Monday, June 28, 2010

Weekly Market Outlook 28th June -2nd July


Strong & Weak  futures 
This is list of 10 strong stocks
 Hind Petro, GTL Infra, BPCL, BRFL, RCOM, RNRL, Orchid Chem, Dish TV, ONGC & Bajaj Auto. 
And this is list of 10 Weak stocks
Grasim, HCL Tech, DCHL, Corp Bank, India Cement, Mphasis, PFC, PTC, Orient Bank & Hind Zinc.
The daily trend of nifty is in Uptrend 

Indices Supp/Resis1 23
Nifty Resistance 5306.405343.75 5367.00
Support 5245.805222.55 5185.20
Sensex Resistance 17677.26 17780.00 17845.26
Support 17509.26 17444.00 17341.26

Buy / Sell (Jun 25, 2010)
 BuySell Net
FII1297.861605.18 -307.62
DII1185.321631.52 -446.2

  Corporate News Headline
Reliance Infra unleashed a public campaign accusing Tata Power of planning to make a profit of Rs. 12 bn at the cost of Mumbaikars, an allegation termed by Tata Power as "malicious" and against the "ethos of competition and consumer interest". (BS)
Suzlon Energy has received a 48.3-megawatt order from a Chinese wind power producer. (BS)
Reliance Industries and RNRL signed a revised gas supply agreement, a development that paves the way for government to allocate gas to Anil Ambani group's power plants. (BS)
  Economic and Political Headline
The government freed up state-subsidised petrol prices and hiked other fuels as high global oil prices and pressure to trim the budget deficit outweighed concerns about the political impact of the measures. The panel said petrol prices would be market driven, rising Rs. 3.50 per litre, while kerosene prices would rise by Rs. 3 a litre. Diesel prices will rise Rs. 2 per litre and will be freed up in the future. Cooking gas prices were raised by Rs. 35 a cylinder. (BS)
Confidence among US consumers rose in June to the highest level since January 2008, indicating the decline in stock prices prompted by the European debt crisis has failed to weigh on sentiment. The Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan final index of consumer sentiment increased to 76, from 73.6 in May, the group said. (Bloomberg)
The US economy grew at a 2.7% annual rate in the first quarter, less than previously calculated, reflecting a smaller gain in consumer spending and a bigger trade gap. The revised increase in GDP was smaller than the forecast and compares with a 3% estimate issued last month, figures from the Commerce Department showed. (Bloomberg)

Technical Analysis

Technical momentum indicators currently suggesting correction in Nifty

After marking decent move on the very first day of the week Nifty remained highly volatile and choppy for rest of week and traded in narrow range of 100 points in between 5,360-5,260, due to F&O expiry on Thursday of this week. Nifty breached the psychological mark of 5,300 decisively on the very first day of week and managed to sustain above that.  Technical momentum indicators are currently suggesting correction in Nifty as most of the indicators has just reversed their directions from bull to bear. RSI (14 Days) has changed its direction from 63.65 and is currently hovering in neutral territory at 56 indicates correction. MACD is also on the verge of giving negative breakout and currently showing maximum divergence. Stochastic Oscillator has also just entered into positive territory from deep positive and crossed mark of 80 from above confirming weakness in Nifty. Nifty is trading above 14 day EWMA, but has closed below 7 day EWMA indicating correction in Nifty in near term. If Nifty manages to breach the 14 day EWMA (5,220) then we could see downside upto 5,100 mark in forthcoming trading sessions. Nifty is currently facing stiff resistance at 5,350-5,360 if this level breached decisively then we could see rally upto 5,450 mark and on the flip side strong support at 5,220 if this level breached then we could see fall upto 5,100 mark. Expecting Nifty to remain range bound in between 5,200 and 5,360 in short term. Nifty is likely to move in tandem with its global counterparts and would remain depended on them for any major breakthrough on either side. However domestic markets factors like today increase in oil prices could hamper the equity market in short term as increase in oil prices could result in higher inflation number. This could force the RBI to raise the key interest rates to curb the inflation implies slowing down of economy growth rate

Stocks to Watch

 
ICICI bank (Sell)

Particulars Rs.
CMP

856.55

Target Price

800

Stop Loss

880

Support-Resistance

790/910

Comment

  • Stock is on short term Bull Run from last two weeks and has just reversed its direction. Momentum technical indictors Stochastic and RSI are confirming this as they has changed their directions, started moving downwards from positive zone to neutral, suggesting downtrend in script.
  • RSI (14) has changed its direction from 58 while stochastic is hovering in positive territory and likely to enter into negative territory. Stock has also closed below 7 and 14 Day EWMA signaling major correction.

