Markets to get a subdued start

Headlines for the day:

BMTC, BMRC join hands for commuters' sake

Infra firms in race for Rs1,300 crore intermodal transit centre

GMR gets Rs520 crore from IIFCL for Delhi airport



Pre-market report

Indian indices

The Indian markets extended the three day pullback rally after investors showed huge buying interest in the undervalued index heavyweights.

However, the equities are expected to take a halt in today's session. Trading may start on a quiet note as the overseas cues are mixed for the day. The markets will continue to take cues from the global economies as Indian economic calendar is light.

Recovery on bourses is likely to pick up pace as key indicators have started turning up in the oversold zone, which suggest more gains. The FIIs turning positive in last session also may give some positive direction to the markets.

Daily trend of FII/MF investment in equities

The FIIs have bought Indian stocks worth a net of Rs228.20 crore on February 15, 2011 as compared to the net sell of Rs434.40 crore on February 14, 2011. The domestic investors have bought Indian shares worth a net of Rs253.70 crore on February 11, 2011.

Global signals

The European markets edged to a fresh 29-month closing high on Tuesday (February 16, 2011), as Barclays led the banking sector up on the back of forecast-beating profits.

US markets closed lower Tuesday as investors mulled mixed economic data and signs of building inflationary pressures.

The Asian markets were trading mixed. Japan's Nikkei hit the 10,800 mark for the first time in nine months. SGX Nifty was trading six points lower, pointing towards a flat start on the Dalal Street.

Commodity cues

In the US, crude oil prices settled at their lowest price in 2 1/2 months, as concerns about high US crude supplies overtook worries of spreading unrest in the Middle East.