MARKETS RECOUPED most of its earlier week’s losses on the back of positive global cues, renewed FII buying, robust automobile sales and a strong show of agriculture sector in GDP numbers. On the Bombay Stock Exchange, the Sensex gained 223 points to close at 18,221 and the Nifty on the NSE surged 71 points to 5,479. Midcap and smallcap indices outperformed benchmark indices reflecting stock specific activity in the markets.

Confusion and revision of GDP numbers have raised fears about the robustness of the Indian growth story. Data discrepancies have been attributed to use of different GDP deflators. Analysts expect that the controversy will be put to rest quickly by the government.

With the timeline for introduction of GST and DTC extended, the market’s focus is now back to global cues and second quarter numbers. Ahead of the second quarter results, marketmen expect a positive build up of positions in ‘strong’ stocks. A better than expected report on the US job market pushed the US market indices into the black for the year. Chartists predict a trading range of 18,000-18,680 for the Sensex and 5,380-5,640 for the Nifty. Expect resistance to indices around 18,450 and 18,570 and 5,550 and 5,640. Supports for the week are at 18,020 and 17,800 and 5,420 and 5,350. A sustained volume action over 5,550 can propel Nifty all the way to 5,700. The willingness to take small losses in some stocks and to let profits grow bigger and bigger in the more promising stocks is essential for good investment management.