 

 

HPCL (Buy)

Particulars Rs.
CMP

402.20

Target Price

440

Stop Loss

383

Support-Resistance

380/450

Comment

  • From last two weeks accumulation was going on in this counter on expectation of possible hike in oil and LPG prices to bridge the subsidy gap by EGoM. Today EGoM announces much awaited increase in prices of petrol, diesel and LPG which result in astronomical increase in the share prices of this counter. From here we expect rally to remain continue in this counter probably upto 440 mark.
  • Technical indictors like stochastic and RSI are suggesting an uptrend as they all are on the verge of entering into positive zone from neutral. Stock is also trading above 7 and 14 Day EWMA taking it as short and medium term support.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Top
Indian Equity Market


The Week Gone By

Indian markets ended the week on a flat note. Indices belled the week on a firm as investor's confidence strengthened after China signaled an end to the Yuan's fixed rate to the dollar. In addition to this, markets also reacted positively to the end of turf war between IRDA and SEBI, finally the government has ruled that Unit Linked Insurance Products (ULIPs) will be regulated by IRDA. Thereafter, markets continued to pare initial gains as investors were cautious after the US Federal Reserve downgraded its view on economic recovery. Later in the week, Oil and gas stocks advanced after the government decided to hike petrol prices while banking stocks declined the most anticipating an imminent hike in interest rates.

 

Looking Forward

The upside seems to be limited in Indian markets as US data is increasingly stroking fears of a dip in the economy again. US markets have lost 4% in last four days. Except for an odd acquisition from Reliance and decision on the freeing of the petroleum products, the markets do not really have something tangible to look forward to. Nifty is likely to consolidate 5,350 to 5,380 levels. Next week, buying could be witnessed in Oil & Gas, IT and fertilizer stocks while selling pressure could be seen in capital goods, banking, realty and Auto stocks. The government's latest decision to raise fuel prices will stoke inflation, maintaining pressure on the Reserve Bank of India to tighten monetary policy. Automobile and cement stocks will be on focus as companies announce sales volume data for the month of June. Investors will also closely watch the progress of the monsoon rains. On the global front, Group of 20 leaders will meet in Toronto on June 26-27 to discuss policies aimed at addressing Europe's crisis, spurring global growth and overhauling financial regulation.


Nifty Top Gainers

Company % Weekly Return

BPCL

19.00

ONGC

5.90

Idea

5.50


Nifty Top Loser

Company % Weekly Return

HCL Tech

(7.90)

Wipro

(5.00)

Jindal Steel

(4.50)

 

 

 


Daily Movement of Nifty


Daily Movement of Sensex, Net FIIs & MF investment


Source for FII & MF: Sebi

Weekly return on BSE Sectoral Indices

Weekly Price Movement of GDR

Security Name

Price (USD)
as on 24-06-10

% change
as on 17-06-10

L&T

37.19

0.24

RIL

45.31

-1.44

SBI

100.80

-0.54

Weekly Price Movement of ADR
Security Name Price (USD)
as on 24-06-10
% change
as on 17-06-10
ICICI bank

37.48

-1.37

Infosys

61.51

-2.64

MTNL

2.81

0.72

Rediff

1.95

-3.94

Sify

1.41

2.17

Top
Global Equity Markets

US stocks lower during the week (till Thursday) as pessimism persist following May's historically low new home sales figures and uninspiring economic commentary from the Federal Reserve also seeped into the market. Buying enthusiasm remained subdued amid a lack of encouraging economic data and overhangs from the European debt crisis and the ongoing oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Also, weakness came after Fed said financial conditions have become less supportive of economic growth largely as a result of the European debt crisis. The Federal Reserve has left its target for the federal funds rate at a range of zero to 0.25%. Further, market failed to sustain the early Chinese Yuan inspired rally as investors considered the prospect of rising import prices, which could negatively impact bottom lines for US corporations and consequently consumer wallets. Looking ahead to next week, the markets are likely to see movement in reaction to the final reading on first quarter gross domestic product and consumer sentiment. 

Asian markets were mixed during the week. Though, after making a buoyant start as China's central bank announced plans to loosen the yuan's de-facto peg to the greenback, markets drifted lower in the later part of the week. Commodity stocks came under pressure on concern that the government is extending its tightening measures on commodities to curb overcapacity. Further, weak cues from the US markets also weighed on investors sentiments.However, Hang Seng and SSE Composite managed to end in positive. Meanwhile, inflation in Japan eased 0.9% on year versus forecasts for a 1.1% decline after the 1.2% drop in the previous month. Investors are eyed on the G20 meeting for the positive trigger that could lift the markets.

European markets were down during the week. Markets made a buoyant start of the week, continuing the rally from previous week after China's move to allow flexibility in yuan. However, thereafter markets drifted lower led by some weak macroeconomic data. Some profit booking after 9 day rally led the markets to shed some ground. Fall in crude oil prices from one month high weighed on energy shares. Further, downbeat assessment of the U.S. economy by the Federal Reserve weighed on sentiment. Banking and miners were the major decliner during the week. Though, after some pullback markets are hoping to get some breathe back as the Group of 20 will meet to decide on revamping the international financial setup in the aftermath of the global financial crisis.

