25bps Rate Cut Today?

• Indian stock market benchmarks, the Sensex and Nifty 50, declined for a second straight session on Thursday, February 6, ahead of the RBI’s monetary policy decision on Friday. However, losses were limited by positive global cues and a drop in US bond yields. Most sectoral indices closed lower, with Nifty Realty down 2.19% and Consumer Durables falling 1.84%.

• Investors remain cautious ahead of the RBI’s MPC interest rate decision. While a 25 bps rate cut is widely expected, concerns persist over the longevity of the rate cut cycle. A surprise rate cut could drive short-term optimism.

• Meanwhile, the weakening rupee, which has dropped over 2% this year, continues to weigh on market sentiment.

Zydus Lifesciences +3.17%

• Zydus Lifesciences rose 2% in early trading on February 6, following strong Q3FY25 results.

• Consolidated net profit surged 30% to ₹1,023 crore, driven by robust sales growth in both domestic and US markets, boosting investor confidence.

Swiggy (6.29%)

• Swiggy’s stock fell over 7% to ₹387 per share on February 6, as brokerages gave mixed views after its net loss widened to ₹800 crore in Q3FY25 from ₹524 crore a year ago.

• Rising competition and aggressive dark store expansion, which are weighing on margins, added to the sharp decline.

• Rural demand and price hikes drive growth in India's consumer goods sector, according to NielsenIQ. (BS)

• RBI monetary policy: What to expect on February 7. (BS)

• Banks plan to shift focus to MCLR-linked loans ahead of rate cuts to safeguard margins. (ET)

• Lenskart is in talks with five i-banks to launch its ₹8,700 crore+ ($1Bn+) IPO. (MC)

• Solar cell maker Jupiter International plans a ₹2,627 crore ($300Mn) IPO. (MC)

There are no mainboard IPOs this week.

M&A / Investments

• Indus Towers to acquire Airtel and Hexacom telecom sites for ₹3,309 crore ($377Mn). (BS)

• Myntra receives an ₹709 crore ($81Mn) infusion from Flipkart. (Inc42)

• ITC to acquire 62.5% of Prasuma for ₹187 crore ($21Mn), expanding in frozen foods. (BS)

• Trent to sell 29% stake in Massimo Dutti India for ₹20 crore ($2.2Mn). (ET)

• Adar Poonawalla acquires 20% stake in AstaGuru, a luxury auction house. (EI)

• WestBridge-backed Phenom acquires EDGE to expand its AI-driven talent platform. (YS)

Debt

• Vedanta Resources plans to raise ₹8,700 crore ($1Bn) through debt. (BS)

VC

• Info Edge commits ₹1,007 crore ($115Mn) to its third venture fund. (YS)