Onetrader.in | Thursday, October 22, 2026
Indian equity markets enter Thursday’s session after reversing an early rally on Wednesday, October 21. The Nifty 50 declined 77.60 points, or 0.34%, to 22,811.35, while the BSE Sensex fell 143.21 points, or 0.19%, to close at 73,709.69. Rising crude oil prices, driven by concerns about Middle Eastern supply disruptions, weighed on investor sentiment despite early strength in equities. Brent crude moved above $110 per barrel during the session, adding pressure to India’s inflation and import-cost outlook.
The October 22 session will focus on fresh September-quarter earnings, defence orders, institutional fund-raising and significant corporate announcements. Companies reporting today include Swiggy, Havells India, Adani Energy Solutions, Adani Total Gas, HPCL and Jindal Stainless.
FII/DII Activity – October 21, 2026
| Investor Category | Net Activity |
|---|---|
| Foreign Institutional Investors (FII/FPI) | +₹1,022.32 crore |
| Domestic Institutional Investors (DII) | +₹1,614.32 crore |
Both foreign and domestic institutional investors were net buyers in the cash market on Wednesday, according to reported provisional figures. However, institutional buying did not prevent benchmark indices from declining, indicating that concerns about energy prices and broader market conditions continued influencing sentiment.
Stocks to Watch Today – Quick Summary
| Stock | Why It Is in Focus |
|---|---|
| Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services | Q2 profit jumps 54.8% |
| KEI Industries | Revenue and profit growth |
| Indian Hotels Company | Strong quarterly earnings |
| PC Jeweller | Profit growth and major share purchase |
| Bharat Electronics | Additional defence orders worth ₹1,011 crore |
| Seamec | Offshore vessel contract worth approximately $55 million |
| Tata Communications | Favourable Spanish tax ruling |
| Persistent Systems | Institutional fund-raising through QIP |
| NHPC | New 250 MW hydroelectric unit begins commercial operations |
| Swiggy | September-quarter results scheduled today |
Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services
Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services reported a 54.8% year-on-year increase in standalone net profit to ₹881.5 crore for the September quarter, compared with ₹569.3 crore a year earlier. Net interest income increased 13.2% to ₹2,391.4 crore. The earnings improvement places attention on the company’s vehicle-financing portfolio, funding expenses and asset quality. Investors will assess whether loan growth and collection efficiency can sustain profitability, particularly as financing conditions and demand for vehicles influence its lending business.
KEI Industries
KEI Industries reported a 29% increase in consolidated net profit to ₹262.5 crore, while quarterly revenue jumped 38.5% to ₹3,776.4 crore. The performance highlights strong sales growth in the cables and wires business, supported by demand from infrastructure, construction and industrial customers. Investors will examine operating margins, raw-material costs and capacity utilisation. Copper and aluminium prices remain important factors for the industry, while management commentary on expansion plans and order execution will help clarify future growth prospects.
Indian Hotels Company
Indian Hotels Company reported a 19.4% increase in consolidated net profit to approximately ₹380 crore, while revenue grew 21.7% to ₹2,484.3 crore. The results reflect continued business expansion across its hospitality operations. However, investors will also examine operating margins, occupancy levels, average room rates and the contribution from new properties. The company’s growing hotel portfolio provides opportunities for additional revenue, although profitability will depend on operating efficiency, demand conditions and the performance of individual markets.
PC Jeweller
PC Jeweller reported a 58% year-on-year increase in consolidated net profit to ₹331.1 crore, while revenue increased 27.8% to ₹1,054.5 crore. The jewellery retailer also attracted attention following a substantial share purchase by investor Aditya Kumar Halwasiya, who acquired approximately 5.51 crore shares for ₹101.3 crore. Investors will examine festive-season demand, inventory management, operating margins and the company’s financial position. The combination of improved earnings and institutional or large-investor transactions may contribute to increased trading interest.
Also Read: Stocks to Watch Today: October 23, 2026 – Infosys, BPCL, JSW Steel, Coforge and More
Bharat Electronics
Bharat Electronics announced additional orders worth ₹1,011 crore received since October 13. The contracts cover defence electronics and related equipment, including radar systems, communication equipment, sonar, jammers, upgrades and spare parts. The latest orders strengthen the company’s project pipeline and reflect demand for domestically manufactured defence technology. Investors will monitor execution timelines, revenue recognition and operating margins. The company’s ability to deliver complex systems on schedule remains important for converting its order book into financial performance.
Seamec
Seamec entered into a charter agreement with HAL Offshore involving its vessel SEAMEC ANANT for inspection, maintenance and repair work associated with Oil and Natural Gas Corporation. The proposed charter period is approximately 1,225 days, with an estimated contract value of $55 million, subject to the underlying agreement conditions. The contract offers potential revenue visibility over several years. Investors will assess vessel utilisation, operating expenses, contractual obligations and the timing of revenue recognition before evaluating its contribution to future earnings.
Tata Communications
Tata Communications is in focus after a favourable ruling concerning its Spanish subsidiary. Spain’s National Court annulled an earlier tax-related decision involving a value-added tax demand of approximately €15.51 million and an associated penalty of €18.10 million. The development reduces the immediate uncertainty associated with that ruling, although investors will monitor any subsequent legal or administrative proceedings. The company operates international communications and digital infrastructure services, making regulatory developments across jurisdictions relevant to its financial and operational risk profile.
Persistent Systems
Persistent Systems opened a qualified institutions placement on October 21, with a floor price of ₹5,761 per share. The proposed fund-raising exercise, reported at approximately ₹4,265 crore, places attention on the company’s capital allocation strategy. Investors will examine the final issue price, dilution, use of proceeds and management’s plans for deploying the capital. The development follows a period of strong business expansion, and the market will assess how additional funding supports acquisitions, technology investments and long-term operating growth.
Also Read: US Stocks to Watch Today, October 22, 2026: Tesla, Meta, Nvidia and Major Earnings
NHPC
NHPC announced the commercial operation of Unit 5, with a capacity of 250 MW, at its 2,000 MW Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. The project comprises eight units of 250 MW each. Commissioning additional generating capacity is an important operational milestone because it supports electricity production and potential revenue generation. Investors will examine the commissioning schedule for remaining units, operating efficiency, project costs and the contribution of newly operational capacity to the company’s financial performance.
Swiggy
Swiggy is scheduled to announce its September-quarter financial results on October 22. Investors will focus on food-delivery demand, quick-commerce expansion, revenue growth and operating losses. The competitive environment in rapid grocery delivery makes customer acquisition costs, fulfilment efficiency and order economics especially important. Management commentary on expansion plans, investments and profitability will help clarify the company’s operating priorities. The results will also provide another perspective on India’s online food-delivery and quick-commerce markets following recent earnings from Eternal.
What Investors Will Watch Today
Thursday’s session brings a combination of completed quarterly earnings, major corporate contracts, fund-raising activity and fresh results announcements. Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services, KEI Industries and Indian Hotels Company reported higher profits, while Bharat Electronics and Seamec announced contracts that could support future revenue. Persistent Systems’ institutional fund-raising and Tata Communications’ favourable tax ruling provide additional company-specific developments.
Swiggy, Havells India, Adani Energy Solutions, Adani Total Gas and several other companies are scheduled to report earnings today. Investors will also monitor crude oil prices, institutional flows and global market sentiment following Wednesday’s decline.
Also Read: Stocks to Watch Today: Oct 21 – Bajaj Finance, Eternal
Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any stock. Onetrader is not registered with SEBI as an investment adviser or research analyst. Investors should conduct their own research and consult a qualified financial adviser before making investment decisions.
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