Weekly return on major Global Indices

Data of US and European markets taken from June 17 to June 24, 2010
Data of Asian markets taken from June 18 to June 25, 2010

Weekly Change in the Composites of S&P 500
Industry Adj. Mkt. Cap as on
24-06-10
Adj. Mkt. Cap as on
17-06-10
% Change
Energy

10,47,703

11,06,517

(5.32)

Materials

3,35,559

3,47,687

(3.49)

Industrials

10,12,293

10,53,675

(3.93)

Cons Disc

9,90,044

10,52,847

(5.97)

Cons Staples

11,04,144

11,36,815

(2.87)

Health Care

11,55,454

11,91,504

(3.03)

Financials

15,69,944

16,26,034

(3.45)

Info Tech

18,46,065

19,22,535

(3.98)

Telecom Services

2,88,800

2,94,266

(1.86)

Utilities

3,56,495

3,69,894

(3.62)

Top
Key Events

Global Key Events

  • Sales of US previously owned homes unexpectedly fell in May, a sign demand was probably pulled into prior months before a June tax-credit deadline. Purchases of existing houses, which are tabulated when a contract closes, decreased 2.2% to a 5.66 million annual rate.

  • Purchases of new homes in the US fell in May to a record low as a tax credit expired, showing the market remains dependent on government support. Sales collapsed a record 33% to an annual pace of 300,000 last month from April.

  • European consumer confidence remained near the lowest in nine months in June as rising unemployment and a fiscal crisis clouded the growth outlook. An index of consumer sentiment in the 16-nation euro region rose to minus 17.3 from minus 17.8 in May. The May reading was the lowest since September 2009.
  • European industrial orders increased for a third month in April, led by demand for intermediate goods such as car engines. Orders in the euro area rose 0.9% from March, when they jumped 5.1%, the European Union's statistics office said. In the year, April industrial orders rose 22.1% after increasing 20.3% in March.

  • Growth in Europe's services and manufacturing industries slowed in June, adding to signs a European recovery is cooling. A composite index based on a survey of euro-area purchasing managers in both industries fell to 56 from 56.4 in May.

  • Federal Reserve officials retained a pledge to keep the benchmark interest rate at a record low for an "extended period" and signaled that European indebtedness may harm American growth.

  • China has boosted holdings of US Treasury notes and bonds by 2.6% to USD 900.2 billion in March and April. The boost comes after a reduction in holdings by 6.5%, from November through February, which was the longest consecutive monthly decline in a decade.

Domestic Key Events

  • Food inflation rises to 16.90% for the week ended June 12 from 16.12% in the previous week, government data released today showed. The fuel price index remained unchanged at 13.18% in the year to June 12. The primary articles index was up at 17.60%.

  • The Empowered group of ministers (EGoM) has decided to deregulate petrol and diesel prices and raised fuel prices as part of a plan to move towards a market-determined fuel price regime. Petrol price has been hiked by Rs 3.5 per litre, diesel by Rs 2 per litre, kerosene by Rs 3 per litre and LPG by Rs 35 per cylinder.

  • The government has announced that it will infuse Rs 620 crore in five PSBs — UCO Bank, IDBI Bank, Central Bank, Bank of Maharashtra and Union Bank. This will be in addition to the Rs 150 crore of capital already pumped into four banks in May 2010.

  • RBI has revised norms for non-convertible debenture issue, according to which a corporate entity should have tangible net worth of not less than Rs 4 crore, as per the latest audited balance sheet, and should have sanctioned working capital limit or term loan by banks or all-India financial institutions to be eligible to issue non-convertible debentures (NCDs) of original or initial maturity up to one year.

  • The weather office said that the India's annual monsoon rains, vital for the economy's farm output and economic growth, were 11.1% below normal for June 1-23.

  • Foreign direct investment in the services sector dropped by 33.5% to USD 4.39 bn during 2009-10, mainly on account of the global credit squeeze. However, the services sector, which includes financial and nonfinancial services, attracted the maximum foreign inflows out of all the sectors, according to the latest data of the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion. In 2008-09, the country received USD 6.61 bn FDI in the services sector.

  • Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries Ltd's internet arm Infotel today paid up the Rs12,847.77 crore it bid for pan-India broadband wireless access or Wi-Fi spectrum, according to official sources at the Department of Telecommunications. Besides Infotel, Bharti Airtel paid Rs 3,314.36 crore, Qualcomm Rs 4,912.54 crore, Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd Rs 4,533.97 crore and Aircel Rs 3,438.01 crore.

