Indian equity markets began the week on a negative note due to concerns surrounding trade negotiations with the U.S. and disappointing financial results from Kotak Mahindra Bank. The Sensex and Nifty50 both experienced declines in early trading, with Kotak Mahindra Bank shares particularly affected by lower-than-expected profits and increased provisions for potential loan losses.

TCS shares: Tata Consultancy Services shares faced a dip. This followed the announcement of a workforce reduction. The company plans to lay off approximately 2% of its global employees. This decision comes amid economic uncertainty. It also reflects disruptions from artificial intelligence. The IT sector shows signs of a slowdown. TCS reaffirms its commitment to strategic initiatives.

Despite a recent market dip, experts suggest potential gains in specific stocks this week. Eternal, after a 21% surge, shows further upside, while Paytm aims for Rs 1,180. SBI Life anticipates a 4% rise, and Bandhan Bank signals an uptrend. AGI Infra is highlighted for substantial growth potential due to its strong market position.

Tata Sons anticipates an extension from the RBI regarding its mandatory listing deadline, buoyed by ongoing regulatory reviews. The holding company believes regulators will grant more time for its initial share sale.

Force Motors, once a small-cap overlooked stock, has delivered exceptional 1,868% returns over five years, transforming ₹1 lakh into nearly ₹20 lakh. Strategic shifts towards OEM partnerships with BMW and Mercedes-Benz, along with strong performance in the UV segment, have fueled this growth. While valuations are now high, analysts remain optimistic about the company s long-term potential and continued earnings visibility.

Reliance Infrastructure shares surged 4.66% after the company announced the conclusion of ED action with no impact on operations, and unveiled a new growth strategy across Defence, Aerospace, and Renewable Energy. The ED probe was linked to decade-old transactions involving RCOM and RHFL, which the company clarified have no financial or business ties with Reliance Infrastructure.

Indian pharma stocks are rebounding, driven by domestic investors after a period of Foreign Institutional Investor (FII) selling pressure. Uncertainty surrounding potential US tariffs, fueled by Trump s statements and delays in the Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), had initially impacted the sector. While FIIs remain cautious, positive earnings reports and the defensive nature of domestic-oriented pharma businesses are attracting DII interest.

On Monday, the rupee strengthened by 9 paise, reaching 86.43 against the US dollar, buoyed by a weaker greenback. However, ongoing US-India tariff negotiations and continuous dollar demand from importers limited the rupee s gains. Brent crude oil prices rose due to developing trade agreements, while investors awaited the US Federal Reserve s policy meeting.

Indian government bonds may face selling pressure on Monday. This is due to cautious sentiment after benchmark bond yield rose. Traders are losing interest after the debt auction. Reserve Bank of India sold bonds, but selling intensified after governor s comments. Rate easing expectations are curbed. Focus shifts to growth and inflation outlook.

Kotak Mahindra Bank s shares plummeted following disappointing Q1 results, revealing a 7% YoY decline in net profit due to asset quality deterioration and margin compression. Brokerages responded with downgrades and target price cuts, citing concerns over return ratios and emerging stress in the retail commercial vehicle segment.