Stocks To Buy or Sell Today, October 19, 2026: HDFC Bank, DLF and PNB Among Shares That May Remain in Spotlight on Monday

Indian stock markets are likely to remain focused on quarterly earnings, banking stocks and company-specific developments on Monday, October 19, as investors assess the latest financial results and corporate announcements. HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, DLF and Punjab National Bank (PNB) are among the stocks to watch, with second-quarter earnings and business updates expected to influence trading sentiment.

The upcoming trading session follows the release of September-quarter results by several major private sector banks. Investors will also track earnings announcements from other listed companies, along with global market cues and foreign investor activity, as they assess the outlook for Indian equities.

HDFC Bank Shares in Focus

HDFC Bank reported a 4.7% year-on-year increase in standalone net profit to INR 19,510 crore for the July-September quarter of the financial year 2026-27. Net interest income rose 9.7% to INR 34,620 crore, supported by growth in advances and deposits. Reliance Industries Stock Update: Modest Gain on Jio Platforms IPO Filing.

However, lower treasury trading gains and higher provisions limited the lender's profit growth. The bank's gross non-performing asset ratio improved to 1.11% at the end of September, compared with 1.17% in the previous quarter.

The lender is also preparing for a leadership transition, with Anup Bagchi scheduled to take over as managing director and chief executive officer on October 27, 2026. Deputy Managing Director Kaizad Bharucha is set to step down at the end of December. Tata Elxsi Stock Update: Share Price Slumps Over 4% on Q1 Margin Woes.

ICICI Bank Reports Strong Profit Growth

ICICI Bank reported a 20.1% year-on-year increase in net profit for the September quarter, supported by growth in net interest income. The performance puts the lender among the major private banks reporting strong earnings growth during the quarter.

Investors will assess the bank's earnings quality, loan growth, asset quality and net interest margins to determine whether the results can support its stock performance in the coming sessions.

Axis Bank Posts Higher Quarterly Profit

Axis Bank reported a 38% year-on-year increase in net profit to INR 7,003 crore for the second quarter of FY27. Net interest income increased approximately 12% to INR 15,371 crore, while provisions declined significantly from a year earlier.

The bank's gross non-performing asset ratio improved to 1.16%. However, its results fell short of some analyst estimates, keeping attention on its operating performance and profitability trends.

DLF and Punjab National Bank in Focus

DLF and Punjab National Bank are also among the stocks investors will track on October 19. For DLF, market participants will look for company-specific developments and updates related to the real estate sector.

PNB investors will monitor the lender's quarterly performance, asset quality and developments affecting the public sector banking industry. The direction of banking shares could also depend on how investors respond to the latest results from major private sector lenders.

Market Cues to Watch

Apart from individual company announcements, investors will track global market trends, crude oil prices, movements in the Indian rupee and foreign institutional investor activity. These factors could influence risk appetite and determine the broader market direction.

The September-quarter earnings season remains a key driver for Indian equities, with investors comparing companies' profit growth, revenue performance and forward outlooks. Stocks may react differently depending on whether their reported numbers meet market expectations.

Investors should note that inclusion in a stocks-to-watch list does not necessarily indicate a positive or negative price movement. Actual performance will depend on market conditions, company announcements and investor expectations.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 19, 2026 07:25 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).