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Monday, July 14, 2008

Infosys Technologies, HCL Technologies, Biocon, India Economy, India Telecom


Infosys Technologies, HCL Technologies, Biocon, India Economy, India Telecom

Allied Digital Services


Allied Digital Services

Eveninger - July 14 2008


Eveninger - July 14 2008

BSE Bulk Deals to Watch - July 14 2008


Deal Date Scrip Code Company Client Name Deal Type * Quantity Price **
14/7/2008 524412 AAREY DRUGS HARDIK M MITHANI B 35429 60.45
14/7/2008 532919 ALLIED COMP MANJU CONSULTANCY CO. B 100000 20.88
14/7/2008 511664 BGIL FL TEC CHETAN DOGRA S 62500 17.05
14/7/2008 500132 EMPEE SUG CH EMPEE HOLDINGS LTD B 366115 8.93
14/7/2008 500132 EMPEE SUG CH BLUE CHIP TRADING CO S 240000 8.92
14/7/2008 532996 FIRST WIN OPG SECURITIES PVT LTD B 153383 105.89
14/7/2008 532996 FIRST WIN PIONEER MERCHANTILE LTD B 100000 105.36
14/7/2008 532996 FIRST WIN CHANDRA FIN. SERV. PVT. LTD B 99324 106.54
14/7/2008 532996 FIRST WIN OPG SECURITIES PVT LTD S 153383 105.90
14/7/2008 532996 FIRST WIN SOPHIA GROWTH A SHARE CLASS OF SOMERSET INDIA FUND S 525000 105.02
14/7/2008 532996 FIRST WIN CHANDRA FIN.SERV. PVT. LTD S 99324 106.05
14/7/2008 532985 KOTAK SENSEX EDELWEISS SECURITIES LTD S 11237 133.26
14/7/2008 532998 LOTUS EYE REAL MARKETING PVT LTD. B 300000 38.75
14/7/2008 532998 LOTUS EYE N D NISSAR B 130507 38.42
14/7/2008 532998 LOTUS EYE MEENA NITESH THAKUR B 141413 38.67
14/7/2008 532998 LOTUS EYE N D NISSAR S 130507 38.31
14/7/2008 532529 NDTV LTD. GS MACE HOLDINGS LTD B 4030376 447.90
14/7/2008 532529 NDTV LTD. RRPR HOLDING PRIVATE LIMITED S 3803728 447.80
14/7/2008 532606 PAREKH ALUM P R TRADERS B 94174 107.66
14/7/2008 532606 PAREKH ALUM P R AND COMPANY S 94174 107.34
14/7/2008 506618 PUNJAB CHEM JITENDRA MEHTA B 37000 228.89
14/7/2008 506618 PUNJAB CHEM SUPERLINE TRADING COMPANY PVT LTD S 23552 228.90
14/7/2008 513583 SBT INTERN KAPIL PURI B 150000 13.50
14/7/2008 526365 SHYAM STAR VIPUL DASHRATLAL SHAH B 55948 191.50
14/7/2008 526365 SHYAM STAR PARESH RAMJIBHAI CHAUHAN B 37965 194.30
14/7/2008 526365 SHYAM STAR PRABHUBHAI DOBARIA S 66590 194.21
14/7/2008 526365 SHYAM STAR VIPUL DASHRATHLAL SHAH S 43226 194.30
14/7/2008 532999 SILVER ANIMA PRABHUDAS LILLADHER PVT. LTD. B 81904 40.66
14/7/2008 532999 SILVER ANIMA PRABHUDAS LILLADHER PVT. LTD. S 81904 41.36
14/7/2008 531675 TRICOM INDIA JITENDRA MEHTA S 79203 124.58

NSE Bulk Deals to Watch - July 14 2008


Date,Symbol,Security Name,Client Name,Buy/Sell,Quantity Traded,Trade Price / Wght. Avg. Price,Remarks
14-JUL-2008,FIRSTWIN,First Winner Industries L,DIPAK RAMANBHAI RATHOD,BUY,218773,100.30,-
14-JUL-2008,FIRSTWIN,First Winner Industries L,JHAVERI VICKY RAJESHBHAI,BUY,149500,105.91,-
14-JUL-2008,FIRSTWIN,First Winner Industries L,JUPITOR BUSINESSES LTD,BUY,100000,105.34,-
14-JUL-2008,FIRSTWIN,First Winner Industries L,MAHASAGAR SECURITIES PVT LTD,BUY,100000,105.00,-
14-JUL-2008,FIRSTWIN,First Winner Industries L,MARUTI SECURITIES LTD.,BUY,95010,105.25,-
14-JUL-2008,FIRSTWIN,First Winner Industries L,SCB CORPORATION PROP SUNIL BAMCHA,BUY,100000,107.60,-
14-JUL-2008,FIRSTWIN,First Winner Industries L,SUMITA SAXENA,BUY,95072,103.68,-
14-JUL-2008,IFCI,IFCI Ltd.,CLEAN FINANCE & INVESTMENT LTD,BUY,6470940,37.87,-
14-JUL-2008,LOTUSEYE,Lotus Eye Care Hospital L,CIMMCO VINIMAY PVT LTD,BUY,246726,39.23,-
14-JUL-2008,LOTUSEYE,Lotus Eye Care Hospital L,DIPAK RAMANBHAI RATHOD,BUY,114407,38.58,-
14-JUL-2008,LOTUSEYE,Lotus Eye Care Hospital L,PASHUPATI CAPITAL SERVICES PVT. LTD.,BUY,149715,38.47,-
14-JUL-2008,LOTUSEYE,Lotus Eye Care Hospital L,PRASHANT JAYANTILAL PATEL,BUY,506051,38.24,-
14-JUL-2008,LOTUSEYE,Lotus Eye Care Hospital L,TRANSGLOBAL SECURITIES LTD.,BUY,298872,38.54,-
14-JUL-2008,NATCOPHARM,Natco Pharma Limited,P.R.TRADERS,BUY,300000,67.60,-
14-JUL-2008,SASKEN,Sasken Commu Techno Ltd,MBL & COMPANY LTD.,BUY,217135,138.58,-
14-JUL-2008,SB&TINTL,SB&T International Ltd,PURI KAPIL,BUY,150000,13.50,-
14-JUL-2008,SELAN,Selan Exploration Technol,RAVI SHANKARAN,BUY,78046,216.69,-
14-JUL-2008,FIRSTWIN,First Winner Industries L,DIPAK RAMANBHAI RATHOD,SELL,193952,106.98,-
14-JUL-2008,FIRSTWIN,First Winner Industries L,MAHASAGAR SECURITIES PVT LTD,SELL,100000,107.57,-
14-JUL-2008,FIRSTWIN,First Winner Industries L,MARUTI SECURITIES LTD.,SELL,95010,104.91,-
14-JUL-2008,FIRSTWIN,First Winner Industries L,SOPHIA GROWTH - A SHARE CLASS OF SOMERSET INDIA FUND,SELL,500000,105.05,-
14-JUL-2008,FIRSTWIN,First Winner Industries L,SS CORPORATE SECURITIES LIMITED,SELL,99800,105.72,-
14-JUL-2008,FIRSTWIN,First Winner Industries L,SUMITA SAXENA,SELL,95072,103.61,-
14-JUL-2008,IFCI,IFCI Ltd.,CLEAN FINANCE & INVESTMENT LTD,SELL,6471258,37.90,-
14-JUL-2008,LOTUSEYE,Lotus Eye Care Hospital L,CIMMCO VINIMAY PVT LTD,SELL,246726,39.00,-
14-JUL-2008,LOTUSEYE,Lotus Eye Care Hospital L,DIPAK RAMANBHAI RATHOD,SELL,55407,38.78,-
14-JUL-2008,LOTUSEYE,Lotus Eye Care Hospital L,PASHUPATI CAPITAL SERVICES PVT. LTD.,SELL,149715,38.47,-
14-JUL-2008,LOTUSEYE,Lotus Eye Care Hospital L,PRASHANT JAYANTILAL PATEL,SELL,506051,38.43,-
14-JUL-2008,LOTUSEYE,Lotus Eye Care Hospital L,TRANSGLOBAL SECURITIES LTD.,SELL,288872,38.68,-
14-JUL-2008,NATCOPHARM,Natco Pharma Limited,P R & COMPANY - ARUN KUMAR RATHI,SELL,300000,67.60,-
14-JUL-2008,SASKEN,Sasken Commu Techno Ltd,MBL & COMPANY LTD.,SELL,218235,138.86,-
14-JUL-2008,SELAN,Selan Exploration Technol,MERRILL LYNCH CAPITAL MARKETS ESPANA S.A. SVB,SELL,200000,217.18,-
14-JUL-2008,SELAN,Selan Exploration Technol,RAVI SHANKARAN,SELL,6294,184.67,-

