Mar 7, 2008

India to have 1mn new jobs in 2008: Survey

The hospitality, health and education sectors are likely to replace the IT/ITeS sector as leading job creators in the country, which will have over 10 lakh new work opportunities in 2008. India will add 10,25,800 jobs, a tad lower than 10,30,000 jobs in 2007, predicted the Ma Foi Employment Survey 2008 released here. The traditional job creating horses like IT and IteS sectors have been replaced by hospitality, health and education sector, Ma Foi Management Consultants Managing Director K Pandia Rajan said while releasing the survey. Ma Foi is the largest human resource service provider and staffing company in India. It has been conducting the employment survey since 2004. The 2008 survey was carried among 2006 companies from 22 sectors of the economy and is claimed to be the largest study on the organised sector. The hospitality sector is shown to generate the maximum number of employment in 2008 with over 4.26 lakh jobs.

 

An estimated USD 11.41 billion is expected to be seen in the hospitality sector in the next two years. India is likely to have around 40 international hotel brands by 2011," the survey highlighted. The health sector is expected to create over 2.95 lakh jobs led by a strong presence of private players and rising opportunities in medical tourism and telemedicine. The education sector, including training and consultancy, is expected to add 1.66 lakh employees. The survey found that manufacturing sectors of food products and beverages, furniture, mineral and metal products and mining will witness a constraint in hiring this year. Education tops the list of sectors generating the highest number of jobs in 2008 at 10,429,312, followed by hospitality at 6,595,879 and health at 3,616,525 jobs, the survey said.

 

Market News 7th March 2008

Listing of equity shares of GSS America Infotech Ltd

Trading Members of the Exchange are hereby informed that effective from March 07, 2008, the equity shares of GSS America Infotech Ltd (Scrip Code: 532951) are listed and admitted to dealings on the Exchange in the list of 'B' Group Securities. For further details please refer to the notice no 20080304-3 dated March 04, 2008.

 

ICICI Bank announces repurchase & subsequently extinguishment of bonds

ICICI Bank has announced that the bank has repurchased and subsequently extinguished bonds aggregating to the face value US$ 50 million out of the US $2 billion 6.625% bonds due on 2012 issued from its Bahrain Branch on 03 October 2007 on a stand-alone basis.

The repurchase is carried out through open market purchases by a dealer acting on behalf of ICICI Bank.

The company made this announcement during the trading hours today, 07 March 2008.

 

Infrastructure Development Finance Company grants options

Infrastructure Development Finance Company has granted 2,030,000 options to its employees to subscribe 2,030,000 equity shares at a price of Rs 146.06 per equity shares, pursuant to IDFC ESOS 2007.

These options were granted by the company on 05 March 2008.

Industry News 7th March 2008

Indian IT industry dissatisfied with budget

The Indian IT and ITeS industry across all sectors Friday felt let down by the national budget for 2008-09, finding little in it to boost growth prospects. The National Association of Software and Services Companies (Nasscom), the leading IT industry lobby, indicated extreme disappoint as Finance Minister P Chidambaram did not comment on extending the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) scheme. The scheme, offering tax sops for the industry, expires March 31, 2009. This (STPI scheme) is extremely critical for small enterprises and the BPO industry, as well as for expansion in tier 2 and tier 3 cities as they are unable to avail the benefits of the SEZ (special economic zone) scheme, said Nasscom.

Business Process Industry Association of India (BPIAI) president Sam Chopra said: Extension of tax holidays for STPI units for 20 more years would have helped the fast growing domestic business process industry segment. From IT and telecom industry point of view, apart from few small indirect positives, it was a lacklustre budget, said Sourabh Kaushal, industry manager (South Asia and Middle East), Frost & Sullivan, a global consulting firm.

Corporate News 7th March 2008

L&T Judged Best Managed Company in India

Larsen & Toubro Ltd (L&T) has announced that the Company has been judged as India's Best Managed Company by India's leading business magazine Business Today and its knowledge partner Ernst & Young.

Mr. A M Naik, Chairman and Managing Director of L&T, received the coveted award from the Union Minister of Commerce and Industries, Mr. Kamal Nath at a glittering function held in Mumbai on March 05.

The Business Today-Ernst Young study covered more than 4,900 Companies that are listed on the BSE and the NSE. They were rated on several parameters that included leadership, business & operational strategies, best practices, corporate governance, corporate social responsibility, growth, profitability, operating efficiency & wealth creation for all stakeholders.

