Base metal miners likely to outshine steel companies in mixed Q3; JSPL, Hindalco emerge as top picks
Live MintDomestic metal and mining companies with strong volume track records, superior product mixes and near-term expansion plans are expected to hold fort against swings in global prices and geopolitical uncertainties in the remainder of FY25, experts said ahead of the December quarter earnings season. ICICI Securities expects improving domestic consumption growth in Q4 to support falling steel prices, provided imports remain low. “A weakness in Chinese demand, despite economic stimulus measures, has led to lower global steel prices, putting pressure on steel spreads," Aditya Welekar, senior metals and mining analyst at Axis Securities, told Mint. Flat steel prices fell ₹2,400–2,500 per tonne during the period due to weak domestic automobile demand, continued dumping of cheap flat steel from China and subdued exports. Since alumina prices shot up 38% and aluminium prices rose 8% on-quarter, upstream companies Hindalco and Nalco are expected to post solid revenue and margin growth in Q3, even though sales volume would remain flat on a sequential basis.