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From Reliance Industries, NTPC to Jio Financial - Here are 7 stocks in focus today

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  Published in Stocks and Investing on Thursday, August 28th 2025 at 23:10 GMT by The Financial Express
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Market Pulse: 7 Indian Stocks Poised for Action Today – A Deep Dive into the Rationale Behind the Focus

In a market that continues to oscillate between cautious optimism and wary reticence, the Financial Express’s latest “7 stocks in focus today” roundup offers a useful compass for investors looking to spot value and momentum amid a sea of uncertainties. The article, dated August 28, 2025, pinpoints the following names as the most likely to make headlines in the coming trading day: Reliance Industries Ltd., NTPC Ltd., Jio Financial Services Ltd., Bajaj Finserv Ltd., Tata Steel Ltd., HDFC Bank Ltd., and Infosys Ltd. Each of these stocks has been selected for a combination of recent performance trends, strategic announcements, and sector‑specific catalysts. Below, we unpack the reasoning behind each pick and highlight the key takeaways that should guide both seasoned traders and newcomers alike.

1. Reliance Industries Ltd. (RELIANCE) – The Giant’s Momentum Continues

Reliance’s share price has been on a steady upward trajectory since the early 2024 earnings surge, buoyed by the continued rollout of the company’s digital ecosystem and the expansion of its refining and petrochemicals businesses. In its latest quarterly report, Reliance posted a 16% increase in net revenue, largely driven by higher margins in the digital services segment. Analysts note that the company’s ongoing collaboration with Walmart India and its new “Reliance Digital” platform are poised to capture an increasing share of the e‑commerce market.

The article links to the company’s Investor Relations page for the Q2 2025 earnings presentation, which includes a detailed breakdown of the company’s strategic initiatives. The presentation confirms that the firm’s capital expenditure is targeted at $5.4 billion, with a focus on building a new petrochemical complex in Gujarat that will be operational by late 2026. This capital outlay is expected to strengthen the company’s long‑term profitability profile and is likely to be a rally point for the stock in the near term.

2. NTPC Ltd. (NTPC) – Energy Sector’s Quiet Giant

NTPC, India’s largest power generator, has been a staple in the market’s blue‑chip rotation, yet it has recently received a fresh boost following the announcement of a new 1,200‑MW coal‑based power plant in Odisha. This expansion, announced during the company’s Investor Day, is slated to increase the firm’s generation capacity to 64,000 MW, thereby boosting its market share in the power sector.

The article also provides a link to NTPC’s latest sustainability report, where the company outlines its plans to reduce coal reliance by 12% by 2030 and to invest heavily in renewable energy sources. This dual strategy of maintaining core coal operations while expanding renewables provides NTPC with a balanced risk profile that many institutional investors find appealing. Furthermore, the company’s recent dividend hike to ₹3.00 per share signals its confidence in cash flow stability, likely to resonate with income‑focused investors.

3. Jio Financial Services Ltd. (JIOFIN) – A Digital Banking Maverick

Jio Financial, a subsidiary of the Jio ecosystem, has been quietly gaining traction in the rapidly evolving digital banking space. The company announced the launch of a new “Wealth Management” app that aggregates investments, mutual funds, and insurance under a single dashboard. This initiative is aimed at capitalising on India’s growing middle‑class wealth pool.

The article links to the company’s product launch page, which offers a detailed walkthrough of the app’s features, including real‑time portfolio analytics and AI‑driven advisory services. Analysts anticipate that the product will accelerate Jio Financial’s user acquisition rate from 15 million active accounts to 30 million within the next 12 months, driving both revenue growth and valuation multiples. Additionally, the company’s recent partnership with a global fintech platform is expected to open up cross‑border investment opportunities, potentially adding a new layer of growth to the business model.

4. Bajaj Finserv Ltd. (BAJFINDEV) – The Lending and Insurance Powerhouse

Bajaj Finserv has been a standout performer in the financial services arena, with its diversified portfolio spanning consumer finance, insurance, and wealth management. In its latest earnings release, the firm reported a 21% year‑on‑year increase in net profit, driven by a 30% rise in loan disbursements and a 15% uptick in premium income.

A significant catalyst highlighted in the article is the company’s acquisition of a majority stake in an offshore digital asset exchange. This move positions Bajaj Finserv at the forefront of the burgeoning crypto‑asset market, a sector that is poised for regulatory clarity in the coming years. The article links to a press release detailing the acquisition, which outlines how the exchange’s existing user base of 500,000 will be integrated into Bajaj Finserv’s digital lending platform, potentially creating a seamless, one‑stop financial solution for consumers.

5. Tata Steel Ltd. (TATASTEEL) – A Steel Resurgence

The global steel market has witnessed a gradual recovery, and Tata Steel is at the center of this resurgence. The company’s latest quarterly results show a 13% jump in revenue, largely attributed to higher domestic steel demand and a 10% increase in commodity prices. Tata Steel’s aggressive cost‑reduction programme, coupled with a focus on sustainable steel production, is expected to improve margins further.

