Monday, 25 December 2017

Nifty Bank Outlook for the Week (Dec 26, 2017 – Dec 29, 2017)

Nifty Bank closed the week on positive note gaining around 0.80%.
As we have mentioned, last week that minor resistance for the index lies in the zone of 25400 to 25500. Resistance for the index lies in the zone of 25900 to 26000 where the index has formed a top in the month of November-2017. If the index manages to close above these levels then the index can move to the levels of 26300 to 26400. During the week the index manages to hit a high of 25780 and close the week around the levels of 25650.
Minor support for the index lies in the zone of 25400 to 25500. Support for the index lies in the zone of 25000 to 25100 from where the index broke out of triple top pattern. If the index manages to close below these levels then the index can drift to the levels of 24500 to 24600 where break out gap for the index is lying.
Resistance for the index lies in the zone of 25900 to 26000 where the index has formed a top in the month of November-2017. If the index manages to close above these levels then the index can move to the levels of 26300 to 26400.
Range for the week is seen from 25100 to 25200 on downside & 26000 to 26100 on upside.

 

MORE WILL UPDATE SOON!!

Nifty Outlook for the Week (Dec 26, 2017 – Dec 29, 2017)

Nifty closed the week on positive note gaining around 1.50%.
As we have mentioned last week, that support for the index lies in the zone of 10000 to 10100 where medium term moving averages and break out levels are lying. If the index manages to close below these levels then the index can drift to the levels of 9650 to 9700 where 200 daily moving averages and lows for the month of August-2017 and September-2017 are lying. During the week the index manages to hit a low of 10075 and close the week around the levels of 10493.
Minor support for the index lies in the zone of 10300 to 10400. Support for the index lies in the zone of 10000 to 10100 where medium term moving averages and break out levels are lying. If the index manages to close below these levels then the index can drift to the levels of 9650 to 9700 where 200 daily moving averages and lows for the month of August-2017 and September-2017 are lying.
Resistance for the index lies in the zone of 10600 to 10700 where trend-line joining highs formed in the month of September-2016 and August-2017 is lying. If the index manages to close above these levels then the index can move to the levels of 10900 to 11000.
Broad range for the week is seen from 10200 on downside & 10800 on upside


MORE WILL UPDATE SOON!!

Market Week Ahead: F&O expiry, FIIs in vacation mode among 10 things to track

After big gains, the rally might continue in the coming truncated week but largely there could be volatility and range bound trade, experts suggest.

   

