REFINING MARGINS

Stock picks of the week: 5 stocks with consistent score improvement and upside potential of up to 28%
More than the Nifty and Sensex, it is positive market breadth which reflects the street’s underlying optimism. A part of this is probably thanks to the statement over the weekend indicating a possible thaw in the India-US relationship which has been in the freezer for some time. Also, the street has started to build in a bullish start to festive season sales. There is, of course, nothing wrong in being bullish, but keep your expectations in check and be nimble-footed at this point of time. Our selected stocks for today depict a strong upward trajectory in their overall average score which is based on five key pillars: Earnings, fundamentals, relative valuation, risk, and price momentum. This implies that there has been a significant improvement in their market outlook in the given time frame.

Dividend yield: Stock traders can use it differently to distinguish between the probability & possibility of making money
Dividend yield is not just an investor’s tool. At certain points in the market, it becomes just as relevant – sometimes even more so – for traders. Yes, traders. Now, why would dividend yield, of all things, act like a support line? The explanation lies in market memory and psychology. Around a certain level of dividend yield, value-oriented funds begin to step in because the price suddenly offers the comfort of an income stock. Momentum traders see valuation support and a floor building underneath the price. Options desks recalibrate, as downside looks limited and covered calls turn attractive. Each group is reacting to its own cues, but collectively they create the reflexive bounce that turns weakness into opportunity for traders.

PSU stocks: Time to relook? But don’t use the 2023 lens; choose the business. 57 PSU stocks, some good, some not so good
A bull run from June 2023 to June 2024, and then a bear run for a year. PSU stocks now seem at a stage where it is probably time to look at them again. For those who have not noticed, some of these stocks have seen higher-than-average volumes. Also a sort of outperformance in the bearish phase where they did not decline like other stocks in the market. They are not in the news any more; nor are many talking about them on TV. All signs suggesting it might probably be time to look at them again. But this time do it from a very different perspective – and not just because they are PSU. What matters is the category of business they fall into.

Stock picks of the week: 6 stocks with consistent score improvement and return potential of up to 35% in 1 year
For the next few months, before you take any buy-sell decision on the stock market, ask yourself this question. How is the Nifty’s movement impacting the bottom line of a company whose stock you are planning to buy-sell? The answer will help you avoid making wrong decisions. Now, why is there a high probability of making a wrong decision? Simple: News flows and statements from the US administration will create confusion in the short term. So, check out the stock you are targeting carefully.

Reliance remains compliant with sanctions; Russian oil adds just 2.1% to EBITDA
Analysts suggest Reliance Industries, despite being India's top buyer of Russian oil, is expected to maintain compliance with international sanctions. The financial benefit from refining Russian crude is limited, contributing only a small fraction to Reliance's consolidated earnings. Experts highlight Reliance's history of adhering to Western sanctions, indicating a likely continuation of this practice.

