The stock market is buzzing with action today. Some companies are riding high on big deals and record profits, while others are facing fresh challenges. But the biggest shake-up? Donald Trump has kicked off his tariff agenda with sweeping trade barriers that could shake up global markets.
On April 2, Trump declared “Liberation Day,” unveiling a universal 10% import duty on all goods entering the US, along with steep reciprocal tariffs on 60 countries. Key trading partners like China, India, Japan, and the European Union face higher levies, putting sectors like automobiles, pharmaceuticals, electronics, IT, and jewellery in focus. Here’s a look at the top stocks in play today.
Market recap
The Indian stock market wrapped up the trading day on a strong note, with both the Sensex and Nifty closing higher on April 2. The Sensex jumped 592 points (0.78%) to settle at 76,617, while the Nifty climbed 166 points (0.72%) to end at 23,332.
Stocks to watch on April 3, 2025
Tariff impact on auto
Starting April 3, fully assembled cars exported to the US will face a hefty 25% tariff, with auto parts following suit from May 3. This sharp increase is expected to push up prices of imported vehicles, disrupt global supply chains, and more. For India, the impact could be massive, with auto exports to the US at risk.
Pharma, semiconductor stocks
While most sectors brace for impact, pharmaceutical and semiconductor industries have secured a temporary exemption from the latest round of tariffs.
HDFC Bank
HDFC Bank found itself in the spotlight after the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) issued an administrative warning for non-compliance with regulatory guidelines. The warning follows an inspection of the bank’s custody activities.
GPT Infraprojects
Construction and infrastructure firm GPT Infraprojects has secured an enhanced contract worth Rs 481.11 crore. The project involves building a major bridge over the Rupnarayan River and upgrading the Kolaghat Station on the Howrah-Kharagpur route.
Bharti Airtel
Telecom giants Nokia and Bharti Airtel are expanding their partnership with Nokia’s Packet Core and Fixed Wireless Access solutions. The move is aimed at improving Airtel’s 4G/5G network experience and reducing operational costs.
Reliance Industries
Reliance Industries has laid the foundation for its first Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) plant in Andhra Pradesh, part of its ambitious Rs 65,000 crore investment in green energy projects.
Bharat Dynamics
State-run Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) has reported an impressive 40% revenue growth, crossing Rs 3,300 crore in turnover for FY25. What’s even more striking is its massive 640% jump in exports, reaching over Rs 1,200 crore. The order book of company is around Rs 22,700 crore.
Paras Defence
Paras Defence has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Israel’s MicroCon Vision Ltd, part of the Rafael Group. The partnership will focus on advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) payloads for drones.
Punjab National Bank
PNB’s latest results indicate solid growth, with its global business reaching Rs 26.8 lakh crore, up 14% YoY. The bank’s domestic business also saw a 13.2% rise, reflecting steady momentum in the financial sector.
Hindustan Zinc
Hindustan Zinc reported a 4% YoY increase in mined metal output, reaching 310,000 tonnes. Compared to the last quarter, this marks a 17% growth.
Lupin
Pharma major Lupin has acquired UK-based Renascience Pharma for 12.3 million British pound (approx. Rs 135 crore).
Mahindra & Mahindra Financial
Mahindra Finance reported a slight dip in collection efficiency (CE) but maintained a strong business growth trajectory. The disbursements reached Rs 57,850 crore in FY25 and business assets surged by 16% to Rs 1,19,300 crore.