Focus remains on 3rd quarter results

Investors will closely watch the next batch of Q3 December 2011 results, which is likely to dictate the near-term trend on the bourses. On the macro front, data on industrial production for January 2012 is due on 10 February 2012. On the political front, seven-phase polling for assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh begins on Saturday, 4 February 2012.

The Q3 December 2011 results announced so far have been mixed. The combined net profit of a total of 1,349 companies fell 2.3% to Rs 52223 crore on 25.4% growth in sales to Rs 570526 crore in Q3 December 2011 over Q3 December 2010.



Hindustan Unilever, National Aluminium Company and India Cements unveils quarter results on Monday, 6 February 2012. Mahindra & Mahindra and GMR Infrastructure unveil Q3 results on Tuesday, 7 February 2012. Bharti Airtel, ONGC, Power Grid Corporation of India and Tech Mahindra unveil Q3 results on Wednesday, 8 February 2012. Tata Steel, Hindalco, ACC, Ambuja Cements and HPCL unveil quarterly results on Thursday, 9 February 2012. Tata Power, BPCL, Britannia Industries, Sun TV Network and Neyveli Lignite Corporation unveil Q3 results on Friday, 10 February 2012. JSW Steel announces consolidated Q3 results on Friday 10 February 2012. The company has already announced its stand-alone results.

Among key global events, the Bureau of Labor Statistics in the US will release the January non-farm payrolls report on Friday, 3 February 2012.

In the European market, marketmen are eagerly awaiting outcome of negotiations between Greece and the IMF for landmark debt deals, which can help Greece dodge a disastrous default in the spring. Greece is locked in two sets of talks— one with private creditors to have them take losses on their bondholdings and the other with its international bailout rescuers to receive new loans.