Top
Derivatives

 

  • Nifty ended the week on a flat note at 5,269.05 marks gaining marginally 0.12% The Nifty Futures (June) closed at a premium of 13.75 points. On the derivatives front we can see that the Nifty ended in positive territory along with an overall addition of open interest and with positive cost of carry, this is an indication of long poison is being built up at lower levels. For the coming week an immediate support for Nifty is seen in the zone of 5,180-5,200 whereas on the upside resistance is seen in at 5,330-5,350 mark
    .
  • During the week, most of the open interest builds up in the range of 5200 -5,300 Put while, on the flip side, maximum open interest accretion was seen in 5,400 – 5,500 Call. 5,200 and 5,300 strike put added 8.85 lakh and 4.34 lakh shares respectively in OI on Friday. On the Call front 5,400 and 5500 strike Calls witnessed addition of 2.70 lakh and 1.90 lakh shares respectively in OI due to call writing at this level.


  • The CNX IT index ended the week at 5,921.75 marks declined 1.42%. The CNX IT Futures prices declined along with decrease in the open interest but with incline in cost of carry on weekly basis, this is an indication that closure of some short position. For the coming week, immediate Support for the Index is seen in the range of 5,700-5,750 mark, whereas on the upside Resistance is seen at 6,100- 6,150 levels.


  • During the week the Bank Nifty Index ended on a negative note at 9,451.10 losing 1.34%. If we look at the derivatives desk we can see that the Bank Nifty futures prices decreased along with an overall subtraction of open interest but with incline in the cost of carry, this is an indication of some shorts closures at this level. For the coming week Bank Nifty Support is seen at in the range of 9,200-9,275 whereas on the upside stiff resistance would be faced at 9,650-9,700 levels.


  • The Put-Call ratio of open interest decreased during the week from 1.20 to 1.03 levels but last day of the week it again surged to 1.20 level. The options concentration has seen at 5,200 – 5,300 strikes put option.


  • The Volatility Index (VIX) in creased marginally during the week and closed at 20%. Market participants should be watchful at current levels as any up move in volatility may trigger more downsides in the markets. Volatility has a strong inverse correlation with markets.


  • FIIs were net buyer in index futures to the tune of Rs 441.62 crore indicating slightly up trend in market and in the options index FII witnessed a further decline in OI along with a net sell of Rs 2,570.67 crore with higher PCR is indicating market will trade range bound in near term.


  • Nifty is expected to remain in the range of 5,150-5,380 and only a breach on the downside will push the index to lower levels. The move may remain mixed, with selling pressure near 5,350 levels. Any instability on the global front will bring about selling pressure from current levels. The progress of the monsoon will also be keenly watched. However, global risk appetite holds key for Indian equities in near term.
 Open Interest in Nifty Future vis-à-vis Nifty



Most Active Contracts


Put-Call Ratio


Volatility Index

FIIs Cumulative trailing 5 day's data
Particulars Buy Sell Net
Index Futures

27,472.12

27,030.49

441.62

Index Options

35,635.87

30,901.42

4,734.45

Stock Futures

26,440.92

29,011.59

(2,570.67)

Stock Options

1,021.56

1,178.17

(156.61)

*From june 18 till June 24 (Source: NSE)
Top
Debt
  • The call money rates continue to remain above RBI's repo rate of 5.25% as demand for funds continue remain high post payments 3G mobile licenses and continuing payment towards advance taxes. As per government data advance taxes paid by India's top 100 corporates for the June quarter was at Rs 12,660 crore. Investors estimated that the total figure could touch Rs 25,000-30,000 crore.



  • After turning net sellers during the last week, FIIs once again choose to buy in the debt market with buying worth Rs 1,127.8 crore compared to 906.9 crore selling in the previous week. MFs too turned buyers in the debt market after four weeks of selling. During the week, MFs net bought securities to the tune of Rs 2,279.5 crore compared to Rs 3,594.8 crore selling in the previous week.








  • Bond prices ended the week flat after trading in tight band as investors waited for the outcome of EGoM's meeting on fuel prices. Bond prices were firm at the beginning of the week after top policymakers sounded worries on soaring prices, raising the possibility of early rate hike by RBI. Prices remained steady after a spike at the beginning of the week after RBI announced second tranche of repurchase of government stock worth Rs. 10,000 crore to support the liquidity in the market. However, slid in US treasury prices after China's central bank strengthened its daily reference rate for the Yuan by the most in five years. Prices retreated sharply towards the end of the week as the government's top statistician, Pronab Sen, said the RBI may raise interest rates anytime after inflation unexpectedly accelerated last month. Investors were also worried on the government's decision on fuel prices as the event of price hike by government will push up inflation further, raising possibility of early rate hike. However, the fall was checked by rise in US treasury post poor economic data.

  • Bond prices are expected to remain under pressure in the coming week as government's decision to raise fuel prices will push up the price level. Inflation is already making government uneasy and might result in hike in interest rate, thereby pulling bond prices down.




