NTPC share price has plunged 5% and is presently trading at Rs 92.

Meanwhile, the BSE POWER Index is at 1,456 (down 2.1%).

Among the top losers in the BSE POWER Index today is NTPC (down 5.1%).

RELIANCE INFRA (up 5.0%) and THERMAX (up 0.8%) are among the top gainers today.

Over the last one year, NTPC has moved down from Rs 134 to Rs 92, registering a loss of Rs 42 (down 31.0%)..

The BSE POWER has moved down from 1,954 to 1,456, loss of 498 points (down 25.5%) during the last 12 months.

The top gainers among the BSE POWER Index stocks during this same period were TORRENT POWER LTD (up 20.9%) and GMR INFRA (up 7.2%).

What About the Benchmark Indices?

The BSE Sensex is at 32,089 (up 1.4%). The top gainers among the BSE Sensex stocks today are RELIANCE IND. (up 4.0%). The most traded stocks in the BSE Sensex are INDUSIND BANK and RELIANCE IND..

In the meantime, NSE Nifty is at 9,383 (up 1.3%). ZEE ENTERTAINMENT (up 5.2%) is among the top gainers in NSE Nifty.

Over the last 12 months, the BSE Sensex has moved down from 38,277 to 32,089, registering a loss of 6,188 points (down 16.73%).

NTPC Financial Update...

NTPC net profit down at Rs 14 billion for the quarter ended December 2019, compared to a loss of Rs 27 billion a year ago. Net Sales declined 2.6% to Rs 235.0 billion during the period as against Rs 241.2 billion in October-December 2018.

For the year ended March 2019, NTPC reported 151.3% increase in net profit to Rs 161.6 billion compared to net profit of Rs 64.3 billion during FY18.

Revenue of the company grew 8.7% to Rs 957 billion during FY19.

The current Price to earnings ratio of NTPC, based on rolling 12 month earnings, stands at 5.1x.

This article (NTPC Plunges by 5%; BSE POWER Index Down 2.1%) is authored by Equitymaster.

Equitymaster is a leading 'independent' equity research initiative focused on providing well-researched and unbiased opinions on stocks listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange.

TORRENT POWER LTD share price has plunged 5% and is presently trading at Rs 327.

Meanwhile, the BSE POWER Index is at 1,456 (down 2.1%).

Among the top losers in the BSE POWER Index today is TORRENT POWER LTD (down 5.1%).

RELIANCE INFRA (up 5.0%) and THERMAX (up 0.8%) are among the top gainers today.

Over the last one year, TORRENT POWER LTD has moved up from Rs 255 to Rs 327, registering a gain of Rs 72 (up 28.1%)..

The BSE POWER has moved down from 1,954 to 1,456, loss of 498 points (down 25.5%) during the last 12 months.

The top gainers among the BSE POWER Index stocks during this same period were TORRENT POWER LTD (up 20.1%) and GMR INFRA (up 7.5%).

What About the Benchmark Indices?

The BSE Sensex is at 32,089 (up 1.3%). The top gainers among the BSE Sensex stocks today are RELIANCE IND. (up 4.0%). The most traded stocks in the BSE Sensex are INDUSIND BANK and RELIANCE IND..

In the meantime, NSE Nifty is at 9,383 (up 1.3%). ZEE ENTERTAINMENT (up 4.7%) is among the top gainers in NSE Nifty.

Over the last 12 months, the BSE Sensex has moved down from 38,277 to 32,089, registering a loss of 6,188 points (down 16.76%).

TORRENT POWER LTD Financial Update...

TORRENT POWER LTD net profit stood at Rs 4 billion for the quarter ended December 2019, compared to a profit of Rs 2 billion a year ago. Net Sales declined 5.4% to Rs 30.8 billion during the period as against Rs 32.5 billion in October-December 2018.

For the year ended March 2018, TORRENT POWER LTD reported 121.5% increase in net profit to Rs 9.5 billion compared to net profit of Rs 4.3 billion during FY17.

Revenue of the company grew 15.1% to Rs 115 billion during FY18.

The current Price to earnings ratio of TORRENT POWER LTD, based on rolling 12 month earnings, stands at 10.0x.

This article (TORRENT POWER LTD Plunges by 5%; BSE POWER Index Down 2.1%) is authored by Equitymaster.

