Amid a rebound in global crude oil prices, key equity benchmark indices in India edged lower in what was a volatile trading session. The barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, fell below the psychological 29,000 level, having alternately moved above and below that mark in intraday trade. The market breadth indicating the overall health of the market was negative. The Sensex was provisionally off 152.87 points or 0.52% to 28,969.40.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) kept its main lending rate viz. the repo rate unchanged at 7.75% after a monetary policy review today, 3 February 2015. The central bank announced a reduction in the statutory liquidity ratio (SLR) of scheduled commercial banks by 50 basis points with effect from the fortnight beginning 7 February 2015 in order to create space for banks to expand credit to the productive sectors so as to support investment and growth in the economy.
The central bank said that it has decided to allow foreign portfolio investors reinvestment of coupons in government securities even when the existing limits are fully utilised. Simultaneously, the RBI has decided that henceforth all future investments by foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) within the limit for investment in corporate bonds will be allowed only in paper with a minimum residual maturity of three years. Furthermore, FPIs will not be allowed to invest incrementally in short maturity liquid/money market mutual fund schemes, the RBI said.
Bank stocks declined across the board after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) kept its main lending rate viz. the repo rate unchanged after a monetary policy review. Punjab National Bank slumped after reporting muted growth in Q3 net profit.
Earlier, the Sensex hit 1-1/2-week low and the 50-unit CNX Nifty hit its lowest level in almost two weeks as these two benchmark indices extended intraday losses in early afternoon trade.
Foreign portfolio investors sold shares worth a net Rs 629.97 crore yesterday, 2 February 2015, as per provisional data.
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In the overseas markets, European stocks edged higher amid hopes that Greece's new government would be able to reach a compromise with its international creditors on the terms of the nation's bailout. Asian stocks were mixed. US stocks ended sharply higher yesterday, 2 February 2015, after a late rally driven by hopes for a Greek debt deal and as energy shares bounced with oil prices.
In the foreign exchange market, the rupee edged higher against the dollar in choppy trade.
Brent crude oil futures edged higher on speculation that a sharp decline in US drilling activity will result in supply cuts.
As per provisional closing, the S&P BSE Sensex was off 152.87 points or 0.52% to 28,969.40. The index fell 221.86 points at the day's low of 28,900.41 in early afternoon trade, its lowest level since 22 January 2015. The index jumped 130.79 points at the day's high of 29,253.06 in early trade.
The CNX Nifty was off 40.85 points or 0.46% at 8,756.55, as per provisional closing. The index hit a low of 8,726.65 in intraday trade, its lowest level since 21 January 2015. The index hit a high of 8,837.30 in intraday trade.
The BSE Mid-Cap index was off 30.90 points or 0.29% at 10,768.23. The BSE Small-Cap index was off 30.06 points or 0.26% at 11,426.78. The decline in both these indices was lower than Sensex's decline in percentage terms.
The market breadth indicating the overall health of the market was negative. On BSE, 1,537 shares declined and 1,329 shares advanced. A total of 124 shares were unchanged.
The total turnover on BSE amounted to Rs 4724 crore, higher than turnover of Rs 4201.09 crore during previous trading session.
Bank stocks declined across the board after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) kept its main lending rate viz. the repo rate unchanged after a monetary policy review. Among private sector banks, HDFC Bank (down 2.3%), Kotak Mahindra Bank (down 3.89%), Federal Bank (down 1.28%), Karnataka Bank (down 3.7%), South Indian Bank (down 2.14%), and ING Vysya Bank (down 4.2%), ICICI Bank (down 1.56%), Yes Bank (down 3.63%) and IndusInd Bank (down 2.39%) edged lower.
Among public sector banks, Allahabad Bank (down 4.07%), Andhra Bank (down 2.24%), Bank of Baroda (down 1.73%), Bank of India (down 4.72%), Corporation Bank (down 4.72%), Indian Overseas Bank (down 3.84%), IDBI Bank (down 3.41%), Syndicate Bank (down 2.5%), UCO Bank (down 4.95%), Union Bank of India (down 2.48%), United Bank of India (down 2.15%), Vijaya Bank (down 0.5%), and Bank of Maharashtra (down 0.96%) edged lower.
