GST Reforms & S&P Upgrade Fuel Sensex-Nifty Rally - Where Should You Invest?

Welcome Back Investor!

Gold is once again in the spotlight as the Trump-Zelenskyy meeting stirs global market nerves. Investors are eyeing the metal’s long-standing reputation as a safe haven - will it hold strong or lose its shine under heightened geopolitical pressure? The outcome could set the tone for how risk-averse money moves in the weeks ahead.

Let’s dive in!

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▪️ Impact News

▪️ Markets

▪️ Everything else you need to know today

▪️ Special

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▪️ Stock Screener to up your game

IMPACT NEWS

GST Reforms & S&P Upgrade Fuel Market Rally: What’s Next for Investors?

Indian equity markets are buzzing with optimism as GST reform hopes and a potential S&P upgrade send the Sensex and Nifty 50 soaring. For investors, the big question now is whether this rally has legs - or if it’s a short-lived spike.

The market surge reflects growing confidence in India’s economic outlook. A possible S&P sovereign rating upgrade would mark a significant endorsement of the country’s fiscal and policy reforms, potentially attracting stronger foreign inflows. At the same time, GST reforms are expected to streamline compliance, boost government revenues, and give sectors like consumer goods, logistics, and manufacturing a meaningful lift.

So, where should investors look? Analysts suggest that banking, infrastructure, and consumption-driven stocks could benefit the most from these tailwinds. The ongoing push for Make in India and capex spending also makes capital goods and industrials attractive bets.

However, while sentiment is strong, caution is warranted. Global uncertainties -from oil prices to geopolitical risks - could still inject volatility. For now, India’s growth story looks compelling, but smart investors will balance optimism with careful sectoral bets and a long-term view.

MARKETS

Sensex surged 1,100+ points and Nifty crossed the 25,000 mark, fueled by GST reform hopes, an S&P sovereign rating upgrade, and easing oil worries post Trump–Putin talks. Auto stocks led the charge with a 4% rally, while banks, metals, and midcaps joined the broad-based surge, adding over ₹6 lakh crore in investor wealth today.
_{Closing figures as on 18.08.25 (3.30pm IST)}

🔎 In Focus

Stock Performance:

Top Gainers

✅ Maruti Suzuki (+8.92%): Auto giant zoomed as GST reform hopes on reduced slab rates made cars more affordable; strong buying momentum lifted the stock sharply.

✅ Ashok Leyland (+8.03%): Riding the auto sector wave, commercial vehicle demand optimism and GST buzz pushed this stock higher.

✅ PG Electroplast (+8.03%): Electronics play surged on investor appetite for midcaps amid GST-led consumption boost.

✅ Amber Enterprises (+7.85%): Benefited from cooling and appliance demand outlook; GST changes further fueled optimism in consumer durables.

Top Losers

🔻 Glenmark (-3.50%): Pharma stock slipped on profit booking after recent gains, with no fresh sector triggers today.

🔻 Suzlon Energy (-3.31%): Renewable energy play saw selling pressure amid high volatility and cautious sentiment in power sector stocks.

🔻 Kalyan Jewellers (-2.49%): Precious metal-linked counters took a hit as gold demand sentiment cooled despite market rally.

🔻 BHEL (-2.09%): PSU stock corrected on profit booking, even as broader markets stayed strong; investors likely reallocated funds to autos and midcaps.

INDIA FRONTIER

Everything else you need to know today

💰 GST Windfall: India’s economy just got a potential boost worth ₹2.4 lakh crore, thanks to GST inflows that Jefferies and Morgan Stanley say could reshape fiscal math. From stock market ripples to government spending power, this windfall may redraw the investment playbook.

⚡ Drive: Bhavish Aggarwal has set an ambitious target: Ola Electric is gunning for a 25–30% EV market share. By betting on vertical integration - from batteries to software Aggarwal is aiming to squeeze margins tighter and charge ahead of rivals.

🛑 Pause: Foreign investors have slowed their buying spree in Indian equities, with FPIs turning cautious in the near term. But analysts hint this could just be a pause, not a pullback, as India’s growth story still looks too big to ignore.

📉 Strain: MTNL’s debt troubles are mounting - defaults have surged to ₹8,659 crore, pushing total debt to a staggering ₹34,577 crore. The once-iconic telecom player is now battling survival mode, sparking hard questions about India’s struggling state-run enterprises and their path forward.

SPECIAL

How ITR Filing Will Change from 2026: Refunds, TDS & More

India’s income tax filing process is set for a major revamp starting 2026, aiming to make compliance faster, simpler, and more transparent. The government’s new framework is expected to significantly ease the burden on both salaried individuals and businesses.

One of the biggest highlights is speedier refunds. Taxpayers often face long waits to get their money back, but the new system promises quicker settlement - an essential move to build trust and improve cash flows. Additionally, TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) is set to undergo restructuring. Instead of multiple layers of deductions that confuse taxpayers, the revised method will focus on simplification, reducing mismatches and disputes.

Another big shift lies in automation and integration. The upcoming system is expected to use advanced digital tools, potentially AI-driven checks, to pre-fill data, detect errors in real time, and cut down manual interventions. For taxpayers, this means fewer compliance headaches and less paperwork.

While these changes sound promising, execution will be key. If rolled out effectively, this reform could transform India’s tax regime from a compliance-heavy structure into a more taxpayer-friendly ecosystem, making filing returns less about stress - and more about seamless efficiency.

THE HANOOMAAN INSTITUTE

Habits > Willpower: Adopt These 5 Wealth-Building Routines

Willpower is a fickle friend - failing right when discipline matters most. The smartest approach? Build habits that make wealth automatic, not forced.

Here are five wealth habits practiced by prospering individuals:

1. Financial Productivity Habits - Automate savings and investments directly from your paycheck (even 5% creates power). Use the “one-minute rule” to quickly tackle small tasks, and establish a weekly finance review to catch red flags early.

2. Growth Habits - Commit 5-10 minutes a day to financial education. Whether it's a chapter from a trusted book or a podcast on investing, consistency trumps marathon weekends. Don’t just learn about money - invest in skill-building courses too.

3. Health Habits - Your body and mind are your most valuable assets. Regular exercise, quality sleep, and stress management fuel better decisions and productivity.

4. Social Habits - Surround yourself with financially aware individuals. Join mastermind groups or connect with mentors. Automated wisdom and accountability expand both perspective and opportunity.

5. Self-Care Habits - Practice financial gratitude. Say “no” to expenses misaligned with your goals. These small acts protect both your wealth and your mindset.

Start with one habit from any category-stack it onto your morning coffee or commute routine. Over time, these behaviors compound into exponential impact. Consistent systems, not sporadic brilliance, build enduring financial success.

SUPERCHARGE YOUR INVESTING SKILLS

STOCK SCREENER TO UP YOUR GAME

Stocks having huge potential to be Multibaggers
by - Nair Harish

Piotroski score > 6 AND
Return on capital employed  > 15% AND 
Return on equity  > 15% AND
Current ratio  > 1 AND
Price to book value < 3 AND
Dividend yield < 4% AND
YOY Quarterly profit growth > 7%

Thanks for reading.

Until tomorrow!

Hanoomaan India Business team

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