Equitymaster is a leading 'independent' equity research initiative focused on providing well-researched and unbiased opinions on stocks listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange.

BHARAT DYNAMICS share price has plunged 5% and is presently trading at Rs 231.

Meanwhile, the BSE 500 Index is at 12,146 (up 0.8%).

Among the top losers in the BSE 500 Index today are BHARAT DYNAMICS (down 5.4%) and LAURUS LABS LTD (down 9.0%).

TV18 BROADCAST (up 7.9%) and E.I.D. PARRY (up 7.6%) are among the top gainers today.

Over the last one year, BHARAT DYNAMICS has moved down from Rs 281 to Rs 231, registering a loss of Rs 50 (down 17.8%)..

The BSE 500 has moved down from 14,958 to 12,146, loss of 2,812 points (down 18.8%) during the last 12 months.

The top gainers among the BSE 500 Index stocks during this same period were ADANI GREEN ENERGY (up 431.9%), ABBOTT INDIA (up 142.8%) and NAVIN FLUORINE (up 115.0%).

What About the Benchmark Indices?

The BSE Sensex is at 32,089 (up 1.0%). The top gainers among the BSE Sensex stocks today are RELIANCE IND. (up 4.0%). The most traded stocks in the BSE Sensex are INDUSIND BANK and ICICI BANK.

In the meantime, NSE Nifty is at 9,383 (up 1.1%). ZEE ENTERTAINMENT (up 5.1%) and DR. REDDYS LAB (up 4.2%) are among the top gainers in NSE Nifty.

Over the last 12 months, the BSE Sensex has moved down from 38,277 to 32,089, registering a loss of 6,188 points (down 17.03%).

E.I.D. PARRY share price has zoomed 10% and is presently trading at Rs 164.

Meanwhile, the BSE 500 Index is at 12,146 (up 0.8%).

Among the top Gainers in the BSE 500 Index today are E.I.D. PARRY (up 10.5%) and HATHWAY CABLE (up 10.0%).

MAH. SCOOTERS and 3M INDIA are among the top losers today.

Over the last one year, E.I.D. PARRY has moved down from Rs 187 to Rs 164, registering a loss of Rs 23 (down 12.3%).

On the other hand, the BSE 500 has moved down from 14,958 to 12,146, loss of 2,812 points (down 19.5%) during the last 12 months.

The top gainers among the BSE 500 Index stocks during this same period were ADANI GREEN ENERGY (up 431.3%), ABBOTT INDIA (up 143.8%) and NAVIN FLUORINE (up 109.8%).

What About the Benchmark Indices?

The BSE Sensex is at 32,089 (up 1.1%).

The top gainers among the BSE Sensex stocks today are HUL (up 4.1%), RELIANCE IND. (up 4.0%) and NESTLE (up 3.7%). Other gainers include TECH MAHINDRA (up 3.2%) and SUN PHARMA (up 3.0%). The most traded stocks in the BSE Sensex are INDUSIND BANK and ICICI BANK.

In the meantime, NSE Nifty is at 9,383 (up 0.7%). The top gainers in the NSE Nifty include DR. REDDYS LAB (up 4.3%), HUL (up 3.8%) and RELIANCE IND. (up 3.8%). Other gainers include BRITANNIA (up 3.7%) and ZEE ENTERTAINMENT (up 3.5%) are among the top gainers in NSE Nifty.

Over the last 12 months, the BSE Sensex has moved down from 38,277 to 32,089, registering a loss of 6,188 points (down 16.94%).

E.I.D. PARRY Financial Update...

E.I.D. PARRY net profit stood at Rs 3 billion for the quarter ended December 2019, compared to a profit of Rs 1 billion a year ago. Net Sales rose 9.9% to Rs 40.8 billion during the period as against Rs 37.1 billion in October-December 2018.

For the year ended March 2019, E.I.D. PARRY reported 15.4% decrease in net profit to Rs 4.4 billion compared to net profit of Rs 5.2 billion during FY18.

Revenue of the company grew 7.3% to Rs 166 billion during FY19.

The current Price to earnings ratio of E.I.D. PARRY, based on rolling 12 month earnings, stands at 3.5x.