  • During the week, RBI sucked Rs 2,425 crore from the system under Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF) window while Repo transaction stood Rs 3,08,875 crore. On June 21, 2010, GoI repurchased of Government Stock worth Rs. 10,000 crore. On June 22, 2010, 3 state governments auctioned 10-year state development loans (SDLs) for an aggregate amount of Rs. 2,300 crore. On June 23, 2010 RBI auctioned 91-day Treasury Bills worth Rs 2,000 crore and 183-day Treasury Bills worth Rs 1,000 crore. On June 17, 2010, RBI announced auction of 8.28% CG 2032 worth Rs 3,000 crore and 8.26% CG 2027 worth Rs 2,000 crore, 7.80% CG 2020 worth Rs 5,000 crore and 7.17% CG 2015 worth Rs 5,000 crore to be held on June 25, 2010.
 Call Rates
Date Rate (%)

18-Jun

4.27

21-Jun

5.27

22-Jun

5.33

23-Jun

5.31

24-Jun

5.35


FIIs & MFs investment in Debt Market

Period
FIIs
Net Investment
(Rs. Crore)
MFs
Net Investment
(Rs. Crore)

18-Jun

199.0

1,270.3

21-Jun

132.8

105.9

22-Jun

233.9

286.2

23-Jun

299.9

617.1

24-Jun

262.2

 

Total

1,127.8

2,279.5

This Month

4,921.4

(26,466.1)

 (Source: SEBI)

Bond Yield (7.80% CG 2020)
Date LTP (Rs.) YTM (%)

18-Jun

101.57

7.5905

21-Jun

101.59

7.5695

22-Jun

101.59

7.5733

23-Jun

101.48

7.5715

24-Jun

101.44

7.5944

 
Spread


Liquidity Adjustment Facility
Date Reverse Repo
(Rs. Crore)
Repo
(Rs. Crore)

18-Jun

835

39,220

21-Jun

375

51,440

22-Jun

390

65,125

23-Jun

400

70,175

24-Jun

425

82,915

This week

2,425

3,08,875

This Month

17,110

8,01,070

Top
Commodity

Crude oil prices started the week on a high note. Prices rose as demand for oil from China seemed to be rising in current months. China's plan of freeing its currency against the dollar was viewed well for commodities and the global economy by the investors. But immediately after, the prices began to fall as the dollar remained steady. Moreover, Crude prices fell on the weaker than expected housing sector report. Crude prices slipped further due to unexpected rise of 2 mn barrels in the crude oil inventories for the week ended 18 June. Prices managed to shrug off the earlier losses and inched higher toward the end of the week. A weak dollar helped the prices to rise. The initial fall in the crude prices was so high that a gain towards end of the week could not help crude. Finally, crude prices registered a loss of 2.81% in the international markets and a loss of 1.97% in the domestic market on w-o-w basis. Crude prices are expected to stay flat with a negative bias in the coming week. Investors are expected to stay away from investing in crude amidst the mixed economic reports and ample stockpile.


Gold
prices started the week on a substantially lower note. China's move to free it's currency against the US dollar was viewed negative for gold by the investors. Immediately after, prices managed to edge marginally higher due to steady dollar and ahead of Fed' s interest rate decision. Thereafter, the dollar started to get stronger and thus pushing the gold prices lower. Dollar ultimately went shaky and the set of economic data released during the week was also weaker than expected. Therefore, yellow metal shone towards the end of the week. In the domestic market gold dropped initially on the back of profit booking as the international markets sent negative signals. Prices rebounded towards the end of the week amidst the firming trend in international gold prices. Gold prices saw a marginal drop on w-o-w basis thus registering a fall of 0.70% in the international markets and 0.33% in the domestic market. Gold prices are expected to rise modestly in the next week. Investors are likely to divert their funds towards secure investment options like gold amidst the uncertainty regarding global economy recovery.

 
Weekly change in Crude prices per Barrel
  24-June 17-June Change (%)
Intl Crude Oil Prices (USD)

76.47

78.68

(2.81)

Domestic Price (Rs)

3,549.34

3,620.62

(1.97)




Inventories (weekly change)
Week ended Change Total Inventory
18-June-10

2.00 mn barrels

365.10 mn barrels






Weekly change in Gold prices in Rs/10gms

   24-June 17-June Change (%)
London pm fix (USD/troy oz)

1,236.25

1,245.00

(0.70)

Mumbai (Rs/10gms)

18,678.35

18,739.50

(0.33)

 

Top
Forex

INR erased the gains made on People's Bank of China's move to again set its dollar/yuan central parity at 6.8275. The domestic currency ended the week with 0.87% loss against USD and 0.37% loss against Euro. Rupee rose to its highest in more than a month on Monday, after China's move to allow a gradual appreciation of the Yuan lifted major currencies against the dollar. However, rupee fell sharply on Tuesday as USD rebounded sharply against major world currencies as Yuan-induced euphoria faded amid doubts over the overall impact of China's pledge for a more flexible currency. Later, INR continue to lose against the greenback, tracking weak equity markets.