Nifty July 2008 futures at premium


Turnover drops

Nifty July 2008 futures were at 4045, at a premium of 5.30 points as compared to spot closing of 4039.70. NSE's futures & options (F&O) segment turnover was Rs 40096.24 crore, which was lower than Rs 50149.82 crore on Friday, 11 July 2008.

Sterlite Industries (India) July 2008 futures were at discount at 680 compared to the spot closing of 685.90.

ONGC July 2008 futures were at a discount at 872 compared to the spot closing of 875.75.

Ranbaxy July 2008 futures were at a premium at 478 compared to the spot closing of 475.30.

In the cash market, the S&P CNX Nifty lost 9.3 points or 0.23% to 4039.70.

Merger and Acquisitions dip


The continuing recessionary fears in the world's largest economy, has dented India Inc's US-bound merger and acquisition activities, which dropped 30 per cent to 5.1 billion dollars in the first six months of 2008, according to an investment bank and advisory firm.

In the first half of 2008, Indian companies accounted for a total of 34 US-bound acquisitions worth over USD 5.1 billion, US-based Virtus Global Partners said in its latest report on US bound acquisition by Indian companies.

However, the volume of deals dropped 15 per cent to 34, from 40 in the H1 of 2007.

The mega size M&A deal in the first half of 2008, include Tata Chemicals acquisition of General Chemicals for USD one billion, GMR Energys purchase of 50 per cent equity in Intergen for USD 1.1 billion and Sterlite Industries announced bid for Asarco valued at USD 2.6 billion. Over 70 per cent of the transactions involved acquisition of 100 per cent stock for cash consideration.

Despite a slowdown in the M&A volume, IT/ITES remained the most acquisitive sector capturing over 50 per cent share of the total US-bound transactions by volume, the report stated.

"The high rate of US-bound acquisition activity is being propelled by the need to gain scale in terms of size, product offerings and geography. The first six months of 2008 also demonstrate an underlying business model change - from a cost-centric approach to a profit-margin focus," the report pointed out.

As per the report, the acquisition of Regulus Group by 3i Infotech for USD 100 million, Caterpillar Inc by Satyam Computer for USD 60 million and Jass & Associates Inc and SDG Corporation by Mascon Global for USD 55 million are among the top US-bound M&A deals.

Sensex slips amid sharp volatile trades


The market saw high volatility during the day, as stocks gyrated between the either sides of the zones throughout the session with the Sensex witnessing the intra-day swing of 289 points. The market opened lower due to the overnight loss in the US markets, but pared early loss as investors' sentiment turned positive as the Sensex neared its lifetime high of 13,559 points. Thereafter, sustained selling in frontline, information (IT) and Teck stocks saw the Sensex enter into negative territory. After displaying some range-bound moves, the market plunged deep into the red on heavy selling towards the close to touch the day's low of 13,270. The Sensex finally closed the session at 13,331, down 139 points. The Nifty had a flat close at 4,040, down 9 points.

The breadth of the market was negative. Of the 2,649 stocks traded on the BSE, 1,576 stocks declined, 1,009 stocks advanced and 64 stocks ended unchanged. Among the sectoral indices the BSE IT index shed 5.94%, the BSE Teck index declined 3.83% and the BSE FMCG index was down 1.46%. However, the BSE PSU, Metal, Oil & Gas, Auto and CD indexes closed in the green.

Selective buying helped the index overcome its losses. ONGC gained 1.56% at Rs866.85, NTPC advanced 3.15% at Rs167 and Mahindra & Mahindra added 2.91% at Rs546.45. SBI, Tata Steel, Ambuja Cement, Tata Motors, Reliance Infrastructure and Hindustan Unilever notched up steady gains.

Selling was evident in select heavyweights. Ranbaxy Laboratories dropped 10.45% at Rs475.90, Satyam Computer Services declined 7.92% at Rs444.45, Infosys tumbled 7.18% at Rs1,556.10, Tata Consultancy Services shed 3.79% at Rs768.95, HDFC dipped 3.38% at Rs1,935.90, BHEL was down 3.37% at Rs1,470 and ITC shed 3.30% at Rs168.70.

Over 1.80 crore IFCI shares changed hands on the BSE followed by Reliance Natural Resources (1.46 crore shares), Ispat Industries (1.23 crore shares), Chambal Fertilisers (84.91 lakh shares) and Reliance Petroleum (52.64 lakh shares).

Post Session Commentary - July 14 2008


The domestic market ended the day in negative note after showing volatility throughout the trading session, due to the selective buying and selling across the board. The Indian market opened with a heavy gap down, tracking weak cues from the US markets but showed some recovery in the mid session as the European markets gave supports on the back of the US government announcement to prop up troubled mortgage financiers Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. This led to the market to witness some buying in afternoon trade. However, the market did not hold up its gains for so long as tumbled in the final hours as the profit booking prevailed. From the sectoral front, metal index was remained in the limelight as most of the buying was witnessed from this basket while selling pressure led by the weakness in IT, Bank and Pharma stocks. The market breadth was negative as 1009 stocks closed in green while 1576 stocks closed in red and 64 stocks remained unchanged.

The BSE Sensex closed lower by 139.34 points at 13,330.51 and NSE Nifty ended down by 9.30 points at 4,039.70. The BSE Mid Caps and Small Cap closed with loss of 34.54 points and 73.60 points 5,330.80 and 6,640.06 respectively. The BSE Sensex touched intraday high of 13,559.36 and intraday low of 13,269.62.

Lossers from the BSE are Ranbaxy Lab (10.45%), Satyam Computer (7.92%), Infosys Tech (7.18%), TCS Ltd (3.79%), HDFC (3.38%), BHEL (3.37%), ITC L:td (3.30%), HDFC Bank Ltd (3.26%), Hindalco (2.96%) and ICICI Bank (1.98%).

The IT Index closed lower by 232.04 points at 3,675.59. Lossers are Satyam Computer (7.92%) along with Infosys Tech (7.18%), HCL Tech (5.81), MPhasis Ltd (5.04%), Moser Bayer (4.77%), Tech Mahindra (4.49%) and TCS Ltd (3.79%).

The Banking index closed down by 74.24 points at 5,970.52. Lossers are Axis Bank (5.05%), HDFC Bank Ltd (3.26%), Kotak Bank (2.54%), ICICI Bank (1.98%), Overseas Bank (1.52%), and Federal Bank (1.50%).

The Pharma index lost 50.02 points to close at 4,079.92. Major lossers are Ranbaxy Lab (10.45%), Orchid Chem (3.20%), Sunpha Adv (2.77%), Piramal Heal (1.83), Fortis Health (1.52%) and Apollo Hos (1.23%).

