Markets may open flat

The global cues are mixed and this may lead to a flat opening on the Indian bourses.

Headlines for the day:

Jet Airways to raise capacity in low-cost segment

Welspun eyes more acquisitions to grow infra biz

GMR plans coal trade to boost revenue

Major corporate action

India’s weekly inflation to be announced today, to view the update on this, kindly log on to Sharekhan.com at 12 pm.

Brooks Laboratories IPO closes today

Results: GTL, Ballarpur Industries Indian indices

Indian indices

Lingering worries over the deteriorating external environment, particularly in the US and the eurozone have led to a cautious trade. It is expected to be a flat start as the global cues are mixed. The markets are likely to trade sideways due to lack of triggers. Without the active participation of overseas institutional investors, it is difficult for the market to rise.

Weekly inflation numbers will be declared today and may lead to a volatile trade. Inflation has always remained a major concern, so today’s data will be keenly watched as it would have a bearing on the Reserve Bank of India’s policy next month.

Daily trend of FII/MF investment in equities

The FIIs have sold Indian stocks worth a net of Rs210.20 crore on August 17, 2011. The domestic investors have bought Indian shares worth a net of Rs88.90 crore on August 16, 2011. The data is as per the SEBI website.

Global signals

The European stock markets traded lower on Wednesday (August 17, 2011), with financial stocks leading the losses due to the perceived inability of France and Germany to find a clear solution to the European debt crisis

The US stocks were mixed on Wednesday as Dell's disappointing sales outlook fanned worries that weak economic growth will hurt earnings in the third quarter.

The Asian markets were trading mixed on Thursday (August 18, 2011). SGX Nifty was trading 15 lower.

Commodity cues

Crude oil rebounded on Wednesday on a sharp decline in US gasoline stocks, but persistent worries about economic growth curbed gains.