Weekly change in INR
INR/ 25-Jun 18-Jun %Change
USD

46.54

46.14

(0.87)

EURO

57.39

57.18

(0.37)

YEN

51.99

50.82

(2.30)

INR vs. USD and Euro


Top
Economy

Indicators Latest Previous Change
Investment Deposit Ratio (%)

31.61 (Jun 04)

31.50 (May 28)

Credit Deposit Ratio (%)

72.40 (Jun 04)

71.70 (May 28)

Money Supply (%)

14.60 (Jun 04)

14.50 (May 21)

Bank Credit (%)

19.10 (Jun 04)

18.10 (May 28)

Aggregate Deposits (%)

14.30 (Jun 04)

14.90 (May 28)

Forex Reserves USD bn

275.97 (Jun 18)

272.78 (Jun 11)



Index Outlook: Bears on the prowl again


Sensex (17,574.5)

The bear-squeeze did not happen. Instead, the bears wrested control from the bulls before the Sensex could slip past them to a new yearly high. Resurfacing concerns regarding the pace of global economic recovery provided bears with the ammunition to thwart the recovery in stock prices. The Sensex along with its other Asian peers was relatively resilient and managed to end the week 3 points higher.

Indian stocks mainly jived to global tunes though mounting worries on the inflation front and expectation of another policy rate hike contributed to the muted stock price moves last week. Foreign institutional investors were net buyers for most of last week, while domestic institutions kept incessantly selling.

Volumes were high especially on the day of the expiry. High index put call ratio on Friday implies that most of the short positions have been rolled over, that is the bears are expecting the decline in stock prices to continue. July derivative series begins on a very heavy note with open interest above Rs 1 lakh crore, which means more volatility in the month ahead.

Momentum indicators in the daily chart are reversing lower but they continue in the bullish zone denoting that despite the pull-back last week, the uptrend from May 25 low has not ended yet. Weekly oscillators are still tantalisingly poised in neutral zone implying that a break-out is possible in either direction. The doji formation in the weekly candlestick chart further reinforces the ambivalent short-term view.

The Sensex recorded the peak of 17,919 before reversing lower to decline to 17,546 towards the end of the week. The magnitude of this decline is not large enough to reverse the uptrend that is in place since the 15,960 trough. The index could drift downwards to 17,330 or 17,170 in the days ahead. Halt above these levels will imply that the uptrend from May low continues to be in force and can take the index towards 18,000 again.

Strong close below 17,170 is required to send alarm bells ringing since that would denote a propensity to decline to 16,960 or even 16,720.

The medium-term view for the index remains neutral. We stay with the medium-term range between 15,500 and 18,000 for this period. Since the Sensex is reversing lower from the upper end of this trading range, a decline towards 16,700 is quite likely in the ensuing weeks. Weakness in Dow and other global benchmarks also points towards a weak period for equity in the ensuing weeks.

For the week ahead, the Sensex will get support at 17,410 and 17,250. Rebound above these levels will result in a range bound sideways move for rest of the week. Resistances would be at 17,700, 17,790 and 17,920.

Nifty (5,269)


The Nifty too could not make any headway last week and declined to the intra week low of 5,259.9. The short-term trend in the index is down and it can drift lower to 5,247 or 5,213 in the days ahead. However the rally that began from the May 25 low of 4,786 will continue to be in force as long as the index holds above 5,213. Traders can therefore hold their long positions with stop at 5,200. Decline below this level will drag the index to 5,167 or 5,118.

Short-term resistances for the index would be at 5,300, 5,326 and 5,367. Traders can initiate fresh shorts if the index fails to move beyond the second resistance.

We stay with the view that the medium term range for Nifty is between 4,700 and 5,400. Since the index is reversing lower after attempting to test the upper boundary, investors ought to tread carefully at this juncture. Sustained decline can make the index fall to 5,000 over the medium-term.

Global Cues

Global equities reversed lower last week and most benchmarks closed the week in the red. European benchmarks such as the CAC, FTSE, DAX and so on declined sharply indicating that the medium term downtrend that commenced in April is still in motion.

CBOE VIX reversed from the low of 22.8 on Monday to move close to the 30 mark by weekend. These sharp moves in VIX indicate that investors continue to be wary at these levels and even a minor news could set off a decline or an explosive uptrend.

It was a disappointing show by the Dow last week. It reversed from the high of 10,594 on Monday to close 300-points lower. Worse-than-expected numbers on housing, manufacturing and GDP contributed to the decline in this index. Dow is halting at the support at 10,080. If this level is breached, it can decline to 9,757 once again.