After the conclusion of monetary policy review, the RBI today, 3 February 2015, said that in the case of a delayed project where there has been a change in ownership and management, the RBI has decided to provide further flexibility to lenders by allowing a further extension of the envisaged date of commencement of commercial operations (DCCO) of the project without adversely affecting the asset classification of loans to such projects, subject to certain conditions.
Under the Framework for Revitalising Distressed Assets in the economy, banks are allowed to reverse the excess provision on sale of non-performing assets (NPAs) to securitisation companies/reconstruction companies when the cash received (by way of initial sale consideration and/or redemption of security receipts/pass-through certificates) is higher than the net book value (NBV) of the asset, with a view to incentivising banks to recover appropriate value in respect of their NPAs, subject to certain conditions. This dispensation is currently available on a prospective basis only with regard to NPAs sold on or after 26 February 2014. The RBI has now decided to extend this to NPAs sold prior to 26 February 2014.
The RBI also said that it is in discussions with the Securities & Exchange Board of India (Sebi) for waiver, under certain specific circumstances, of the requirement of compliance with the Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements (ICDR) regulations and the Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers (SAST) regulations by bank for conversion of a company's debt into equity under a loan restructuring arrangement.
The RBI also said that it has decided to allow issue of non-callable term deposits by banks and that it will soon issue guidelines in this regard.
State Bank of India (SBI) fell 2.7% at Rs 299.50. The stock hit a high of Rs 311.70 and a low of Rs 299. Reliance Industries rose 3.21% to Rs 937. SBI and Reliance Industries (RIL) said in a joint statement issued after market hours yesterday, 2 February 2015, that RIL has applied for a Payments Bank license. RIL will be the promoter and State Bank of India (SBI) will be the joint venture partner with equity investment of upto 30%. The payments bank will leverage SBI's nationwide distribution network and risk management capabilities alongwith the substantial investments made by RIL in its retail and telecom businesses, the two companies said in a press release. It will deploy state-of-the-art technology, build scalable infrastructure and create extensive branch and business correspondent network in order to provide last-mile access and intuitive user experience to all sections of society, the press release added.
Canara Bank fell 4.33% at Rs 435.05. The stock hit a high of Rs 461.35 and a low of Rs 435.05. The bank after market hours yesterday, 2 February 2015, said that as per the powers delegated by the Board of the bank, the Bond Committee, during the course of its meeting held on 2 February 2015, decided to raise additional Tier- I instruments amounting to Rs 1500 crore through issue of BASEL-III complaint additional Tier-I perpetual bonds by way of private placement.
Punjab National Bank (PNB) tumbled 8.44% at Rs 175.80. PNB's net profit rose 2.53% to Rs 774.56 crore on 8.24% growth in total income to Rs 12904.85 crore in Q3 December 2014 over Q3 December 2013. The result was announced during market hours today, 3 February 2015.
PNB's ratio of gross non-performing assets (NPAs) to gross advances stood at 5.97% as on 31 December 2014 compared with 5.65% as on 30 September 2014 and 4.96% as on 31 December 2013. The ratio of net NPAs to net advances stood at 3.82% as on 31 December 2014 compared with 3.26% as on 30 September 2014 and 2.8% as on 31 December 2013.
The bank's provisions and contingencies declined 7.68% to Rs 1467.77 crore in Q3 December 2014 over Q3 December 2013. Provision coverage ratio as on 31 December 2014 stood at 57.27%.
PNB's Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) as per Basel III stood at 11.54% as on 31 December 2014 compared with 11.79% as on 30 September 2014 and 11.02% as on 31 December 2013.
ACC fell 0.72% at Rs 1,515.15. The stock hit a high of Rs 1,570 and a low of Rs 1,498.80. ACC's consolidated net profit rose 18.31% to Rs 326.22 crore on 1.81% growth in total income from operations (net) to Rs 2837.03 crore in Q4 December 2014 over Q4 December 2013. The result was announced during market hours today, 3 February 2015.
ACC said that that the company continues to focus on enhancing customer value and cost optimization through its institutionalizing excellence programme. Consequent to an order of the Supreme Court restraining mining under deemed extension of second and subsequent renewals of mining leases, limestone mining operations at Chaibasa and Bargarh plants remained temporarily suspended during Q4 December 2014, resulting in an exceptional increase in cost. As per New Mining Ordinance of January 2015, the company said it expects these operations to commence shortly.
