Major GST Reform Approved – Investment Opportunities Ahead

Key Update: Simpler GST Structure

The GST Council has cut down the four tax slabs (5%, 12%, 18%, 28%) into just two slabs: 5% and 18%. This change may start soon, right before the festive season.
Also under discussion:
- Lower GST on health insurance
- Lower GST on life-saving medicines

Fri Sep 5, 2025

Why This Matters for Investors
1. FMCG & Consumer Goods (Strong Buy)
Everyday items like biscuits, soaps, toothpaste may move to 5% GST.
Companies: Hindustan Unilever, Britannia, Colgate, Nestle, ITC
Impact: Cheaper products → more sales → higher profits

2. Auto Sector (Buy)
Small cars and two-wheelers may move from 28% to 18% GST.
Companies: Maruti Suzuki, Bajaj Auto, Hero MotoCorp
Impact: Lower prices → demand recovery, especially in festive season

3. Consumer Durables (Buy)
TVs, ACs, fridges may move from 28% to 18% GST.
Companies: Voltas, Blue Star, LG, Samsung India proxies
Impact: Lower costs → festive sales may go up strongly

4. Insurance Sector (Accumulate)
Possible GST cut on health and life insurance.
Companies: ICICI Prudential Life, SBI Life, HDFC Life
Impact: Cheaper premiums → more people may buy policies

5. Cement Sector (Selective Buy)
Premium cement brands may get GST benefits.
Companies: UltraTech, Ambuja, Shree Cement
Impact: Better margins and more demand for housing

Past Example
When GST reform was announced earlier in August:
- Nifty 50 went above 25,000
- Sensex gained 1,000 points in one day
- Auto sector rose ~5%
- FMCG stocks went up 4–7%

Risks to Watch
- If rollout is delayed or not smooth
- If states ask for more compensation
- If companies keep savings instead of cutting prices
- Government may face revenue pressure (~₹1.3 lakh crore loss)

✅ Investors should closely watch the GST rollout timeline. Sectors like FMCG, Autos, and Consumer Durables could see immediate upside, while Insurance and Cement may benefit selectively.

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