TRIGGERS WEEKLY (JAN 27 – JAN 31) – PREPARING FOR NEXT WEEK January 26, 2020

Trigger for the Week How will it impact?
Markets likely to react favourably to Brent Crude below $61/bbl
  • Combination of US supply at 20 million bpd and the China virus will keep oil prices under pressure
Private banks to react to weakening asset quality across the board
  • Apart from HDFC Bank and Kotak Bank, ICICI Bank also saw a sharp rise in its BB quality loan portfolio
Direct tax cuts in the Budget 2020 could drive markets this week
  • Higher taxable slabs and lower rates could be positive for consumption and banking stocks this week
All eyes will be on the fiscal deficit outlook in the Budget 2020
  • Fiscal deficit under 3.8% will be seen as positive for banks and other rate sensitive sectors
F&O expiry on Thursday likely to be marked by Budget accumulation
  • India enters a long 6-day trading week and F&O expiry could see buying and long rollover in budget stocks
Big Q3 results are due this week across key heavyweights
  • Big numbers this week from HDFC, SBI, Bharti, Bajaj Auto, Maruti, HUL and Tech Mahindra to drive markets
Markets await the update on the Chinese corona virus story
  • With weak demand being a real threat, any update on control measures will be seen as positive by markets
Big budget focus will be on income taxes, LTCG tax and DDT
  • Rationalization of these taxes considering the economic slowdown could be a big boost for the markets
AGR due date may be gone but this week could be critical for telcos
  • Bharti and Vodafone still need to pay a princely sum. Any concession will be welcomed by telcos this week
Watch out for the economic survey ahead of the budget announcement
  • The GDP growth and inflation outlook will be critical in determining the future stance of the Budget 2020
Keep an eye on the VIX which shot up sharply during the week
  • The 820 point fall in Sensex was accompanied by VIX above 15 and that could add to expiry volatility
Asian market reaction could be delayed due to New Year holidays
  • Apart from the Chinese New year, Australia Day may also keep Asian markets tepid during the week
US Fed meets on 28-29 Jan and rate cuts are already ruled out
  • With rate cuts unlikely, the focus for Indian markets will be on the language of the Fed and its monetary outlook
BREXIT is on Jan-31 with withdrawal agreement already signed on 24 Jan
  • Indian markets on Budget Day could also react to the outcome of the BREXIT and the global volatility