Commenting on the award Mr. Naik said, "It is a tribute to enlightened and professional management team at L&T, where empowerment and accountability are of paramount importance. In 70 years of existence, L&T has created a management culture that is rooted in ethics, integrity, and a deep sense of patriotism. We sincerely believe that nation building is at the core of all our activities. L&T is a truly professionally managed Company with no promoter family, but where every employee has a strong sense of ownership".

 

Arvind Mills - Updates

Arvind Mills Ltd has informed that on March 05, 2008, a fire broke out in the Bangalore godown of Arvind Brands, a Division of the Company. The cause of fire is being investigated. The goods stored in the godown are insured and the extent of damage is being ascertained

 

ICICI Bank - Repurchase & Subsequent Extinguishment of Bonds

ICICI Bank Ltd has informed that the Bank has repurchased and subsequently extinguished bonds aggregating to the face value US $ 50 million out of the US $ 2 billion 6.625% bonds due on 2012 issued from its Bahrain Branch on October 03, 2007 on a stand-alone basis.

The repurchase is carried out through open market purchases by a dealer acting on behalf of ICICI Bank.

 

 ICICI Lombard to ally with dairies in TN

A farmer from coastal Karnataka was saving for his daughter's education. He took a health insurance cover for the entire family for Rs 15,000. But fell ill. Desperate, he turned to the village leader and asked him to adopt his daughter as he could not bear her expenses.

Tapping this attitudinal change is ICICI Lombard. The company started tapping the rural channel commercially through micro-finance institutions and rural aggregators like cooperatives, cement and fertiliser distributors and rural outlets in South India from 2003. Now it plans to tie up with dairies -Hatsun and Aavin in Tamil Nadu to disseminate knowledge about its insurance policies on cattle insurance, personal accident and health covers for age groups between 5 and 65 years. Head of Agriculture and Rural Insurance Pranav Prashad told Express that an investment of Rs 12 crore was envisaged in training of distribution channels and ensuring quick turnaround of the claims servicing network.

 

GE Money-LIC JV to take off

LIC is going ahead with GE Money JV for its credit card venture. It has also given KPMG the mandate to look for a financial partner for the balance 14% stake that is yet to be sold in the venture. Although, the corporation was supposed to launch the card in March, it is now expected that the venture will roll out only by the second quarter of the next financial year. LIC has 40% in the venture, while GE Money's stake is 35%. Corporation Bank will hold 4%, LIC Housing Finance will have 5% and LIC MF will have a 2% shareholding. Industry sources said LIC will look for a partner that will be able to pay a premium.

 

 

Indiabulls Financial - Result of Postal Ballot

Indiabulls Financial Services Ltd has informed that the Shareholders of the Company have passed the following Resolutions with requisite majority, by means of Postal Ballot (the results whereof have been announced by the Board-appointed Scrutinizer on March 06, 2008):

  • Authorization under Section 81(1A) to issue shares by international offering through an issue of GDRs / ADRs / FCCBs / Equity Shares through Depository Receipt Mechanism / any other Financial Instrument including Compulsorily Convertible Preference Shares, for a value up to US Dollars equivalent to INR 4,000 crores, in one or more tranches.
  • Authorization under Section 81 (1A) to issue Equity Shares / Fully Convertible Debentures / Partly Convertible Debentures / Optionally Convertible Debentures or any other securities other than warrants convertible into or exchangeable with Equity Shares of the Company, or other specified securities, within the meaning of Chapter XIII A of SEBI (Disclosure and Investor Protection) Guidelines, 2000 for Qualified Institutional Placement, for a value up to US Dollars equivalent to INR 4,000 crores, to Qualified Institutional Buyers.
  • Authorization under Section 81 (1A) to issue Equity Shares / Fully / Partly / Optionally Convertible Debentures/ Debentures with right to subscribe to Equity Shares / Convertible / Non Convertible Preference Shares / Bonds / Non Convertible Debentures with or without detachable warrants, in the course of domestic offering(s) for a value of up to Rs 4000 crores, in one or more tranches.
  • Alteration in the Main Objects clause of the Memorandum of Association of the Company authorizing it to undertake business of insurance intermediation and the corporate insurance agency business in life and general insurance sectors.
  • Alteration of the Articles of Association of the Company so as to incorporate therein the relevant provisions to facilitate the appointment of Chairman and / or Vice Chairman of the Company.
  • Authorizing the enhancement in the borrowing powers of the Company in excess of its paid up capital and free reserves, from the previous limit of Rs 2,500 crores to Rs 35,000 crores, pursuant to Section 293(1)(d) of the Companies Act, 1956.
  • Authorizing the adoption of the Employee Stock Option Schemes (ESOP Schemes) of Indiabulls Credit Services Ltd (ICSL) by the Company, consequent to the amalgamation of ICSL with the Company, pursuant to Clause 15(c)(i) of the Court approved Scheme of Arrangement between ICSL, the Company and Indiabulls Securities Ltd (ISL) and their respective shareholders and creditors.
  • Authorizing the launching of Employee Stock Option Schemes in the Company consequent to the adoption of ESOP Schemes of ICSL, so as to offer stock options to the employees under the Schemes so adopted.
  • Increase in the Authorised Capital of the Company from Rs 1243,47,50,000/- to Rs 1543,47,50,000 and the consequent amendment in Clause V of the Memorandum of Association of the Company.