With regard to future business outlook, ACC said that based on present indications, the company sees a modest but steady revival for the Indian economy in 2015 leading to some improving trends in all sectors of the economy. The infrastructure, housing and construction sectors are expected to register faster growth in the near term with a positive impact on demand for cement, ACC said in a statement.
ACC's board of directors at its meeting held today, 3 February 2015, recommended payment of a final dividend of Rs 19 per share for the year ended 31 December 2014.
Lupin fell 0.51% at Rs 1,547.70. The stock hit a high of Rs 1,576 and a low of Rs 1,523.55. Lupin's consolidated net profit rose 26.3% to Rs 601.50 crore on 5.4% growth in net sales to Rs 3144.90 crore in Q3 December 2014 over Q3 December 2013. The result was announced during market hours today, 3 February 2015.
Lupin's EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation, and amortization) rose 19.9% to Rs 966.30 crore in Q3 December 2014 over Q3 December 2013.
Commenting on the company's performance, Mr. Nilesh Gupta, Managing Director, Lupin said: "The company's continued focus on improving operational efficiencies has led to sustained margins and profit growth notwithstanding regulatory delays that have resulted in pressures on the topline. The performance for the three quarters taken as a whole is more representative of the growth enjoyed by the company
Marico fell 3.5% at Rs 347.90. The stock hit a high of Rs 367.60 and a low of Rs 339. Marico's consolidated net profit rose 18% to Rs 160 crore on 21% growth in revenue from operations to Rs 1452 crore in Q3 December 2014 over Q3 December 2013. The result was announced during market hours today, 3 February 2015.
Marico's EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation, and amortization) rose 17% to Rs 237 crore in Q3 December 2014 over Q3 December 2013.
Marico said that FY 2016 could witness a muted topline growth due to deflation as a result of reducing raw material prices. However, the company will aim at a volume growth of 8-10%, Marico said. The company will focus on building capabilities to set it up for growth in the long run, Marico said in a statement.
In the foreign exchange market, the rupee edged higher against the dollar in choppy trade. The partially convertible rupee was hovering at 61.735, compared with its close of 61.80 during the previous trading session.
Brent crude oil futures edged higher on speculation that a sharp decline in US drilling activity will result in supply cuts. Brent for March settlement was up $1.60 a barrel at $56.35 a barrel. The contract had jumped $1.76 a barrel or 3.32% to settle at $54.75 a barrel during the previous trading session.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) kept its main lending rate viz. the repo rate unchanged at 7.75% after a monetary policy review today, 3 February 2015. The RBI announced a reduction in the statutory liquidity ratio (SLR) of scheduled commercial banks by 50 basis points with effect from the fortnight beginning 7 February 2015 in order to create space for banks to expand credit to the productive sectors so as to support investment and growth in the economy. The RBI has decided to replace the export credit refinance (ECR) facility with the provision of system level liquidity with effect from 7 February 2015. In pursuance of the Dr. Urjit R. Patel Committee's recommendation to move away from sector-specific refinance, the ECR limit has been gradually lowered since June 2014. Continuing with this rationalisation, it has been decided to merge the facility with system level liquidity provision with effect from 7 February 2015, the RBI said. The central bank said it will continue to meet system wide liquidity needs as per the revised liquidity adjustment framework announced on 22 August 2014.
The RBI said that as per its assessment, inflation is likely to be around its target level of 6% by January 2016. As regards the path of inflation in 2015-16, the Reserve Bank of India will keenly monitor the revision in the consumer price index (CPI), which will rebase the index to 2012 and incorporate a more representative consumption basket along with methodological improvements. The RBI said that the upside risks to inflation stem from the unlikely possibility of significant fiscal slippage, uncertainty on the spatial and temporal distribution of the monsoon during 2015 as also the low probability but highly influential risks of reversal of international crude prices due to geo-political events. Heightened volatility in global financial markets, including through the exchange rate channel, also constitute a significant risk to the inflation assessment, RBI Governor Dr. Raghuram G. Rajan said in a statement.