The week gone by was great for the market as not only equity benchmarks, but also broader markets ended at fresh record closing highs, driven by technology, metals, auto, FMCG and PSU banks stocks. The BJP's victories in the Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh Assembly elections lifted sentiment. Global cues also lent support after the US passed a bill that slashes the corporate tax rate in the country to 21 percent from 35 percent.
Benchmark indices added more than 3 percent gains in three consecutive weeks while for the passing week, the 30-share BSE Sensex gained 1.4 percent; and the 50-share NSE Nifty rallied 1.55 percent to close a tad below the psychological 10,500-mark ahead of expiry of December futures & options contracts next week. The index hit an intraday record high of 10,501.10 on Friday.
Short covering could be one reason for rally as the rupee has been rangebound around 64-64.50 against the US dollar during the month despite FII selling, and rising bond yields and crude oil prices.
The broader markets outperformed frontline indices, with the Nifty Midcap index surged 4.4 percent and BSE Smallcap gained 4.5 percent. On the other side, the volatility has also gradually been reduced especially after the Gujarat elections, with India VIX falling to 11.5875 from 16.4075 in previous week.
After big gains, the rally might continue in the coming truncated week but largely there could be volatility and rangebound trade, experts suggest.
One reason for consolidation would be the December F&O expiry on Thursday and second would be the low volumes expected at FIIs desk and lack of cues due to Christmas holidays.
Experts expect stock-specific action to continue.
Overall, 2017 is expected to end with around 28 percent gains on the Nifty, though there could be consolidation in the last week of the year.
Amar Ambani of IIFL Private Wealth feels with FIIs now in vacation mode, subdued index action is likely and the focus on broader markets is expected to stay.
The momentum that has been built up following Gujarat Elections has been complemented by global factors as well. So, the momentum is expected to continue. However, for the Nifty to move above 10,700 and 10,800, it will need support of strong earnings growth as well as GDP growth.
Indian and global markets will remain shut on Monday for Christmas.
Here are 10 things to watch out for in the coming truncated week:-
F&O Expiry
The Nifty futures and options contracts will expire on Thursday and trading positions will be rolled over to January the series.
On Friday, Maximum Put open interest was seen at 10,000 strike followed by 10,400 while maximum Call OI was at 10,500 strike followed by 10,600 strike.
Fresh Put writing was seen at 10,400, 10,450 and 10,500 strikes while fresh Call writing was seen at 10,550 and 10,650 strikes.
As volatility is largely expected in the coming week, the 10,400 levels on the Nifty could be key to watch out for and the expiry is likely around 10,400-10,500 levels.
The Nifty 50 is expected to consolidate above 10,400 in the coming week. Eventually, it should be able to move towards 10,600.
“Shift in Put writing, as well as Call writing to a higher strike, suggests shifting of the support. Option band signifies a broader trading band between the range of 10,400 to 10,600 for next coming session.
Winter Session of Parliament
The ongoing winter session of Parliament will be important to watch out for. The Rajya Sabha has been in a deadlock since the beginning of session as the Congress is demanding that Narendra Modi apologise for allegedly insulting his predecessor Manmohan Singh during the Gujarat election campaign. So all eyes will be on how the government is able to pass the important Bills listed on its agenda.
The Goods & Services Tax (Compensation to States) Ordinance, 2017, Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Ordinance, 2017, Indian Forest (Amendment) Ordinance, 2017, Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2016, and Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, and Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill, 2013 are some of the important bills expected to be taken up.
Auto Sector
Auto stocks will remain in focus in the coming week, especially on Friday ahead of December sales data due on January 1.
Sales data have been good so far and there was no disruption due to GST rollout.
The Nifty Auto index rallied more than 30 percent in 2017 and gained over 4 percent in the passing week.
Oil Sector
Oil stocks will be in focus on Tuesday as crude oil prices are near their highest levels since 2015 after comments from Saudi Arabia and Russia stating that any exit from crude output cuts would be gradual.
Oil marketing companies (HPCL, BPCL and IOC) might be under selling pressure but oil exploration firms (ONGC and Oil India) may strengthen further.
ONGC rallied 3 percent on Friday following an increase in crude oil prices. Brent crude oil futures ended above USD 65 a barrel last week.
If crude oil rises further from here on then that will have major impact on fiscal deficit and economic growth as India imports around 80 percent of oil requirement.
Macro Data
On Friday, infrastructure output data for November (which was at 4.7 percent in October) and foreign debt for Q3 (USD 485.8 billion in previous quarter) will be released.
Foreign Exchange Reserves for the week ended December 22 (which was at USD 401.39 billion in the previous week) will also be announced on Friday.
Technical Outlook
The Nifty50 formed a robust bull candle after two bearish candles which is a bullish sign, experts said. Investors should remain long with a stop loss below 10,426 levels, they advised.
"The near term trend of Nifty is positive as per smaller and larger timeframe (like daily and weekly) and more upside could be expected in the next couple of weeks. However, due to year end, there is possibility of gradual up move amidst range bound action for next week," Nagaraj Shetti, Technical Research Analyst of HDFC Securities said.
Mitessh Thakkar of mitesshthakkar.com said the hope is that on Tuesday the market is expected to open with a gap-up and continue with the momentum. If that happens, then 10,700-10,750 should be immediate targets.
"However, if there is a gap-down then we will back to the range of 10,400-10,500, which might last for 1-2 sessions," he added.
FIIs and DIIs Flow
The money flow from foreign institutional investors could be slowed down in the coming week as FIIs generally go on leave during the last week of the year because of the Christmas holidays. However, domestic inflow is expected to continue.
"The market optimism is expected to continue due to expectation of NAV-based buying till December end," said Anita Gandhi, Whole Time Director at Arihant Capital Markets.
Domestic institutional investors were net buyers to the tune of around Rs 3,500 crore in the passing week while FIIs have net sold nearly Rs 3,000 crore worth of shares.
Corporate Action
Stocks in Focus
Prakash Industries may react to the news that SEBI has revoked its order regarding suspected shell companies.
Corporation Bank will also be in focus as its board of directors has approved additional fund raising of Rs 300 crore in one or more tranches with greenshoe option.
EID Parry may react positively as the board has approved sale of its bio pesticides business as a going concern by the way of slump sale to Coromandel International for Rs 303 crore. It also approved sale of entire stake in Parry America Inc for Rs 35.4 crore.
Reliance Communications will be in focus as a media report indicated that Reliance Jio emerged as highest bidder for the company's assets.
Global Cues
The minutes of the Bank of Japan monetary policy meeting will be released on Tuesday. On Thursday, Japan's industrial production data for November and US initial jobless claims for the week ended December 22 will be announced.

MORE WILL UPDATE SOON!!

As domestic liquidity is expected to stay buoyant, keep these five stocks on the radar this Christmas for 2018

For a continued uptrend positive follow through on the above mentioned factors is of utmost importance. Globally too, favorable markets will contribute to the bullish sentiment.