This article (E.I.D. PARRY Surges by 10%; BSE 500 Index Up 0.8%) is authored by Equitymaster.

Equitymaster is a leading 'independent' equity research initiative focused on providing well-researched and unbiased opinions on stocks listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange.

ECLERX SERVICES share price has plunged 5% and is presently trading at Rs 474.

Meanwhile, the BSE IT Index is at 13,667 (up 0.7%).

Among the top losers in the BSE IT Index today are ECLERX SERVICES (down 5.1%) and CYIENT (down 10.0%).

TECH MAHINDRA (up 3.1%) and MINDTREE (up 2.3%) are among the top gainers today.

Over the last one year, ECLERX SERVICES has moved down from Rs 1,134 to Rs 474, registering a loss of Rs 660 (down 58.2%)..

The BSE IT has moved down from 15,682 to 13,667, loss of 2,015 points (down 12.8%) during the last 12 months.

The top gainers among the BSE IT Index stocks during this same period were INFIBEAM AVENUES (up 15.5%) and NIIT TECHNOLOGIES (up 11.5%).

What About the Benchmark Indices?

The BSE Sensex is at 32,089 (up 0.9%). The top gainers among the BSE Sensex stocks today are HUL (up 4.3%). The most traded stocks in the BSE Sensex are ICICI BANK and RELIANCE IND..

In the meantime, NSE Nifty is at 9,383 (up 0.6%). HUL (up 4.4%) and DR. REDDYS LAB (up 4.2%) are among the top gainers in NSE Nifty.

Over the last 12 months, the BSE Sensex has moved down from 38,277 to 32,089, registering a loss of 6,188 points (down 17.15%).

ECLERX SERVICES Financial Update...

ECLERX SERVICES net profit stood at Rs 701 million for the quarter ended December 2019, compared to a profit of Rs 390 million a year ago. Net Sales rose 5.0% to Rs 3.8 billion during the period as against Rs 3.6 billion in October-December 2018.

For the year ended March 2018, ECLERX SERVICES reported 24.1% decrease in net profit to Rs 2.7 billion compared to net profit of Rs 3.5 billion during FY17.

Revenue of the company grew 2.6% to Rs 14 billion during FY18.

The current Price to earnings ratio of ECLERX SERVICES, based on rolling 12 month earnings, stands at 7.9x.

This article (ECLERX SERVICES Plunges by 5%; BSE IT Index Up 0.7%) is authored by Equitymaster.

Equitymaster is a leading 'independent' equity research initiative focused on providing well-researched and unbiased opinions on stocks listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange.

ICICI SECURITIES LTD share price has plunged 5% and is presently trading at Rs 429.

Meanwhile, the BSE 500 Index is at 12,146 (up 0.5%).

Among the top losers in the BSE 500 Index today are ICICI SECURITIES LTD (down 5.3%) and TIMKEN INDIA (down 5.3%).

E.I.D. PARRY (up 9.9%) and TV18 BROADCAST (up 6.6%) are among the top gainers today.

Over the last one year, ICICI SECURITIES LTD has moved up from Rs 220 to Rs 429, registering a gain of Rs 209 (up 95.1%)..

The BSE 500 has moved down from 14,958 to 12,146, loss of 2,812 points (down 18.8%) during the last 12 months.

The top gainers among the BSE 500 Index stocks during this same period were ADANI GREEN ENERGY (up 433.0%), ABBOTT INDIA (up 143.0%) and NAVIN FLUORINE (up 111.0%).

What About the Benchmark Indices?

The BSE Sensex is at 32,089 (up 0.7%). The top gainers among the BSE Sensex stocks today are HUL (up 4.5%). The most traded stocks in the BSE Sensex are ICICI BANK and RELIANCE IND..

In the meantime, NSE Nifty is at 9,383 (up 0.7%). HUL (up 4.6%) and DR. REDDYS LAB (up 4.0%) are among the top gainers in NSE Nifty.

Over the last 12 months, the BSE Sensex has moved down from 38,277 to 32,089, registering a loss of 6,188 points (down 17.27%).

PRESTIGE ESTATES share price has plunged 5% and is presently trading at Rs 169.

Meanwhile, the BSE REALTY Index is at 1,345 (down 0.8%).

Among the top losers in the BSE REALTY Index today is PRESTIGE ESTATES (down 5.4%).

