5 January 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : Indian equity markets witnessed stock-specific action as investors closely tracked developments in select frontline and sectoral stocks. Positive domestic sentiment, steady institutional participation, and expectations from the ongoing earnings season kept benchmark indices firm. Shares of DMart, Bajaj Finance, Marico, Vedanta, and Hindustan Zinc remained in focus due to business updates, sector trends, and earnings-related expectations.
Avenue Supermarts, which operates the DMart retail chain, attracted investor interest after reporting healthy revenue growth for the December quarter. The company registered a double-digit increase in standalone revenue on a year-on-year basis, highlighting resilient consumer demand across its store network. DMart continued its expansion strategy by adding new stores, strengthening its footprint in key urban and semi-urban markets. Investors, however, remain cautious about margin performance as rising competition from quick-commerce platforms and higher operational costs may weigh on profitability in the near term. The company’s decision to refine its online presence and focus on select metro markets is seen as a step toward improving efficiency. Despite near-term margin pressures, DMart’s strong execution, value pricing, and supply-chain strength continue to support its long-term growth outlook.
Bajaj Finance shares also remained in the spotlight following strong operational performance during the quarter. The non-banking financial company reported solid growth in assets under management, supported by robust demand across consumer finance, personal loans, and small business lending. New loan disbursements showed healthy year-on-year growth, reflecting sustained credit demand and improved consumer confidence. Investors are closely monitoring the company’s asset quality, credit costs, and net interest margins, particularly amid changing interest rate conditions. While the stock experienced some volatility, Bajaj Finance continues to command attention due to its diversified portfolio, digital capabilities, and consistent execution in the retail lending space.
FMCG major Marico stayed on investors’ radar as a defensive play amid market volatility. The company benefits from stable demand in its core product categories, supported by gradual improvement in rural consumption and steady urban demand. Easing input cost pressures are expected to provide some relief to margins in the coming quarters. Marico’s focus on premium products, brand extensions, and growth in international markets supports expectations of steady revenue growth. The stock remains preferred among investors seeking predictable earnings and stability within the consumer goods sector.
Vedanta continued to attract attention due to ongoing corporate developments and movements in global commodity prices. The diversified metals and mining company remains sensitive to fluctuations in aluminium, zinc, iron ore, and oil prices. Market participants are closely watching progress on its corporate restructuring plans, which aim to simplify operations and unlock value. Vedanta’s debt levels, cash flow generation, and dividend outlook remain key factors influencing investor sentiment. Any improvement in global metal prices could provide earnings support, while commodity volatility remains a near-term risk.
Hindustan Zinc shares were in focus amid firm trends in zinc and silver prices. The company benefits from low-cost operations, strong production efficiency, and healthy cash flows. Investor confidence has been supported by consistent dividend payouts and a strong balance sheet. Long-term demand for zinc, driven by infrastructure development and industrial usage, continues to underpin positive sentiment. However, global economic conditions and metal price movements are expected to influence short-term stock performance.
Overall, market activity was driven by company-specific factors rather than broad-based buying. Investors remained selective, balancing growth-oriented stocks with defensive names as earnings season progresses. Retail, financials, FMCG, and metals continued to be key focus areas, with upcoming earnings announcements and management commentary likely to guide near-term market direction.
Summary:
Indian markets saw stock-specific action as DMart, Bajaj Finance, Marico, Vedanta, and Hindustan Zinc stayed in focus amid earnings expectations, steady demand trends, and supportive metal prices.