  

Top 5 sectors should be- Commodities, Consumer staples, Infrastructure, Housing and building products along with housing finance companies and Automobiles.
As we move to 2018, what are your 5 best picks for 2018?
Talwalkars
It is a unique play to participate in India’s fitness industry as the company is the market leader with a network of 211 fitness centres.
Demerger of its two business – the gym business and lifestyle business will bring to fore the superior shareholder returns of the gym company, leading to a sharp re-rating and value unlocking.
Jindal Steel and Power
Capex at Angul plant to increase capacity, continuous debt repayment, heavy order book and visibility of earnings in power business are factors to look out for in JSPL.
Time Technoplast
We recommend Time Technoplast on the back of unique blastproof cylinders with order book 2.8X the capacity, newly entered MOX films and improved results every quarter.
Arvind
A big beneficiary of GST, foray into the garments business in Ethiopia, high growth of brand portfolio and expanding retail footprint are expected to propel growth and profitability.
Significant manufacturing incentives and duty-free access to international customers in Europe and USA will boost the garments business. Increase in fabric conversion will enable the company to improve its overall textile margins. Demerger to unlock value will lead to renewed focus on core business.
Uflex
Foray into high growth Aseptic packaging segment, stable margins and flexible packaging business and cheap valuations as compared to peers should make the stock rally upwards.

MORE WILL UPDATE SOON!!

Brokerages turn Santa!--10 stocks where they initiated coverage could give up to 23% return

Indian market is going through a big bull run and the party is happening in small and midcaps which looks slightly overpriced but analysts’ think that the party is not over yet in the broader market and the momentum could well continue in the year 2018.

 

It is time for a party this Christmas! Santa Claus fulfilled wishes of equity investors as benchmark indices rallied over 30 percent from last Christmas.
The S&P BSE Sensex rallied from 25,807 on 26 December 2016 to 33,940 recorded on 22nd December 2017. In the case of Nifty, the index rallied about 2,500 points in the last one year.
Indian market is going through a big bull run and the party is happening in small and midcaps which looks slightly overpriced but analysts’ think that the party is not over yet in the broader market and the momentum could well continue in the year 2018.
We saw a remarkable rally from 8000-10500 from Christmas to Christmas is a big reason for a grand party to investors. The global equity market is going through a bull run but we also did well despite some bottlenecks on the domestic front.
Domestic liquidity is a key driver of Indian equity market Bull Run especially the Midcap and Smallcap space which witnessed eye-popping returns to investors,” he said.
The benchmark indices might give another 10-15 percent return in the year 2018 but there will be plenty of action in quality individual stocks, suggest experts.
The focus of the investors has turned towards budget as the upcoming union budget will be the biggest trigger for the stock markets. The reforms which were initiated this and the last year be it Demonetization or GST should play out over 2018 and 2019.
“Market participants would focus on the government’s plan to spend and kick-start the economy through further investment in the infrastructure and job creation industries,” D.K. Aggarwal, Chairman and Managing Director, SMC Investments, and Advisors told Moneycontrol.
“It is recommended to investors to invest in quality stocks on every decline after doing proper homework. By quality stocks, we mean stocks that have greater clarity on their earnings trajectory and have strong fundamentals such as good management, return ratios, etc.,” he said.
Here is a list of 10 stocks which global brokerages initiated coverage for the first time. The minimum holding period is 12 months in which these stocks could give up to 23% return:
Credit Suisse: Hindustan Zinc | Rating: Neutral | Target: Rs 325| Return 12%
Hindustan Zinc is an integrated mining and resources producer of zinc, lead, silver, and cadmium. It is a subsidiary of Vedanta Resources and is the world's second-largest zinc producer.
Credit Suisse has initiated a neutral rating on Hindustan Zinc with a target price of Rs 325 expecting the company to expand the volume to 1.2 mt mined metal production by FY20. It also expects cost moderation as it shifts to 100 percent underground mining.
EBITDA/tonne is likely to stay healthy with decent free cash flow generation, it added. The research firm is of the view that silver prices have and output is expected to grow while zinc prices have peaked. Despite planned volume growth, Hindustan Zinc is fully valued, it said.
In a bull case scenario, Credit Suisse has a target of Rs 380 assuming higher commodity prices.
Credit Suisse: S Chand and Company | Rating: Outperform | Target Rs 625| Return 21%

  1. Chand Group is one of the largest publishing and education services enterprise, founded in 1939, based in New Delhi. The publishing house prints books for primary as well as higher education including engineering, and commerce.  The company operates from 110 offices and branches.

