While the bulls are eating Christmas cakes, the bears seem to be eating humble pie as the Nifty ended well above 5100 and is now eyeing a new high for 2009. Wednesday’s sudden surge would have taken many by surprise. We reiterate that further short covering is not ruled out ahead of the F&O expiry. Also, some long build-up may take place amid signs that the economy and India Inc. may do better.
But clearly, any rise will not be sustainable in the absence of incremental good news – local as well as global. Rich valuations and concerns on an impending reversal in stimulus steps are among the major headwinds. One should not get carried away by any sharp swings in the near term as the market remains in a consolidation phase. Today we expect a higher opening. Asian markets are mostly up. US market got a boost from technology space, though the blue chips closed flat. European shares hit 14-month high. With several holidays on the horizon, the market could yet again turn choppy and clueless.
Midcaps might outperform largecaps as they have not participated in the rally yesterday
Our favourite Hindalco gained more than 7 percent to close at RS 153. NTPC was another stock that has sprung to life after being subdued for a long time. The stock gained 7 percent to end the day at Rs 229. We have seen a broadbased rally with some window dressing by mutual funds coming in to play. There was some heavy year end fund buying in largecaps that helped the index. Expect some follow up buying today, but do not expect a repeat by the major indices today.
For a change, we have seen the Midcap and smallcap indices sidelined from the market activity as the Largecaps took the charge. Midcaps might make a come back today as they might catch up in today's trade. We recommend Deccan Chronicle for the second day in a row, even at these levels (Rs 168). also keep an eye on entertainment sector, watch out for stocks like NDTV, TV Today and last but not least Zee Entertainment Ltd.Penny pincher's might look at stocks like LML Ltd ad Lloyd Steel from a short term perspective