Results, inflation, US debt cap to set stock market trend

Reliance Industries scheduled to report earnings on Oct 14, HDFC Bank and TCS on Oct 15

Second-quarter results from blue-chip companies Reliance Industries and TCS, inflation data for September and the US debt-ceiling issue will set the trend for the stock markets in the week ahead, experts say.

"Inflation numbers will be eyed this week. Also, second-quarterly results, which have started on a good note, will be in focus and stock-specific movement will be likely," said Rakesh Goyal, senior vice president at Bonanza Portfolio.

Reliance Industries is scheduled to report earnings on October 14, HDFC Bank and TCS on October 15, Bajaj Auto (16th), HCL Technologies (17th) and Larsen and Toubro (18th).

Infosys on Friday posted a 1.6% increase in consolidated profit at Rs 2,407 crore and boosted its dollar revenue growth guidance to 9-10% for the fiscal year.

Inflation data for September, as measured by the wholesale price index (WPI) and the consumer price index (CPI), are due to be released on September 14. WPI inflation accelerated to a six-month high of 6.1% in August, driven by prices of onions and other kitchen items.
 
The Reserve Bank of India, in its Mid-Quarter Monetary Policy Review on September 20, increased a key policy rate, saying inflation had to be brought down to more tolerable levels. The RBI's next policy review is on October 29.

The stock markets will be closed on Wednesday for Bakri Id. Over the past week, the benchmark BSE S&P Sensex gained 612.64 points, or 3.08%, to 20,528.59.

"Sentiment was boosted by positive global markets, which recovered as investors hoped the US will soon reach some conclusion regarding government shutdown," Goyal added.

Investors will look for clarity on US lawmakers extending the US debt ceiling before the October 17 deadline. US stocks rose for the second day in a row on Friday, the 11th day of a government shutdown, as investors bet against a debt default.