GODREJ PROPERTIES (up 2.8%) and MAHINDRA LIFESPACE (up 1.8%) are among the top gainers today.

Over the last one year, PRESTIGE ESTATES has moved down from Rs 263 to Rs 169, registering a loss of Rs 94 (down 35.7%)..

The BSE REALTY has moved down from 1,983 to 1,345, loss of 638 points (down 32.2%) during the last 12 months.

What About the Benchmark Indices?

The BSE Sensex is at 32,089 (up 0.9%). The top gainers among the BSE Sensex stocks today are HUL (up 4.6%). The most traded stocks in the BSE Sensex are ICICI BANK and RELIANCE IND..

In the meantime, NSE Nifty is at 9,383 (up 0.7%). HUL (up 5.1%) is among the top gainers in NSE Nifty.

Over the last 12 months, the BSE Sensex has moved down from 38,277 to 32,089, registering a loss of 6,188 points (down 17.15%).

HUL share price has zoomed 5% and is presently trading at Rs 2,098.

Meanwhile, the BSE FMCG Index is at 10,083 (up 2.0%).

Among the top Gainers in the BSE FMCG Index today are HUL (up 5.2%) and GSK CONSUMER (up 5.1%).

GODFREY PHILLIPS (down 0.3%) and GODREJ AGROVET LTD (down 1.0%) are among the top losers today.

Over the last one year, HUL has moved up from Rs 1,695 to Rs 2,098, registering a gain of Rs 402 (up 23.6%).

On the other hand, the BSE FMCG has moved down from 11,531 to 10,083, loss of 1,448 points (down 12.6%) during the last 12 months.

The top gainers among the BSE FMCG Index stocks during this same period were TATA CONSUMER PRODUCTS (up 74.6%), NESTLE (up 70.0%) and GSK CONSUMER (up 48.6%).

What About the Benchmark Indices?

The BSE Sensex is at 32,089 (up 0.8%).

The top gainers among the BSE Sensex stocks today are HUL (up 5.2%), RELIANCE IND. (up 4.0%) and NESTLE (up 3.9%). Other gainers include TECH MAHINDRA (up 3.6%) and SUN PHARMA (up 3.2%). The most traded stocks in the BSE Sensex are ICICI BANK and RELIANCE IND..

In the meantime, NSE Nifty is at 9,383 (up 0.7%). The top gainers in the NSE Nifty include HUL (up 5.1%), RELIANCE IND. (up 3.9%) and DR. REDDYS LAB (up 3.7%). Other gainers include TECH MAHINDRA (up 3.6%) and SUN PHARMA (up 3.3%) are among the top gainers in NSE Nifty.

Over the last 12 months, the BSE Sensex has moved down from 38,277 to 32,089, registering a loss of 6,188 points (down 17.23%).

HUL Financial Update...

HUL net profit down at Rs 15 billion for the quarter ended March 2020, compared to a loss of Rs 16 billion a year ago. Net Sales declined 8.1% to Rs 90.1 billion during the period as against Rs 98.1 billion in January-March 2019.

For the year ended March 2019, HUL reported 19.6% increase in net profit to Rs 62.9 billion compared to net profit of Rs 52.6 billion during FY18.

Revenue of the company grew 8.5% to Rs 393 billion during FY19.

The current Price to earnings ratio of HUL, based on rolling 12 month earnings, stands at 67.3x.

This article (HUL Surges by 5%; BSE FMCG Index Up 2.0%) is authored by Equitymaster.

Equitymaster is a leading 'independent' equity research initiative focused on providing well-researched and unbiased opinions on stocks listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange.

ICICI SECURITIES LTD share price has plunged 5% and is presently trading at Rs 429.

Meanwhile, the BSE 500 Index is at 12,146 (up 0.5%).

Among the top losers in the BSE 500 Index today are ICICI SECURITIES LTD (down 5.0%) and TIMKEN INDIA (down 5.1%).

E.I.D. PARRY (up 10.0%) and TV18 BROADCAST (up 6.3%) are among the top gainers today.

Over the last one year, ICICI SECURITIES LTD has moved up from Rs 220 to Rs 429, registering a gain of Rs 209 (up 95.1%)..

