News U Can Use
December 28, 2018
The Week that was…
24
th
December to 28
th
December
2
Indian Economy
Government data showed that India’s fiscal deficit for Apr-Nov 2018 came in at Rs. 7.16
lakh crore, or 114.8% of the budgeted target for FY19 as against 112.0% in the year-ago
period. Net tax receipts were Rs. 7.31 lakh crore or 49.4% of the budget estimate for FY19
compared with 57.0% in the corresponding period of the previous year. The government’s
total expenditure for the period from Apr to Nov of 2018 stood at Rs. 16.13 lakh crore or
66.1% of the budget estimate for FY19 compared with 68.9% in the corresponding period
of the previous year.
The finance minister announced that the 28% Goods and Services Tax (GST) slab could
be phased out. This came at the backdrop of the GST Council taking out 23 items from the
highest category of 28%, leaving only 28 items in it. Rates of the 23 items were revised
downwards to 18% and 12% slabs. Tobacco products, luxury vehicles, molasses, air-
conditioners, aerated water, large TVs, and dish washers are a part of the 28% slab.
Cement and auto parts are the only items of common use included in 28% slab. The
minister said the government’s next priority is to transfer cement into a lower slab as all
other building materials have been transferred from 28% to 18% and 12%.
The finance minister indicated that India could adopt a single standard GST rate going in
the future instead of two standard rates of 12% and 18%. He said the single rate could be
a mid-point between the two. The minister added that for this to happen revenue from GST
collection should rise significantly.
3
Indian Equity Market
4
NSE Advance/Decline Ratio
Date Advances Declines
Advance/Decline Ratio
24-Dec-18 543 1242 0.44
26-Dec-18 749 1012 0.74
27-Dec-18 961 804 1.20
28-Dec-18 1133 646 1.75
Source: NSE
Indian equity markets witnessed gains
in the week ended Dec 28, 2018, after
losing in the previous week. Optimism
over central government’s bank
recapitalization announcement helped
boost the market sentiment. The
government is expected to release Rs.
286.15 billion before the end of Dec
2018 towards a fresh tranche of funds
to recapitalise state-run banks.
Strong rupee against the greenback
and decline in crude oil prices added to
the gains. The combination of a
stronger rupee and weaker oil prices
augur well for the economy as it keeps
inflation in check.
However, worries over slowing global
economic growth and anxiety over a
partial U.S. government shutdown has
kept markets around the world under
pressure, thereby restricting the gains.
Ratios
S&P BSE
Sensex
Nifty 50
S&P BSE
Mid Cap
S&P BSE
Small Cap
P/E
23.69 26.16 32.94 -95.85
P/B
3.04 3.43 2.65 2.17
Dividend Yield
1.16 1.24 0.95 0.87
Source: BSE, NSE Value as on Dec 28, 2018
Domestic Equity Market Indices
Indices
28-Dec-18
1 Week
Return
YTD
Return
S&P BSE Sensex
36,076.72 0.94% 5.93%
Nifty 50
10,859.90 0.98% 3.13%
S&P BSE Mid
-Cap 15,360.21 0.70% -13.82%
S&P BSE Small
-Cap 14,605.69 -0.19% -24.05%
Source: MFI Explorer
Indian Equity Market (contd.)
5
Sectoral Indices
Indices
Last Returns (in %)
Closing* 1-Wk 1-Mth
S&P BSE Auto
20,826.80
-0.85%
1.64%
S&P BSE Bankex
30,330.38 1.02% 2.55%
S&P BSE CD
20,552.37 0.68% 1.58%
S&P BSE CG
18,788.82 1.01% 2.38%
S&P BSE FMCG
11,835.84 1.05% 2.87%
S&P BSE HC
13,830.29 0.48% -1.09%
S&P BSE IT
14,052.06 1.14% -1.70%
S&P BSE Metal
11,672.63
-1.35%
0.13%
S&P BSE Oil & Gas
13,781.13 0.93% 3.65%
S&P BSE Teck
7,054.93 1.42% -1.60%
S&P BSE Realty
1,803.00
-2.64%
4.04%
Source: BSE Value as on December 28, 2018
On the BSE sectoral front, indices closed on
a positive note. S&P BSE Teck was the
major gainer that grew 1.42% followed by
S&P BSE IT that grew 1.14%. S&P BSE
FMCG and S&P BSE Bankex gained 1.05%
and 1.02%, respectively.
However, S&P BSE Realty was the major
loser, down 2.64% followed by S&P BSE
Metal that fell 1.35%. S&P BSE Auto fell
0.85%. Stock of an auto major fell after a
major global brokerage house downgraded
the company’s stock to “sell” as it feels future
volumes and results could be muted.
