News › Banking  ·  4 Aug 2026, 2:03 PM IST  ·  28 days ago

Bullish for PSBs: ICICI Securities Initiates 'Buy' on 7 Public Sector

VolatileBias: Bullish +5990% confidenceBankingFinancial ServicesBullish read

In one line — upside follow-through stays in play in fundamentally strong PSBs given the inherent volatility of the sector.

Bearish
Bullish
−1000+59+100

Source: Economic Times · AI-summarised by Anadi · Updated 4 Aug 2026, 2:21 PM IST

Bankingtilt positive
Financial Servicestilt positive

What Happened

ICICI Securities has commenced coverage on seven Public Sector Banks, assigning 'Buy' ratings to most of them. The brokerage firm anticipates strong Return on Equity (ROE) and significant loan growth, estimated at 14-15% annually, for these banks through fiscal year 2028. This signals a positive fundamental outlook for the PSB segment.

Why It Matters (for you)

This development is significant for the Indian banking sector, particularly for PSBs, as a positive initiation from a prominent brokerage like ICICI Securities can influence investor sentiment and attract fresh capital. It contrasts with recent reports of weak earnings from some private sector banks, potentially shifting focus and investment towards the public sector counterparts.

Impact on Indian Markets

The news is broadly positive for the Public Sector Banking sector. While specific tickers are not named, traders should look for opportunities in major PSBs like SBI, Bank of Baroda, Punjab National Bank, and Canara Bank, which are likely candidates for such coverage. This could lead to upward price movement in these stocks, driven by renewed investor interest and positive analyst sentiment.

What Traders Should Watch Next

Traders should monitor the specific PSBs that ICICI Securities has covered and their individual stock reactions. Look for increased trading volumes and price appreciation in these stocks. Also, keep an eye on any follow-up reports or analyst upgrades from other brokerages, which could further confirm the positive trend for the sector. Asset quality trends, especially concerning oil and climate change risks, should also be closely watched.

Key Evidence

  • ICICI Securities initiated coverage on seven public sector banks.
  • Most of these banks received a 'Buy' rating.
  • They predict strong Return on Equity (ROE) for these institutions until FY28.
  • Loan growth is estimated to be vigorous at 14-15% annually.
  • Asset quality is expected to remain stable, with caution on oil and climate change disruptions.