NIIT Technologies - Press Release

NIIT Technologies Ltd has announced that the Company has entered into a strategic partnership with Ramco Systems, a global provider of innovative Software products and Services.

NIIT Technologies' recently launched its new paradigm offering, 'Software as a Service' (SaaS), which will deliver process-based application solutions through an innovative, business transaction-based, SLA driven and highly secure delivery model. The Company has gone live with its procurement solution, ProcureEasy which is fast gaining traction.

Ramco Systems also recently announced 'Ramco OnDemand ERP' - the first full fledged, world-class ERR to be delivered as a service that caters to the needs of fast growing businesses. For an affordable subscription, Ramco takes care of all your IT infrastructure, maintenance and support needs. It is easy to use, requires minimal training and can be accessed from anywhere.

NIIT Technologies' SaaS offering will leverage Ramco's robust OnDemand ERP suite for functional processes such as HRM & Payroll, Financials and Sales & Distribution. Ramco Systems in turn will leverage the Company's proven track record of deep domain expertise and service-based operational excellence to widen its solution footprint.

Speaking on the partnership, Mr. Arvind Mehrotra, Sr. Vice President & Head (APAC & India), NIIT Technologies said, "The process-centricity of our SaaS offering is uniquely positioned to embrace the increasing need of organizations for effective business process oriented solutions. The synergies drawn from this alliance will deliver value added enterprise solutions that will seamlessly extend process functionality within and beyond an enterprise thus Improving internal efficiencies, enhancing productivity and increasing process effectiveness."

By way of this IP-based alliance, NIIT Technologies will largely address big Corporates and the Government sector through a single window service interface. NIIT Technologies will also seek to extend process-based solutions for its focused verticals by using the respective modules from Ramco OnDemand ERP suite.  Source- Religare

Infosys Technologies - Finacle from Infosys reinforces strong thrust on Islamic Banking

 

Infosys Technologies Ltd has informed that Finacle from Infosys recently unveiled its standalone Islamic Banking Solution as part of the global launch of version 10 of the Finacle Universal Banking Solution. Finacle Islamic Banking Solution addresses the complexities of Shariah compliant banking in today's environment by offering banks greater amount of flexibility and quicker innovation.

Finacle Islamic Banking Solution has been developed from incisive insight into the Middle East, Far East and European markets and follows accounting standards recommended by Audit and Accounting organisation for Islamic financial institutions (AAOIFI). The solution promises banks in the region a flexible and varied feature repertoire to design and deploy products for varying market segments, based on different Islamic concepts including Mudarabah, Murabaha, Ijarah, Istisna and Tawarruq. Strong product definition features, support for Islamic accounting and complete traceability for audit, differentiate the solution. Completely self-contained, it is replete with the accounting backbone to support back office functionalities and provides Straight Through Processing (STP) capabilities on a SOA platform.

The solution allows banks to define an organization structure conducive to current requirements while factoring in flexibility to change the structure with scaling business needs. This means Islamic banking can be initiated as an add-on product offering in a branch of choice, and eventually converted to an independent Islamic banking unit, if required. It also offers a wide range of possibilities for business users at the bank to create products and embellish them with innovative features.

Mr. Haragopal M, Business Head, Finacle said, "As we continue to rapidly increase our customer base across the world, and specifically in the Middle East, the launch of our Islamic Banking Solution is a testimony of our commitment to the region. Two of the largest banks in the region have already reposed their trust in Finacle Islamic Banking Solution."

Finacle Islamic Banking Solution is powered by the BPEL and BPML compliant workflow engine. This, coupled with high parameterization capabilities, results in greater process efficiency, better risk mitigation, significantly lowered TCO and supports rapid roll out of Shariah-compliant products.