The BSE 500 has moved down from 14,958 to 12,146, loss of 2,812 points (down 18.8%) during the last 12 months.

The top gainers among the BSE 500 Index stocks during this same period were ADANI GREEN ENERGY (up 431.1%), ABBOTT INDIA (up 142.5%) and NAVIN FLUORINE (up 111.5%).

What About the Benchmark Indices?

The BSE Sensex is at 32,089 (up 0.6%). The top gainers among the BSE Sensex stocks today are HUL (up 5.1%). The most traded stocks in the BSE Sensex are ICICI BANK and RELIANCE IND..

In the meantime, NSE Nifty is at 9,383 (up 0.6%). HUL (up 5.1%) and DR. REDDYS LAB (up 3.9%) are among the top gainers in NSE Nifty.

Over the last 12 months, the BSE Sensex has moved down from 38,277 to 32,089, registering a loss of 6,188 points (down 17.32%).

INFO EDGE share price has zoomed 6% and is presently trading at Rs 2,741.

Meanwhile, the BSE IT Index is at 13,667 (up 0.9%).

Among the top Gainers in the BSE IT Index today is INFO EDGE (up 5.6%).

TATA ELXSI (down 0.5%) and ORACLE FINANCIAL (down 1.3%) are among the top losers today.

Over the last one year, INFO EDGE has moved up from Rs 1,956 to Rs 2,741, registering a gain of Rs 784 (up 40.0%).

On the other hand, the BSE IT has moved down from 15,682 to 13,667, loss of 2,015 points (down 13.6%) during the last 12 months.

The top gainers among the BSE IT Index stocks during this same period were INFIBEAM AVENUES (up 15.9%) and NIIT TECHNOLOGIES (up 11.1%).

What About the Benchmark Indices?

The BSE Sensex is at 32,089 (up 0.6%).

The top gainers among the BSE Sensex stocks today are HUL (up 5.1%), RELIANCE IND. (up 3.9%) and NESTLE (up 3.9%). Other gainers include TECH MAHINDRA (up 3.6%) and SUN PHARMA (up 3.3%). The most traded stocks in the BSE Sensex are ICICI BANK and RELIANCE IND..

In the meantime, NSE Nifty is at 9,383 (up 0.6%). The top gainers in the NSE Nifty include HUL (up 5.1%), DR. REDDYS LAB (up 3.9%) and TECH MAHINDRA (up 3.8%). Other gainers include SUN PHARMA (up 3.6%) and RELIANCE IND. (up 3.6%) are among the top gainers in NSE Nifty.

Over the last 12 months, the BSE Sensex has moved down from 38,277 to 32,089, registering a loss of 6,188 points (down 17.32%).

INFO EDGE Financial Update...

INFO EDGE net profit stood at Rs 880 million for the quarter ended December 2019, compared to a profit of Rs 743 million a year ago. Net Sales rose 14.0% to Rs 3.2 billion during the period as against Rs 2.8 billion in October-December 2018.

For the year ended March 2019, INFO EDGE reported 22.8% increase in net profit to Rs 2.9 billion compared to net profit of Rs 2.3 billion during FY18.

Revenue of the company grew 16.5% to Rs 12 billion during FY19.

The current Price to earnings ratio of INFO EDGE, based on rolling 12 month earnings, stands at 145.1x.

This article (INFO EDGE Surges by 6%; BSE IT Index Up 0.9%) is authored by Equitymaster.

Equitymaster is a leading 'independent' equity research initiative focused on providing well-researched and unbiased opinions on stocks listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange.

NAVIN FLUORINE share price has plunged 5% and is presently trading at Rs 1,532.

Meanwhile, the BSE 500 Index is at 12,146 (up 0.3%).

Among the top losers in the BSE 500 Index today are NAVIN FLUORINE (down 5.1%) and TIMKEN INDIA (down 5.2%).

E.I.D. PARRY (up 10.0%) and TV18 BROADCAST (up 7.1%) are among the top gainers today.

Over the last one year, NAVIN FLUORINE has moved up from Rs 684 to Rs 1,532, registering a gain of Rs 848 (up 124.0%)..

The BSE 500 has moved down from 14,958 to 12,146, loss of 2,812 points (down 18.8%) during the last 12 months.