The Reality index ended down by 37.56 points at 4,762.53. Lossers are Anant Raj (5.29%), Purvankara (4.47%), Unitech Ltd (3.54%), Mahindra Life (3.08%), Parsvnath (1.69%), and Pheonix Mill (1.69%).

The Metal index went up by 185.48 points at 12,897.19. Gainers are Hind. Zinc (8.08%), Bhushan Steel (4.60%), Sterlite In (3.21%), Tata Steel (2.69%), Steel Authority (2.24%) and NALCO (2.14%).

The Oil & Gas index closed higher by 98.79 points at 8,985.07. As ONGC (3.24%), Reliance (1.51%), IOC (0.97%), Essar Oil Ltd (0.44%) and HPCL (0.34%) closed in positive territory.

Ranbaxy, Infosys tumble


Stocks ended volatile session with losses for the second straight day on sustained selling in IT and select blue-chip stocks. Ranbaxy Labs suffered over 10% on high volumes. Fresh selling at day’s high in mid-afternoon trade derailed a sustained recovery from lower level witnessed earlier in the day. Volatility was high in the later half of day. The market breadth was weak.

IT pivotals tumbled hit by sharp fall in American depository receipts (ADRs) on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on Friday, 11 July 2008.

European stocks surged, boosted by a US plan to rescue embattled mortgage finance companies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and by a fresh surge of acquisition activity. Key benchmark indices in UK, France and Germany rose by 1.22% and 1.77%.

The 30-share BSE Sensex was down 139.34 points or 1.03% at 13,330.51. The Sensex gained 89.51 points at day's high of 13,559.36 hit in mid-afternoon trade. At the day’s low of 13,269.62, the Sensex slipped 200.23 points in late trade.

The S&P CNX Nifty fell 9.03 points or 0.23% to 4039.70. Nifty July 2008 futures were at 4045, a premium of 5.3 points as compared to spot closing.

The BSE Sensex is down 6956.48 points or 34.29% in the calendar year 2008 so far from its close of 20,286.99 on 31 December 2007. It is 7876.26 points or 37.14% away from its all-time high of 21,206.77 struck on 10 January 2008.

As per provisional data, foreign funds sold shares worth a net Rs 436.52 crore while domestic funds bought shares worth a net Rs 63.25 crore today, 14 July 2008.

The market breadth was weak. On BSE, 1587 shares declined, 983 advanced and 73 remained unchanged.

The BSE Mid-Cap index slipped 0.64% to 5,330.80 and the BSE Small-cap index fell 1.10% to 6,640.06

The total turnover on BSE amounted to Rs 4191 crore as compared to Rs 5,386.39 crore on Friday, 11 July 2008. Turnover in NSE’s futures and options segment amounted to Rs 40096.24 crore as compared to Rs 50149.82 crore on Friday, 11 July 2008

Sectoral indices on BSE displayed mixed trend. The BSE Power (down 0.20% to 2,339.28), BSE Realty index (down 0.78% at 4,762.53), BSE Metal index (up 1.46% to 12,897.19), BSE Auto (up 1.05% at 3,566.49), BSE Oil & Gas index (up 1.11% to 8,985.07), BSE PSU index (up 2.02% to 6,087.99), BSE Consumer Durables index (up 0.01% to 3,589.41), BSE Capital Goods index (down 0.32% at 10,740.01), outperformed the Sensex.

The BSE Bankex (down 1.36% at 5,970.52), BSE TecK index (down 3.83% to 2,886.11), BSE FMCG index (down 1.46% to 1,958.29), BSE Health Care index (down 1.21% at 4,079.92), and BSE IT index (down 5.94% to 3,675.59), underperformed the Sensex.

Political uncertainty will continue to weigh on the domestic bourses in the near term. The government is holding a two-day special session of parliament on 21 July 2008-22 July 2008 to seek vote of confidence after it was reduced to minority following withdrawal of support by Left parties on 8 July 2008. The government hopes to retain power due to backing from Samajwadi Party, a regional party in Uttar Pradesh

Oil, India's biggest import, was trading above $143 a barrel, but below a record high of $147.27 hit on Friday, 11 July 2008.

Among the 30-member Sensex pack, 15 advanced while the rest slipped.

India’s largest pharma company in terms of sales Ranbaxy Laboratories tumbled 10.83% to Rs 473.90 on 28.61 lakh shares. It was the top loser from Sensex pack. The stock was hammered on reports the US government has levelled serious allegations against the company. The US department of justice (DoJ) has said that there was evidence to suggest that Ranbaxy used active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) from unapproved sources, blended unapproved API with approved API, and used less-than-approved API at its Paonta Sahib (Himachal Pradesh) plant in its drugs, resulting in the sale of subpotent, super- potent or adulterated medicines in the US market.

In a statement, Ranbaxy strongly denied the allegations raised by the US Department of Justice (DOJ). The company also stated that its business in the US continues as normal. Ranbaxy also said the company's deal with Japanese drug maker Daiichi Sankyo is binding and final and remains on track.

IT stocks extended Friday’s losses after IT bellwether Infosys Technologies said on Friday, 11 July 2008, at the time of announcing Q1 June 2008 results that the business environment was tough. The stock plunged 6.95% to Rs 1559.90, after declining 7.18% on Friday, 11 July 2008. Infosys has a higher weightage of 4.7% in Sensex as compared to 3.66% in Nifty.

At the time of announcing the Q1 results, Infosys revised earnings and revenue guidance upward for the year ending March 2009 (FY 2009). Infosys has forecast 24.4% to 26.6% growth in earnings per share as per Indian GAAP at between Rs 98.79 to Rs 100.51 in FY 2009 over the year ended March 2008 (FY 2008). It has forecast a between 27.5% to 29.5% growth in revenue at between Rs 21278 crore and Rs. 21622 crore in FY 2009 over FY 2008.

TCS (down 3.63% at Rs 770.10), Satyam Computer Services (down 7.60% at Rs 410.65), and Wipro (down 1.48% at Rs 406.20), slipped. The ADRs of Infosys (down 13.30%), Satyam Computer Services (down 9.17%) and Wipro (down 2.82%) slumped on the NYSE on Friday, 11 July 2008.

ITC (down 3.53% to Rs 168.30), HDFC Bank (down 3.23% to Rs 1033), and Hindalco Industries (down 2.90% to Rs 150.70) edged lower from the Sensex pack.

India’s top tractor maker in terms of sales Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) surged 4.50% to Rs 554.90 on 25,411 shares. It was the top gainer from Sensex pack.

India’s largest state-run oil exploration company in terms of market capitalisation Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) galloped 3.60% to Rs 879.85. The company is reportedly in talks with British firm Imperial Energy Corp to form an alliance which could include it buying an equity interest in the UK-based firm. If ONGC manages to strike a deal with Imperial Energy, it will strengthen the ONGC's overseas presence.

India’s largest private sector firm by market capitalization and oil refiner Reliance Industries rebounded from day’s low of Rs 1992.35. It was now up 2.11% at Rs 2059 on 12.03 lakh shares.

India's largest state-run bank by net profit State Bank of India vaulted 3.51% to Rs 1265.10 after touching a low of Rs 1205 in early trade. The bank is likely to report double-digit net profit growth in the Q1 June 2008, Chairman O.P. Bhatt told media reporters on Friday, 11 July 2008.

India's largest private sector bank by net profit ICICI Bank recovered from day’s low of 573.25. It settled with loss of 1.88% to Rs 580.40. Its American depository receipt (ADR) lost 7.4% on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on Friday, 11 July 2008. ICICI bank has a higher weightage of 3.4% in Sensex as compared to 2.65% in Nifty.

World’s sixth largest steel producer in terms of annual capacity Tata Steel surged 3.11% to Rs 686.90 on reports the company is looking at acquiring an iron ore mine in Western Australia to supply iron ore to Corus' plants.

