Flat opening seen; Consumer discretionary stocks in focus

The early indicator SGX Nifty is down 0.2% at 7,843 levels

Markets are likely to open on a subdued note mirroring weakness in the Asian peers, after a flat closing on the Wall Street as hopes of an interest rate hike by the US Federal Reserve in the month of December continued to keep investors edgy.

Movement of rupee against the US dollar, FII stance is likely to dictate the trend on the bourses.

Meanwhile, consumer discretionary stocks are likely to remain in focus after the seventh pay commission submitted its report to Finance Minister yesterday. The recommendations include a substantial rise in salaries of central government employees and pensioners with effect from January 1, 2016 which in turn will boost sales of affordable homes and consumer durables steering demand in the economy.

In the consumer related basket, Voltas, Symphony, Jubilant Foodwaorks, Asian Paints, Bata and Shoppers Stop are likely to show some reaction. Meanwhile, spike in the auto stocks including Tata Motors, Bajaj Auto, Maruti Suzuki and Hero Motocorp are likely to garner limelight. CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL STORY

Among other stocks, Aditya Birla group companies Hindalco and Birla Carbon are likely to show some action after the companies decided to tap the international markets to raise around $2.43 billion by early next year, to bring down their financing costs.

CORPORATE NEWS

Nalco has signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Skill Development Fund and National Skill Development Corporation, under which NALCO will contribute 5% of its corporate social responsibility funds in the current year. 

Punj Lloyd secured two rural electrification project orders worth Rs 483 crore from state-run generator NTPC.

PTC India Financial Services signed a pact with India Infrastructure Finance Company (IIFCL) to provide financing for infrastructure projects. 
 

Dr Reddy's has filed a lawsuit in a US court against Anglo-Swedish drug giant AstraZeneca alleging material breach of a settlement agreement that had released the company from any liability in connection with generic versions of Nexium, the blockbuster drug used to treat heartburns and gastric ulcers. 

NTPC plans to raise funds through 'masala bonds'. 
 

Lukewarm aluminium prices at the London Metal Exchange has prompted diversified metals major Vedanta to hold back a plan to scale up its smelter capacity at Jharsuguda in Odisha from 0.5 million tonnes per annum to 0.8 mtpa.