The top gainers among the BSE 500 Index stocks during this same period were ADANI GREEN ENERGY (up 434.2%), ABBOTT INDIA (up 142.3%) and NAVIN FLUORINE (up 107.8%).

What About the Benchmark Indices?

The BSE Sensex is at 32,089 (up 0.5%). The top gainers among the BSE Sensex stocks today are HUL (up 5.0%). The most traded stocks in the BSE Sensex are RELIANCE IND. and ONGC.

In the meantime, NSE Nifty is at 9,383 (up 0.5%). HUL (up 5.0%) and DR. REDDYS LAB (up 4.0%) are among the top gainers in NSE Nifty.

Over the last 12 months, the BSE Sensex has moved down from 38,277 to 32,089, registering a loss of 6,188 points (down 17.44%).

NAVIN FLUORINE Financial Update...

NAVIN FLUORINE net profit stood at Rs 453 million for the quarter ended December 2019, compared to a profit of Rs 388 million a year ago. Net Sales rose 11.3% to Rs 2.5 billion during the period as against Rs 2.3 billion in October-December 2018.

For the year ended March 2019, NAVIN FLUORINE reported 19.2% decrease in net profit to Rs 1.5 billion compared to net profit of Rs 1.8 billion during FY18.

Revenue of the company grew 7.6% to Rs 10 billion during FY19.

The current Price to earnings ratio of NAVIN FLUORINE, based on rolling 12 month earnings, stands at 8.4x.

This article (NAVIN FLUORINE Plunges by 5%; BSE 500 Index Up 0.3%) is authored by Equitymaster.

Equitymaster is a leading 'independent' equity research initiative focused on providing well-researched and unbiased opinions on stocks listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange.

Indian share markets ended their trading session on a positive note today.

Benchmark indices edged higher, tracking overnight gains in the US market and positive Asian stock markets.

Further, talks of an economic stimulus for small businesses battered by the coronavirus outbreak improved sentiment.

Reportedly, the government may unveil fiscal stimulus amounting to 0.3% of the country's gross domestic product, focusing on small and medium sized businesses, real estate firms and banks.

At the closing bell, the�BSE Sensex�stood higher by 199 points (up 0.6%) and the�NSE Nifty�closed higher by 52 points (up 0.6%).

SGX Nifty�was trading at 9,260, up by 64 points, at the time of writing.

The BSE Mid Cap�index ended up by 0.1%, while the�BSE Small Cap�index ended the day down by 0.5%.

On the sectoral front, gains were seen in the energy sector and FMCG sector, while power stocks witnessed selling pressure.

Asian stock markets�finished on a strong note as of the most recent closing prices.

The�Hang Seng�was up 1% and the Nikkei was trading higher by 2.6%. The Shanghai Composite was up 0.8%.

European markets were trading on a positive note. The DAX was trading up by 0.8%, while the CAC 40 was trading up by 0.7%.

The rupee was trading at 75.55 to the US$ at the time of writing.

Gold prices�are currently trading up by 0.2% at Rs 46,274.

Speaking of the current stock market scenario, Indian stock markets have seen a stunning recovery over the last 5 weeks.

From its all-time high levels of 42,274 touched on January 20 this year, the Sensex crashed 39% to a multi-year low at 25,639 on March 23. Later, the index made a rapid recovery till April 30 as it added 4,250 points.

Thereafter, in just two sessions of this month, Sensex lost 7%.

Excluding this week's 7% fall, of all the rebounds after a 35%-40% fall in the market, the current one has been the biggest by a distance.

This is evident from the chart below:

Sensex: From Bear to Bull in 30 Days

While the Sensex has rebounded sharply, there are still many stocks out there that are trading at attractive valuations.

Co-head of research at�Equitymaster, Rahul Shah, believes this is a good time to get into stocks, even if you missed the rally because the market is fairly valued.

History has shown that after years like the one we had just now, the next 3 years are good for the markets. In fact, these corrections are the rare times when you find businesses with solid fundamentals at reasonable valuations.

If you can�find good businesses�that can survive the current crisis, you will do well in the long run.

Moving on, market participants were tracking�Shree Cement share price,�TCI Express share price, and�SBI Cards and Payment Services share price�as these companies announced their March quarter results (Q4FY20) today.