NTPC (up 3.71% to Rs 167.90) and Ambuja Cement (up 2.61% to Rs 82.60) edged higher from Sensex pack.

Larsen & Toubro (L&T), the country’s largest state-run engineering firm in terms of outstanding order book position advanced 2.19% to Rs 2408.80, after sliding to a low of Rs 2320.20. L&T has higher weightage of 3.69% in Sensex as compared to 2.87% in Nifty.

India’s largest state-run engineering firm in terms of outstanding order book position Bharat Heavy Electricals fell 3.35% to Rs 1470.40 despite reports of the company is looking to acquire a locomotive manufacturing facility in Europe.

Debutante KSK Energy Ventures settled at Rs 190.50 on BSE, a discount of 20.63% over the initial public offer price of Rs 240. The counter saw high volumes of 99.26 lakh shares on BSE. The stock debuted at Rs 220, a discount of 8.33% over the initial public offer (IPO) price. It hit a high of Rs 234.80 and a low of Rs 176 in the day.

Reliance Capital topped the turnover charts on BSE clocking turnover of Rs 306.25 crore followed by Reliance Industries (Rs 249 crore), NDTV (Rs 193 crore), KSK Energy (Rs 191.50 crore) and Infosys (Rs 145.20 crore), in that order.

IFCI led the volumes chart with volumes of 1.81 crore shares followed by Reliance Natural Resources (1.47 crore shares), Ispat Industries (1.23 crore shares), KSK Energy (99.25 lakh shares) and Chambal Fertilisers (85 lakh shares), in that order.

Among side counters, Selan Exploration (up 20% to Rs 216.80), Suzler India (up 13.81% to Rs 777.90), Saurashtra Cement (up 20% to Rs 32.85), surged

EIH Associates (down 12.22% to Rs 111), Sparsh BPO (down 11.67% to Rs 70), and EPC (down 10.50% to Rs 26), slumped.

Tata Sponge Iron rose 2.49% to Rs 224 after the company reported 77.4% rise in net profit to Rs 29.33 crore on 8.8% increase in sales to Rs 101.77 crore in Q1 June 2008 over Q1 June 2007.

Axis Bank fell 4.68% to Rs 638.25 despite posting 88.67% rise in net profit to Rs 330.14 crore on 53.84% rise in total income to Rs 2891.24 crore in Q1 June 2008 over Q1 June 2007. The bank announced the result during market hours today, 14 July 2008.

Hindustan Zinc surged 8.63% to Rs 584.95 tracking surge in zinc futures in Shanghai. Shanghai zinc futures gained 1% on Monday, 14 July 2008, after rising by their 4% daily limit in the last session, following a weekend agreement by small-and medium-sized Chinese smelters to cut production by 10%.

NDTV rose 2.06% to Rs 405.35 after three block deals totaling 40.29 lakh shares at an average price of Rs 430.86 were executed on the counter on BSE in opening trade.

SpiceJet lost 13.27% to Rs 28.10 after its chief executive officer Siddhanta Sharma resigned over the weekend citing personal reasons.

HCL Technologies slumped 4.71% to Rs 227.80 after the company said on Friday, 11 July 2008 it may incur forex losses between $65-75 million in Q4 June 2008, owing to a sharp fall in rupee against the dollar.

IFCI lost 4.29% to Rs 37.90 after it reported 38.8% fall in net profit to Rs 151.07 crore on 18.1% increase in operating income to Rs 414.49 crore in Q1 June 2008 over Q1 June 2007. The company announced the result on Saturday, 12 July 2008.

Most Asian markets, which opened before Indian markets, were trading lower today, 14 July 2008. Key benchmark indices in Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan Taiwan and Singapore were down by between 0.23% and 1.21%. However China’s Shanghai Composite gained 0.76%

US markets ended volatile session on Friday, 11 July 2008, with the Dow Jones falling below the 11,000 level for the first time since August 2006. Growing concern about the health of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac send bank shares to an 11-year low. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slumped 128.48 points to 11100.54 and the Nasdaq Composite shed 18.77 points at 2239.08. The Standard & Poor's 500 index dropped 13.90 points to 1,239.49.

India's industrial production rose 3.8% in May 2008, much lower than revised 6.2% growth in April 2008, the government data released on 11 July 2008 showed. Industrial production growth for April 2008 revised downwards to 6.2% from earlier 7%.

Inflation based on the wholesale price index surged to a fresh 13-year high 11.89% in 12 months to 28 June 2008, above the previous week's annual rise of 11.63%, government data released on 11 July 2008 showed. This is much higher than the Reserve Bank's tolerance limit of 5.5% set for the current fiscal.

Grey Market Discounts - Premiums


KSK Energy Ventures 240 Discount

Somi Conveyor Belting 35 4 to 5

Birla Cotsyn (India) 12 to 14 Discount

Tough day ahead


The market may correct further for the second straight session on inflation worries and dwindling foreign fund inflows in domestic markets. Nervousness in the market is likely to continue after the Sensex reported losses in Friday's trades. Weakness in the global indices could make the investors jittery from taking any fresh position. Among the key local indices, the Nifty could decline to 4010 or 3950 on the downside while on the upside there is a near term resistance at 4100. The Sensex has a likely support at 13350 and may face resistance at 13600.

US Indices tumbled on Friday as investors continued to worry about the credit market crisis and rise in the oil prices. While the Dow Jones slipped 128 points to close at 11101, the Nasdaq lost 19 points to close at 2239.

Except Dr Reddy & Tata Motors all the Indian floats had a lost heavily on the US bourses. Infosys tumbled 13.30%, Satyam slipped 9.17% and ICICI Bank lost 7.38% while, Rediff, Patni Computer, VSNL, HDFC Bank, Wipro and MTNL lost around 2-4% each. Among the gainers Dr Reddy rose 1.90%, while Tata Motors was up by 0.11%.

Crude oil prices in the US market gained sharply, with the Nymex light crude oil for August delivery up $3.43 to close at $145.05 a barrel. In the commodity space, the Comex gold for August series gained $18.60 to settle at $960.60 an ounce.

Equities seen range-bound on mixed cues


Local shares are likely to be witness range-bound activity today, 14 July 2008, tracking mixed cues from global shores. However crude oil hovering near record highs may dampen the sentiment.

Global investment banker Barclays Capital projecting inflation to surge to 17% by September 2008 on back of another round of hike in fuel prices in the same month may also play the spoilsport. The investment banker believes that wholesale price index inflation will remain in double-digit territory until May 2009.

Inflation based on the wholesale price index surged to a fresh 13-year high 11.89% in 12 months to 28 June 2008, above the previous week's annual rise of 11.63%, government data released on 11 July 2008 showed. This is much higher than the Reserve Bank's tolerance limit of 5.5% set for the current fiscal.

Crude oil for August delivery fell as much $1.01 to $144.07 a barrel in after-hours trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange on Friday, 11 July 2008.

Asian markets were trading firm today, 14 July 2008, led by advances in banking stocks after the US government unveiled measures to help the troubled home financing providers. Shanghai Composite rose 0.36% or 10.36 points at 2,866.99, Japan's Nikkei gained 1.12% or 146.21 points at 13,185.90, Hong Kong's Hang Seng advanced 0.51% or 113.57 points at 22,298.12, South Korea's Seoul Composite added 0.54% or 8.51 points at 1,576.02, Taiwan Weighted was down 0.21% or 14.91 points at 7,229.85 and Straits Times fell 0.53% or 15.52 points at 2,911.32

US markets ended volatile session on Friday, 11 July 2008, with the Dow Jones falling below the 11,000 level for the first time since August 2006. Growing concern about the health of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac send bank shares to an 11-year low. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slumped 128.48 points to 11100.54 and the Nasdaq Composite shed 18.77 points at 2239.08. The Standard & Poor's 500 index dropped 13.90 points to 1,239.49.

