Core Viewpoint - The Finance Minister's proposal to increase the Securities Transaction Tax (STT) on futures to 0.05% is expected to have a structurally negative impact on the capital market ecosystem, particularly affecting futures and options (F&O) driven businesses [1][11]. Market Reaction - The benchmark stock indices, Sensex and Nifty, experienced significant declines, with Sensex dropping by nearly 2% and settling at 80,722.94, down 1,546.84 points or 1.88% [2][3]. - The NSE Nifty fell by 495.20 points or 1.96%, closing at 24,825.45, with an intraday low of 24,571.75, a drop of 2.95% [3][7]. Impact on Trading and Liquidity - Higher transaction costs due to the increased STT are likely to reduce trading volumes, dampen short-term momentum, and lower profitability for active market participants [12][16]. - Foreign Institutional Investor (FII) participation in derivatives may decline as post-tax trading efficiency diminishes, which could negatively impact overall market liquidity [13][8]. Sector Performance - Among the 30 Sensex firms, State Bank of India and Adani Ports saw significant losses of 5.61% and 5.53%, respectively, with other companies like Bharat Electronics, ITC, Tata Steel, UltraTech Cement, and Reliance Industries also among the laggards [6][7]. - Conversely, Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys, Sun Pharma, and Titan were noted as gainers during this period [8][7]. Long-term Outlook - While the proposed STT increase is seen as a short-term dampener for capital market entities, some analysts suggest it may have positive implications in the long term [9]. - The budget also aims to support sectors affected by global trade tariffs and focuses on emerging areas such as data centers, semiconductors, and biopharma, which may provide some resilience to the market [10].

Company Overview - Commercial Metals Company (CMC) is an integrated steel and metals fabricator and producer with operations in North America, Europe, and Emerging Markets, also involved in processing scrap metals for steel mills and foundries [5] - As of January 31, 2026, CMC's stock price is $76.87, with a revenue of $8.01 billion and a net income of $437.66 million, reflecting a 54% price change over the past year [4] Recent Insider Activity - Dennis V. Arriola, a director at CMC, purchased 2,000 shares valued at approximately $149,400 on January 20, 2026, increasing his direct ownership by 27.63% from 7,238 shares to 9,238 shares [2][8] - This transaction marks the first material change in insider holdings since March 2024, as previous filings only involved administrative events without share accumulation [8] Market Performance - CMC has experienced a strong performance with seven consecutive months of price increases, closing 2025 with an approximate 39% positive return [6] - The company reported its highest year-over-year growth in a quarter since Q1 2023 during FY Q1 2026, despite global steel price increases due to tariffs, which are expected to boost domestic consumption [7] Investor Considerations - The recent insider purchase by Arriola suggests confidence in CMC's future performance, although investors should monitor potential demand surpassing inventory issues in 2026 [6][9] - There has been no increase in dividend yield in recent quarters, which may concern investors seeking consistent payout increases, as CMC has not raised its quarterly payouts since Q2 2024 [9]

Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) on Friday posted over two-fold jump in consolidated net profit to ₹374.03 crore, supported by higher revenues.It had reported a net profit of ₹141.89 crore in the October-December period of the preceding fiscal, the company said in an exchange filing.The company’s total income rose over 11% to ₹27,545.93 crore from ₹24,723.43 crore a year ago.In April-December, the company’s profit after tax (PAT) was ₹1,554 crore, higher than ₹970 crore in the nine-month period of FY25.S ...

Benchmark equity indices Sensex and Nifty ended lower on Friday, snapping a three-day rally, dragged by metal, IT stocks and caution ahead of the Budget presentation on February 1.Fresh foreign fund outflows and weakness in the rupee also added to the bearish trend in the equity markets.Photograph: Danish Siddiqui/ReutersThe 30-share BSE Sensex declined 296.59 points or 0.36 per cent to settle at 82,269.78.During the day, it tumbled 625.34 points or 0.75 per cent to 81,941.03.The 50-share NSE Nifty dropped ...