The Islamic banking industry is being redefined and reinvented as banks, the world over, respond to the opportunities presented by this rapidly growing new customer segment. Besides traditional markets such as Middle East, Indonesia and Malaysia, Islamic Banking is seeing growth in markets such as United Kingdom, Singapore, and many global conventional banks have started offering Islamic Banking.

As a leader in banking transformation, Finacle has a global footprint across 60 countries and has been acknowledged by top analysts including Gartner, Forrester and Celent among the leaders in the core banking solution space- Finacle is also the winner of a series of awards for its innovation and implementation capabilities, the most notable ones being The Banker Technology Award and The Asian Banker IT Implementation Award

Economy News 7th March 2008

FM says farm loan waiver package to strengthen banking sector

Finance Minister (FM) P Chidambaram said on Thursday, 6 March 2008, that the Rs 60000-crore farm loan waiver package announced in Union Budget 2008-09 will strengthen the banking sector. The banking sector will be compensated in a way that the banks will not be constrained at all, Chidambaram told reporters after a meeting of the board of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Thursday.

The RBI governor has told the board that the RBI is fully geared to support the government in implementing the scheme in a manner that the banking sector will be strengthened, not weakened, he said. Chidambaram said the government, central bank and banks would work together to implement the scheme.

 

Inflation above 5%

Inflation based on the wholesale price index rose 5.02% in the 12 months to 23 February 2008, higher than the previous week's rise of 4.89%, government data showed on Friday, 7 March 2008. The annual inflation rate was 6.20% during the corresponding week of the previous year

Mutual Funds- Upcoming Dividends - announced by funds

Principal PNB MF declares dividend

The Principal PNB mutual fund has announced the declaration of dividend under dividend option of Principal Resurgent India Equity fund. The record date for dividend will be 10 March 2008. The quantum of dividend is 42.5% i.e. Rs. 4.25 per unit on the face value of Rs. 10. The NAV of the scheme was recorded at Rs 17.07 as on 4 March 2008. Principal Resurgent India Equity Fund is an open-ended equity scheme, whose investment objective is to generate long-term capital appreciation by predominantly investing in equity and equity related securities of Indian companies that are perceived to be potential growth stories.

 

LIC MF comes out with dividends

LIC Mutual Fund has announced 7 March 2008 as record date for declaration of dividends in three schemes: LIC Index Fund-Sensex Plan. The fund house has decided to pay dividend of 22% i.e. Rs 2.20 on the face value of Rs 10. LIC Index Fund-Sensex Plan is an open-ended scheme. The investment objective of the fund is to provide capital growth by investing in index stocks.

 

Franklin Templeton MF declares tax-free dividend

Franklin Templeton Mutual Fund has approved the declaration of tax-free dividend under the Franklin India Flexi Cap Fund. The AMC plans to distribute 30% of distributable surplus i.e. Rs 3.00 per unit on the face value of Rs 10 as on record date.

The record date for the dividend is 12 March 2008 and any purchases on or before this date will be eligible for the dividend. There will be a one-day book closure for the growth and dividend plans in the respective funds on 13 March 2008 and will reopen for fresh purchases and redemptions on 14 March 2008. Under the dividend reinvestment plan, the dividend declared will be reinvested in the fund at the NAV of 14 March 2008 and unit holders will be allotted additional units for the dividend amount.

Franklin India Flexi Cap Fund was launched in March 2005 as an open-ended equity scheme. Franklin India Flexi Cap Fund is an open-end diversified equity fund that seeks to provide medium to long-term capital appreciation by investing in stocks across the entire market capitalization range.

 

ING MF declares dividend under FMP Series

ING India Mutual Fund has announced 12 March 2008 as the record date for declaration of dividend under dividend option of ING Fixed Maturity Plan - Series XXVI.

The AMC plans to distribute entire appreciation in the NAV of dividend option from the date of allotment to 12 March 2008 as dividend. The NAV under the scheme is Rs 10.2159 as on 4 March 2008.

ING Fixed Maturity Plan - Series XXVI is a close -ended scheme offering an investment plan of 92 days maturity, investing in a portfolio of government securities or highly rated corporate bonds maturing close to maturity of the scheme so as to generate returns comparable with alternative fixed-income instruments of similar maturity. The scheme will invest in debt securities so as to minimise the impact of price fluctuation of such securities and the value at maturity.