Credit Suisse has initiated an outperform rating on S Chand and Company Limited with a price target of Rs 625. It expects a compounded growth rate of 14 percent, 13 percent and 25 percent of revenue, operating income and earnings per share by March 2020.
The house believes that lower borrowing cost and the tax rate is likely to accelerate earnings per share. adding that the management is looking at two acquisitions in Western India state board and Cambridge international board.
Axis Capital: JSW Energy | Rating Buy | Target: Rs 100| Return 12%
JSW Energy is a division of JSW Group which caters to various areas of power including generation, transmission, and trading. The company’s presence extends across India and also includes stakes in a coal mining Company in South Africa.
Research and broking firm Axis Capital has initiated a buy rating on JSW Energy with a target price of Rs 100. It believes that strategically located assets result in high plant load factor adding that declining share of merchant volumes and a higher share of PPA is likely to increase earnings visibility which will substitute 50 percent of imported coal with cheaper domestic coal.
The under-leveraged balance sheet is likely to aid inorganic growth while balance sheet has the capacity to acquire up to 3GW capacity, it added.
Axis Capital: Mahindra Logistics | Rating: Buy | Target: Rs 525| Return 17%
Mahindra Logistics operates in two distinct business segments, supply chain management, and corporate people transport solutions. It provides customized integrated third-party supply chain and people transport solutions to companies across multiple industries.
Axis Capital has initiated a buy on Mahindra Logistics with a target price of Rs 525. The house is of the view that focus on non-automotive and reducing dependence on M&M group is likely to aid margin wherein M&M group's contribution may reduce to 38 percent by FY20 as against 54 percent in FY17.
The firm believes that better client mining and new client additions are likely to drive growth while gross margin may remain largely stable across SCM and PTS business. GST is likely to drive clients’ focus on improving supply chain efficiency, it said.
Axis Capital expects 28 percent earnings CAGR and firm return ratios are given limited capex and also expects premium valuations to sustain on MLL’s strong positioning.
Motilal Oswal: Oberoi Realty | Rating Buy | Target: Rs 580| Return 23%
Oberoi Realty is a real estate developer based in Mumbai. The company has developed over 39 projects at locations across Mumbai. Its main interest is in residential, office space, retail, hospitality and social infrastructure properties in Mumbai.
Research and broking firm Motilal Oswal has initiated a buy on Oberoi Realty with a price target of Rs 580. It believes that sharp focus and trusted brand are the key strengths adding that the company is likely to be a key beneficiary of likely consolidation post RERA.
Portfolio expansion may provide consistent cash flows. A recent foray into affordable housing should help it enjoy tax incentives adding that low net debt provides ample room to acquire large land parcels in the Mumbai.
The house expects revenue and net profit to grow at a compounded rate of 47 percent and 56 percent respectively by March 2020 while high operating margins is likely to be backed by premium pricing. In a bull case scenario, Motilal Oswal has a price target of Rs 638 per share.
Ventura Securities: Everest Industries | Rating: Buy | Target: Rs 712| Return 22%
Everest Industries specializes in providing building products and building solutions for commercial industrial and residential sectors including roofing, ceilings, walls, and flooring.
Ventura Securities has initiated a buy on Everest Industries with a price target of Rs 712. It is of the view that government policies are likely to promote housing sector which is a positive sign adding the boards and panels segment may lead to better profitability. New product launches are likely to maintain growth momentum.
The house believes that change in product mix is likely to boost profitability. It expects revenue, operating income, and net profit to grow at a compounded rate of 11 percent, 53 percent and 173 percent by March 2020.
ICICIdirect: Narayana Hrudayalaya | Rating: Buy | Target: Rs 340| Return 14%
Narayana Hrudyalaya is a chain of multi-specialty hospitals in India, with its headquarters in Bengaluru and operates a chain of hospitals, heart centres, and primary care facilities across India. Narayana Health was founded by Devi Shetty and has its flagship hospital in Bangalore.
Research and broking firm ICICIdirect has initiated a buy on Narayana Hrudayalaya with a target of Rs 340. It believes that government drive on affordability favours company’s cost-efficient and affordable model. Improvement in case mix is likely to boost average realisation per operating bed.
The company is well poised to thrive in the domestic healthcare delivery and expects RoCE to improve to 19 percent by FY20 as against 12.5 percent in FY17. It also expects revenue/net profit to grow at a CAGR of 17 percent/34 percent over FY17-20.
Edelweiss Investment: GNA Axles | Rating: Buy | Target: Rs 455| Return 12%
GNA Axles is the supplier and manufacturer of ring gears, rear axle shafts, shafts assemblies gearbox exporter of auto parts like gear, axel and starter drive engine headquartered in Jalandhar, Punjab.
Edelweiss Investment has initiated a buy on GNA Axles with a target of Rs 455 per share. The house is of the view that strong presence in exports and the domestic market provides competitive edge while cost reduction and the new initiative is likely to fuel the rise in topline and bottom line.
Edelweiss expects strong growth momentum in North America heavy truck market which may drive exports while on the other hand, healthy domestic demand scenario in M&HCV and OH is likely to drive domestic business. In a bull case scenario, Motilal Oswal has a target of Rs 505 on GNA Axles.
IIFL: Mphasis | Rating: Buy | Target: Rs 810| Return 10%
Mphasis is an IT services company based in Bangalore, India. The company provides infrastructure technology and applications outsourcing services, as well as architecture guidance, application development and integration, and application management services.
It serves financial services, telecom, logistics, and technology industries. Research and broking firm IIFL has initiated a buy on Mphasis with a target of Rs 810.
The firm believes that the company is in middle of a turnaround in its growth and profitability profile. It is of the view that strong deal wins and optimization of cost pyramid is likely to drive revenue.
IIFL expects revenue/EPS to grow at CAGR of 10 percent/12 percent over FY17-20 with 13 percent dollar revenue CAGR. The firm also expects Mphasis to continue returning cash to shareholders on a consistent basis.
Credit Suisse: Vedanta | Rating: Outperform | Target: Rs 345| Return 9%
Vedanta is a natural resources company with operations in zinc, lead, silver, copper, iron ore, aluminium, power and oil & gas. It is the largest mining and non-ferrous metals company in India and has mining operations in Australia and Zambia[2] and oil and gas operations in three countries.
Global research firm Credit Suisse has initiated an outperform rating on Vedanta with a target of Rs 345. It believes that aluminium business is the most important for incremental profits adding that global supply-demand and surging raw material prices bodes well for aluminium.

