Stock market mood in the coming days is likely to depend on inflation numbers, foreign investor activity and global signals, analysts said. Geopolitical updates and the ongoing October–December earnings season will also influence trading.
Inflation and forex data in focus
Investors will watch India’s retail inflation data to be released on February 12. Foreign exchange reserves figures due on February 13 will offer clues about the country’s external position.
Results from major companies
The earnings season remains busy. Titan Company and Mahindra & Mahindra are among the big names expected to announce their numbers, which could lead to stock-specific movement.
Other companies lined up to declare December-quarter results include Ashok Leyland, ONGC, Bajaj Electricals and Eicher Motors.
Global cues matter
Market participants will keep an eye on key economic data from the US. Traders will also track how the Nasdaq Composite behaves after its recent fall. Any geopolitical development and its effect on commodity prices may add to volatility.
India-US trade framework
India and the US have agreed on a framework for an interim trade deal aimed at improving bilateral trade.
Under the arrangement, the US will cut tariffs on Indian products to 18 per cent from 50 per cent. India, in turn, will remove or reduce duties on American industrial goods and several farm and food items such as animal feed inputs, nuts, fruits, soybean oil, wine and spirits.
Market outlook
Experts say that after the Union Budget and the Reserve Bank’s policy announcements, equities are now in a consolidation phase. Investors are paying more attention to how projects are implemented, capital expenditure plans and the speed of spending.
The overall tone is cautiously positive, but markets may remain driven by events, global trends, fund flows and tensions in the Middle East.
Last week’s rally
In the previous week, the BSE Sensex climbed 2,857.46 points, or 3.53 per cent. The Nifty rose 868.25 points, up 3.49 per cent.