 

Franklin Templeton MF declares dividend

Franklin Templeton Mutual Fund has announced the declaration of dividend for Templeton Fixed Tenure Fund-Series IV-60 Months Plan. The record date is set as 12 March 2008. The AMC plans to distribute 7% of distributable surplus i.e. Rs 0.70 per unit on the face value of Rs 10 as on record date. .

Templeton Fixed Tenure Fund-Series IV-60 Months Plan is an open-ended diversified equity fund that seeks to provide investors steady returns along with capital appreciation through equity exposure.

Mutual Funds News 7th March 2008

Mirae Asset MF extends NFO period for India Opportunity Fund

Mirae Asset mutual fund has extended the new fund-offering (NFO) period of Mirea Asset India Opportunity Fund from 10 March to 11 March 2008. Mirae Asset India Opportunities Fund is an open-ended equity oriented fund. The NFO price for the fund is Rs 10 per unit. The scheme provides regular and institutional plans with growth and dividend payout option.

The minimum investment under regular plan is Rs.5000 and in multiples of Re 1 thereafter. Under institutional plan, the minimum investment amount is Rs 5 crore and in multiples of Re 1 thereafter. The objective of the scheme would be to generate long-term capital appreciation by capitalizing on potential opportunities through predominantly investing in equities and equity related securities. The entry load is 2.25% for each purchase of less than Rs. 5 crore. For purchase amounts greater than or equal to Rs. 5 crore the entry load is nil. There will be no entry and exit load charged under institutional plan. The purchase amount of less than Rs 5 crore attracts exit load under regular plan: The scheme may charge an exit load of 1% if redemption is done within 6 months from the date of allotment. There will be 0.50% an exit load for redemption between 6 months and 12 months from the date of allotment.

For purchase amount greater than Rs 5 crore, the scheme may not charge any exit load under regular plan. The scheme will invest 65%-100% Indian equities and equity related securities and 0-30% in money market instruments and debt securities investments. It includes investment up to 25% of in securitised debt. Equity and equity related instruments include convertible debentures, equity warrants, convertible preference shares, equity derivatives etc.

 

UTI Asset Management to sell 20-pc stake

New Delhi: UTI Asset Management Company is all set to offload around 20 per cent stake to a clutch of strategic investors through a pre-initial public offering (IPO) placement. Altogether, the company would look at selling up to 49 per cent stake to public and a clutch of strategic investors. In January this year, UTI Asset Management Company Ltd had filed the draft red herring prospectus with the market regulator to enter the capital market with an IPO of 4.85 crore equity shares of Rs 10 each through an offer for sale by the selling shareholders. Its four sponsors and the selling shareholders are the State Bank of India, Life Insurance Corporation of India, Punjab National Bank and Bank of Baroda. The offer also comprises a reservation of equity shares for subscription by employees and the offer to the public.

 

Mirae Asset MF collects Rs.1435 cr via two income plans

Mirae Asset Mutual Fund has collected Rs 1435 crore through its both Mirae Asset Liquid Fund and Mirae Asset Liquid Plus Fund during their initial offer period which closed to 3 March 2008. Mirae Asset Liquid Fund, which is an open-ended liquid fund, which was opened 27 February and closed 3 March 2008. The primary investment objective of the scheme is to seek to seek to generate reasonable returns with low volatility and higher liquidity through a portfolio of debt and money market instruments.

Mirae Asset Liquid Plus Fund is an open-ended debt fund had its new fund offer period from 29 February and closed on 3 March 2008. The primary investment objective of the scheme is to seek to generate returns with low volatility and higher liquidity through a portfolio of debt and money market instruments. Both the scheme will have regular, institutional and super institutional plans. The schemes offer growth, bonus and dividend option under each plan. Dividend option shall have the choice of dividend payout; dividend reinvestment and dividend transfer options.

 

Tata MF revises load structure

Tata mutual fund has announced the revision in the load structure for Tata Floating Rate Fund-Long Term option. According to the revised load structure, the fund will charge an exit load 0.50% if the investment is redeemed before 3 months from the date of allotment. Before revision of the load structure, the scheme did not ask for any exit load. The aforesaid changes will be effective from 7 March 2008.

 

JM Financial MF launches FMP Series

Name of fund: JM Fixed Maturity Fund Series IX 15 Month Plan

Scheme: The scheme is a close-ended income fund with maturity of 455 days from the date of allotment.

Objective: The investment objective of the fund is to generate regular returns through investments in fixed income securities normally maturing in line with the time profile of the respective plan.

