12 stocks to watch in today's trade; WPI in focus

Markets are likely to open on a positive note tracking strength in the Asian peers. However, investors will keenly await for the WPI numbers due to be released today. Meanwhile, Movement of rupee and crude oil is likely to dictate the trend on the bourses. 

Asian shares are trading mixed on Friday as crude oil futures remained under pressure, crashing to 6-1/2-year lows after data indicated a big increase in US stockpiles arising fears of a growing global glut.

US stocks closed mostly lower Thursday as favourable retail sales and jobless claims suggested the US economy is in a good shape and hence indicates a rate hike by the Fed this year.

European markets closed higher as investors keenly awaited developments in Chinese yuan and Greece's third bailout program.

STOCKS ON THE RADAR

Prominent companies including Cipla, Jet Airways and Hindalco are due to present their quarterly numbers later today.

Nestle India is likely to remain in focus after the High Court ruled on Thursday in favour of Nestle in its challenge to a ban imposed by FSSAI.

DLF posted a 5% decline in consolidated net profit at Rs 121.6 crore for the June quarter due tohigher finance cost. The net profit stood at Rs 128 crore in the samequarter last year.

Ashok Leyland decides to set up three or five assembling plants outside India. The first plant is expected to go on stream by end of the current fiscal and each of these plants would attract investment of around Rs 30-50 crore. 

Infrastructure development and construction company IRB's net for Q1 ended June 30 up by 11% at Rs 166 crore against Rs 150 crore for the corresponding quarter previous year.

Essar Ports reported 7.4% rise in consolidated net profit at Rs 99.05 crore for the quarter ended June 30.

NBCC reported a 31.5% increase in its consolidated net profit at Rs 44.08 crore for the quarter ended June 30, 2015. 

Tata Steel has received shareholders' nod to raise up to Rs 10,000 crore through securities to meet capital requirements. 

Unitech  posted a consolidated net loss of Rs 281.29 crore during the quarter ended June 30, as the company booked a capital loss in sale of an IT park project by its overseas group firm. 

ONGC’s first quarter profit climbed 14% in a year, on the back of higher crude oil price realisation and a comparatively lower write-off.