MORE WILL UPDATE SOON!!

Sunday, 24 December 2017

Budget 2018: Union Budget likely to boost consumption sector; 3 stocks to benefit the most

In the upcoming Union Budget, the government is expected to focus on infrastructure and the rural sector. The prime objective is to generate employment in the rural sector by the implementation of various measures.

  

The theme of domestic consumption has become one of the biggest opportunities for India Inc. through various factors like favourable demography, increasing disposable household income and revival of consumption demand from rural India.
India is the youngest nation among major economies, with a median age of just 28 years. Moreover, 67 percent of the Indian population is in the age group of 15-64 years provides a large amount of labour force.
According to Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), the working age population is estimated to expand by 1.4 percent per annum. over 2015-2020 to 93 crore by 2020. The discretionary consumption is poised to grow with such a huge working-age population.
The large working population (67 percent of total population) will drive median household income in India to USD 5,942 by 2020 from USD 4,571 in 2017 (EIU estimates). As a rub off, recovery in household spending will revive growth in the consumer sector. Household consumption expenditure is expected to rise to USD 2 trillion by 2020 from USD 1.4 trillion in 2017, according to EIU.
The rural demand will witness an upward trajectory after three years of slow growth supported by two consecutive good monsoons.
Moreover, rural wages are also reviving – in September 2017 the nominal rural wages were up 7.1 percent year-on-year and real rural wages rose by 4.5 percent year-on-year (YoY).
In addition, in order to double the farm income by 2022, the government has allocated Rs 1.07 lakh crore for expenditure on rural development, out of which Rs 48,000 crore is allocated to MNREGA for FY2017-18.
In the upcoming Union Budget, the government is expected to focus on infrastructure and the rural sector. The prime objective is to generate employment in the rural sector by the implementation of various measures.
The Modi government has been under pressure from its political opposition as well as the public to create jobs, as a painful demonetisation drive and the new goods and services tax (GST) have virtually crippled the informal sector of the economy, wiping out millions of low-skill jobs.
The Finance Ministry and Commerce Ministry are actively looking at ways to boost exports in a bid to narrow the trade deficit. The exporting sectors are key job creators in the economy.
The government has been also focusing on agricultural subsidies to increase productivity and yields from cultivation. The central government launched the direct benefit transfer (DBT) for fertilisers in various states in the month of October 2017.
This ensures that there is no extra burden on farmers as they will continue to get fertilisers at a subsidised rate. Such measures would increase the disposable income in rural India and drive the consumption pattern in India.
The Finance Minister is likely to announce policies and programs beneficial for the rural economy.
Stocks to Watch:
Some of the stocks that are likely to benefit from the consumption-oriented landscape and likely consumption sector friendly sops in the Budget are Hatsun Agro, Jyothy Laboratories, and Varun Beverages.
Hatsun is a leading organised Indian dairy player with a dominant position in South, expanding to Maharashtra and Odisha. Jyothy Laboratories is an FMCG company predominantly present in fabric care and dish wash categories. Varun Beverages is the second largest franchisee of PepsiCo in the world (ex-USA), contributing around 47 percent of PepsiCo India’s volume.

MORE WILL UPDATE SOON!!

Top 11 stocks from $10 billion club which rose over 30-80% in 2017; do you own any?



Majority of the big boys on D-Street gave returns which were higher than benchmark index return for the year 2017 which will keep the interest alive of investors with respect to large caps going forward.

   