Asset allocation:

Short term debt securities and money market instruments: 65-100%

Government securities: 0- 35%

Securitised debt: Up to 80% net assets of plan

Offer opens: 7 March 2008

Offer closes: 12 March 2008

Face value: Rs 10

Investment Options: Each series will have regular and institutional plan. The scheme offers investors growth option and dividend option under both the plans.

Entry load: Nil

Exit load: The fund would charge an exit load of 2.00% if the units are redeemed or switched out before maturity.

Minimum Investment Amount: The minimum investment amount under regular scheme is Rs 5, 000 and in multiple of Re 1 thereafter. The minimum investment amount under institutional scheme is Rs 5 lakh and in multiple of Re 1 thereafter.

Minimum subscription amount: Rs 1 crore

Benchmark Index: I-Sec Bond Index

Fund Manager: Ms Shalini Tibrewala

Insurance Sector 7th March 2008

Insurance Sector

 

Max New York to triple capital base by 2011

Chandigarh: Max New York Life Insurance will triple its capital base from present Rs 907 crore to Rs 2,600 crore in three years which will help funding its expansion programme. The company is, additionally, targeting new premium income of Rs 9,000 crore by 2011 compared with the current Rs 1,418 crore. The number of offices will be scaled up from 233 to 533 in 400 cities and insurance advisors will go up from 30,500 to 2 lakh by 2011. The company has also announced a foray into health insurance business.

 

Max NY Life sets 3 lakh health cover policies target

 Mumbai: Max New York Life insurance has set a target of around 2.5-3 lakh health insurance policies sales by the end of the calendar year 2008. The company has rolld out a series of health insurance plans called 'Lifeline'. The plans offer insurance coverage for hospitalization, surgeries and critical illnesses. The 'Medicash' plans offer cash for hospitalization, ICU admission, recuperation benefit and a lump sum benefit against an unlimited number of surgeries. The 'Wellness' plan insures up to38 critical medical conditions including Alzheimer's , cancer and heart ailments. The 'Safety Net' insures against critical illnesses, accidents, disability and death.

Indian Market Report 6th - 7th March 2008 - Markets expected to open gap down

Indian Market Report 6th - 7th March 2008

Markets expected to open gap down & show further weakness on the back of negative global cues

Wednesday appeared to be a good session for the Indian markets as the BSE Sensex closed at 16542, up by 1.2% over Tuesday's close. After opening up at 4858.95, the Nifty remained weak & volatile before it bounced back from the lows of 4848.3 to make an intra-day high of 4934.4, before closing at 4921.4, up by 1.2% over Tuesday's close. The NSE cash turnover stood at Rs. 12087 crores in comparison to Rs. 14486 crores on Tuesday. The market breadth was negative on BSE with the advance-decline ratio of close to 0.4:1. Among the sectoral indices, IT & FMCG were the outperformers, which increased by 3.8% & 2.9% respectively. However, the Banks & Realty indices were the top losers, which decreased by 1.6% each.

On Thursday, the US markets corrected sharply amid credit concerns. Dow Jones closing down by 1.8%, while Nasdaq composite closed down by 2.3%. The Indian ADRs ended deep in the red with Infosys Wipro & Satyam decreasing by 3%, 5% & 3.9% respectively. ICICI & HDFC Bank decreased by 4% & 5.4% respectively. Even Tata Communications & MTNL were down by 3.4% & 3.9% respectively. Among the Latin American markets, the Mexican market closed down by 1.9%, while the Brazilian Bovespa closed down by 2.6%. The Metal prices were up with Aluminium & Copper increasing by 3.8% & 5.8% respectively, while Zinc & Nickel increased by 5.5% each. The light crude oil for April increased by 0.9% to settle at $105.47 a barrel. The Asian markets are trading in red with Nikkei index trading down by 2.8%. Hang Seng & Singapore Strait indices are trading down by 3.2% & 2% respectively.

On Tuesday, the FIIs were net sellers of Rs. 473 crores in the cash markets, while they were net buyers of 910 crores in the F&O markets. Mutual funds were net sellers of Rs. 152 crores. As per the provisional figures, FIIs were net sellers of Rs. 285 crores in the cash market on Wednesday, while they were net buyers of Rs. 605 crores in the F&O markets.

Today, we expect the Markets to open gap down & show further weakness on the back of negative global cues.

International Markets 7th March - US Market back in loss making mode

International Markets 7th March

US Market back in loss making mode

US Market was back at its loss making mode today, Thursday, 06 March, 2008. Financial sector weighed heavily on the sector after a couple of reports hit the market. Mixed economic data also added further negative sentiment. A better than expected retail data failed to make things take a u turn. All ten sectors ended in the red today led by the financials.