Back home, the market slumped on Friday, 11 July 2008 as spiraling crude oil prices and weak economic data dampened investor sentiments. The 30-share BSE Sensex lost 456.39 points or 3.28% at 13,469.85 and the broader based S&P CNX Nifty was down 113.20 points or 2.72% at 4049, on that day.

The BSE Sensex rose 15.85 points or 0.12% to 13,469.86 in the week ended Friday, 11 July 2008. The S&P CNX Nifty edged up 33 points or 0.82% to 4,049 in the week.

From a record high of 21,206.77 hit on 10 January 2008, Sensex has lost 7736.92 points or 36.48%. It is down 6817.14 points or 33.60% in calendar year 2008 so far.

As per provisional data, foreign funds sold shares worth a net Rs 467.67 crore while domestic funds bought shares worth a net Rs 214.74 crore, on 11 July 2008.

Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) were net buyers of Rs 511.43 crore in the futures & options segment on 11 July 2008. They were net buyers of index futures to the tune of Rs 715.44 crore and sold index options worth Rs 221.49 crore. They were net sellers of stock futures to the tune of Rs 20.84 crore and purchased stock options worth Rs 38.31 crore.

Industrial production rose 3.8% in May 2008, much lower than revised 6.2% growth in April 2008, the government data released on 11 July 2008 showed. Industrial production growth for April 2008 revised downwards to 6.2% from earlier 7%.

Caution may prevail on the bourses in the near term due to political uncertainty as to whether the government will be able to win confidence vote in the parliament. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is likely to seek a vote of confidence in parliament shortly following the Left’s withdrawal of support to the government over the India-US civil nuclear agreement. There is speculation that the government may choose a date around 22 July 2008 to call a special Lok Sabha session for the vote.

Morning Call - July 14 2008


Market Grape Wine :

In House :

Nifty at a support of 3995 and 3935 levels with resistance at 4115 and 4165 levels .

Buy : in F&O Tisco above 644 target 665 s/l fo 635

Sell : in F&O Centextile below 490 target 465 s/l of 505

Out House:

Markets at a support of 13456 & 13232 resistance at 13786 & 13636 levels .

Buy : Sail & Tsico

Buy : Sbin at dips

Buy : ITC at dips

Buy : Bhel & LT at dips

Buy : ACC

Buy : RIL

Buy : Titan at dips

Dark Horse : Sbin , LT , RIL , Suzlon & Tisco

Pre Session Commentary - July 14 2008


The Indian Market is expected to have positive opening on the back of favorable global cues as Asian markets are trading in green and crude oil prices dropped in Asian trade. It dropped $1.65 to $143 a barrel. The Indian market on Friday closed in deep red on inflation data, which stood at 11.89% for the week ended June 28 as against 11.63% in earlier week and IIP number for the month of May, which declined at 3.8% as against 10.6% in same period of last year. Indian market opened on positive note due to the mixed cues from the global markets but soon it slipped with giving up its initial gains. Further after showing some volatility it lost more grounds to close in extremely negative territory. From the sectoral front, all indices closed in red and major selling witnessed among the frontline indices mainly the Capital Goods, IT, Metal, Power and Oil & Gas stocks. IT index closed with deep cut of more than 6% and Capital Goods and Power indices slipped by more than 4%. The BSE Sensex closed lower by 456.39 points at 13,469.85 and NSE Nifty ended down by 113.20 points at 4,049. We expect that market may remain voaltile during the trading session.

On Friday, the US market was closed in red on concern about the health of U.S. mortgage lenders Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which send bank shares to an 11-year low. U.S. These two large US mortgage financing companies slumped on Friday on fears for their financial stability. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) closed lower by 128.48 points at 11,100.54 along with NASDAQ ended down by 18.77 points at 2,239.08 and S&P 500 index closed down by 13.90 points at 1,239.49.

Indian ADRs ended down. In technology sector, Infosys ended down by (13.30%) along with Satyam by (9.17%), Patni Computers by (4.74%) and Wipro dropped by (2.82%). In banking sector, ICICI bank and HDFC bank lost (7.38%) and (3.43%) respectively. In telecommunication sector, Tata Communication and MTNL ended down by (3.89%) and (2.46%)). Sterlite industries increased by (0.07%).

Today the major stock markets in Asia are trading firm. Japan’s Nikkei is trading higher by 146.21 points at 13,185.90, Hang Seng index is trading up by 113.57 points at 22,298.12 and Taiwan Weighted trading at 7,229.85 gained 14.91 points.

The FIIs on Friday stood as net seller in equity and in debt. The gross equity purchased was Rs1,988.40 Crore and the gross debt purchased was Rs28.60 Crore while the gross equity sold stood at Rs2,334.40 Crore and gross debt sold stood at Rs31.10 Crore. Therefore, the net investment of equity reported was (Rs345.90) Crore and net debt was (2.50) Crore.

Today, Nifty has support at 3,979 and resistance at 4,137 and BSE Sensex has support at 13,222 and resistance at 13,740.

Trading Calls - July 14 2008


Nifty (4049) Sup 3960 Res 4095

Sell Tata Power (976) SL 985 Target 950, 945

Sell HCL Tech (239) SL 244 Target 230, 225

Sell TCS (799) SL 806
Target 784, 778

Sell Kotak Bank (507) SL 514 Target 494, 491

Buy Sterlite (661) SL 654
Target 680, 685

Of Soros and sorrows!


There are people who are always anticipating trouble, and in this way they manage to enjoy many sorrows that never really happen to them.

Global investor George Soros has done some Quantum buying associating himself with those who are temporarily losing their Power and glory. Betting against the British pound in 1992 made him famous and richer. Will be able to extract his pound of flesh from the Indian market only time will tell.

The string of sorrows on Friday saw an overreaction. We expect a rebound at the opening bell after Friday's weak show. Some more short-covering-led rallies are not ruled out. Don’t get fooled by such pull-backs as there is no dearth of perceived bad news.

The trend this week will hinge on a slew of variables, such as the global markets, crude oil, macro-economic data, FII flows, results and of course the political situation. The Dow Jones Industrial Average managed to bounce back on Friday after sliding under the 11,000 mark in early trades. Crude oil too has cooled off after hitting a new record above $147 on Friday. Asian markets are mixed, with the Nikkei is up over 1%, while the Straits Times and Taiex are down 0.2-5%.

In a rare development, the key indices actually managed to post modest gains for the week, mainly on account of short-covering in the F&O segment. The Nifty, which hit a low of 3848 on July 2 has not breached that bottom ever since. This may provide some comfort to the bulls, though there is every danger that the level will also be taken out if the current string of bad news persists.

One thing is pretty difficult to attain in stock market i.e. timing of entry and exit. Last week's resilience notwithstanding, we still can't say whether a temporary bottom was reached on July 2. It’s too tough to ascertain the market's direction at this juncture.

Results Today: Axis Bank, CMC, Everonn Systems, Tanla and Tata Sponge.

Silverline Animation Technologies Ltd. and KSK Energy Ventures Ltd. will get listed today.

Ranbaxy may be under pressure as the US government has sued Ranbaxy for concealing and forging crucial data to get a favourable judgment in an ongoing investigation.

HCL Tech is another stock that will face investors' ire after announcing that it may incur forex losses of about US$65-75mn for the quarter ended June 30, owing to a weak rupee.

The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) says it is examining ways to prevent stock-price manipulation by short sellers and others amid amid worries about the financial health of mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac as well as Lehman Brothers.

In Asian markets, the Nikkei is up 1.1% while the Hang Seng has turned flat after being up nearly 200 points. the Kospi in Seoul is up 0.2% while the Straits Times in Singapore is down 0.65%. The Shanghai Composite in China is up 1.3% and the Taiex in Taiwan was down 0.4%.