You can read our recently released Q4FY20 results of other companies here:�Ambuja Cement,�IndusInd Bank,�Axis Bank,�Tech Mahindra,�Reliance Industries,�Marico,�Kansai Nerolac,�NIIT Technologies,�Persistent Systems,�SKF India.

In news from the banking sector, RBL Bank share price was in focus today.

The private lender on Thursday reported a 54% decline in its March quarter net profit to�Rs 1,143 million on the back of higher provisions.

The bank's total provisions trebled on a year-on-year (YoY) basis and stood at�Rs 6.1 billion in Q4FY20. It holds�Rs 1,079.5 million of provisions in excess of what RBI has mandated for covid-19 related moratorium.

The lender logged a 37% YoY growth in its operating profit at Rs 7.7 billion compared to Rs 5.6 billion a year ago.

The bank's total revenue jumped 33% YoY to Rs 15.2 billion from Rs 11.5 billion reported in Q4FY19.

RBL Bank's net interest margin (NIM) stood at 4.93% in the March quarter. Its net interest income (NII) grew 38% YoY to�Rs 10.2 billion in Q4FY20.

The bank's deposits fell 1% to�Rs 578.1 billion in Q4FY20. Current and savings account (Casa) deposits grew 17% and 2% sequentially to�Rs 171.1 billion in the March quarter.

The private lender's advances increased 7% to�Rs 580.2 billion.

For the financial year 2019-20, the bank's total income stood at Rs 55.4 billion, up 39% YoY from Rs 39.8 billion, while its operating profit jumped 42% YoY to Rs 27.5 billion.

To know more, you can read RBL Bank's Q4FY20 result analysis on our website.

Moving on to news from the pharma sector, shares of Dr Reddy's Laboratories rallied 8% today to hit a 52-week high of Rs 4,132, after the company received the Establishment Inspection Report (EIR) from US health regulator for its manufacturing plant at Srikakulam.

In a regulatory filing, the company said it has received EIR from the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA), for the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) manufacturing plant at Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh (CTO VI).

The site was issued warning letter in November 2015 after the inspection in 2014, and was under "Official Action Indicated" classification till now.

Dr Reddy's Laboratories share price ended the day up by 3.8%.

In other news, Laurus Labs share price witnessed selling pressure today. Stock of the company�slipped 10% today after more than 30 million equity shares of the pharmaceutical company changed hands via multiple block deals.

As much as 19.1 million shares were traded on BSE, while on the National Stock Exchange (NSE), about 15.3 million shares changed hands.

Last week, the company had reported its consolidated net profit at Rs 1.1 billion, which more than doubled from Rs 430 million reported in the year-ago quarter.

The company's board also recommended for the sub-division of equity shares of the company from existing face value of Rs 10 each to face value of Rs 2 each, subject to regulatory approvals.

Speaking of the pharma sector, in December 2019, co-head of Research at�Equitymaster, Tanushree Banerjee had predicted that pharma could be the sector to see a�big rebound in 2020.

And rightly so, most�pharma companies�have re-emerged as the safer bets for investors in the ongoing market turmoil. Last month, the Indian rupee touched a new record low of Rs 76.92 against the US dollar. Most�pharma companies�generate their revenues through exports. Hence, a depreciating rupee is a positive development for them.

As per Tanushree, in a�post Covid-19 world, healthcare expenditures globally will see a big rejig.

Tanushree has her eyes on an exciting tech stock. The company in question is developing its medical division. It's focusing on telemedicine, which Tanushree believes will be a huge growth driver in a post Corona world.

Looking at the potential upside in the stock, over a period of five to ten years, Tanushree believes investors could become a�One Stock Crorepati.

To know what's moving the Indian stock markets today, check out the most recent�share market updates here.

A new tax treaty incorporating the latest international tax standards was signed by France and Luxembourg on March 20.

The UK tax agency, HM Revenue and Customs, has released new guidance on its policies concerning cost-sharing groups following rulings from the European Court of Justice on their VAT treatment.

International tax developments could have a negative impact on Luxembourg's tax revenues and economy, the International Monetary Fund has said in its latest Luxembourg country report.

Belgium, Denmark, and Germany have the highest personal income tax burdens, at over 35 percent, among OECD countries, according to the latest OECD Taxing Wages report, which says that just over half of countries made small increases to their average personal tax rates last year.