The Dow Jones industrial Average ended the day with a loss of 215 points at 12,040. The Nasdaq Composite Index, finished lower by 52 points at 2,220. S&P 500 finished lower by 29 points at 1,304. Twenty-nine out of thirty Dow stocks ended in the red today led by Citigroup and JP Morgan. Wal-Mart was the sole Dow winner today.

Since the very start, sellers took position today after there was news that mortgage delinquencies during the fourth quarter reached their highest level since 1985. Delinquencies were reported at 5.82%, up from the prior reading of 5.59%.

Together with that, there was news that Merrill Lynch was getting out of the subprime business and was laying off almost 650 workers. Merrill Lynch shares hit a 52 week low.

On the other side, better than expected same-store sales reports for February came from key retailers. Wal-Mart and Target both reported better results than forecasters estimated.

Initial jobless claims for the week ended 1 March came in at 351,000. That was below the 360,000 initial claims market was anticipating. Though the results were better than expected, initial claims remain at higher levels than in previous months.

 

Separately, January pending home sales were flat when compared with the prior month. That was better than expected 1% downturn. Pending home sales in December were revised higher from a 1.5% decline to a 1.2% decline.

Crude prices shot up further today after dollar fell to new lows against the euro and after Energy Department reported a an unexpected drop in crude inventories for last week. Prices had shot up by more than $5 yesterday itself. Crude-oil futures for light sweet crude for April delivery today closed at $105.47/barrel (higher by $0.95/barrel or 0.9%) on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Prices are 74% higher than a year ago. The contract was trading in the intraday range of $105.97 and $99.88 in the volatile session.

Volume on the New York Stock Exchange topped 1.6 billion, and declining stocks outpaced those advancing by more than 4 to 1. On the Nasdaq, 979 million shares were exchanged, and for every stock on the rise, almost five were on the decline.

For tomorrow, February's Employment Report is due. The report will provide the latest in national employment rates, often considered a barometer for economic health. The report will take center stage in tomorrow's action.

Bajaj Auto worst hit from the Sensex pack

Bajaj Auto worst hit from the Sensex pack

The BSE Sensex was down 653.33 points, or 3.95%, to 15,888.75, on weak global cues. Concerns on the political front also weighed on the market after the Communist Party of India-Marxists (CPM) on Thursday, 6 March 2008, renewed its threat on the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government saying that the ruling coalitions future depended on how it took the call on pursuing the Indo-US nuclear deal.

Reliance Energy (down 10.02% to Rs 1312), Hindalco Industries (down 6.82% to Rs 193.20), Ranbaxy Laboratories (down 4.59% to Rs 432.80), were the other major losers from the Sensex pack.

Satyam Computer Services (down 4.53% to Rs 414.15), Infosys Technologies (down 3.86% to Rs 1417.90), TCS (down 2.25% to Rs 855), and Wipro (down 3.89% to Rs 414), declined among IT pivotals

ICICI Bank (down 7.59% to Rs 887.35), State Bank of India (down 2.60% to Rs 1806), and HDFC Bank (down 4.10% to Rs 1280), slipped from banking sector

Market Report 7th March 2008

 

Indices – Sectoral

BSE

Index Name

Open

High

Low

Close

Absolute Change

% Diff

BSE_100

8708.57

8801.15

8651.71

8714.18

60.53

0.69

BSE_200

2055.66

2073.26

2040.09

2057.25

9.27

0.45

BSE_500

6591.55

6640.59

6533.86

6597.44

16.12

0.24

BSE_CD

4370.23

4449.05

4289.23

4396.74

18.09

0.41

BSE_CG

14849.9

14984.7

14587.9

14822.3

-133.88

-0.9

BSE_FMCG

2168.97

2236.09

2156.62

2169.41

62.64

2.89

BSE_HC

3852.52

3917.37

3835.61

3854.8

53.16

1.38

BSE_IT

3618.37

3772.98

3610.74

3614.41

138.06

3.82

BSE_PSU

7832.33

7885.93

7769.68

7824.73

6.23

0.08

BSE_SENSEX

16328.9

16595.6

16253

16339.9

202.19

1.24

BSE_TECK

3047.22

3122.85

3038.74

3047.78

63.65

2.09

BSEAUTO

4854.72

4878

4825.61

4859.21

-9.35

-0.2

BSEBANKEX

8991.19

9077.66

8821.17

9056.76

-140.73

-1.6

BSEDOLLEX

852.63

852.63

852.63

850.11

2.52

0.3

BSEMETAL

15873.8

16157.4

15776.9

15833.6

182.88

1.16

BSEMIDCAP

7174.31

7195.93

7074.11

7182.23

-68.05

-1

BSEOIL

10170.6

10419.1

10147.3

10166.1

164.63

1.62

BSESMALLCAP

8939.45

8939.45

8776.28

8953.28

-143.49

-1.6

 

