Volatility mars Indian indices

Fri, 1 Mar Closing

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Indian equity markets began the day's proceedings on a cautious note. Although trading largely remained above the dotted line, alternate bouts of buying and selling meant that it was restricted within a range. The final trading hour saw the indices close in the positive territory. While the BSE-Sensex closed higher by 57 points, the NSE-Nifty closed higher by 26 points. While the BSE Mid Cap closed marginally into the green, the BSE Small Cap closed marginally lower. Gains were largely seen in auto and consumer durables stocks.

As regards global markets, Asian indices closed mixed today while European indices have opened in the red. The rupee was trading at Rs 54.80 to the dollar at the time of writing.

Auto ancillary major Bosch Ltd has announced results for the quarter and year ended December 2012. The company's sales grew by 6% YoY during the quarter. Growth was subdued as the economic downtrend continued in the fourth quarter. The auto industry was adversely affected, most notably the medium and heavy commercial vehicles and tractors space which contribute significantly to the company's business. As the volumes from these segments declined, the impact was felt by Bosch as well. Profitability took a major beating as net profits fell 38% YoY during the quarter. Sales growth for CY12 stood at 6% YoY as well and the major contributors were starter motors and generators division, automotive aftermarket as well as the non-automotive business. The stock closed lower by 2% today.

Auto stocks closed mixed today. While Maruti Suzuki and Ashok Leyland led the pack of gainers, Hero Motocorp closed into the red. As per a leading business daily, TVS Motors announced sales volumes numbers for February 2013. Total volumes fell by 4% YoY to 165,696 units during the month. While two wheeler sales dropped 5% YoY, those of three wheelers surged 57% YoY. As far as two wheelers are concerned, while motorcycle volumes increased by 3% YoY, scooter volumes dropped 17% YoY. As far as exports are concerned, overall volumes rose by a healthy 22% YoY, out of which growth in two wheeler exports stood at 12% YoY. While the economic slowdown in the country has obviously impacted auto players including TVS Motors, the company's performance on the exports front during the month has been decent given that in the December 2012 quarter, exports had plunged 37% YoY. The stock of TVS Motors closed firm today.