Indian Stock Market and Main Stocks: Latest News and Data – March 3, 2025

 

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Indian Stock Market and Main Stocks: Latest News and Data – March 3, 2025

Welcome to your Monday market roundup! As of March 3, 2025, 07:33 AM IST, the Indian stock market is gearing up for another eventful week after a turbulent February that saw significant sell-offs and shifting investor sentiment. With the Sensex and Nifty nursing losses from their worst monthly crash since the pandemic, today’s pre-market buzz and early trends offer a glimpse into what lies ahead. Let’s break down the latest data, key stock movements, and what’s driving the Indian equity landscape today.

Market Overview: A Shaky Start to March

The Indian stock market closed February on a grim note, with the BSE Sensex dropping 1,414 points to 73,227.55 and the Nifty 50 plunging 420 points to 22,120.50 on February 28, as per Moneycontrol and Economic Times reports. This marked the steepest intraday decline of 2025 so far, driven by broad-based selling ahead of GDP data and renewed US tariff concerns under President Trump. Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) have offloaded over Rs 1.13 lakh crore in 2025, including Rs 47,349 crore in February alone, per NSDL data, putting relentless pressure on indices.

As markets prepare to open today, pre-market signals suggest cautious optimism. Posts on X from

@ZoomStocks

indicate a potential bounce-back attempt after Friday’s bloodbath, though global cues—like a meltdown in US AI and chip-maker stocks—are keeping sentiment fragile. The Nifty 50 is eyeing a recovery above 22,200, a crucial support level it breached last week, while the Sensex aims to reclaim 73,500. However, analysts like Siddhartha Khemka from Motilal Oswal warn of continued weakness due to lackluster domestic triggers and global headwinds.

Key Market Data (Pre-Open Estimates, March 3, 2025)

• Sensex: Likely to open around 73,300–73,500 (flat to mildly up from Friday’s close).
• Nifty 50: Expected at 22,150–22,250 (up 30–130 points).
• India VIX: Up 4% last week, signaling heightened volatility—could hover near 16–17 today.
• Rupee vs. USD: Trading near 83.50, weakened by FII outflows and US dollar strength.
• Brent Crude: Below $73/barrel, a silver lining for India’s import-heavy economy.

Main Stocks in the Spotlight

Here’s a look at some prominent stocks making waves based on the latest news and data:

1. Kotak Mahindra Bank (₹1,750–₹1,780)
   • News: Dharmesh Shah of ICICI Securities recommended Kotak Mahindra Bank as a top buy for March 3 in Livemint, citing its resilience amid banking sector turbulence.
   • Latest Data: The stock gained marginally last week despite broader market declines, closing near ₹1,765 on February 28. With banking stocks under pressure from lower-than-expected government borrowing targets in Budget 2025, Kotak’s strong fundamentals make it a safe bet.
   • Outlook: Could test ₹1,800 if banking sentiment improves today.
2. SBFC Finance (₹92–₹95)
   • News: Sumeet Bagadia of Choice Broking flagged SBFC Finance as a top pick under ₹100 in Livemint, highlighting its potential in a battered small-cap space.
   • Latest Data: Small-caps crashed over 2.3% on February 28, per Moneycontrol, but SBFC held steady near ₹93.50, buoyed by its niche in MSME lending.
   • Outlook: A breakout above ₹95 could signal a short-term rally, though broader market weakness caps gains.
3. Bajaj Finance (₹7,400–₹7,500)
   • News: ET Now reported Bajaj Finance hitting a record high on February 27, up 2%, driven by robust Q3 lending growth and positive brokerage notes. Ganesh Dongre of Anand Rathi also listed it as a buy for March 3.
   • Latest Data: Closed at ₹7,450 on February 28, defying the Nifty’s 1.88% drop.
   • Outlook: If the Nifty stabilizes, Bajaj could push toward ₹7,600, supported by financial sector strength.
4. Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) (₹2,050–₹2,100)
   • News: CNBC TV18 noted M&M as the top Nifty gainer on February 28, up over 2%, extending gains for the second straight day amid auto sector resilience.
   • Latest Data: Closed at ₹2,075 despite a 3.9% drop in the Nifty Auto index last week.
   • Outlook: Auto sales data due this week could propel M&M past ₹2,100 if volumes impress.
5. Adani Enterprises (₹2,900–₹3,000)
   • News: Economic Times flagged Adani Enterprises ahead of its Q3 2025 results, with expectations of strong growth in its energy and infra segments.
   • Latest Data: Ended February 28 at ₹2,950, down 2% amid mid-cap selling (BSE MidCap fell 2.15%).
   • Outlook: A positive earnings surprise could lift it toward ₹3,050, though Trump tariff risks loom over its global exposure.

What’s Driving the Market Today?

• FII Selling Pressure: Over Rs 35,658 crore offloaded in early January alone, per Economic Times, with February adding to the exodus. A slowdown in outflows could spark a relief rally.
• US Tariff Talks: Trump’s tariff rhetoric continues to spook global markets, impacting IT (down 4.2% last week) and auto stocks.
• Domestic Triggers: Auto sales figures, macro data, and Budget 2025 expectations (e.g., railway and defense allocations) will shape sentiment this week, per Livemint.
• Valuations: Vinod Nair of Geojit Financial Services told Livemint that FMCG, banking, and chemicals offer fair valuations—sectors to watch today.

Expert Takes

• Sumeet Bagadia (Choice Broking): “Nifty may test 21,800–21,750 if it fails to reclaim 22,200 soon—a bearish signal.”
• Ravi Singh (Religare Broking): Weak earnings and tariff risks remain major hurdles, per Livemint.
• Manulife’s Charlie Dutton: FIIs might return in H2 2025 if valuations stabilize, per CNBC TV18.

How to Follow Today’s Action

• Live Updates: Track Sensex and Nifty on Moneycontrol, Cricbuzz, or ETMarkets.
• TV/Streaming: CNBC TV18, ET Now, Disney+ Hotstar (market segments).
• Social Buzz: Check X posts from

  @ZoomStocks

  or

  @ETNOWlive

  for real-time sentiment.

Final Thoughts

The Indian stock market is at a crossroads on March 3, 2025. After February’s bruising sell-off—wiping out nearly Rs 50 lakh crore in investor wealth—today could signal a bottoming out or further pain. Stocks like Kotak Mahindra Bank and Bajaj Finance offer stability, while SBFC Finance and M&M hint at upside potential. Keep an eye on global cues and FII moves—volatility isn’t done with us yet. What’s your market play today? Stay tuned as the bell rings at 9:15 AM IST!

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