Pre-market: Markets likely to open firm

The Indian markets are likely to open on a firm note following  positive global cues. However, release of IIP numbers, monthly
inflation data and RBI’s monetary policy review scheduled Friday will keep them volatile during the week. Profit-booking in a
truncated trading week saw benchmark Sensex closing 4 per cent down last week.

The US stock markets had rallied on Friday with the Dow Jones Industrial Average ending up 1.55 per cent, the S&P 500 index rose
by 1.69 per cent and Nasdaq Composite index was up 1.94 per cent.

Asian share markets rose on Monday, as investors welcomed Europe's latest plan to fix the region's debt crisis with the introduction of
tougher fiscal rules for the 17-member euro zone countries. Japan's Nikkei Stock Average rose 1.3 per cent, South Korea's Kospi Composite added 1 per cent and New Zealand's NZX-50 was up 0.1 per cent.

Back home, technical analysts expect the Nifty to seek support around 4,835 – 4,820, and face resistance around 4,895 – 4,915.
At 720 am Indian Standard Time, the SGX Nifty was trading at 4922, up 39 points.

Among individual stocks, aviation stocks are likely to be in focus today on reports that the Civil Aviation Ministry has agreed to the
proposal of allowing foreign carriers to buy 26 per cent stake in private airlines.

Aiming for a bigger market share, public sector auto maker Scooters India is exploring options to launch new products. The news could
bring back some investor interest in the stock.

Lupin could also be in limelight on reports that it has got an approval from the US health regulator to market an anti-depressant
medicine in the American market.

Also keep a tab on hotel sector stocks on reports that global majors - Starwood, Jumeirah, Mandarin Oriental, Lebua and MGM – are
planning to tap the Indian market soon.