GIFT Nifty futures were trading at 24,002 points at 7:58 a.m. IST, indicating the benchmark Nifty 50 would open below Monday’s close of 24,092.70.The Nifty and the BSE Sensex had snapped a three-session losing streak on Monday, supported by a rebound in information technology stocks after sharp losses last week.

However, analysts said broader market momentum remained fragile due to persistent geopolitical uncertainty in the Middle East.Investor concerns have centered on the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route that handles about one-fifth of global oil flows. Continued disruptions and uncertainty around the conflict have pushed Brent crude prices close to $109 per barrel.

Higher oil prices are a significant risk for India, the world’s third-largest crude importer, as they raise inflation pressures, increase the import bill and can weigh on economic growth as well as corporate profitability.

Efforts to end the Iran conflict appeared stalled after a U.S. official said on Monday that President Donald Trump was dissatisfied with Tehran’s latest proposal to resolve the war.Back in domestic markets, foreign portfolio investors sold Indian equities worth 11.51 billion rupees ($122.2 million) on Monday, extending their selling streak to a sixth consecutive session.

Domestic institutional investors remained net buyers for a third straight day, purchasing shares worth 41.24 billion rupees and helping cushion broader market declines.Among individual stocks, UltraTech Cement, India’s largest cement producer by capacity, is expected to remain in focus after reporting quarterly profit above analyst estimates, supported by stronger demand and favorable weather conditions for construction activity.

State-owned Coal India also posted better-than-expected March-quarter earnings, helped by higher coal prices and stronger demand.SBI Cards and Payment Services reported a 14% year-on-year increase in quarterly profit, adding to investor focus on earnings-driven moves across sectors.

Market participants are expected to remain cautious in the near term, balancing domestic earnings momentum against external risks from energy prices, global inflation concerns and sustained foreign capital outflows.

JSW Cement posts major turnaround in Q2 as rising prices, higher cement volumes, and infrastructure growth boost profitability across India’s building sector.

India’s JSW Cement recorded an impressive turnaround in its second-quarter results, reporting a solid profit driven by rising cement prices, higher dispatch volumes, and improving demand from the construction and infrastructure sectors.

The company’s financial recovery reflects the broader resurgence in India’s building materials industry, signaling renewed momentum in both urban and rural construction activity.

For the July-September quarter, JSW Cement posted a consolidated net profit of 864.3 million rupees, compared to a loss of 643.9 million rupees during the same period last year.

This significant comeback underscores how strategic pricing adjustments and higher production volumes have strengthened the company’s profitability even during a seasonally weak quarter affected by India’s monsoon season.

Despite the challenges of reduced construction activity during monsoons, JSW Cement managed to expand its sales volume by 7%. The company also benefited from a 5% average increase in cement prices, as per Ambit Research data, helping lift overall revenue by more than 17% to 14.36 billion rupees.

The steady price recovery marks a positive shift from 2024, when the sector was hit by slower construction activity and delays in infrastructure projects following India’s general elections.

JSW Cement’s turnaround aligns with the broader trend of recovery seen across India’s cement industry. Peers such as UltraTech Cement and Ambuja Cement also posted improved profits, pointing to a widespread rebound supported by the government’s continued focus on infrastructure expansion and housing development.

The company’s ability to sustain pricing power while improving volumes demonstrates effective market positioning and operational efficiency.

Industry analysts note that India’s cement demand is expected to rise steadily in the coming quarters, backed by strong public and private investment in infrastructure, real estate, and rural development.

With India’s rapid urbanization and ambitious construction projects under initiatives like “Housing for All” and “Smart Cities,” the demand for quality cement and construction materials is expected to remain robust through 2026.

Although JSW Cement’s shares dipped slightly by 0.6% on Friday and remain about 17% lower since their listing in August, investors view the company’s profit rebound as a promising indicator of long-term growth.

The firm’s strong financial performance this quarter is expected to build investor confidence as it continues to expand its production capacity and explore new regional markets.

The company’s focus on sustainability, energy efficiency, and innovative construction materials also aligns with India’s broader goals of reducing carbon emissions and promoting green infrastructure.

JSW Cement’s strategic emphasis on low-carbon cement production and circular economy initiatives positions it as a forward-looking player in a highly competitive industry.

With renewed market optimism and expanding infrastructure projects, JSW Cement’s latest results signal a promising phase for India’s construction and materials sector.

The combination of improved pricing, higher output, and a growing project pipeline underscores the company’s resilience and adaptability in a changing economic landscape.