US stocks fell on Friday, but closed off their lows, as fears that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac would collapse eased amid reports that the Bush administration will rescue the mortgage financiers and talk that the Federal Reserve would open up its discount window.

The Dow dropped below the 11,000 level for the first time since August 2006. But, the blue-chip index settled at 11,100.54, down 128.48 points, or 1.1%. For the week, the Dow lost 1.6%.

The S&P 500 Index shed 13.89 points, or 1.1%, to 1,239.50, giving it a weekly loss of 1.8%. The Nasdaq Composite Index skidded 18.77 points, or 0.8%, to 2,239.08, giving the technology-laden index a 0.3% weekly loss.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac both fell by close to 50% in early trading amid fears about their bankruptcy and speculation of a government bailout.

But shares trimmed losses as the day wore on, recovering after Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., made comments that sought to assuage some fears. Freddie ended 3% lower and Fannie ended 22% lower.

For the financial sector and for the stock market, there's more pain to come before a bottom is reached, according to some Wall Street analysts.

US light crude oil for August delivery gained $3.43 to settle at $145.08 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, after hitting a trading record of $147.27 earlier.

The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gas fell Friday to $4.096 from $4.104 Thursday, according to AAA.

In currency trading, the dollar fell versus the euro and the yen. In the bond market, Treasury prices tumbled, raising the yield on the benchmark 10-year note to 3.95% from 3.80% late on Thursday. COMEX gold for September delivery rose $18.70 to settle at $963.20 an ounce.

Lehman Brothers lost another 16.6%, amid continued uncertainty about the brokerage's financials since it reported a nearly $3bn second-quarter loss last month. Citigroup managed to close with just modest losses, after the company said it is selling its German retail banking unit to France's Credit Mutuel for $7.7bn.

GE reported weaker earnings that met forecasts on higher sales that beat estimates. The company reiterated that it would earn $2.20 to $2.30 per share for the full year versus analysts' estimates of $2.22 per share. GE also said it will sell its Japanese consumer finance business for $5.4bn. GE shares ended nearly unchanged, after rising a bit in the morning.

Over the weekend, Anheuser-Busch accepted Dutch brewer InBev's sweetened bid of $70 a share, according to media reports. Anheuser-Busch stock gained more than 8% in regular trading.

The US trade deficit narrowed in May by more than expected, as the record demand for exports - due to the weak dollar - overshadowed the record demand for imports, including crude oil.

The University of Michigan's July consumer sentiment index inched up to 56.6 from 56.4, versus forecasts for a drop to 55.5. However, the index's expectation component, which relates to consumer spending, fell to a 28-year low.

European shares ended around three-year lows on Friday due to a spike in crude oil futures and fresh concerns over the financial sector. The pan-European Dow Jones Stoxx 600 index tumbled 2.7% to 270.36, taking year-to-date losses to nearly 26%.

Germany's DAX 30 fell 2.4% to 6,153.30, while the French CAC-40 dropped 3.1% to 4,100.64 and the UK's FTSE 100 fell back into bear market territory after it lost 2.7% to 5,261.60.

Last trading session of the week ended with a sharp cut. Markets started off with a positive gap but immediately slipped into red on back of disappointing guidance from IT bellwether Infosys. Sentiments were further hit after India’s industrial production tumbled in May, to 3.8% from 10.6% in the same month last year. What's even worse was that April's growth has been trimmed to 6.2% from 7%.

Inflation figures were also another dampener. India’s Inflation accelerated to the fastest pace since 1995. Inflation rose to 11.89% in the week to June 28 against 11.63% in the previous week

Finally the Sensex lost 456 points to close at 13,469 and the Nifty lost 113 points from to close flat at 4,049.

Bharti Airtel gained by half a percent to Rs745 after the company announced that it adds 2.56mn subscribers in June according to industry data. The scrip touched an intra-day high of Rs798 and a low of Rs737 and recorded volumes of over 9,00,000 shares on BSE.

Sterlite Industries gained by 1.7% to Rs661 after the company along with its unions representing the workers of US based Asarco agreed to acquire all the assets of the bankrupt copper producer. The scrip touched an intra-day high of Rs680 and a low of Rs652 and recorded volumes of over 4,00,000 shares on BSE.

Shree Ashtavinayak advanced by 1% to Rs562 following reports that the company is planning to invest ~Rs9bn in its forthcoming movies. The scrip touched an intra-day high of Rs583 and a low of Rs540 and recorded volumes of over 50,000 shares on BSE.

Max India advanced by 1.6% to Rs158 after the company announced that it would spend Rs1bn along with Bupa Finance for setting up an Insurance company. The scrip touched an intra-day high of Rs167 and a low of Rs155 and recorded volumes of over 54,000 shares on BSE.

Welspun-Gujarat Stahl slipped by 2.5% to Rs304. The company announced that it won order worth Rs30bn and also said that it has total orders worth Rs77bn. The scrip touched an intra-day high of Rs315 and a low of Rs300 and recorded volumes of over 1,00,000 shares on BSE.

Shares of Infosys Technologies plunged by over 7% at Rs1676 erasing early gains as the company didn’t increase guidance for FY09 on back of continuation of challenging business outlook. The stock had hit an intra-day high of Rs1876. However, went on to hit an intra-day low of Rs1,641 recording volumes of over 20,00,000 shares on BSE.

Infosys Technologies reported a net profit of Rs13.02bn in the quarter ended June 30, 2008 as against Rs12.49bn in the previous quarter. This translates into a sequential growth of 4.2%. This is better than expectations of a slight dip Quarter on Quarter (QoQ).

Infosys Technologies hiked its revenue and earnings per share (EPS) guidance for the fiscal year 2008-09 as per Indian GAAP. The company expects net sales to be between Rs212.78-216.22bn for the year ending March 2009. The EPS for the current fiscal year is expected to be in a range of Rs99.34-101.06. The company has taken a conversion rate of 1 US$ = Rs.43.04.

Allied Digital gained by 1.2% to Rs906 after the company announced that it acquired 80.5% stake in US based EnPointe Global Services for US$30mn. The scrip touched an intra-day high of Rs932 and a low of Rs880 and recorded volumes of over 4,000 shares on BSE.

BHEL declined by 2.6% to Rs1521. The company announced that it won order worth Rs21.75bn from Tamil Nadu Electricity Board. The scrip touched an intra-day high of Rs1588 and a low of Rs1493 and recorded volumes of over 5,00,000 shares on BSE

