MOSt
Advisor
Monthly Markets Newsletter
April 2018
In This Issue
•
Market Outlook for the month
•
Investment Ideas
• Technical & Derivatives Outlook
• Commodities Market Outlook
• Model Advisory Portfolios
• Managed Funds (PMS)
Key Highlights
Volatility likely to remain elevated in 2018
Evidence of demand revival in selected pockets
Q4 earnings to be key driver
Dear Investor,
Market in March 2018:
Equity market continued its slide for
second consecutive month, with Nifty falling by 3.6% in
March, after sliding 4.9% in February. For FY18, Nifty closed
at 10,114 with gains of just 10.2%, wiping out majority of
Global Market
Index
31-Mar 18
MoM (%)
YoY(%)
Sensex
Nifty
FTSE
Dow
Nasdaq
Hang Sang
32,969
10,114
7,057
24,103
7,063
30,093
-3.6
-3.6
-2.4
-3.7
-2.9
-2.4
11.3
10.2
-3.6
16.6
19.5
24.8
yearly gains. Midcaps underperformed Nifty both in March
(-4.6%) and in FY18 (9%). Markets were trapped in volatility
in February and March owing to unsupportive global developments on bond yields,
fears of potential trade conflict as well as domestic political uncertainty. Both FIIs
and DIIs were net buyers of equities in March at Rs7,905 crores and Rs6,694 crores
respectively.
After a relatively calm 2017, we believe volatility will remain elevated in 2018 -
especially given the market concerns about a potential global trade war after the US
initiated tariff actions on imports from certain countries. Moreover, the General
Elections due early next year, would also add to uncertainty in the market.
Economic Pulse
Key Indicators Current Mth
Pre. Mth
IIP
CPI
10 Year Yield
USD/ INR
Crude ($)
Gold (10 gms)
7.5%
4.44%
7.39%
65.17
70.27
30,630
7.1%
5.07%
7.73%
65.17
65.78
30,398
Nevertheless, the markets have something to cheer about with evidence of demand
revival in selected pockets (IIP data, core sector growth, monthly vehicle sales data,
fuel consumption data and GDP numbers), which all point toward improving trend
in macros. Further, there are indications about green shoots of capex recovery in
sectors such as steel, cement and refinery. We expect GDP growth of 6.7% in FY19
and inflation to remain under control at around 4.4%.
Outlook:
The volatility in equity market is likely to continue in the coming month
as well. However there could be a silver lining with earning season round the corner.
The recent correction does offer a good buying opportunity but one should prefer
companies which have quality along with good and consistent earnings visibility. Our
CY18 theme of 'Consumption Recovery' is playing out well, with strong performances
across consumer and auto companies. We believe the government will look to drive
consumption demand in an election year. However, a spike in crude oil price remains
a key risk as it can distort the improving macro picture.
Thought for the month
An investor’s worst enemy
is not the stock market,
but his own
emotions
Siddhartha Khemka
Vice President- Head - Retail Research
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