, bullish on Acutaas Chemicals, and recommends buying Persistent Systems and Eternal based on positive technical setups.
India’s IPO market is set for a quiet week, with just one fresh issue worth Rs 56.68 crore opening for subscription and no mainboard launches. Vedant Poly Fabs will be the only new IPO, while 13 companies are expected to list. The slowdown follows October’s blockbuster Rs 30,188 crore Jio Platforms IPO, which was subscribed over 22 times.
More than 40 companies have scheduled record dates for dividends, bonus issues, rights issues and stock splits during November 2–6, 2026. Major names include Infosys, Asian Paints, Coal India, Power Grid and Info Edge, while Sanofi India will offer the week’s highest announced dividend of Rs 75 per share.
MF Performance
Major Indices