Market Performance - Benchmark equity indices Sensex and Nifty ended lower, with Sensex declining by 296.59 points or 0.36% to settle at 82,269.78, and Nifty dropping by 98.25 points or 0.39% to end at 25,320.65, snapping a three-day rally [1][2] - The decline was influenced by selling pressure in metal and IT stocks, with Tata Steel experiencing the largest drop of 4.57% among Sensex firms [2] Foreign Investment Activity - Foreign institutional investors sold equities worth ₹393.97 crore on January 29, 2026, while domestic institutional investors purchased stocks worth ₹2,638.76 crore [3] Economic Outlook - India's economy is projected to grow by 6.8-7.2% in the upcoming fiscal year, maintaining its status as the fastest-growing major economy despite global trade risks and volatility [5] Market Sentiment - The Indian equity markets exhibited volatility ahead of the Union Budget, with cautious sentiment due to persistent foreign fund outflows and rupee depreciation [4][7] - Analysts noted that market participants are balancing pre-Budget positioning against external headwinds, contributing to a cautious market environment [7]

Total company sales excluding raw material surcharge were up 8% year-over-year and down 2% sequentially . Thene attributed the sequential decline largely to typical year-end factors such as fewer operating days and customer holiday closures, adding that those factors are not expected to impact the third quarter and that the company expects a sequential increase in net sales.Thene said the company’s Specialty Alloys and Operations (SAO) segment delivered an adjusted operating margin of 33.1% , up from 28.3% ...

CANTON, Ohio, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Metallus (NYSE: MTUS), a leader in high-quality specialty metals, manufactured components, and supply chain solutions, will release its fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results on Thursday, February 19, after the market closes on the New York Stock Exchange. The company will provide live Internet listening access to its conference call with the financial community scheduled for Friday, February 20, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. ET. The live conference call will be broadcas ...

Investors might want to bet on Commercial Metals (CMC) , as earnings estimates for this company have been showing solid improvement lately. The stock has already gained solid short-term price momentum, and this trend might continue with its still improving earnings outlook.The upward trend in estimate revisions for this manufacturer and recycler of steel and metal products reflects growing optimism of analysts on its earnings prospects, which should get reflected in its stock price. After all, empirical res ...

Company Overview - Nucor Corporation (NYSE:NUE) is the largest steel manufacturer in the U.S., producing various steel products including sheet, plate, bar, and structural steel, as well as raw materials and industrial gases for multiple applications [2] Financial Performance - Nucor reported a "mixed quarter," with shares experiencing a pullback despite being at a 52-week high prior to the quarter [1] - The financial results were not as strong as anticipated, indicating underlying challenges despite some positive factors [1] Market Environment - The company benefits from protective steel tariffs that prevent foreign products from being sold at lower prices, which supports the domestic steel industry [1] - CEO Leon Topalian noted that the current import situation is the best he has seen in his 30 years at Nucor, highlighting a supportive trade environment for U.S. manufacturing [1]

Market Overview - Wall Street achieved a historic milestone with the S&P 500 reaching the 7,000 mark for the first time, driven by the Federal Reserve's decision to maintain steady interest rates, indicating solid economic expansion [1][10] - Investor confidence was bolstered by the Fed's assessment of a stabilizing labor market, despite the index ending the session with little change [1] Investment Strategy - The current market conditions are likely to enhance the attractiveness of low-leverage stocks, as investors may prioritize financial resilience and capital preservation over aggressive growth strategies [2] - Recommended companies with low leverage include ThyssenKrupp (TKAMY), Alcoa Corp. (AA), Coeur Mining (CDE), FirstSun Capital Bancorp (FSUN), and TechnipFMC (FTI), which are seen as safer options during market volatility [2][10] Low-Leverage Stocks - Leverage in finance refers to borrowing capital to operate and expand businesses, typically through debt financing, which can pose risks if not managed properly [4][5] - Companies with low debt levels are generally less risky and can provide more stable returns, especially during economic downturns [6][11] - The debt-to-equity ratio is a key metric for assessing a company's financial risk, with lower ratios indicating better solvency [7] Company Highlights - **ThyssenKrupp (TKAMY)**: Recognized for its environmental efforts, the company expects a 2.1% increase in fiscal 2026 sales and a 24.1% rise in earnings, holding a Zacks Rank 1 [15][16] - **Alcoa (AA)**: Despite a 1.1% decline in revenues, adjusted EPS surged by 21.2%, with a projected 8.5% revenue increase and a 34% earnings growth for 2026, also holding a Zacks Rank 1 [17][18] - **Coeur Mining (CDE)**: The company is undertaking its largest exploration campaign since 2012, with a projected 30.2% revenue increase and a 116.9% earnings growth for 2026, holding a Zacks Rank 1 [19][20] - **FirstSun Capital Bancorp (FSUN)**: Reported a 10.5% year-over-year increase in adjusted EPS and expects a 61.6% revenue increase for 2026, holding a Zacks Rank 1 [21][22] - **TechnipFMC (FTI)**: Awarded a significant contract by BP, with a projected 9.6% revenue increase and a long-term earnings growth rate of 18.8%, holding a Zacks Rank 2 [23][24]