Indices – Sectoral

NSE

Index Name

Open

High

Low

Close

Absolute Change

% Diff

BANKNIFTY

7696.8

7734.9

7519.1

7736.6

-148.25

-1.9

CNX_IT

3812.85

3917.15

3777.65

3782

120.75

3.19

CNX100

4710.75

4760.45

4678.45

4706.7

39.55

0.84

CNX500

4035.95

4079.85

4012.9

4045.3

20.35

0.5

CNXMIDCAP

6790.7

6836.05

6713.35

6825.75

-82.55

-1.2

NIFTY

4866.85

4936.75

4847.25

4864.25

57.15

1.17

NIFTYJR

8758.65

8816.3

8572.15

8762.2

-98.05

-1.1

 

Global Markets

Friday, March 7, 2008

Indices

Country

Current

Previous

% Change

AEX General

Netherlands

437.27

430.14

-1.66

All Ordinaries

Australia

5531.9

5471.6

1.1

All Share

Sri Lanka

2566.23

2562.25

0.16

ATX

Austria

3747.05

3722.09

-0.67

BEL-20

Belgium

3673.3

3610.62

-1.74

Bovespa

Brazil

62974.6

61319.8

-2.7

BSE Sensex

India

16542.1

16339.9

1.24

CAC 40

France

4678.05

4599.68

-1.7

CMA

East Egypt

3658.34

3655.15

-0.09

DAX

Germany

6591.31

6498.91

-1.42

DJIA

United States

12040.4

11825.8

-1.81

FTSE 100

United Kingdom

5766.4

5679.3

-1.53

Hang Seng

Hong Kong

23342.7

23114.3

0.99

IPC

Mexico

28717

28156.7

-1.99

Jakarta Composite

Indonesia

2656.46

2639.65

0.64

KLSE Composite

Malaysia

1280.23

1246.44

-2.71

Madrid General

Spain

1389.2

1373.86

-1.12

MerVal

Argentina

2179.07

2176.03

-0.14

MIBTel

Italy

25148

24727

-1.7

Nasdaq

United States

2220.5

2168.19

-2.41

Nifty

India

4921.4

4864.25

1.17

Nikkei 225

Japan

13215.4

12972.1

1.88

PSE Composite

Philippines

3116.84

3092.65

0.78

S&P 500

United States

1304.34

1274.98

-2.3

Seoul Composite

South Korea

1697.44

1677.1

1.21

SET

Thailand

827.71

821.28

-0.78

Shanghai Composite

China

4360.99

4292.65

1.59

Straits Times

Singapore

2917.92

2910.77

0.25

Swiss Market

Switzerland

7269.87

7200.92

-0.96

TA-100

East Israel

998.25

985.31

-1.31

Taiwan Weighted

Taiwan

8658.64

8483.95

2.06

 

ADR Prices

Friday, March 7, 2008

 

 

Symbol

Market

Company

Last Price

Net Change

% Change

Volume

RDY

NYSE

Dr Reddys Laboratories Ltd

14.09

-0.47

-3.23

155785

HDB

NYSE

HDFC Bank Ltd

100

-5.74

-5.43

684192

IBN

NYSE

ICICI Bank Ltd

45.38

-1.9124

-4.04

3702036

INFY

Nasdaq-NM

Infosys Technologies Ltd

37.03

-1.1601

-3.04

3512472

MTE

NYSE

Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd

5.65

-0.23

-3.91

129980

PTI

NYSE

Patni Computer Systems Ltd

11.09

0.12

1.09

125309

SAY

NYSE

Satyam Computer Services Ltd

24.78

-1

-3.88

736301

SLTTY

Other OTC

Silverline Technologies Ltd

4

0

0

0

SLT

NYSE

Sterlite Industries (India) Ltd

19.44

-0.44

-2.21

780446

TTM

NYSE

Tata Motors Ltd

16.91

-0.37

-2.14

771127

WIT

NYSE

Wipro Ltd

11.25

-0.59

-4.98

351668