ITC, HUL and auto majors enter Q1 earnings week amid market volatility

Indian investors will track Q1 results from ITC, Hindustan Unilever, M&M, Maruti Suzuki and Asian Paints, alongside the June IIP release. Fed policy signals, Middle East tensions and crude oil prices are expected to keep broader market sentiment volatile.

— Source publishedSun, 26 Jul, 2026, 15:15 IST·First seen Sun, 26 Jul, 2026, 15:35 IST·Source Times of India · Business

What happened

ITC · Indian markets face a volatile week as Fed policy, Middle East tensions and crude prices shape sentiment. Investors will also track June IIP data and Q1

Key facts

  • BSE Sensex fell 2,091.68 points (2.67%) last week
  • NSE Nifty fell 566.85 points (2.32%) last week

Why this matters

Monitor peer earnings for evidence of category consolidation, demand pockets and margin stress that could reshape partnership, acquisition or expansion priorities.

What to watch

  • HUL and ITC FMCG volume growth, segment margins and rural-demand commentary.
  • Maruti and M&M dealer inventory, booking trends, discount levels and SUV/EV mix.
  • Asian Paints decorative-paint volume growth, competitive pricing and crude-derived input-cost outlook.
  • June IIP data, especially consumer durables and manufacturing momentum.
  • Brent crude movement, INR/USD direction, Fed guidance and Middle East escalation indicators.
  • Management guidance revisions for FY demand, margins, capex and channel inventory.
  • Prioritize companies reporting volume growth separately from price-led revenue growth, particularly in FMCG and paints.
  • Track management commentary on rural versus urban demand, downtrading, premiumization and distributor inventory levels.
  • Assess auto earnings for dealer inventory, discounting, order backlog and financing availability rather than headline sales alone.
  • Watch gross-margin guidance for crude-linked inputs, packaging, freight and foreign-exchange exposure.
  • Expect retailers and brands with pricing power and lower promotional dependency to attract flows if results are mixed.