Jinx Ends

After eight consecutive sessions of losses, bourses ended business today with gains. It was also an end to the 'Friday jinx, which the exchanges have been witnessing for the past several weeks.

However, punters seem to be adamant as the day's weak sentiment and low volumes stand enough proof for this theory.

Digital display

The Dutch Brokerage ran up the Digital Equipments counter today. The firm, which had an order of around four lakh shares, managed to push the scrip to the upper end of the filter. Digital Equipments has been one of the best performers and today the stock appreciated by more than 100 percent.

The stock has, in fact, outperformed frontline counters such as Satyam Computer and HCL Technologies. It can definitely be considered as one of the top three software counters of interest along with Infosys Technologies and Wipro.

Cement hardens

The Simple Simon Brokerage picked up around 12 lakh shares of ACC in the previous session which is helping the counter to hold ground. The stock is bound to be in the thick of action.

Gloomy forecast

The Big Bull Brokerage in its report on the fast-moving consumer goods sector has said that April has been one of the worst months for the sector in the last one year. The poor numbers, it says, are the result of a weak rural economy and dull consumer sentiment. But it feels that a good monsoon could provide a trigger to reverse the trend.

Narrowing down to its recommendations, it feels that SmithKline Beecham has a limited downside and strong potential for a re-rating sine it is of the view that the consumer business will be sold globally. It is also optimistic on Colgate since it believes that its marketing investments in the last few years are beginning to give dividends.

Miscellany

The E- Name Brokerage picked up two lakh shares of BPCL today, while Universal Banking supposedly completed its deal in Infosys Technologies, picking up 40,000 shares.