Markets likely to remain volatile, Railway Budget eyed

Stock markets are likely to see volatile trading sessions this week amid derivatives expiry, with all eyes set on two key events—Railway Budget and Economic Survey report, say experts.

“Trend in global markets, crude oil prices, Economic Survey, reform measures announcement in upcoming Railway Budget and rupee-dollar movement will dictate trend on the bourses. Indices may remain volatile with positive bias ahead of expiry of February series derivative contract in the week ahead,” said Gaurav Jain, Director, Hem Securities.

Market experts said that F&O expiry and Budget will dominate the market sentiment in absence of major global cues.

“Markets may remain volatile as derivative contracts expire on Thursday. Market movement would depend on trend in global markets, investment by foreign investors and movement of crude oil prices,” said Vivek Gupta, CMT Director Research, CapitalVia Global Research Limited.

Overseas investors have pulled out a massive Rs 4,600 crore from the Indian capital markets this month so far, primarily on account of continuous fall in crude oil prices and fears of a global slowdown.

“The next major trigger for the stock market is the Railway Budget and Union Budget 2016-17,” said Vijay Singhania, Founder-Director, Trade Smart Online.

The Budget session of Parliament is set to start on Tuesday and the General Budget will be presented on February 29.

“We expect a lot of action in stocks of companies in steel, cement, coal, iron ore and fertiliser sectors amid Railway Budget on February 25,” Singhania added. Over the past week, the BSE Sensex has gained 723.03 points to 23,709.15.

“We expect sector-specific movement based on expectations from the Union Budget. A credible Union Budget, with focus on growth and fiscal rectitude, will help improve sentiments of the markets,” said Dipen Shah, Senior Vice-President and Head of Private Client Group Research, Kotak Securities.