Nifty Smallcap 100 Plunges to 14,986 Low: Why Mid- and Small-Caps Are Crashing Harder Than the Market in March 2026

  The Indian stock market witnessed intense selling pressure on March 23, 2026, as mid- and small-cap indices tumbled over 4% amid a broader market crash driven by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The Nifty Midcap 100 index has now declined around 13% year-to-date in 2026, reflecting sharp corrections in broader market segments that have outperformed in previous years but are now facing heightened volatility. Sharp Intraday Declines in Midcap and Smallcap Indices The Nifty Smallcap 100 index opened at 15,565.30 on Monday but quickly slipped to an intraday low of 14,986, erasing significant ground in early trade. By the afternoon session, the selling intensified, with the index down over 4% at points during the day. Market breadth was overwhelmingly negative—except for isolated performers like Trident (up around 2.85%), virtually every stock in the Nifty Smallcap 100 traded in the red, signaling widespread panic across smaller companies. Similarly, the Nifty M...

Bandhan Bank Q4 FY25 Results: Net Profit Soars 483% YoY to ₹318 Crore, Dividend Announced

Bandhan Bank, a leading private sector lender, delivered a stellar performance in its Q4 FY25 results, announced on April 30, 2025. The bank reported a remarkable 483% year-on-year (YoY) surge in net profit, reaching ₹318 crore for the January-March 2025 quarter, compared to ₹55 crore in the same period last year. Alongside this robust growth, the bank declared a dividend of ₹1.50 per share, signaling confidence in its financial health.

Key Financial Highlights of Bandhan Bank Q4 FY25

  • Net Profit: ₹318 crore, up 483% YoY from ₹55 crore in Q4 FY24.

  • Net Interest Income (NII): ₹2,756 crore, down 4% YoY from ₹2,859 crore in Q4 FY24.

  • Net Revenue: ₹3,456 crore, reflecting a 30% YoY decline.

  • Operating Profit: ₹1,571 crore, compared to ₹1,838 crore in Q4 FY24.

  • Net Interest Margin (NIM): 6.7%, slightly lower than 6.9% in Q3 FY25.

  • Provisions (other than tax): ₹1,260 crore, down from ₹1,774 crore in Q4 FY24.

  • Gross NPA: 4.7%, flat quarter-on-quarter (QoQ).

  • Net NPA: 1.3%, unchanged QoQ.

Despite a moderation in net interest income, the significant profit growth was driven by lower provisions and improved operational efficiency. The bank’s focus on managing asset quality and reducing contingencies contributed to the strong bottom-line performance.

Deposits and Advances Show Steady Growth

Bandhan Bank continued to expand its deposit and lending portfolios:

  • Total Deposits: ₹1.51 lakh crore, up 12% YoY from ₹1.35 lakh crore in FY24.

  • CASA Deposits: ₹47,437 crore, with a CASA ratio of 31.4% in Q4 FY25.

  • Gross Advances: ₹1.37 lakh crore, a 10% YoY increase from ₹1.25 lakh crore in FY24.

The bank’s loan portfolio saw robust growth across segments:

  • Retail Book (excluding housing): 98% YoY growth.

  • Wholesale Banking: 35% YoY growth.

  • Housing Book: 11% YoY growth (18% YoY excluding IBPC).

This diversified growth underscores Bandhan Bank’s ability to cater to both retail and wholesale banking needs while maintaining a strong deposit base.

Dividend Announcement Boosts Investor Confidence

The board’s decision to declare a ₹1.50 per share dividend reflects Bandhan Bank’s commitment to rewarding shareholders. This move, coupled with the impressive Q4 profit growth, is likely to bolster investor sentiment and drive positive stock performance.

Why Bandhan Bank’s Q4 Results Matter

The 483% YoY profit surge highlights Bandhan Bank’s resilience in a challenging interest rate environment. Key factors driving this performance include:

  1. Lower Provisions: Reduced provisions by ₹514 crore YoY improved profitability.

  2. Stable Asset Quality: Flat GNPA and Net NPA ratios indicate effective risk management.

  3. Diversified Loan Growth: Strong growth in retail and wholesale segments fuels future revenue potential.

  4. Robust Deposit Base: A 12% YoY increase in deposits strengthens liquidity.

What’s Next for Bandhan Bank?

Looking ahead, Bandhan Bank is well-positioned to capitalize on India’s growing banking sector. With a focus on expanding its retail and housing loan portfolios, maintaining asset quality, and enhancing digital banking services, the lender is poised for sustained growth in FY26. Investors should keep an eye on upcoming quarters for updates on NIM trends and further deposit mobilization.


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