Reliance Industries may earn $500 mn annual EBITDA from Russian oil, but refining margins fuel real growth: Jefferies
Further, European diesel spreads are firm on lower imports after the EU announced a ban on refined product imports made from Russian crude starting January 21, 2026. Gasoline margins are strong, with US gasoline inventories at a 5-year average. The report further stated, “Reliance has the flexibility to produce diesel from Middle East crude for export to the EU.
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Reliance's Oil-to-Chemicals profit margins largely unaffected by Russian crude: Jefferies
Jefferies reports Reliance Industries' O2C profitability shows minimal dependence on Russian crude due to offsetting logistics costs. The company's O2C profitability is tracking a strong 15 per cent year-on-year growth in the first half of 2026, supported by firm auto fuel margins and European diesel spreads. Reliance maintains compliance with Western sanctions and can adapt to potential Russian crude sanctions.
Russian crude's share rises 5% in a shrunk August basket
India's crude imports hit a 10-month low in August due to weaker domestic demand, even as Russian supplies increased by 5.6% to 1.67 mbd, raising its share to 37%. Imports from Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the US declined, while the UAE emerged as a significant gainer. Discounts on Russian oil continue to attract Indian refiners, despite pressure from the US.
A spoonful of policy change: Why a lower tax slab for ghee under GST 2.0 is good for hearts, homes, and farmers
A lower GST on ghee could improve nutrition, curb adulteration, and strengthen cooperatives and rural incomes, say health experts and dairy players.
China’s chemicals makers reap reward of shift from oil to coal
Falling coal prices are reshaping China's chemicals sector, benefiting coal-based producers while oil-based counterparts struggle with overproduction and losses.
India seeks WTO consultations with US over 50 pc duty on copper
India has initiated discussions with the United States regarding tariffs on copper. This action follows India's reservation of rights to impose retaliatory duties. The US imposed a 50 percent tariff on certain copper imports. India considers this a safeguard measure and seeks consultations under WTO rules. Trade negotiations between India and the US are currently paused.
Two mystery customers made up 40% of Nvidia’s revenue — who are they?
Nvidia’s latest earnings grabbed headlines with a jaw-dropping $46.7 billion in quarterly revenue, but buried inside the SEC filing was a detail that shocked Wall Street: just two customers accounted for nearly 40% of that total. Who are these customers, why are they so important, and what risks does this concentration pose for Nvidia’s growth story?
India challenges US rhetoric on Russian crude, Oil minister Puri counters 'laundromat' jibe
Amidst US criticism over Russian oil imports, India's Oil Minister Hardeep Puri defended the country's energy strategy, arguing that it stabilises global markets and prevents price surges. Puri refuted claims of undermining sanctions, highlighting adherence to international rules and legal transactions.
Stock picks of the week: 5 stocks with consistent score improvement and return potential of more than 20% in 1 year
A lot has happened in the last one week, right from implementation of additional US tariffs to the Indian rupee hitting a new low. Over a couple of weeks or months, the market will be dealing with a mix of tail and headwinds. In such situations, there is a likelihood that stock prices will be more volatile than what they have been in the recent past. So, it would be better to be more cautious. For instance, don't assume that just because Nifty is trading in the green, things on the critical India-US tariff deal have been settled. And whether you like it or not, this is an important thing both for the market and real business.
Dividend yield: There is more to it than meets the eye, both for investors & traders, especially in volatile times. 11 stocks to look at
These days the Nifty and Sensex tend to slip into volatility every second week. Given the tariff situation, we don't know for how long this will continue. To deal with volatility, it would be a good idea to use a mix of conventional and unconventional methods. This will ensure that, if the market stays under pressure and stocks do not create wealth, they at least generate income. Now, what is the income stocks generate? It is the dividend you get by holding a stock. It is different from income which trading in stocks generates. So, don't confuse the two. Dividend yield can help both investors and traders. In the case of traders, it will require some hard work. But who said making money in the market is easy?
IOC's Project SPRINT starts to show results, company gains retail dominance
Indian Oil Corporation's Project SPRINT is yielding positive results, enhancing refinery performance and regaining fuel retail leadership. IOC is expanding refining capacity to 98.4 million tonnes by 2028 and its pipeline network to 22,000 km. The company is also investing significantly in petrochemicals and renewable energy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2046, allocating ₹1.66 lakh crore over five years.
India Playbook 2025: Proposed tariff imposition from US punishes Indian market despite resilient economy
Global equities rallied on US-Russia talks, but Indian markets lagged, with FIIs turning sellers amid tariff fears, weak Q1 topline growth and slowing consumption. Yet, GST reforms and discounted Russian oil imports may cushion the economy.
Stock picks of the week: 5 stocks with consistent score improvement and return potential of more than 30% in 1 year