The outlook for growth has improved modestly on the back of disinflation, real income gains from decline in oil prices, easier financing conditions and some progress on stalled projects. These conditions should augur well for a reinvigoration of private consumption demand, but the overall impact on growth could be partly offset by the weaker global growth outlook and short-run fiscal drag due to likely compression in plan expenditure in order to meet consolidation targets set for the year. The RBI has retained its baseline projection for growth using the old GDP base at 5.5% for 2014-15. The RBI has forecast real GDP growth at 6.5% for 2015-16, with risks broadly balanced. The revised GDP statistics (base 2011-12) released on 30 January 2015 along with advance estimates for 2014-15 expected on 9 February 2015 will need to be carefully analysed and could result in revisions to the RBI's growth projections for 2015-16, the central bank said.
Given that there have been no substantial new developments on the disinflationary process or on the fiscal outlook after 15 January 2015 -- the day when the RBI cut repo rate by 25 basis points in an unscheduled monetary policy review, it is appropriate for the RBI to await them and maintain the current interest rate stance, Rajan said.
The RBI said that despite a generalised fall in the cost of funds, commercial banks have yet to pass through these effects, as also the effects of the RBI's repo rate cut announced on 15 January 2015, into the spectrum of lending rates.
The RBI further said that the global financial markets remain vulnerable to uncertainty surrounding monetary policy normalization in advanced economies (AEs) as well as possibly weaker growth in China and oil exporting emerging market economies.
After the latest monetary policy review, the central bank said that it has decided to allow foreign portfolio investors reinvestment of coupons in government securities even when the existing limits are fully utilised. Simultaneously, the RBI has decided that henceforth all future investments by foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) within the limit for investment in corporate bonds will be allowed only in paper with a minimum residual maturity of three years. Furthermore, FPIs will not be allowed to invest incrementally in short maturity liquid/money market mutual fund schemes, the RBI said.
The RBI has decided to allow the stock exchanges to introduce cash settled interest rate futures (IRF) contracts on 5-7-year and 13-15 year Government of India Securities. At present, IFR contracts are allowed only in cash settled IRF contract on 10-year Government of India (GoI) Security.
With regard to currency futures, the RBI said that domestic entities and FPIs will henceforth be allowed to take foreign currency positions in the USD-INR pair up to $15 million per exchange without having to establish the existence of any underlying exposure. In addition, they shall be allowed to take foreign currency positions in EUR-INR, GBP-INR and JPY-INR pairs, all put together up to $5 million equivalent per exchange, without having to establish the existence of any underlying exposure. Domestic entities and FPIs who want to take a position exceeding the above limits in the exchange traded currency derivatives (ETCD) market will have to establish the existence of an underlying exposure, the RBI said.
For importers of goods and services, the limit up to which they can take appropriate hedging positions in ETCD markets will be determined as 100 per cent of the higher of the average of their last three years' imports turnover or the previous year's turnover, compared with 50% at present. Documentation and other administrative requirements for hedging on the ETCD markets are also being rationalised, the RBI said.
European stocks edged higher today, 3 February 2015, amid hopes that Greece's new government would be able to reach a compromise with its international creditors on the terms of the nation's bailout. Key indices in Germany, France, and UK were up 1.13% to 1.24%.
Greece's new government has proposed ending a standoff with its international creditors by swapping its outstanding debt for new growth-linked bonds, Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis was quoted as saying yesterday, 2 February 2015.
Asian stocks were mixed today, 3 February 2015. Key indices in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Indonesia were up 0.29% to 2.47%. Key indices in Japan, South Korea and Singapore were off 0.04% to 1.27%.
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) cut its key policy rate by a quarter percentage point after a monetary policy review today, 3 February 2015, citing weak inflation and a stronger-than-desired currency. The move put the cash rate at a historic low of 2.25%. In comments accompanying the move, RBA Governor Glenn Stevens said that the consumer price index recorded the lowest increase for several years in 2014 and it appears likely that inflation will remain consistent with the target over the next one to two years given weak growth in labor costs. Meanwhile, Stevens repeated the RBA view that the Australian dollar remained above most estimates of its fundamental value, particularly given the significant declines in key commodity prices.
Trading in US index futures indicated that the Dow could gain 12 points at the opening bell today, 3 February 2015. US stocks ended sharply higher yesterday, 2 February 2015 after a late rally driven by hopes for a Greek debt deal and as energy shares bounced with oil prices.
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