Sizzling Stocks


GTL Infrastructure (Rs 45.3)

GTL Infrastructure turned red hot last week on the buzz that Reliance Infratel might merge its tower operation with this company. Market is finding it hard to leave 'Reliance' out of the thick of action. The stock shot to the high of Rs 46.3 on Friday, recording a weekly gain of 12 per cent.

This stock has been extremely volatile in the range between Rs 27 and Rs 50 since January 2009. Investors ought to stay wary as the stock is approaching its resistance band in the range between Rs 47 and Rs 50. Some profits can be taken off the table if it fails to penetrate this zone. Next medium-term target for the stock is Rs 55 and the long-term trend will turn positive only if the stock closes above this level.

Key medium-term supports for the stock are at Rs 39 and Rs 35. Fresh purchases should be avoided on a close below the second support.

BPCL (Rs 621.3)


This counter was aflame on Friday on the Government's move to free pricing of petroleum products and rise in retail prices of diesel, petrol, LPG and kerosene. BPCL flared to the intra-day high of Rs 635, up 15 per cent from the previous session's close before giving up some gains.

The stock is in a long-term trading band between Rs 250 and Rs 550 over a six-year period spanning 2003 to 2009. It moved beyond this band in November 2009 and has been oscillating around the upper end of this band since then.

It recorded the peak of Rs 658 this January and momentum generated by Friday's spurt could take the stock towards this peak once more. Short-term investors can book some profit around this region. Target beyond this peak is Rs 774. Stop for medium-term investors can be at Rs 490.


Index Strategy: Consider bear put strategy on Nifty

Though the markets witnessed healthy rollovers in the derivatives segment this time around, it seems to have been tilted more towards short positions. This may exert a downward pressure on the index in the near-term. Rollover was also at a discount to spot. While the market may remain within the 5,500-5,200 range for sometime, what with open interest bunched up at 5,500 put and 5,200 call, the short build-up in the 5,300-5,400 strike calls in the current month series suggest that it may take the index a while to scale upwards. Traders can, therefore, consider a bear put strategy on Nifty at strikes 5,400 and 5,300. You can set the spread by buying Nifty June 5,400 put (closed at Rs 173) and selling Nifty June 5,300 put, which closed at Rs 125. The spread will entail an initial cost of Rs 48 a share (or Rs 2,400 per lot).

Risk-reward metric

Note that the bear put would turn profitable only when Nifty decreases in price. For this spread, the maximum profit zone would be hit when the index declines below 5,300 and both options expire in the money. The profit however would be limited to Rs 52 per lot. Maximum loss will occur when the index rises above 5,400. In such a scenario, both options would expire out of money with no value, and so, the entire net debit paid for the spread (Rs 48 per lot) will be lost. The breakeven point for the strategy is at 5,352.

Exit options

Exit the strategy and cut your losses if the index moves decisively past its key resistance at 5,326. Alternately, consider closing the spread if the market provides you with a profitable exit opportunity much before expiry; 


Stock Strategy: Shorting GE Shipping may pay-off

GE Shipping (Rs 296): After registering its 52-week high at Rs 345, the stock has been in downward spiral. The outlook for the stock remains negative as long as it stays below Rs 333. It, however, finds an immediate support at Rs 286, a close below which can weaken the stock towards Rs 261, its next major support. The stock appears to be heading towards the immediate support level of Rs 286 presently.

F&O pointers: The GE Shipping futures (market lot: 1,000) closed at a discount at Rs 290.9 against the spot price close of Rs 296. It added 7.5 per cent or 60,000 shares in open interest, suggesting fresh accumulation of short positions. Overall market-wide open interest stood at just four per cent on Friday. The counter witnessed a rollover of about 78 per cent, slightly lower than the three-month average rollover position.

Strategy: Traders can consider initiating short on GE Shipping keeping the stop-loss at Rs 301. If the stock opens on weak note and dips below Rs 291, shift the stop-loss to that level for an initial target of Rs 286. High-risk appetite traders can aim for Rs 261, keeping the stop-loss at Rs 311.

Educomp Solutions (Rs 542.5): The stock has been in a downtrend since October 2009, though in between it did have occasional bouts of marginal pull backs. The outlook for the stock remains negative till it trades below Rs 752. The immediate resistance is pegged at Rs 550, while the supports are at Rs 500 and Rs 471, a close below which could weaken the stock price sharply to Rs 328. The stock seems to be heading towards its immediate support level for now.

F&O pointers: The futures (market lot: 500) closed at a discount (Rs 529) with respect to the spot close of Rs 542.5, indicating the existence of short positions. Rollover to July series stood at 84 per cent. Options are not very active.

Strategy: Traders can consider shorting Educomp Solutions with a stop-loss at Rs 550 for an initial target of Rs 500 and next target of Rs 471. As this stock enjoys high beta, this strategy may best be put to use by high-risk traders only.

Follow-up

Last week, we had advised traders to consider short straddle on Reliance Industries using Rs 1,060 strikes. The strategy ended with reasonable profits.


