Markets to see volatility amid F&O expiry, GDP data: experts

The stock market is expected to see volatility this week as traders roll over their positions in the futures & options (F&O) segment and economic growth numbers are released.

Some of the other factors that are likely to impact stock market movement in the truncated trading in the week ahead include the GDP data figure that is scheduled to be released on February 28, inflows by foreign institutional investors and global cues.

The stock market will remain closed on Thursday on account of Mahashivratri.

"In the coming week, expiry of the near month February 2014 F&O contracts may trigger volatility on the bourses," leading brokerage firm Sharekhan said in its research note.

F&O contracts expire on Wednesday. Besides, futures trading on the National Stock Exchange's volatility index -- India VIX -- begins from Wednesday.

Kotak Securities Head - Private Client Group, Research Dipen Shah said: "The F&O expiry next week can provide some more volatility to the markets. Going ahead, we believe that, markets will remain in a band with no immediate triggers."

Shah further added that the outcome of the political event or any global development are the important triggers to watch out for, in the medium term.

Besides, inflation and IIP data next month will have a bearing on the RBI's decision at the next policy meeting.

Shares of automobile companies would be in focus as they start unveiling monthly sales volumes data for February 2014 from Saturday, March 1, 2014.

The 30-share BSE sensitive index gained 333.93 points last week following the Interim Budget in which excise duties were cut for the auto sector. It had shed points in each of the previous three weeks.

The NSE 50-share Nifty rose 64 points, or 1.05 per cent, to end at 6,155.45. For the week, the NSE barometer gained 107.10 points.