Fed Holds Rates, PSU Stocks Rise, Air India Expands & More

Also learn How 10 Books for Developing Into the Best Version of Yourself

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Welcome Back Investor!

The financial landscape is buzzing with action as the Federal Reserve keeps interest rates unchanged, signaling economic caution amidst trade policy concerns. Meanwhile, PSU stocks are gaining traction, Bain Capital eyes Manappuram Finance, and Air India plans a massive fleet expansion. Additionally, GST relief on insurance may be on the horizon, while Ola Electric faces scrutiny, and Swiggy innovates with Assure.

Let’s dive in!

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Today’s Market Menu

  • Focal Point: US Fed Keeps Interest Rates Unchanged as Growth Slows

  • Markets

  • Everything else you need to know today

  • Psychology: 10 Books for Developing Into the Best Version of Yourself

  • Supercharge your Investing Skills with this Video

  • Stock Screener to up your game

FOCAL POINT

US Fed Keeps Interest Rates Unchanged as Growth Slows

US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell

The Federal Reserve has opted to keep its benchmark interest rate steady at 4.25% to 4.5%, signaling concerns over the economy's trajectory amid President Trump's trade policies. Projections indicate a slowdown in GDP growth to 1.7% for 2025, down from the previous 2.1%, with inflation expected to rise to 2.7%, surpassing the Fed's 2% target. Despite these indicators, President Trump is advocating for rate cuts to stimulate economic activity.

πŸ” Fiscal Focus

β˜‘οΈ Interest Rates Unchanged: The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) decided to hold the federal funds rate steady at 4.25% to 4.5%, maintaining the rate since January. ​
β˜‘οΈ Growth Forecasts Lowered: The Fed revised its GDP growth projection for 2025 to 1.7%, a decrease from the earlier estimate of 2.1%, reflecting concerns over the economic impact of ongoing trade tensions. ​
β˜‘οΈ Inflation Expectations Rise: Inflation is anticipated to reach 2.7% by the end of 2025, exceeding the Fed's 2% target, partly due to the effects of imposed tariffs. ​
β˜‘οΈ President's Call for Rate Cuts: President Trump has publicly urged the Fed to implement rate cuts, arguing that lower interest rates would mitigate the economic impact of tariffs and support U.S. manufacturing. ​
β˜‘οΈ Fed's Cautious Stance: Fed Chair Jerome Powell emphasized a patient approach, indicating readiness to adjust monetary policy as economic conditions evolve, while acknowledging the challenges posed by trade uncertainties. ​

These developments underscore a complex economic landscape, with the Federal Reserve balancing concerns over slowing growth and rising inflation against external pressures for monetary easing.

MARKETS

Market experienced a robust rally, with the BSE Sensex soaring 899 points to close at 76,348, and the Nifty50 climbing 283 points to settle at 23,190. This surge is largely attributed to the U.S. Federal Reserve's decision to maintain interest rates, coupled with expectations of potential rate cuts later this year. The IT sector led the charge, with major players like TCS, Infosys, and Wipro posting significant gains, reflecting renewed investor confidence.

Closing figures as on 20.03.25 (3.30pm IST)

βœ… SENSEX

76,348.06

+1.19%

βœ… NIFTY 50

23,190.65

+1.24%

βœ… NIFTY BANK

50,062.85

+0.72%

βœ… NIFTY Midcap 100

51,144.40

+0.64%

βœ… NIFTY Smallcap 100

15,858.05

+0.70%

πŸ”Ž In Focus

Sectorial Performance:

πŸ”° Information Technology (IT): Led the rally with major players like HCL Technologies, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Wipro, and Infosys each advancing approximately 2%. ​
πŸ”° Telecommunications: Bharti Airtel emerged as the top gainer, surging 4.16% to β‚Ή1,705.25. ​
πŸ”° Consumer Goods: Titan Company and Britannia Industries posted gains of 3.80% and 2.63%, respectively. ​
πŸ”° Automobile: Bajaj Auto increased by 2.57%, while Maruti Suzuki saw a modest rise of 0.99% to β‚Ή11,735.90, though it underperformed relative to the broader market. ​
πŸ”° Banking: The Nifty Bank index rose 0.72% to 50,062.85. However, IndusInd Bank declined by 1.24%, closing at β‚Ή684.10, making it the top loser among Nifty constituents. ​

Top Gainers:

βœ… Bharti Airtel: +4.16% to β‚Ή1,705.25​
βœ… Titan Company: +3.80% to β‚Ή3,193.10
βœ… Britannia Industries: +2.63% to β‚Ή4,831.10​
βœ… BPCL: +2.59% to β‚Ή272.13​
βœ… Bajaj Auto: +2.57% to β‚Ή7,920​

Top Losers:

πŸ”»IndusInd Bank: -1.24% to β‚Ή684.10​
πŸ”»Bajaj Finance: -0.60% to β‚Ή8,679.65​
πŸ”»Trent: -0.18% to β‚Ή5,221​.55

NIFTY 500: Breaking Barriers!

Source: TradingView

Promoter Action

Stocks where Promoters Bought from Open Market

Company

No. of Shares

Avg. Rate (Rs.)

Vascon Engineers Ltd

2,01,538

34.94

Poonawalla Fincorp Ltd 

7,00,280

301.80

Institutional Action

Provisional Net Figures (Rs. in Crores)

Role Reversal 🧐

Institution

Buy

Sell

βœ…FII

3,239.14

-

πŸ”»DII

-

-3,136.02

FROM THE FRONTIER

Everything else you need to know today 

β€‹πŸ”„ Rebound: Global brokerage firms UBS and CLSA have expressed bullish sentiments towards two Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) stocks, Power Finance Corporation (PFC) and Rural Electrification Corporation (REC). UBS highlights their rerating potential, while CLSA has upgraded both stocks, citing robust loan growth, improved asset quality, and India's push for power sector reforms. Investors are eyeing significant upside potential in these PSU giants.