It has been a stellar year for the bulls as benchmark indices surpassed crucial resistance levels to hit fresh record highs in the year 2017. The S&P BSE Sensex came within a kissing distance of Mount 34K while the Nifty50 surpassed 10,500 levels.
Consumer durables, metals, auto, finance, oil & gas were the key sectors which did well in the year 2017. The bluechips of the bluechips also did not disappoint investors. They might not have given multibagger returns but stocks with a market cap of over USD 10 billion in the year 2016 and 2017 have given double-digit returns of up to 84 percent.
For reference, we have taken rupee value at 67/USD towards the close of 2016 and Rs 64/USD for the year 2017 for calculating market capitalisation.
Out of 29 stocks, 11 stocks rose in the range of 30-84 percent which includes names like M&M, UltraTech Cements, ICICI Bank, L&T, HDFC Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Bharti Airtel, Maruti Suzuki Ltd etc. among others.
But, as many as 5 out of 29 stocks which belong to the USD 10 billion club gave a negative return which includes names like Sun Pharma, Tata Motors, Coal India, ONGC, as well as Infosys.
Indian equity markets witnessed a historic day on Friday when the total market valuation of all listed companies on BSE touched a record high of over Rs 150 lakh crore helped by strong gains in the broader market.
The 30-share index Sensex ended with a gain of 184.02 points, or 0.55 percent, at 33,940.30 on Friday. The market capitalisation of BSE-listed companies surged to Rs 1,50,67,285 crore (USD 2.35 trillion) from Rs 1,49,98,415.29 crore on Thursday, a gain of Rs 68,869.71 crore.
The total market valuation of all listed firms on BSE had hit Rs 100 lakh crore level on November 28, 2014.
Majority of the big boys on D-Street gave returns which were higher than benchmark index return for the year 2017 which will keep the interest alive of investors with respect to largecaps going forward.
With valuations touching sky high especially with respect to midcaps most analysts advise investors to trust largecaps in the year 2018 – because there is a huge margin of safety as compared to mid or smallcaps.
“We recommend largecaps because there is a huge margin of safety in largecaps. We know that earnings have been muted for years on end now that you have a lot of margin of safety in largecaps,” S Naren, ED & CIO of ICICI Prudential AMC said in an interview with CNBC-TV18.
“But, if you ask me, do midcaps look cheap, the answer is no, they look very costly relative to largecaps. But, just like this bull run can go further, you have a situation where largecaps have a margin of safety but lower returns. So it is much wiser for a mutual fund to push largecaps than to push mid and smallcaps now,” he said.
Here’s what other global brokerages are recommending:
Maruti Suzuki: Target Rs10,563
Earlier in the month, Morgan Stanley maintained its overweight stance on Maruti Suzuki but raised its 12-month target price to Rs10,563 from Rs9102 earlier. The bull case of the stock is above Rs14000 levels.
Bharti Airtel: Target Rs600
The domestic brokerage firm, Sharekhan upgraded the stock in the month of December to buy from hold earlier with a target price of Rs600. Sharekhan expects a favourable competitive environment and lesser predatory pricing action (Jio expected to turn cash positive before the IPO to get better price discovery).
Reliance Industries: Target Rs970
Sharekhan maintains a buy rating on RIL with a target price of Rs970. The domestic brokerage firm expects EBITDA/PAT CAGR of 24%/15% over FY2017-FY2019E, driven by the commissioning of core downstream projects in FY2018.
Disclosure: Reliance Industries, which owns Reliance Jio, also owns Network18, which publishes Moneycontrol.com.
HUL: Target Rs1402
Macquarie maintains an outperform rating on HUL with a target price of Rs1402. The global investment bank is building in 250bps of margin expansion in the next three years (FY17-20E),
Which could drive an earnings CAGR of 18 percent in FY17-20E. HUL is also Macquarie’s top pick in the India Consumer sector and a Macquarie Marquee recommended the stock.
HDFC Bank: Target Rs2100
Sharekhan maintains a buy rating on HDFC Bank with a target price of Rs2100. HDFC Bank is well poised to tap the growth opportunities due to strong capital ratios, healthy asset quality and a steady revival in consumer spending
Kotak Mahindra Bank: Target Rs1200
IIFL maintains a buy recommendation on Kotak Mahindra Bank with a target price of Rs1200. IIFL expects the group to deliver 25 percent CAGR in earnings over FY17-2020.
HDFC Ltd: Target Rs1900
Sharekhan maintains a buy recommendation on HDFC Ltd with a target price of Rs1900. The premium valuation of HDFC is justified not only because of its conservative policies and market leadership but also due to high earnings visibility and best-in-class operating metrics.
L&T Ltd: Target Rs1440
Motilal Oswal maintains a buy recommendation with a target price of Rs1440. L&T enjoys several levers across its business/geographical segments. It has emerged as the E&C partner of choice in India, which provides a robust foundation to capitalize on the next leg of the investment cycle.
ICICI Bank Ltd: Target Rs365
Prabhudas Lilladher maintains a buy recommendation on ICICI Bank with a target price of Rs 365. Management expects the overall loan growth to improve led by domestic especially retail & better corporates.
UltraTech CementTarget Rs4500
Prabhudas Lilladher maintains a buy rating on UltraTech Cements with a target price of Rs4500.
M&M Ltd: Target Rs815
ICICIdirect maintains a buy recommendations on M&M with a target price of Rs 815. M&M is one of the cheapest large cap companies available in the auto universe. An improved performance of the auto segment along with the sustained performance of the tractor segment will aid the company to narrow the valuation gap.

MORE WILL UPDATE SOON!!

Budget 2018: 5 midcaps on radar as govt focuses on easing pain in farm and rural sector

Rise in domestic and global liquidity led to P/E re-rating in the market. Do you think the story will reverse in 2018 or will the rally continue? What is the Nifty target for next year?

