Despite global headwinds and the drag of higher US tariffs, August turned out to be a surprising month for select Indian stocks. While benchmark indices Nifty 50 and Sensex slipped over 1%, more than 30 counters bucked the trend with gains ranging from 10% to 38%, proving that stock-specific action continues to dominate investor sentiment.
Market Performance – Tariffs Weigh, but Select Stocks Shine
The overall tone of the market in August remained weak, as the imposition of a 25% tariff on Indian-origin goods by the US created pressure on exports and weighed on broader indices. Both Nifty 50 and Sensex struggled, heading toward their second consecutive monthly decline.
Yet, within this volatility, certain pockets of the market delivered sharp gains. Auto, energy, and select new-age tech stocks emerged as strong outperformers, supported by domestic factors and stock-specific triggers.
Top Market Winners of August
HBL Engineering – Strong Results Drive 38% Rally
Battery and power systems maker HBL Engineering was among the biggest movers in August.
- Stock Price Gain: +38% to ₹788 apiece
- Fresh All-Time High: ₹819.70
- Quarterly Net Profit: ₹143 crore in Q1 FY25 – the company’s highest ever
After a two-month correction, the stock bounced back sharply, supported by record earnings and renewed investor confidence. If the trend sustains, HBL could continue its streak of yearly gains.
Sarda Energy & Minerals – 34% Surge
Sarda Energy & Minerals also posted strong returns, with the stock rallying 34% in August.
- The gains were backed by healthy quarterly performance
- A series of new order wins added momentum
- On track for its sixth consecutive year of positive returns if momentum holds
Ola Electric – Biggest Monthly Jump Since Listing
Ola Electric made a strong comeback in August after months of underperformance.
- Stock Gain: +37% to ₹56.40
- Largest Monthly Gain since its August 2024 listing
- Still below IPO price of ₹76 and all-time high of ₹157
The rally was driven by the company’s annual Sankalp event, where founder Bhavish Aggarwal outlined ambitious growth plans targeting 25–30% share in India’s EV two-wheeler market. Better-than-expected June quarter earnings added to the momentum.
Auto Majors Lead Sectoral Gains
Optimism around possible GST cuts, supportive macro factors, and the upcoming festive season boosted the auto pack. Notable movers in August:
- Maruti Suzuki India, Hyundai Motor India, UNO Minda, Hero MotoCorp, TVS Motor, Eicher Motors – all advanced 15–20%
Tech & Consumer Stocks Join the Rally
New-age listed companies also gained traction in August:
- Paytm (One97 Communications), Mamaearth (Honasa Consumer): +12% each
- Delhivery, Nykaa: +11% each
Other Notable Performers
Several mid and small-cap counters also delivered double-digit gains, including:
- Godawari Power & Ispat, Netweb Technologies, Godfrey Phillips India, Authum Investment & Infrastructure, Avenue Supermarts, Jindal Stainless, Vishal Mega Mart, Endurance Technologies, GE Vernova T&D India, PVR INOX, Chalet Hotels, Lemon Tree Hotels, Dr. Lal Pathlabs, Kaynes Technology, JM Financial, Kalpataru Projects, RattanIndia Enterprises, eClerx Services – rising between 10% and 22%.
Broader Market Pressure – Tariffs Bite India’s Export Outlook
While pockets of the market soared, the broader indices could not escape the impact of tariffs. The US move to impose an additional 25% tariff effective August 27, 2025, citing India’s purchase of Russian oil, raised concerns about export competitiveness.
- Tariff on India is currently the highest among Asian peers
- Indian goods risk losing global price competitiveness
- Government is considering export diversification and supportive measures for vulnerable sectors
Summary – A Month of Divergence
August showcased the contrasting picture of Indian equities. On one side, Nifty 50 and Sensex closed lower due to tariff headwinds. On the other hand, over 30 stocks across auto, energy, and new-age tech delivered standout gains, reflecting strong domestic resilience and sector-specific triggers.
Investors continue to adopt a stock-specific approach, rewarding companies with strong fundamentals, positive quarterly earnings, or a clear growth roadmap, even as global uncertainty lingers.
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