πŸš€ Takeover: Bain Capital is on the brink of acquiring a majority stake in Manappuram Finance, signaling a major move in the financial services sector. The private equity giant plans to purchase approximately 22% from VP Nandakumar, the company's promoter, and an additional 5% from the open market. This strategic investment underscores Bain's confidence in the growth trajectory of India's non-banking financial companies.

✈️ Expansion: In a bold move to modernize its fleet, Air India is negotiating a multi-billion-dollar deal to acquire 30 to 40 widebody jets from aerospace giants Airbus and Boeing. The potential order, which could exceed 50 aircraft, includes models like the Airbus A350 and Boeing 777X. This expansion aims to recapture market share and meet the surging international travel demand from India.

πŸ’Έ Relief: The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has joined the Group of Ministers (GoM) to discuss potential GST relief on insurance premiums. A meeting scheduled for April aims to finalize recommendations for the GST Council, potentially making insurance products more affordable for consumers.

πŸ” Probe: Ola Electric faces increased scrutiny from the Ministry of Heavy Industries due to discrepancies between reported sales and actual vehicle registrations. The company claimed sales of 25,000 vehicles in February, but only 8,600 were registered, raising concerns about reporting practices. Additionally, several Ola Electric stores have been closed or inspected across multiple states.

🍽️ Innovation: Swiggy has introduced 'Assure', a new initiative designed to help restaurants efficiently source supplies. This move aims to enhance operational efficiency and ensure quality, benefiting both restaurant partners and customers.

πŸ“ Order Wins

βœ… Insolation Energy Wins β‚Ή134 Cr Solar Projects for 38.43 MW solar power projects under the PM KUSUM Scheme in Rajasthan.

βœ… Paras Defence secures a β‚Ή142.31 crore contract from DRDO to develop high-power laser modules with beam control systems for mobile platforms.

βœ… GPT Infraprojects secures the lowest bid for a β‚Ή481.11 crore South Eastern Railway contract to build a key bridge over the River Rupnarayan, including viaducts and an elevated platform at Kolaghat Station.

ONEZERO-F ACADEMY

10 Books for Developing Into the Best Version of Yourself, According to Psychology

Embarking on a self-improvement journey? These 10 psychology-backed books will help you transform your mindset, habits, and life!

πŸ“š Which book are you excited to read first? πŸ‘‡πŸ˜Š

1. Man’s Search for Meaning – Viktor E. Frankl

🧠 Core Idea: Finding meaning is the key to resilience and fulfillment.
πŸ’‘ Logotherapy: A psychological approach emphasizing purpose as the driver of motivation.
πŸ’ͺ Overcoming Adversity: Even in suffering, having a purpose sustains strength and perseverance.

2. Atomic Habits – James Clear

πŸ”„ Small Changes, Big Results: Tiny daily habits create lifelong transformation.
πŸ“Š 4 Laws of Behavior Change: Make habits obvious, attractive, easy, and satisfying.
🎯 Identity-Based Habits: Become the person you want to be by changing behaviors at the core level.

3. Mindset: The New Psychology of Success – Carol S. Dweck

🧩 Fixed vs. Growth Mindset: Your beliefs shape your success.
πŸ“š Learning from Failure: Viewing setbacks as opportunities boosts resilience.
πŸš€ Unlocking Potential: Embracing effort and learning leads to greater achievements.

4. The Power of Now – Eckhart Tolle

⏳ Live in the Present: True happiness is found in the NOW.
πŸ›‘ Silence the Ego: Detach from negative thoughts and distractions.
🧘 Mindfulness & Peace: Practicing presence reduces stress and anxiety.

5. Emotional Intelligence – Daniel Goleman

❀️ EQ Over IQ: Emotional intelligence plays a bigger role in success than raw intellect.
πŸ‘‚ Empathy & Awareness: Understanding emotions improves relationships and leadership.
🎯 Self-Regulation: Mastering emotions leads to better decision-making.

6. Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance – Angela Duckworth

πŸ”₯ Success = Passion + Persistence: Grit beats talent in the long run.
⏳ Stick to Your Goals: Long-term dedication fuels breakthroughs.
πŸ’ͺ Resilience Matters: Pushing through obstacles builds true character.

7. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People – Stephen R. Covey

πŸš€ Take Charge: Proactivity is the foundation of success.
πŸ”„ Think Win-Win: Mutually beneficial relationships drive success.
🀝 Teamwork & Synergy: Collaboration leads to exponential growth.

8. 12 Rules for Life – Jordan Peterson

🦁 Stand Up Straight: Confidence and responsibility go hand in hand.
πŸ’­ Seek Meaning, Not Happiness: Long-term fulfillment beats short-term pleasure.
πŸ”¬ Balance Order & Chaos: A structured life leads to stability.

9. A New Earth – Eckhart Tolle

🌍 Awaken to Your Purpose: Transcend the ego to find true fulfillment.
πŸ’† Spiritual Awareness: Recognizing your deeper self leads to peace.
🎭 Let Go of Labels: Free yourself from societal expectations.

10. The Power of Habit – Charles Duhigg

πŸ”„ Understand the Habit Loop: Cue β†’ Routine β†’ Reward = Lasting habits.
πŸš€ Keystone Habits: Changing one habit creates ripple effects in life.
πŸ”¬ Science-Backed Strategies: Optimize behavior for better productivity.

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Fun Facts πŸ˜‚

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