The Government of Luxembourg has published in its Official Gazette the law for the introduction of the new intellectual property tax regime.

Bill of law no. 7278, providing for the implementation of new value-added tax grouping rules in Luxembourg, entered into force on July 31, 2018. The bill was approved by parliament on July 26.

On December 18, 2018, Luxembourg's parliament approved legislation that will implement the European Union Anti-Tax Avoidance Directive.

Enhancements to Luxembourg's network of double tax agreements to mitigate base erosion and profit shifting will become effective from August 1, 2019.

Luxembourg's Government Council, comprising government ministers, has approved legislative changes to the territory's VAT regime to introduce the four quick fixes to improve the functioning of VAT rules in the European Union.

The Luxembourg direct tax administration has published a circular including comprehensive guidance for the recently introduced changes to the special tax regime for intellectual property income.

On August 8, 2019, the Government of Luxembourg submitted to parliament draft law to implement the requirements of the second European Union Anti-Tax Avoidance Directive (ATAD 2), which tackles hybrid mismatch arrangements.

The EU General Court has dismissed an appeal brought against the European Commission's decision that a tax ruling granted by Luxembourg to Fiat Chrysler Finance Europe was unlawful.

On September 13, the OECD launched a substantial report on the tax policy reforms implemented last year by advanced nations.

Over 2,000 taxpayers made use of South Africa's Special Voluntary Disclosure Programme, which closed on August 31, 2017, the South African Revenue Service said October 10.

African countries are steadily improving their tax revenue collections, according to Revenue Statistics in Africa 2017, a new report released recently at a meeting of tax and finance officials from 21 African countries.

The South African Revenue Service announced on October 30 that it had paid over ZAR120bn (USD8.4bn) in refunds across all tax types in the last seven months, from the beginning of April of the tax season to date.

South Africa is to launch an inquiry into the reasons behind a shortfall in tax revenue collections.

The United States Economic Commission for Africa says African countries are gearing up to sign the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement, with a key deadline this month being hit with an agreement among ministers.

The South African Revenue Service has released the 2017 edition of its Tax Statistics report, looking at the agency's performance over the 2013 to 2016 tax years.

The South African Revenue Service has reminded taxpayers that individual tax payment is required by January 31, 2018.

South Africa has issued a guide on the value-added tax rate increase to 15 percent from 14 percent due to take effect from April 1, 2018.

The South African Revenue Service has announced that it will temporarily permit taxpayers to report information on controlled foreign corporations under the old filing rules, which were replaced in February.

On April 1, 2018, South Africa will raise its value-added tax rate to 15 percent from 14 percent.

44 African countries have signed a landmark free trade pact to simplify tax and non-tax rules for trading between their borders.

On April 1, 2018, South Africa increased its value-added tax rate to 15 percent from 14 percent.

The South African Revenue Service on April 6, 2018, warned taxpayers that they are expected to declare cryptocurrency gains or losses in calculating their taxable income.

"While countries do not necessarily need to tax savings more, there is a lot of room to improve the way countries tax savings," according to Pascal Saint-Amans, Director of the OECD Centre for Tax Policy and Administration.

Having increased the headline value-added tax rate to 15 percent from 14 percent on April 1, South Africa has appointed a panel to consider a review of the list of food items subject to the zero rate.

South Africa's National Treasury is inviting the public to contribute to a review of the list of items zero-rated for value-added tax purposes.

The South African Revenue Service has removed certain paper forms from its branches in an attempt to encourage more taxpayers to file tax returns electronically.

The Swiss Federal Council has approved an OECD multilateral convention designed to prevent BEPS-related abuse of the international tax treaty system.

The African Continental Free Trade Agreement will enter into force on May 30, 2019, after Sierra Leone and the Sahrawi Republic deposited their instruments of ratification of the agreement.

The international community has made important progress in improving developing countries' ability to tax multinational enterprises and boost domestic revenue mobilization, says the annual report for the initiative Tax Inspectors Without Borders.

On October 23, 2019, the Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service launched the re-established Large Business Centre, which aims to bring about higher levels of voluntary tax compliance among large taxpayers.

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Owing to the coronavirus pandemic, tech giants Facebook and Google will allow the majority of their employees to work from home.