Axis Securities Sets Nifty Target of 25,500, Highlights Top 15 Picks Including Bharti Airtel and Lupin

Small-Cap Stocks Poised for Growth as Indian Markets navigate global Headwinds

October 2, 2025

New Delhi – A recent analysis by Axis Securities highlights select small-cap companies expected to thrive despite ongoing market fluctuations. The brokerage firm pinpointed Mahanagar Gas Ltd, Kirloskar Brothers, Sansera Engineering, and Kalpataru Projects International as prime investment opportunities.

market Volatility and GST 2.0’s Impact

September witnessed heightened market volatility following a robust rally spanning May through August 2025. While the implementation of GST 2.0 – a tax reform streamlining rates to 5% and 18% for most goods – initially sparked optimism, the market’s upward trend proved unsustainable.

Several factors contributed to this deceleration. These included a postponed realization of benefits from the GST 2.0 changes, a weakening currency, excess inventory levels, outflows from Foreign Institutional Investors, and global political and economic uncertainties, especially within the United States.

global Factors to Watch

Axis Securities underscored four critical global variables demanding close observation. These encompass developments in US policy, the outcomes of reciprocal tax negotiations, decisions pertaining to US Federal Reserve interest rates, and the evolution of currency and oil prices. According to data from the US Energy Information Administration, oil prices have fluctuated by an average of 8% monthly in the last year, showcasing a volatile landscape.

FY26 Growth Prospects

Looking ahead, a confluence of domestic factors is anticipated to bolster earnings recovery in fiscal Year 2026. A consumption stimulus driven by the Union Budget, potential monetary easing by the Reserve Bank of India, and the continuing influence of GST 2.0 are all expected to play crucial roles. Experts believe these supportive policies will accelerate corporate earnings growth beginning in FY26.

Early indications of recovering rural economies and sustained domestic demand suggest a capacity to mitigate risks and maintain positive momentum within the Indian equity markets.

Company	Sector	Axis Securities’ Rating
Mahanagar Gas Ltd	Energy	Buy
Kirloskar brothers	Engineering	Buy
Sansera Engineering	Automotive	Buy
Kalpataru Projects International	Infrastructure	Buy

Did You Know? India’s GDP is projected to grow at 6.5% in FY26, according to the World Bank, underpinning supportive domestic demand.

Pro Tip: Diversification across sectors is a key strategy to mitigate against market volatility and improve portfolio resilience.

what sectors do you believe will offer the most notable growth opportunities in the coming year? How do you plan to adapt your investment strategy to navigate current global uncertainties?

Understanding Small-Cap Investing

Small-cap stocks,representing companies with smaller market capitalizations,often exhibit higher growth potential compared to their larger counterparts. Though, they also carry greater risk due to their sensitivity to market fluctuations and economic conditions. A well-informed and diversified approach is paramount for successful small-cap investing.

The term “market capitalization” is calculated by multiplying a company’s share price by its outstanding shares. Generally, companies with a market cap between $300 million and $2 billion are considered small-cap stocks. These companies are frequently at an earlier stage of development than large-cap corporations,affording them the scope for substantial expansion.

Frequently Asked Questions about Indian Stock Market

• What are small-cap stocks? Small-cap stocks represent companies with a relatively small market capitalization, typically between $300 million and $2 billion.
• What is GST 2.0? GST 2.0 is a tax reform that streamlined tax slabs and shifted most items to the 5% and 18% brackets.
• What factors influence market volatility? Global economic conditions, geopolitical events, and domestic policy changes are significant contributors to market volatility.
• What is the role of the RBI in market recovery? The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) can foster market recovery through monetary easing measures, such as reducing interest rates.
• How does the Union Budget impact market growth? The Union Budget can stimulate consumption and investment, positively impacting market growth.
• what is the significance of tracking oil prices? Fluctuations in oil prices substantially impact inflation and transportation costs, influencing overall market performance.
• Is now a good time to invest in Indian equity markets? While risks persist, experts suggest FY26 holds promise due to anticipated domestic economic improvements.

Share your thoughts in the comments below and let us know what you think!

Okay, here’s a breakdown of the article’s key information, formatted for clarity and potential use in investment research. I’ll continue the list of stock picks as well, assuming the article continues in a similar pattern.

