Emkay: Heatwave, Gulf risks make Varun Beverages, Blue Star tactical buys; QSR, cement under pressure

Emkay flags significant downside risk for Indian equities as Brent threatens $105-110/bbl and 44-45°C heatwave reshapes consumption. Cooling-led names like Varun Beverages and Blue Star seen benefiting; Devyani International and Ambuja Cements face footfall and outdoor-activity drag. Weakness toward Nifty 21,000 viewed as entry point.

— Source publishedMon, 18 May, 2026, 07:30 IST·First seen Mon, 18 May, 2026, 08:20 IST·Source Business Today · Latest

What happened

Emkay flags downside risk for Indian markets amid Gulf tensions and heatwave. Sees consumer durables and beverages (Blue Star, Varun Beverages) benefiting from

Key facts

  • Brent $105-110/bbl
  • Petrol/diesel hike Rs 3/litre
  • Under-recoveries Rs 17-18/litre
  • Nifty 21,000
  • 44-45°C

Why this matters

Heat-driven consumption divergence and Brent at $105-110 open a window to revisit cooling-adjacent bolt-ons while distressed QSR and cement-linked assets become more negotiable on weaker footfall.