Underperformers of 2024, which showed improved outlook, outperformed in 2025. They included Reliance Industries, Bajaj Finance, Axis Bank, Asian Paints and Titan Company.
In this detailed breakdown, the Gaurang Shah of Geojit Investments shares his top stock picks across major sectors using the GeoGeek framework. In banking, he highlights SBI and Indian Bank in the PSU space, along with Axis Bank and ICICI Bank in private banking. For NBFCs, Bajaj Finance and L&T Finance stand out. The defence segment features outperformers like MTAR Technologies, Cochin Shipyard, Mazagon Dock, and BEL. Autos see strong contenders in M&M, Bajaj Auto, TVS Motors, and Ashok Leyland. In capital goods, L&T and Siemens take the lead, while capital-market tech includes CAMS (Computer Age Management Services). A comprehensive sector-wise guide for investors looking for high-quality opportunities.
Despite strong macros, RBI rate cuts, GST reforms, and robust retail SIP inflows, Dalal Street remains stuck near all-time highs, with mid- and small-caps facing sharp selling pressure. Veteran Gaurang Shah sees the current phase as a classic post-peak consolidation, driven by relentless FII selling and delayed India-US trade deal uncertainty. He remains eternally optimistic, expecting a turnaround fueled by Q3 earnings (from Jan 2026) and the February budget.Advice: Stay patient, continue SIPs, add selectively to quality growth stories, and avoid panic exits. Mid/small-caps have tested nerves but offer opportunities for those with high risk appetite. Top sectors for 2026: BFSI, autos, cement, capital goods, defence, IT. Key picks include SBI, ICICI Bank, Bajaj Finance, M&M, L&T, BEL, and MTAR Technologies.
Despite robust macros-8%+ GDP, RBI rate cuts, and ₹29,000 cr monthly equity inflows - Dalal Street remains weak and range-bound, with mid/small-caps facing severe pain. Value investor Devan Choksi attributes the correction to past over-valuation: many stocks traded at 70-90x P/E despite 15-20% sustainable growth, leaving no margin of safety. He warns of prolonged time/price correction, especially beyond Nifty 500, but sees large-caps (Reliance, Bharti, L&T, M&M, SBI) as reliable compounders with consistent 15-20% CAGR ahead. Advice: SIP into quality mid/small-cap funds; restructure individual portfolios via professional advisors; focus on businesses with durable growth in housing finance, engineering R&D, auto ancillaries, and ultra-luxury real estate. New buys include Lotus Developers, Tata Technologies, Bajaj Finance trio, and Reliance.
The decline followed promoter Bajaj Finance Ltd's decision to divest a portion of its stake to comply with minimum public shareholding (MPS) norms.
ICICI Securities said Bajaj Housing is targeting 5 per cent share in incremental home loan originations against current 2.5-2.7 per cent, offering a significant runway for calibrated portfolio compounding.
Nuvama said Muthoot Finance, HDFC AMC, Canara Bank and Bosch are likely to enter the largecap category. Cummins India, Polycab India and Hero MotoCorp are viewed as borderline additions.
Nomura assessed that extremely high valuations were likely to cap further upside as narrative fatigue sets in. It gave examples of sectors such as defence, power equipment suppliers, EMS, hospitals, hotels and real estate.
In a regulatory filing, Bajaj Housing Finance stated that its promoter currently holds 7,39,10,03,845 equity shares, representing 88.70 per cent of the company's total paid-up capital. To comply with MPS requirements, Bajaj Finance has proposed the sale of up to 2 per cent of its equity stake -- a maximum of 16,66,00,000 shares.
Bajaj Housing Finance shares are down 18 per cent in 2025 so far against a 15 per cent rise in the BSE Financial Services index. On Tuesday, the stock fell 9.08 per cent to open at Rs 95 apiece on NSE.
Stocks including Bajaj Housing, RIL, Ambuja Cements, ICICI Bank, Bank of Maharashtra, Bharat Dynamics, Afcons Infra, Indian Hotels and more will be in the spotlight on Tuesday, December 02.