There is high probability that we will see more volatility in the coming days. While it is not always the case, sometimes the expiry of a derivative series contract throws light on what might happen in the near term. This time around, it has indicated continued volatility. The task for investors is therefore to reframe volatility not as a threat but as an entry point. Buying into weakness requires patience and conviction, but history tells us that those who take the longer view are rewarded. It means ignoring the noise and focusing on whether the company’s competitive edge, innovation pipeline, or consumer franchise will still matter five or ten years from now. Our selected stocks for today depict a strong upward trajectory in their overall average score which is based on five key pillars: Earnings, fundamentals, relative valuation, risk, and price momentum. This implies that there has been a significant improvement in their market outlook in the given time frame.
Reliance AGM 2025: Past year brought extraordinary 'complexity' in global energy markets, admits Reliance
At Reliance Industries’ 48th AGM, Anant Ambani said global energy markets faced supply disruptions, trade shifts and petrochemical overcapacity, but Reliance delivered strong performance. He announced ₹75,000 crore investments in new projects, highlighted Hazira’s upcoming carbon fibre facility, and stressed E&P’s role in India’s energy security. Mukesh Ambani called India’s rise unstoppable, even as Reliance faces U.S. pressure over Russian oil imports.
RIL AGM today: 5 things that investors expect & should you buy the stock?
RIL AGM Date: Investors eagerly await Reliance Industries' AGM tomorrow, anticipating updates on the potential IPO timelines for Jio and Retail. Market analysts are also keen on insights into Jio's AI strategy, particularly the JioBrain platform. Further expectations include progress reports on the new energy business, Jio and Retail business growth targets, and the company's petchem expansion plans.
RIL shares trade flat ahead of AGM today. Here’s what investors, brokerages are expecting
Reliance Industries' AGM is highly anticipated as 44 lakh shareholders await updates on IPO timelines for Jio and Retail, potentially unlocking significant value. Investors are keen on RIL's AI strategy, particularly the JioBrain platform, and progress in the new energy business, including solar and battery giga-factories. Brokerages maintain positive ratings, citing strong refining operations and attractive valuations.
It's not just about Russian oil, stupid!
India opted to pay a 25% tariff on US exports instead of stopping Russian oil imports. This decision stems from international politics and strategic negotiation. India believes the US penalty aims to force trade concessions, not just cut off Russia's funding. Refiners are profitable and can handle higher crude costs.
Trump Tariffs: India can get 25% off its tariffs if New Delhi stops buying Russian oil, says Trump's trade adviser Peter Navarro
US Trump Tariffs News: White House trade adviser Peter Navarro has branded the Ukraine conflict “Modi’s war,” claiming India’s discounted oil purchases from Russia bankroll Moscow’s invasion and raise costs for American taxpayers. His remarks came as US tariffs on Indian goods doubled to 50 percent, affecting more than half of exports. India insists its energy security comes first and rejects US pressure. The escalation threatens jobs, trade ties and India’s export competitiveness, even as businesses brace for short-term pain and look for new markets.
Petrol margins soar above Rs 11 per litre. Should you buy oil marketing company stocks now?
Indian fuel retailers are currently enjoying substantial marketing margins on petrol and diesel, driven by low crude oil prices. Brokerages are recommending buy ratings for oil marketing companies like BPCL and IOCL, anticipating strong earnings for FY26.
Indian refiners unlikely to halt Russia crude buys
Indian refiners anticipate no government ban on Russian oil despite US pressure. India is firm on trade talks with the US. Conceding on crude oil would invite more demands. Focus is on projecting strength. Refiners placed lower orders for September. This is due to narrower discounts on Russian crude. Volumes for October may rise.
Apple iPhone 17 launch confirmed for Sept 9: “Awe Dropping” event set to stun users with major surprises
Apple iPhone 17 launch event is officially set for September 9, 2025, at the Steve Jobs Theater in Apple Park, with the theme “Awe dropping.” This year, Apple is expected to reveal the iPhone 17 lineup, including the much-anticipated iPhone 17 Air, a slimmer 6.6-inch model designed for portability.
Time to go tough and put duties on American items, says Swaminathan Aiyar amid ticking tariff bomb
Economist Swaminathan Aiyar in an interview with ET Now, urged India to retaliate against US tariffs, saying New Delhi must show it will not “buckle down.” From August 27, Indian exports face up to 50% duties, which analysts warn could cut GDP growth below 6% and hit sectors like textiles and jewellery. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar defended India’s oil trade, calling US pressure unjustified.
BPCL outperforms rival PSUs in Q1, records industry-best per-pump sales
State-owned fuel retailers IOC, BPCL and HPCL posted a combined profit of Rs 16,184 crore in Q1 FY26, more than two-and-a-half times higher than last year, helped by strong petrol and diesel marketing margins despite crude oil price declines.
RIL stock attractive, JP Morgan points to two main reasons
JP Morgan maintains an overweight rating on Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) with a target price of Rs 1,695, citing attractive valuations and favorable sector trends. The brokerage highlighted a still-elevated holding company discount and Reliance Retail’s discount to DMart, along with improving refining margins, festive demand, and telecom tariff hikes as key growth drivers supporting a 27% EPS CAGR through FY26.
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