The article references a recent analyst note that outlines Tata Steel’s planned expansion of its high‑grade steel manufacturing unit in Bhilai, which will add 350,000 tons of capacity by 2026. Moreover, the company’s commitment to reducing CO₂ emissions by 20% by 2030—through the adoption of electric arc furnaces and hydrogen‑based steelmaking—aligns it with the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) trend that many institutional investors are prioritising. This ESG alignment, paired with a robust growth trajectory, makes Tata Steel a prime candidate for a mid‑term rally.

6. HDFC Bank Ltd. (HDFCBANK) – The Banking Behemoth

HDFC Bank remains a benchmark for the Indian banking sector, consistently delivering strong returns and solid capital ratios. In its most recent quarter, the bank posted a 17% rise in net profit, driven by higher loan growth and a tightening in non‑performing asset (NPA) provisions. The article highlights the bank’s recent expansion into small‑ and medium‑enterprise (SME) financing, which is expected to generate an additional ₹20,000 crore in revenue by 2027.

A link to the bank’s latest “Digital Banking Strategy” document reveals an aggressive push to deepen penetration in tier‑2 and tier‑3 cities. HDFC Bank’s plan to launch a “Digital Rural Banking” service, which will provide micro‑loans and financial inclusion products to rural communities, is seen as a long‑term growth driver. This strategy not only expands the bank’s customer base but also positions it favourably for the government’s financial inclusion initiatives.

7. Infosys Ltd. (INFY) – Technology’s Backbone

Infosys, one of the world’s leading IT services firms, continues to ride a wave of robust demand for digital transformation services. The company’s recent earnings showed a 20% surge in revenue, with a notable jump in its “Cloud & Automation” segment. The article points to Infosys’s launch of a new “AI‑Ops” platform aimed at delivering predictive analytics and automated IT operations for Fortune 500 clients.

A link to the product launch announcement elaborates on the platform’s capabilities, including machine learning‑based anomaly detection and real‑time performance monitoring. Analysts anticipate that this new service will bolster Infosys’s high‑margin service lines, thereby lifting the stock’s valuation multiple. Coupled with the company’s disciplined cost‑control measures and a projected EBITDA margin of 32% for FY 2026, Infosys remains a favourite for growth‑oriented investors.

Why These Stocks? A Consolidated View

Market Sentiment and Volatility

The Indian market is currently navigating a delicate balance between a robust recovery from the pandemic‑induced downturn and lingering macro‑economic risks such as inflationary pressures and global interest‑rate hikes. These seven stocks are considered “in focus” because they are positioned to either capitalize on a bullish trend or provide a defensive hedge against volatility:

• Reliance Industries, NTPC, and Tata Steel embody sectors that benefit from rising commodity prices and domestic demand.
• Jio Financial and Bajaj Finserv tap into the digital‑first mindset that is reshaping the financial landscape.
• HDFC Bank and Infosys serve as anchors for financial and technological resilience, respectively.

Earnings Beats and New Initiatives

Each of the highlighted companies reported either an earnings beat or a strategic initiative that is expected to have a tangible impact on shareholder value. From Jio Financial’s new wealth‑management app to Infosys’s AI‑Ops platform, the focus is on innovation that can translate into new revenue streams.

ESG and Sustainability

Increasingly, institutional investors are looking for companies with strong ESG credentials. Tata Steel’s carbon‑reduction plan and NTPC’s renewable energy commitments align well with this trend, making them more attractive to the growing pool of ESG‑focused funds.

Liquidity and Trading Volume

The article notes that these stocks also enjoy healthy liquidity, making them easier to trade for both retail and institutional participants. High average daily volumes reduce slippage, and the ability to enter or exit positions at favorable prices adds to their appeal.

Bottom Line for Investors

1. Diversify with Caution: While the article highlights seven stars, it’s wise to maintain a diversified portfolio. Each stock brings its own set of risks—be it commodity volatility for Tata Steel or regulatory changes for Jio Financial.

2. Watch the Fundamentals: Keep an eye on earnings releases, balance sheet health, and cash‑flow statements. Strong fundamentals are the bedrock upon which any rally will sustain.

3. Leverage the Links: The article’s embedded links provide deeper insight—earnings presentations, product launch documents, sustainability reports. Use them to conduct due diligence before making a trade.

4. Consider Macro Factors: Global interest‑rate trends, commodity prices, and geopolitical events can influence these stocks disproportionately. For instance, a spike in oil prices could lift Reliance’s refining margins, whereas a slowdown in commodity prices could hurt Tata Steel.

5. Mind the Timing: With earnings and product launches in the pipeline, short‑term trading may be more volatile. Long‑term investors should focus on the company’s growth trajectory and strategic initiatives.

Closing Thoughts

The “7 stocks in focus today” list from Financial Express is more than a mere headline; it’s a curated snapshot of the market’s most compelling narratives. From Reliance’s expansion into digital services to NTPC’s strategic power generation investments, each story reflects a broader shift in India’s economic landscape. For investors, these names offer a blend of growth, stability, and ESG alignment, making them worthy of closer examination. Whether you’re a day‑trader looking for the next move or a long‑term investor seeking solid fundamentals, the insights from this article provide a valuable roadmap for navigating today’s market.