US government files suit against Ranbaxy Laboratories for concealing and forging crucial data to get a favourable judgment in an ongoing investigation.(BS)
HCL Technologies may incur forex losses of about US$65-75mn for quarter ended June 30, owing to a weak rupee. (BS)
BHEL receives Rs22bn contract for setting up a 600MW thermal power generating unit in Tamil Nadu.(FE)
ADAG group on look out for acquisitions to start its cement business much before it completes its 4,000MW mega power project at Sasan, Madhya Pradesh.(BS)
JSW Steel looking to acquire US-based United Coal Company. (ET)
Athena Energy Venture, a JV between Power Trading Corp and IDFC to set up a 1,320MW coal-fired power plant in Andhra Pradesh. (DNA)
ONGC may offer joint operatorship of a KG block to British Gas in exchange for rig support to complete drilling in 2009.(BL)
Swan Telecom in negotiations with BSNL for a strategic alliance under which the former will utilise the network of the state-owned company to roll out its operations.(BS)
SAIL-Tata Steel JV company wants five coal blocks to cut imports.(FE)
JSW Steel will explore the possibility of importing iron ore from its mine in Chile and sell it in the local market.(BS)
Maxis Communications would not sell Aircel stake to any third party.(TOI)
Tata Steel is looking at acquiring an iron ore mine in Western Australia to supply ore to Corus’ plants.(Mint)
Jindal Stainless is close to acquiring chrome ore and manganese mines in West Asia to cater to its project in Orissa.(BS)
Welspun Gujarat Stahl secures orders worth Rs30bn from Indian as well as overseas companies. (DNA)
Wipro’s Asian unit looking to secure deals worth US$100mn from India and Middle-East.(FE)
Ansal API announces the launch of its hi-tech city spread over 2,500 acres adjoining Greater Noida.(Mint)
Commerce ministry examining possibilities of stripping RPL refinery of its 100% export oriented unit status. (ET)
Healthcare services provider Max India board approves its JV with UK-based Bupa Finance Plc for setting up a health insurance company.(FE)
Siemens India secures order from Tata BlueScope Steel to supply equipments to the company’s new processing lines at Jamshedpur.(DNA)
Maytas Properties to develop three IT SEZs.(BL)
Drug maker Abbott India to buy back shares at Rs630 each.(BL)
Reliance Industries, Essar Oil, GAIL, Videocon may bid for five exploration blocks in Australia.(ET)
ONGC Videsh in talks to form an alliance with UK based Imperial Energy with oil producing assets in Western Siberia.(TOI)
M&M reduces ownership interest in subsidiary companies by 6-7%, brings forgings unit under Mahindra Forgings.(ET)
Spice Energy plans a GDR issue of US$300mn by August; proceeds to be used to set up 1,000MW thermal power plant in Tamil Nadu.(DNA)
ICICI, HDFC AMCs among 20 companies in race for managing Employees Provident Fund Organization’s funds.(ET)
Reliance Logistics looking to acquire mid-sized logistics firm operating in third party logistics field. (DNA)
Phoenix Mills, Adlabs in pact for India’s largest multiplex cinema. (ET)

Economic Front Page

Government may cut duty on major petrochemical feedstock building blocks. (ET)
Benchmark ten year bond yield rises to seven year high of 9.55% on rising inflation.(BS)
DoT dilutes the proposed pricing of excess spectrum held beyond contracted limit by mobile operators.(Mint)
Service Sector growth slips from 14.7% to 10.5% in Q4 2008. (ET)
TRAI proposes to raise the base price for operators participating in the auction for 3G and broadband wireless spectrum (BL)
Domestic airlines witnessed a 17% decline in passenger traffic in June as compared to earlier month.(FE)
Kingfisher-Deccan may be dragged to Supreme Court by government.(Mint)
Civil aviation minister directs Bangalore International Airport Limited to increase its capacity to handle passengers.(BS)
Exchange traded currency futures likely to be launched by mid August.(BL)
Government planning to raise FDI ceiling in defense production to 49% from the current 26%. (ET)
RBI eases rules governing external commercial borrowing. (ET)
National Bio-fuel policy may be unveiled by September.(DNA)
Prices of plastic products have become costlier by 35% according to its manufacturers.(BL)
Mining minister approaches Prime minister for the review of iron ore export duty. (ET)


Market Outlook - July 14 2008


Market Outlook - July 14 2008

Weekly Track - July 14 2008


Weekly Track - July 14 2008

Weekly Technicals - July 14 2008


Weekly Technicals - July 14 2008

Be afraid ! Inflation may rise to 17%


Global investment banker Barclays Capital has projected that inflation may surge to 17 percent by September on back of another round of hike in fuel prices in the same month.

"We believe WPI inflation will remain in double-digit territory until May 2009. We expect WPI inflation of 17 percent by September 2008," the report said.

For the week-ended June 28, wholesale prices-based inflation touched a new 13-year high of 11.89 percent much higher than the Reserve Bank's tolerance limit of 5.5 percent for the current fiscal.

According to the report, the government is likely to hike fuel prices between 10 and 20 percent again as early as September to limit fiscal risks.

Rise in the price of the Indian crude oil basket to USD 145-150 per barrel from the current USD 132 per barrel could be the trigger for another round of increase in fuel prices, it said.

The government last revised retail petroleum prices with effect from June 5, when petrol prices was increased by Rs 5 a litre, diesel by Rs 3 per litre and cooking gas by Rs 50 per cylinder.

This resulted in inflation touching a double-digit figure of 11.05 percent for the week ended June 7.

Last week, even Finance Minister P Chidambaram's adviser Shubhashis Gangopadhyay predicted that double digit inflation will continue throughout the year 2008 and could impact the economic growth negatively.

India Inflation Fears


India Inflation Fears

Edelweiss Capital


Edelweiss Capital

Gold rises as crude rises


Missile tests by Iran and surging crude price makes gold a bet for safe haven

The weak US dollar and the rising oil price pushed bullion metals higher on Friday, 11 July, 2008. Prices rose as tension once again mounted at Middle East and the also rose on reports of more missile tests by Iran. Gold is typically seen as a safe-haven investment and its appeal increases during times of heightened geopolitical tensions. The increase in energy costs also generally increase demand for the precious metal as a hedge against inflation. Silver prices gained for the day.

Generally, a stronger dollar pressures demand for dollar-denominated commodities, such as crude oil and gold, which become more expensive for holders of other currencies. On the other hand, a lower dollar pushes up precious metal prices as their demand lessens as it becomes cheaper for traders holding other currencies.

Comex Gold for August delivery rose $18.6 (1.97%) to close at $960.6 ounce on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Prices climbed to a high of $967 during intra day trading. For the week, it ended higher by $27 (2.8%). On 17 March, 2008 prices had skyrocketed to a high of $1,034/ounce. But prices have dropped since then.

It was reported on Friday that Iran test fired more missiles on Thursday, after testing missiles the day before that could reach Israel. Iran is the world's fourth-largest exporter of crude oil.

At the currency markets on Friday, the dollar lost ground against other major currencies on rising geopolitical risk and renewed credit worries. The dollar index which tracks the greenback against a basket of major currencies, fell 0.6% to stand lately at 72.03.

In the crude market on Friday, prices fell initially amid a rising dollar but leaped right back on speculation that Israel may be nearer to launching an attack on Iran and on worries that supplies in Nigeria and Brazil may be disrupted. Crude for August delivery closed up $3.43 or 2.4%, at $145.08 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

The weakening dollar and higher global demand for raw materials have led to records this year for commodities including gold. Gold has traditionally been used as a safe-haven asset against rising inflation. Investor sentiments are boosted by the fact that gold and silver are alternate sources of good investment in the face of declining dollar and rising energy prices.

Gold prices ended June, 2008 with a gain of 4.1%. The yellow metal ended second quarter with a marginal gain of 0.7%. In May, it ended with a gain of higher by $22.5 (2.5%). Before May, for April, prices closed lower by 6.3%.

This year, gold prices have gained 13.5% till date against a 5.6% drop for the dollar against the euro. For first quarter prices gained 10.7%. In January, prices gained 11%, the highest monthly gain since April 2006. For February, it gained 6%. But in March, prices succumbed and fell by 5.5%.

On Friday, Comex silver futures for September delivery gained 50 cents (2.7%) to $18.82 an ounce. Silver has gained 25% in 2008 till date. For the second quarter, it gained a paltry 1.4%.

Silver prices ended the month of May 2008 with a gain of 2.7%. For April, it closed lower by 5.5%. Silver had gained 16% in Q1. In January this year itself, prices climbed 14%. In February, it gained another 15%. For March, it ended lower by 13%. The metal had climbed 16% in FY 2007. The metal also has gained for seven straight years.

Crude rises on middle east concerns


CRUDE OIL

Middle East tension pushes crude higher

Prices end marginally higher for the week

Geo political tensions in Iran and Nigeria and a lower dollar pushed up crude prices on Friday, Friday, 11 July, 2008. Israel launching an attack on Iran and worries that supplies in Nigeria and Brazil may be disrupted, sent crude prices soaring. Traders also continued to worry about slowing demand and continued selling despite a sharp drop in U.S. inventories. Prices nevertheless ended the volatile week with marginal gains.

