Indian equity markets are anticipated to open on a weak note on Thursday, October 1, 2026, as indicated by Gift Nifty futures trading 109.80 points (0.48%) lower at 22,597.50 on the NSE International Exchange. This downturn reflects broader weak global cues, including an increase in crude oil prices, elevated bond yields, and a continued exodus of Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) from the domestic market.
Key Stocks in Focus Today
Several companies are expected to be in the spotlight ahead of the market's opening bell, driven by recent corporate announcements, financial results, and strategic developments:
National Stock Exchange of India (NSE)
The leading Indian exchange has secured a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to introduce futures contracts based on a Corporate Bond Index. This new product aims to offer market participants a tool for managing corporate bond market risks and foster the growth of the corporate bond ecosystem.
Tech Mahindra
The board of the IT services firm is scheduled to convene on October 15 to discuss a proposal for an interim dividend for the financial year 2026-27, alongside a potential issue of bonus shares. The board will also review the audited standalone and consolidated financial results for the second quarter and half-year ending September 2026.
YES Bank
The private sector lender has received a consolidated order from the jurisdictional assessing officer, confirming a refund of Rs 363 crore for assessment year 2017-18. Additionally, the bank reported receiving Rs 258 crore from a trust within its security receipts portfolio.
Aurobindo Pharma
Acrotech Biopharma Inc., Aurobindo Pharma's biopharmaceutical subsidiary, has launched ADQUEY (difamilast 1 per cent) ointment in the US. This non-steroidal topical treatment targets mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis in adults and pediatric patients aged two and above, marking Acrotech's entry into the US dermatology market.
NCC
The infrastructure and EPC company secured two new orders in September, totaling Rs 500.22 crore. Of this, Rs 224.74 crore is for the buildings division, and Rs 275.48 crore is for the transportation division.
Symbiotec Pharma
Symbiotec Pharma's wholly-owned subsidiary, Knovea Pharmaceutical, has signed an exclusive agreement with a global pharmaceutical company. This agreement grants the partner commercialization and distribution rights for two dual-chamber vial-based injectable products in the United States.
Blue Dart Express
The logistics and delivery service provider has announced a general price increase, effective January 1, 2027. Domestic portfolio prices are set to rise by 9-12 percent, varying by product and customer shipping profiles.
Highway Infrastructure
The EPC and infrastructure firm has signed a contract agreement with the Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority for a Rs 220.66 crore work order. This involves user fee collection and toll plaza operations on the Gorakhpur Link Expressway. The company also received a Letter of Acceptance (LoA) worth Rs 24.46 crore from NHAI.
Lemon Tree Hotels
The hospitality group has opened Keys Prima by Lemon Tree Hotels in Darjeeling, its first property in the town, expanding its presence in West Bengal. The 65-room hotel is managed by its subsidiary, Carnation Hotels.
Bata India
Footwear giant Bata India has appointed Sanjay Rao as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. He succeeds Gunjan Shah, who concludes his five-year term leading the business.
South Indian Bank
Mahesh Muralidhar Pai will assume the role of MD & CEO of the private lender for three years, effective October 1, 2026, following approval from RBI and the bank's shareholders.
Geojit Financial Services
As part of its long-term succession strategy, Geojit Financial Services has appointed CJ George as Executive Chairman and Jones George as Managing Director, effective October 1, 2026.
Other Market Movers
- Corporate Actions: Shares of Indraprastha Gas, R Systems International, Goenka Business & Finance, and Sainik Finance & Industries will trade ex-dividend today. KM Sugar Mills shares will trade ex-spin off, while Maestros Electronics & Telecommunications Systems will trade ex-bonus. Natco Pharma will trade ex-rights, and Rajeswari Infrastructure will trade Ex-date suspension.
- Quarterly Results: Manipal Payment and Identity Solutions, and Pranav Constructions are among the companies scheduled to announce their June 2026 quarter results today.