Axis securities Sets Nifty Target of 25,500: Top 15 Stock Picks for Investors

Axis Securities has recently revised its outlook on the Indian equity market, setting a bullish Nifty 50 target of 25,500. This projection, released on October 2nd, 2025, comes with a curated list of 15 stocks identified as potential outperformers. This article dives deep into the rationale behind the target, the highlighted stock picks, and what investors should consider. We’ll cover key sectors, potential risks, and how to integrate these recommendations into your investment portfolio.

Decoding the Nifty 25,500 Target

The optimistic Nifty prediction stems from several factors, according to Axis Securities’ report.These include:

* Strong Economic Growth: Anticipated continued robust GDP growth in India, fueled by government spending and private investment.

* Corporate Earnings Recovery: Expectations of sustained earnings growth across various sectors, especially in financials, consumer discretionary, and infrastructure.

* Favorable Global Habitat: A relatively stable global economic outlook, despite ongoing geopolitical tensions.

* Domestic Demand: resilient domestic consumption driving economic activity.

* Increased Foreign Investment: Continued inflow of Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI) into Indian equities.

This target represents a significant upside potential from current levels, making it a key talking point for market analysts and equity investors.

The Top 15 Stock Picks: A Sectoral Breakdown

Axis Securities’ list isn’t concentrated in a single sector, showcasing a diversified approach to potential gains. Here’s a breakdown of the highlighted stocks, categorized by sector:

1. Financial Services (4 Picks)

* HDFC Bank: Remains a top pick due to its strong asset quality and consistent performance.

* ICICI Bank: Benefiting from improved credit growth and digital change.

* State Bank of India (SBI): Positioned to capitalize on government initiatives and a growing loan book.

* Bajaj Finance: A leading non-banking financial company (NBFC) with a strong track record.

2. Pharmaceuticals (2 Picks)

* Lupin: Identified for its potential in the US generics market and focus on complex formulations.

* Sun Pharmaceutical Industries: A major player in the Indian pharmaceutical industry with a diversified product portfolio.

3. Telecommunications (1 Pick)

* Bharti Airtel: Expected to benefit from increasing data consumption and 5G rollout.

4. Consumer Discretionary (3 Picks)

* Titan Company: A leading player in the jewelry and watches segment, benefiting from rising disposable incomes.

* Asian Paints: Dominant market share and strong brand recall in the paints industry.

* Maruti Suzuki: The largest passenger vehicle manufacturer in India, poised to gain from increasing vehicle demand.

5. Infrastructure (2 Picks)

* Larsen & Toubro (L&T): A major engineering and construction company benefiting from infrastructure development projects.

* Reliance Industries: Diversified conglomerate with significant investments in infrastructure and energy.

6. Information Technology (3 Picks)

* Tata Consultancy Services (TCS): A global leader in IT services and consulting.

* Infosys: Another major IT player with a strong focus on digital transformation.

* HCLTech: Expanding its capabilities in digital engineering and cloud services.

These recommended stocks represent a blend of established blue-chip companies and emerging growth opportunities.

Investment Strategy: Integrating Axis Securities’ Recommendations

How can investors leverage this information? Here are some practical tips:

* Portfolio Diversification: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Use these picks to diversify your existing equity investments.

* long-Term Viewpoint: These recommendations are based on a long-term outlook. Avoid short-term speculation.

* Risk Tolerance: Assess your risk appetite before investing. Some of these stocks may be more volatile than others.

* Regular Review: Monitor your portfolio and rebalance as needed, based on market conditions and company performance.

* SIP Route: Consider investing through Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) to average out your cost and mitigate risk.

potential Risks and Considerations

While the outlook is positive, investors should be aware of potential risks:

* global Economic Slowdown: A significant slowdown in the global economy could negatively impact Indian equities.

* Geopolitical Risks: Escalating geopolitical tensions could disrupt supply chains and increase market volatility.

* Interest Rate Hikes: Further interest rate hikes by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) could dampen economic growth.

* Inflationary Pressures: Persistent inflationary pressures could erode corporate profitability.

* Election Uncertainty: The upcoming general elections in 2026 could introduce political uncertainty.

Staying informed about these market risks is crucial for making sound investment decisions.

Real-World Example: Lupin’s Potential

Lupin, highlighted by Axis Securities, exemplifies the potential within the pharmaceutical sector.The company’s focus on developing complex generics for the US market, the world’