Pivotals


Reliance Industries (Rs 1,063.2)

RIL moved in line with our expectation, reversing lower in the initial part of the week to achieve the short-term target of Rs 1,050. Friday's bounce however helped the stock erase all the losses and it closed the week 1 per cent higher. Short-term resistances for the stock are at Rs 1,072 and Rs 1,090. Fresh short positions can be initiated on failure to close above the first resistance. Downward target would be at Rs 1,043 and Rs 1,020.

Medium-term trend in the stock is currently down. If the stock continues to struggle to rally above Rs 1,100, it will mean that a decline to Rs 1,000 or Rs 975 could be in the offing.

State Bank of India (Rs 2,300.8)

SBI slid lower in the first four sessions of the week before the sharp cut on Friday resulted in a weekly decline of Rs 82. Sell signal in daily moving average convergence divergence oscillator and 14-day relative strength index declining to 47 implies that the down-trend could sustain in the near-term. The stock could decline to Rs 2,200 or Rs 2,150 in the upcoming sessions. Key short-term resistance stays at Rs 2,400 and fresh long positions are recommended only on a close above it.

Medium-term range for SBI remains between Rs 1,900 and Rs 2,500. As mentioned earlier, since the stock is reversing from the upper end of this range, it can move close to the lower boundary now. The medium-term trend for the stock will turn negative only on a close below Rs 1,900.

Tata Steel (Rs 490)

Tata Steel rose to the peak of Rs 506 on Monday after which it moved sideways in a trading band. Key short-term resistance zone stays between Rs 500 and Rs 510. Once the stock moves above this zone, it can head towards Rs 530 or Rs 550 over the medium-term. Investors can buy the stock in declines with the stop at Rs 482.

Medium-term trend in the stock is currently down and it needs to close above Rs 550 to negate this view.

Infosys Technologies (Rs 2,777.7)


It was a choppy week for the stock in a narrow range between Rs 2,700 and Rs 2,820. Infosys finally ended on a flat note with a star formation in the weekly candlestick chart. The pattern denotes indecision and since it is forming close to the former peak of Rs 2,870, investors ought to be careful with their long positions. Short-term supports for the stock stay at Rs 2,630 and Rs 2,520. Fresh longs are advised only on a close above Rs 2,900.


Pivotals


Reliance Industries (Rs 1,063.2)

RIL moved in line with our expectation, reversing lower in the initial part of the week to achieve the short-term target of Rs 1,050. Friday's bounce however helped the stock erase all the losses and it closed the week 1 per cent higher. Short-term resistances for the stock are at Rs 1,072 and Rs 1,090. Fresh short positions can be initiated on failure to close above the first resistance. Downward target would be at Rs 1,043 and Rs 1,020.

Medium-term trend in the stock is currently down. If the stock continues to struggle to rally above Rs 1,100, it will mean that a decline to Rs 1,000 or Rs 975 could be in the offing.

State Bank of India (Rs 2,300.8)

SBI slid lower in the first four sessions of the week before the sharp cut on Friday resulted in a weekly decline of Rs 82. Sell signal in daily moving average convergence divergence oscillator and 14-day relative strength index declining to 47 implies that the down-trend could sustain in the near-term. The stock could decline to Rs 2,200 or Rs 2,150 in the upcoming sessions. Key short-term resistance stays at Rs 2,400 and fresh long positions are recommended only on a close above it.

Medium-term range for SBI remains between Rs 1,900 and Rs 2,500. As mentioned earlier, since the stock is reversing from the upper end of this range, it can move close to the lower boundary now. The medium-term trend for the stock will turn negative only on a close below Rs 1,900.

Tata Steel (Rs 490)

Tata Steel rose to the peak of Rs 506 on Monday after which it moved sideways in a trading band. Key short-term resistance zone stays between Rs 500 and Rs 510. Once the stock moves above this zone, it can head towards Rs 530 or Rs 550 over the medium-term. Investors can buy the stock in declines with the stop at Rs 482.

Medium-term trend in the stock is currently down and it needs to close above Rs 550 to negate this view.

Infosys Technologies (Rs 2,777.7)


It was a choppy week for the stock in a narrow range between Rs 2,700 and Rs 2,820. Infosys finally ended on a flat note with a star formation in the weekly candlestick chart. The pattern denotes indecision and since it is forming close to the former peak of Rs 2,870, investors ought to be careful with their long positions. Short-term supports for the stock stay at Rs 2,630 and Rs 2,520. Fresh longs are advised only on a close above Rs 2,900.

*Disclosure: I don't have any positions in the above said scrips & NIFTY FUTURES.
Disclaimer: "I do not make any warranties, express or implied, as to results to be obtained from using the information in this e-letter.  Investors should obtain individual financial advice based on their own particular circumstances before making any investment decisions based upon information in this report.

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Arvind Parekh
+ 91 98432 32381