Stock Market Today (May 18, 2026): Market sentiment appears positive for Tuesday's session as trends in the Gift Nifty indicate a firm start.
Gift Nifty was trading around the 23,649 mark, rising more than 31.50 points compared to the previous close of Nifty futures as Indian benchmark equity indices ended slightly higher on Monday, May 18, after making a sharp recovery from heavy intraday losses. Buying in selected heavyweight shares helped both the Sensex and Nifty bounce back strongly in the second half of the trading session.
The 30-share BSE Sensex, which had fallen more than 1,000 points during the day, staged a major comeback and recovered over 1,100 points from its lowest level before ending in the green. Likewise, the NSE Nifty 50 slipped to an intraday low of 23,317 but later rebounded by more than 300 points. At the closing bell, the Sensex settled 77 points or 0.10% higher at 75,315.04. Meanwhile, the Nifty 50 gained 6 points or 0.03% to close at 23,649.95.
Stocks to Watch Today
Several companies are expected to remain in the spotlight on Tuesday due to earnings announcements, regulatory developments, fundraising plans, and major business updates.
Indian Oil Corporation
Indian Oil Corporation reported a strong financial performance for the quarter. The company's net profit jumped 56.6% year-on-year to ₹11,377.51 crore, compared to ₹7,264.85 crore in the same period last year. The growth was mainly supported by healthy refining and marketing margins.
JSW Steel
JSW Energy sold 2.5 crore shares of JSW Steel through block deals worth nearly ₹3,150 crore, according to NSE data.
Among the key buyers:
- GQG Partners Emerging Markets Equity Fund bought 1.5 crore shares valued at around ₹1,890 crore at ₹1,260 per share.
- SBI Mutual Fund acquired 1 crore shares worth close to ₹1,260 crore at the same price.
Separately, JSW Energy also confirmed that after the bulk deal, JSW Steel's remaining stake in the company stands at 4.5 crore shares.
Eicher Motors
Eicher Motors, the parent company of Royal Enfield, announced that the Andhra Pradesh government has approved the allotment of 215.7 acres of land in Tada for its proposed greenfield manufacturing project.
The company is expected to invest up to ₹2,500 crore in the expansion project.
Adani Group
Shares of Adani Group companies may attract investor attention after the US Department of Justice reportedly dropped all criminal charges against billionaire Gautam Adani and his nephew Sagar Adani. The securities and wire fraud case in New York was closed after prosecutors concluded that the allegations were no longer sustainable.
Lupin
Pharmaceutical company Lupin received tentative approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) for its abbreviated New Drug Application for Revefenacin Inhalation Solution in 175 mcg/3 mL unit-dose vials.
Indraprastha Gas
Indraprastha Gas reported a 21% year-on-year decline in net profit for the March 2026 quarter. Profit came in at ₹277.08 crore.
However, revenue from operations increased 6% to ₹4,571.49 crore, compared to ₹4,322.71 crore in the same quarter last year.
Astral
Astral delivered mixed March quarter results. The company recorded healthy year-on-year growth in both revenue and profit, but its operational performance failed to meet market expectations on some key parameters.
Ashok Leyland
Ashok Leyland's board is scheduled to meet on May 28 to discuss fundraising plans through Non-Convertible Debentures (NCDs).
Narayana Hrudayalaya
The hospital chain's board will meet on May 22 to consider raising funds through debt instruments.
ICRA
ICRA announced that its subsidiary has recommended a substantial dividend payout of ₹54 per share.
HDFC Life
HDFC Life has received shareholder approval to issue 1.5 crore shares to HDFC Bank through a preferential allotment route.
AVG Logistics
AVG Logistics approved a rights issue involving 36.5 lakh shares to raise ₹52.9 crore.
The rights issue will be offered in an 8:33 ratio, while May 21 has been fixed as the record date.
LIC
Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has officially secured shareholder approval for issuing bonus shares.
IIFL Capital
FIH Mauritius Investments and HWIC Asia Fund have jointly launched an open offer to acquire 10 crore shares, representing a 26% stake, in IIFL Capital.
ICICI Securities will serve as the manager for the open offer.
Afcons Infrastructure
Afcons Infrastructure, part of the Shapoorji Pallonji Group, posted a consolidated net loss of ₹88.4 crore for the quarter ended March 2026.
In the same period last year, the company had reported a net profit of ₹110.9 crore. The company attributed the weak performance to macroeconomic pressures and certain one-time factors.
Apollo Micro Systems
Apollo Micro Systems posted strong earnings for the March quarter, supported by significant growth in both revenue and profit on a year-on-year basis.
The improvement was largely driven by better execution and stronger operational efficiency.
Disclaimer: This article is meant only for educational purposes. Investors should consult a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.