
HUL, ITC Lead Gains as Top Firms Add ₹84,000 Cr in Choppy Week
The week gone by was a mixed bag for the Indian stock market, with the benchmark indices falling despite gains in select large-caps. The shortened week due to Mahavir Jayanti holidays did not deter the top firms from adding a significant amount to their market capitalization. According to industry reports, five of India’s top 10 valued firms added a whopping ₹84,559 crore in market capitalization, led by Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) and ITC.
The market witnessed a choppy week, with global volatility weighing on investor sentiments. The benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, fell despite the gains in select large-caps. However, the overall performance of the market remains positive, with the Sensex and Nifty posting over 5% gains year-to-date (YTD).
HUL, the largest fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) company in India, led the gains with an addition of ₹16,423 crore in market capitalization. The company’s strong performance in the fourth quarter of FY24, coupled with its robust brand portfolio, contributed to the surge in its market value. HUL’s consistent performance and dividend payouts have made it a favorite among investors, leading to its dominance in the market.
ITC, another Indian conglomerate, added ₹14,941 crore to its market capitalization, making it the second-largest gainer in the week. The company’s diversified portfolio, which includes tobacco, hospitality, and FMCG businesses, has helped it to maintain its market value. ITC’s recent initiatives in the e-commerce space and its focus on sustainable business practices have also boosted investor confidence.
TCS, Infosys, and SBI were among the losers in the week, with their market capitalization falling by ₹23,181 crore, ₹12,411 crore, and ₹6,433 crore, respectively. The decline in their market value can be attributed to various factors, including global macroeconomic concerns and sector-specific issues.
The addition of ₹84,559 crore in market capitalization by the top 10 valued firms in India is a testament to the resilience of the Indian economy. Despite global volatility and domestic challenges, the Indian stock market has managed to maintain its momentum, driven by the strong performance of large-caps.
The FY25 remains positive overall, with the Sensex and Nifty posting over 5% gains YTD. The market is expected to continue its upward trajectory, driven by the strong fundamentals of large-caps and the ongoing economic recovery.
The addition of ₹84,559 crore in market capitalization by the top 10 valued firms is a significant development in the Indian stock market. It reflects the confidence of investors in the Indian economy and its ability to navigate global challenges. The strong performance of HUL and ITC is a testament to their commitment to sustainable business practices and their ability to adapt to changing market conditions.
As the market continues to evolve, investors will be keeping a close eye on the performance of large-caps and the overall market sentiment. The ongoing economic recovery and the government’s efforts to boost growth are likely to drive the market forward. However, investors should also be prepared for any unexpected challenges that may arise in the future.