   

The rally has been largely driven by expansion in P/E multiples with earnings growth faltering due to adverse impact of demonetistion and implementation of GST. Going ahead, we see limited scope for multiple expansion from here and the baton to take markets ahead would have to be passed on to earnings growth in 2018.
Consequently, we expect the benchmark indices to largely move in line with expected growth of 12-15 percent in earnings of index companies in the next fiscal.
What will be the big drivers for Indian markets in 2018?
In addition to continued strong domestic inflows in financial assets (including equities), we believe that improving growth of global economy (aided by expected uptick in US economy) would boost global trade and improve fortunes of export-focused businesses in general. Second, the clean-up and recapitalisation of public sector banks and its positive impact on overall earnings growth would be among the key drivers of equities in 2018.
How important are the recent state election results ahead of the general elections in 2019?
State elections have gained more importance lately as it provides an indication of the mood of the voters post the bold reforms undertaken by the government that has impacted the lives of the common man.
Though the intentions are right and the voters understand it in general, market participants will keenly watch if it will give the opposition a fair chance to stage a strong comeback.
Any unfavourable verdict could impact the government’s ability to take tough policy decisions during the remainder of its term in office.
As we are near the year-end and no major events are lined up, the next key events are earnings and the Budget. What are your expectations from the last full-fledged budget of the Modi government?
One does not expect any bold policy measures in the next Budget. Given the nascent stage of recovery from the twin effect of demonetisation and GST, the government focus would be on easing the pain in the farming and rural sector and continue with public spending on infra development to support the economy.
Anyway, post GST, a large part of the decision on indirect taxation need not be taken in the Union Budget now.
Midcaps outperformed the Sensex in 2017. Do you think will it continue to outperform in 2018?
Midcaps are a very broad space and there always would be money-making opportunities in the midcap segment. Rather than focusing on midcap index, the approach should be to focus on sustainable growth stories within the midcap space.
Apart from crude, what are the biggest risks for the Indian markets in 2018?
Cheap money globally is fueling an unsustainable rally in several assets. Bitcoin is a case in point. Such bubbles tend to grow big enough to impact other asset classes in case of a burst or accidents.
In India, a lot of hope is pinned on fast recovery in the economy and revival of earnings growth over the next few quarters. Any negative surprises on these two fronts could seriously impact the markets.
As we move to 2018, what are your five best multibagger ideas for 2018?
Rather than dabble in unknown, high risk smallcap stocks in search of exponential returns, we see growing maturity among investors to look for investment themes with multi-year growth outlook.
Three such trends are: Financialisation (shift of household savings to financial assets from physical assets), Formalisation (market share gains by organised players in fragmented industries as the unorganised players lose the advantage of nonpayment of taxes) and rural consumption (driven by the government focus to double farm income).
Based on these investment themes we like following companies: Bajaj FinservParag MilkVarun BeveragesJubilant Foodworks and PNB Housing.

Market Week Ahead: F&O expiry, FIIs in vacation mode among 10 things to track

After big gains, the rally might continue in the coming truncated week but largely there could be volatility and range bound trade.

 

