Increase Your Exposure To FDs As Elections Draw Near

The Sensex at near 38,400 points is not very cheap. In fact, Foreign Portfolio Investors have been buying huge quantities of stocks, on the belief that we would have a NDA government back.

Balakot Airstrikes a blessing for stock markets

The Balakot air strikes were a great blessing for the markets. In fact, since then we have seen the markets jumping a huge 3,000 points (Sensex). The belief is that Narendra Modi's chances to return to power have increased substantially following the strikes, as opinion polls suggest.

This has led to some frenzied buying in stocks, pushing the Sensex and the Nifty just a few per centage points from record highs. In fact, in the next few days one may also see the markets hitting a new high. The broader markets are languishing though and need to see some movement. Many believe that it is just a matter of time before the broader markets play catch-up.

Sensex on a roll

The Sensex has now climbed for eight straight trading days and is on a tear. On a month-on-month basis, the indices have gained a staggering 7 per cent. For example, on March 8 it closed at 36,671 points and is now trading at 38,493 points.

The surge is led by strong Foreign Portfolio Investment, though one must admit that domestic institutions have been on a selling spree. The trend is likely to continue at least until the elections are announced. However, one must exercise caution in place of over exuberance and be very selective in buying.

Global cues would be the key

Global cues would be the key for the markets to make a strong comeback. In fact, most global markets have been rallying and India has now played catch-up.

The US Federal Reserve has also sounded extra dovish and is unlikely to raise interest rates this year on worries of growth.

It has already stated that it would not be increasing interest rates this year, which is good for the stock markets. Apart from this the Brexit is also expected to be smooth, which could push global indices even higher in the coming days.

Corporate results to also drive markets

Corporate numbers are also expected to drive India's markets. Individual stocks are expected to react to their numbers. It is likely that this time the earnings would be led by banks, which are expected to do well.

On the other hand, it is largely expected that numbers from the metal space would be more tepid. One thing is certain though and that is markets are expected to be immensely volatile in the coming days.