Crude-oil futures for light sweet crude for August delivery today closed at $145.08/barrel (higher by $3.43/barrel or 2.4%) on the New York Mercantile Exchange. For the week, prices gained $0.21 (0.2%). A day earlier, on Thursday, 10 July, crude rose by almost $6 at one shot today in the final hour of trading after trading around $2 higher in the previous hours.

Crude prices gained 38% in the second quarter of this year. It was the biggest quarterly increase in nine years. It ended June 2008 higher by 9.9%. Prices are 105% higher than a year ago. For the year, crude is up by 44% till date.

It was reported on Friday that Iran test fired more missiles on Thursday, after testing missiles the day before that could reach Israel. Iran is the world's fourth-largest exporter of crude oil.

At the currency markets on Friday, the dollar lost ground against other major currencies on rising geopolitical risk and renewed credit worries. The dollar index which tracks the greenback against a basket of major currencies, fell 0.6% to stand lately at 72.03.

EIA reported earlier during the week that crude inventories fell 5.9 million barrels in the week ended 4 July to stand at 293.9 million barrels. Daily crude imports averaged 9.5 million barrels last week, down 621,000 barrels from the previous week. U.S. refineries operated at 89.2% of their operable capacity last week, unchanged from the previous week.

EIA also reported that U.S. gasoline supplies rose by 900,000 barrels in the latest week, while distillates rose by 1.8 million barrels.

Against this backdrop, August reformulated gasoline rose 5.23 cents, or 1.5%, to $3.56 a gallon and August heating oil added 3.92 cents, or 1%, to $4.08 a gallon. Natural gas for August delivery, however, reversed earlier gains and fell 40 cents, or 3.3%, to $11.90 per million British thermal units.

Executive Summary

Crude prices showed immense volatility during the week that ended on Friday, 11 July, 2008. Prices gave up more than $9 during the first two days of the week. But then, it touched a all time high price of $147/barrel. It also gained $9.03 during the last two days of the week. For the week, it ended higher by a marginal 21 cents.

Prices fell during the first part of the week due to the strong dollar. But then, it gained back all of its losses after Middle East tensions cropped up between Iran and Israel and also on weekly inventory report from the Energy department.

The Paris based International Energy Agency (IEA) said during the week that it expects 2009 global energy demand to rise 1% from 2008 levels. Robust growth in developing economies will more than offset demand contractions in developed countries.

The IEA also said that the bunching of new projects and Saudi Arabia's pledge for 250,000 barrels a day in additional production should lead to an increase in spare capacity for crude oil next year. But it said current high prices are not just about tight crude supplies, pointing to refinery capacity as another major contributor.

US Markets end with modest losses


Dow sinks below the 11,000 level for the first time in two years

US Market ended the week on Friday, 11 July with moderate losses. But it was the financial sector and the rising crude price that played the role of major villains for the indices registering losses. Upbeat announcement from a major retailer and encouraging economic data were the major reasons as to why the losses were restricted to modest levels.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 188 points for the week to end at 11,100. Tech - heavy Nasdaq lost 6.3 points at 2,239. S&P 500 shed 23.4 points to end at 1,239. In percentage terms, Dow, S&P 500 and Nasdaq lost 1.7%, 1.9% and 0.3% respectively. The Dow fell below the 11,000 level for the first time in two years.

The financial sector came under severe pressure after Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were two notable laggards in the sector. The two stocks encountered selling pressure throughout the week on news that accounting changes could force the companies to bring off-balance sheet assets on to their books, thus requiring large capital raises. In fact things worsened on reports that the executive branch has been discussing a plan for the government to take over either one or both of them if conditions worsened. It was only during the end of the week when a Reuters source indicated the two lenders would have access to the Fed’s discount window did the stocks rally into the green.

Crude prices showed immense volatility during the week. Prices gave up more than $9 during the first two days of the week. But then, it touched an all time high price of $147/barrel. It also gained $9.03 during the last two days of the week. For the week, it ended higher by a marginal 21 cents and ended around $145/barrel.

Crude prices fell during the first part of the week due to the strong dollar. But then, it gained back all of its losses after Middle East tensions cropped up between Iran and Israel and also on weekly inventory report from the Energy department.

Dow component Alcoa marked the start of second quarter earnings season. The aluminum company reported a drop in earnings due to high energy costs, but the results met Wall Street's forecast. GE also reported earnings in line with expectations.

Wal-Mart reported during the week that June same-store sales were up 5.8% thanks to bargain-hunting consumers. In turn, Wal-Mart raised its second quarter earnings outlook also. This gave the bulls a good reason to come to the forefront during the middle of the week.

In other economic news, the National Association of Realtors reported that May pending home sales fell 4.7%, which is slightly more than the expected decline of 2.8%. However, April was revised higher to a gain of 7.1% from a rise of 6.3%. The data indicated that that the home sales market is still weak, but is not deteriorating at the same rate as in 2007.

Separately, weekly initial claims dropped 58K to 346K, well below the consensus estimate of 395K. The two-week average of 375K put claims at a level that was witnessed in mid-March, so it can be said the claims level is fairly stable.

Cisco Systems weighed heavily on the technology sector during the week after the stock fell to a new 52 week low after UBS said that Cisco faces challenges due to slowing sales in the U.S. and Europe.

Among interesting corporate news, Microsoft is reported to be willing to enter discussions with Yahoo! if Yahoo replaces its board of directors. Next, General Electric's NBC Universal is joining Blackstone Group and Bain Capital to purchase The Weather Channel for $3.5 billion. Also, Merrill Lynch might be planning to sell its stakes in holdings like Bloomberg and BlackRock soon which would generate cash to help offset potential write-downs and adjustments.

In the M&A arena, Dow Chemical announced its intent to acquire Rohm & Haas for $78 per share in cash. That price marked a 74% premium for ROH shareholders based on the stock's closing price the day before the deal was announced.

Executive Summary

For the week, indices registered modest losses. In percentage terms, Dow and Nasdaq lost 1.7% and 0.3% respectively. S&P 500 lost 1.9%. It was the battered financial sector and the rising crude price that played the pranks with the market. Government sponsored Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae were reported to be in distressed condition and this worried the investors. On Friday, 11 July, the Dow sank below the 11,000 level during intra day trading for the first time in two years.

For the year, Dow, Nasdaq and S&P 500 are down by 16.3%, 15.6% and 15.6% respectively.

The coming week as a host of important reports both on economic and earnings front. The earnings reporting will kick up several notches with reports from a number of major financial and technology companies. The minutes from the 25 June Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting will be released and Fed Chairman Bernanke is slated to present his semi-annual testimony before Senate and House committees. Also, on the dock are key inflation reports in the form of the PPI and CPI Indexes, as well as the latest data on retail sales, housing starts and industrial production.

Today's Pick - Alstom Projects


We recommend a sell in Alstom Projects from a short-term perspective. From the charts of Alstom Projects we note that the stock has been on long-term downtrend from its January 2008 high of Rs 1,085 level, forming lower peaks and lower troughs since then.

However, recently the stock found support at Rs 310 level and witnessed a minor corrective up move to Rs 450 level.

The twin resistance at this level (a key resistance level and the long-term down trendline) halted the up trend. Subsequently the stock declined sharply by 6 per cent on July 11.

The daily momentum indicator is falling in the neutral region and the weekly indicator is featuring in the bearish zone.

Considering that the long-term down trendline is intact we are bearish on this stock in the short-term. We expect the stock to decline until it hits our price target of Rs 365 in the forthcoming trading sessions.

Traders with short-term perspective can sell the stock while maintaining stop-loss at Rs 426.

JK Lakshmi Cement


JK Lakshmi Cement