Market Pulse

The stock market extended intraday slide in mid-morning trade. After a positive start, key indices traded within a narrow range around the flat line till morning trade. Investors digested the US Federal Reserve's decision of raising interest rates for the third time this year, underlining the confidence that the United States remains on solid footing.

Higher interest rates in the US may drain liquidity from the emerging markets, including India, and redirect it to developed economies.

The S&P BSE Mid-Cap index fell 0.43%. The S&P BSE Small-Cap index declined 0.65%. Both the indices underperformed the Sensex.

The breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, was weak. On the BSE, 1,448 shares declined and 831 shares rose. A total of 116 shares were unchanged.

Metal and mining stocks declined. SAIL (down 2.92%), Jindal Steel & Power (down 0.9%), NMDC (down 0.58%), Vedanta (down 0.58%), Hindustan Copper (down 0.49%), JSW Steel (down 0.25%) and Hindustan Zinc (down 0.12%) edged lower. Nalco (up 0.2%) and Hindalco Industries (up 0.02%) edged higher.

Tata Steel fell 0.54%. The company said that a meeting of its board of directors will be held on 18 December 2017 and will conclude on 19 December 2017, to consider a proposal for raising of funds by issue of equity shares or other securities including through qualified institutions placement, rights issue, preferential issue or through any other permissible mode or a combination thereof, subject to such regulatory/statutory approvals as may be required, including approval of shareholders of the company, if applicable. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 13 December 2017.

On the macro front, the government will announce inflation data based on wholesale price index (WPI) for November at 12:00 IST today, 14 December 2017. Wholesale prices rose 3.59% year-on-year in October, following a 2.6% increase in September.

Among other news, the second phase of polling in Gujarat is underway today, 14 December 2017 in 93 assembly constituencies. Counting of votes will take place on 18 December 2017. Gujarat recorded a polling of 68% in the first phase of assembly elections for 89 assembly constituencies held on 9 December 2017. The Gujarat assembly has 182 seats.

Overseas, Asian stocks were mixed. US stocks rose yesterday, 13 December 2017, with the Dow posting a record closing, after the Federal Reserve hiked interest rates. Investors also digested news of Congressional leaders reaching a tentative agreement on a tax overhaul plan.

The Fed raised interest rates by a quarter point after the conclusion of its two-day policy meeting yesterday, 13 December 2017, in a move that was widely expected by markets. That increased the central bank's target range to between 1.25% and 1.5%. The Fed also raised its GDP forecast from 2.1% to 2.5%. Its inflation forecast was raised from 1.6% to 1.7%.

In Europe, a meeting of the European Central Bank (ECB) is scheduled today, 14 December 2017, to announce its interest rate decision. The ECB held its benchmark refinancing rate at 0% on 26 October, as widely expected, and decided to reduce its quantitative easing programme to a monthly pace of €30 billion from January with the option of extending it in September 2018.

Today's Calls:

#In view of the uncertainty regarding Gujarat elections, I suggest you to EXIT all the Gujarat based companies, including my earlier recommended Suzlon Energy Ltd at the CMP of around Rs.13.45.

#The Stock of HDIL is looking good at the CMP of Rs.52.80. You can buy for the short term targets of Rs.55-56, keeping a Strict SL of Rs.51. HDIL has recently sought shareholders approval to issue up to 2 crore warrants on preferential basis to promoter Sarang Wadhawan in order to infuse long term capital into the company. The proceeds of the preferential issue of warrants will be utilised by the company to consolidate and infuse long term working capital.

#Those who are holding the shares of MBL Infrastructure Ltd (Rs.23.40) can continue to add on every decline, as the  company is almost through with the NCLT proceedings; according to some unconfirmed sources. It has a healthy  order book of around Rs.7000 crore against a debt of Rs.1700 crore. The promoter is  likely to bring in Rs.120 crore for an amicable settlement with the lenders. I am looking for targets of Rs.100 - plus (one hundred) in the next 6 to 9 months time frame. However, put a SL at Rs.21.60, if the the things do not proceed as expected. This could be the stock of FY19. Surprisingly, the stock of MBL Infrastructure Ltd has been placed in the T-group, when there is no volume in the counter. Hope the stock exchanges would soon review their decision, considering the current positive developments, surrounding the company.

~~ with inputs from Capital Market - Live New