The week gone by was great for the market as not only equity benchmarks, but also broader markets ended at fresh record closing highs, driven by technology, metals, auto, FMCG and PSU banks stocks. The BJP's victories in the Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh Assembly elections lifted sentiment. Global cues also lent support after the US passed a bill that slashes the corporate tax rate in the country to 21 percent from 35 percent.
Benchmark indices added more than 3 percent gains in three consecutive weeks while for the passing week, the 30-share BSE Sensex gained 1.4 percent; and the 50-share NSE Nifty rallied 1.55 percent to close a tad below the psychological 10,500-mark ahead of expiry of December futures & options contracts next week. The index hit an intraday record high of 10,501.10 on Friday.
Short covering could be one reason for rally as the rupee has been rangebound around 64-64.50 against the US dollar during the month despite FII selling, and rising bond yields and crude oil prices.
The broader markets outperformed frontline indices, with the Nifty Midcap index surged 4.4 percent and BSE Smallcap gained 4.5 percent. On the other side, the volatility has also gradually been reduced especially after the Gujarat elections, with India VIX falling to 11.5875 from 16.4075 in previous week.
One reason for consolidation would be the December F&O expiry on Thursday and second would be the low volumes expected at FIIs desk and lack of cues due to Christmas holidays.
Experts expect stock-specific action to continue.
Overall, 2017 is expected to end with around 28 percent gains on the Nifty, though there could be consolidation in the last week of the year.
Amar Ambani of IIFL Private Wealth feels with FIIs now in vacation mode, subdued index action is likely and the focus on broader markets is expected to stay.
The momentum that has been built up following Gujarat Elections has been complemented by global factors as well. So, the momentum is expected to continue. However, for the Nifty to move above 10,700 and 10,800, it will need support of strong earnings growth as well as GDP growth.
Indian and global markets will remain shut on Monday for Christmas.
Here are 10 things to watch out for in the coming truncated week:-
F&O Expiry
The Nifty futures and options contracts will expire on Thursday and trading positions will be rolled over to January the series.
On Friday, Maximum Put open interest was seen at 10,000 strike followed by 10,400 while maximum Call OI was at 10,500 strike followed by 10,600 strike.
Fresh Put writing was seen at 10,400, 10,450 and 10,500 strikes while fresh Call writing was seen at 10,550 and 10,650 strikes.
As volatility is largely expected in the coming week, the 10,400 levels on the Nifty could be key to watch out for and the expiry is likely around 10,400-10,500 levels.
"The Nifty 50 is expected to consolidate above 10,400 in the coming week. Eventually, it should be able to move towards 10,600.
Shift in Put writing, as well as Call writing to a higher strike, suggests shifting of the support. Option band signifies a broader trading band between the range of 10,400 to 10,600 for next coming sessions.
Winter Session of Parliament
The ongoing winter session of Parliament will be important to watch out for. The Rajya Sabha has been in a deadlock since the beginning of session as the Congress is demanding that Narendra Modi apologise for allegedly insulting his predecessor Manmohan Singh during the Gujarat election campaign. So all eyes will be on how the government is able to pass the important Bills listed on its agenda.
The Goods & Services Tax (Compensation to States) Ordinance, 2017, Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Ordinance, 2017, Indian Forest (Amendment) Ordinance, 2017, Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2016, and Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, and Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill, 2013 are some of the important bills expected to be taken up.
Auto Sector
Auto stocks will remain in focus in the coming week, especially on Friday ahead of December sales data due on January 1.
Sales data have been good so far and there was no disruption due to GST rollout.
The Nifty Auto index rallied more than 30 percent in 2017 and gained over 4 percent in the passing week.
Oil Sector
Oil stocks will be in focus on Tuesday as crude oil prices are near their highest levels since 2015 after comments from Saudi Arabia and Russia stating that any exit from crude output cuts would be gradual.
Oil marketing companies (HPCL, BPCL and IOC) might be under selling pressure but oil exploration firms (ONGC and Oil India) may strengthen further.
ONGC rallied 3 percent on Friday following an increase in crude oil prices. Brent crude oil futures ended above USD 65 a barrel last week.
If crude oil rises further from here on then that will have major impact on fiscal deficit and economic growth as India imports around 80 percent of oil requirement.
Macro Data
On Friday, infrastructure output data for November (which was at 4.7 percent in October) and foreign debt for Q3 (USD 485.8 billion in previous quarter) will be released.
Foreign Exchange Reserves for the week ended December 22 (which was at USD 401.39 billion in the previous week) will also be announced on Friday.
Technical Outlook
The Nifty50 formed a robust bull candle after two bearish candles which is a bullish sign, experts said. Investors should remain long with a stop loss below 10,426 levels, they advised.
"The near term trend of Nifty is positive as per smaller and larger timeframe (like daily and weekly) and more upside could be expected in the next couple of weeks. However, due to year end, there is possibility of gradual up move amidst range bound action for next week," Nagaraj Shetti, Technical Research Analyst of HDFC Securities said.
Mitessh Thakkar of mitesshthakkar.com said the hope is that on Tuesday the market is expected to open with a gap-up and continue with the momentum. If that happens, then 10,700-10,750 should be immediate targets.
"However, if there is a gap-down then we will back to the range of 10,400-10,500, which might last for 1-2 sessions," he added.
FIIs and DIIs Flow
The money flow from foreign institutional investors could be slowed down in the coming week as FIIs generally go on leave during the last week of the year because of the Christmas holidays. However, domestic inflow is expected to continue.
"The market optimism is expected to continue due to expectation of NAV-based buying till December end," said Anita Gandhi, Whole Time Director at Arihant Capital Markets.
Domestic institutional investors were net buyers to the tune of around Rs 3,500 crore in the passing week while FIIs have net sold nearly Rs 3,000 crore worth of shares.
Stocks in Focus
Prakash Industries may react to the news that SEBI has revoked its order regarding suspected shell companies.
Corporation Bank will also be in focus as its board of directors has approved additional fund raising of Rs 300 crore in one or more tranches with greenshoe option.
EID Parry may react positively as the board has approved sale of its bio pesticides business as a going concern by the way of slump sale to Coromandel International for Rs 303 crore. It also approved sale of entire stake in Parry America Inc for Rs 35.4 crore.
Reliance Communications will be in focus as a media report indicated that Reliance Jio emerged as highest bidder for the company's assets.
(Disclosure: Reliance Industries Ltd. is the sole beneficiary of Independent Media Trust which controls Network18 Media & Investments Ltd.)
Global Cues
The minutes of the Bank of Japan monetary policy meeting will be released on Tuesday. On Thursday, Japan's industrial production data for November and US initial jobless claims for the week ended December 22 will be announced.

MORE WILL UPDATE SOON!!