Indian Derivatives Market Review
Nifty Dec 2018 Futures settled at the spot closing of 10,779.80. Nifty Jan 2019 were at
10,907.75, a premium of 47.85 points, over the spot closing 10,859.90. The total turnover
on NSE’s Futures and Options segment for the week stood at Rs. 46.24 lakh crore as
against Rs. 38.78 lakh crore for the week to Dec 21.
The Put-Call ratio stood at 0.90 compared with the previous week’s close of 0.93.
The Nifty Put-Call ratio stood at 1.54 against the previous week’s close of 1.28.
Domestic Debt Market
6
Debt Indicators
(%)
Value
1-
Wk
Ago
1-
Mth
Ago
6-
Mth
Ago
Call Rate
6.57 6.45 6.36 6.13
91 Day T
-Bill
6.67 6.63 6.75 6.47
7.80% 2021, (5
Yr GOI)
6.86 7.01 7.34 7.77
7.17% 2028, (10 Yr GOI)
7.39 7.28 7.64 7.94
Source: Thomson Reuters Eikon
Value as on Dec 28, 2018
Bond yields rose as investor’s
resorted to profit booking ahead of
the quarter-end. Market sentiment
were also dampened amid concerns
over fiscal deficit and higher state
borrowing expectations. However,
decline in crude oil prices and gains
in rupee against the greenback
restricted the losses.
Yields on the 10-year benchmark
paper (7.17% GS 2028) rose 11 bps
to close at 7.39% from the last
week’s close at 7.28%, after trading
in a range of 7.23% to 7.39%.
Data from RBI showed that India's
foreign exchange reserves rose to
$393.29 billion as on Dec 21 from
$393.12 billion in the previous week.
7.20
7.30
7.40
24-Dec 26-Dec 27-Dec 28-Dec
Yield in %
10 -Yr Benchmark Bond ( % )
Source: CCIL
Domestic Debt Market (Spread Analysis)
7
Maturity
G-
Sec Yield
(%)
Corporate Yield
(%)
Spread
bps
1 Year 6.95 8.56 161
3 Year 7.22 8.54 132
5 Year 7.35 8.27 92
10 Year 7.53 8.42 89
Source: Thomson Reuters Eikon
Value as on Dec 28, 2018
Yields on gilt securities increased across
the maturities by up to 13 bps, barring 1-
year paper that fell 4 bps. Yields on 19-
and 30-year papers closed steady.
Corporate bond yields increased across
the maturities in the range of 6 bps to 23
bps, barring 1-year paper that fell 3 bps.
The maximum increase was witnessed
on 10-year paper.
Difference in spread between AAA
corporate bond and gilt expanded across
the maturities by up to 11 bps barring 6-
and 7-year papers that contracted 1 bps
and 2 bps respectively.
-5
5
15
6.00
6.90
7.80
3 Mths 6 Mths 1 Yr 5 Yrs 10 Yrs 20 Yrs 30 Yrs
India Yield Curve Shift (%) (W-o-W)
Change in bps 28-Dec-18 21-Dec-18
Yield
in %
Change
in bps
Source: Thomson Reuters Eikon
Regulatory Updates in India
8
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) asked the finance ministry to appoint at
least two independent members on its board, according to media reports. This is being
done to resolve the problem of “lack of independent voices on its board”. Half of SEBI’s
directors should be independent, but its board has eight members, including the chairman
and four wholetime directors. So, the count of independent directors has gone down from
the prescribed limit.
The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India and the government could use provisions of
the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) against companies that have gone back on their
plans to take over companies via the resolution process and have derailed the entire
process. This could also include a possible jail term.
RBI set up an expert committee headed by its former governor to suggest how the central
bank should handle its reserves. The panel will also suggest whether RBI can transfer its
surplus to the government. The committee will review the existing economic capital
framework (ECF) and submit its report within 90 days of its first meeting.
Regulatory Updates in India (contd..)
Compliance of foreign direct investment (FDI) rules will continue to be monitored by RBI
and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) though the government has tightened FDI rules for e-
commerce companies. The agencies were seen to be lax in enforcing the earlier rules to
discipline errant e-retailers. News reports said revised FDI rules will further squeeze scope
for e-retailers to violate the extant policy by influencing prices of products sold on their
platforms via predatory discounts. The government will finalise the draft e-commerce policy
in a few weeks. The policy will make proposals to further develop the e-commerce sector
and include ways to boost exports via e-commerce.
The GST Council will extend the unbundling of bills beyond healthcare for all categories of
services exempt from the tax, such as education. This could mean separate bills for taxable
and non-taxable components in bills that include services exempt under the GST regime.
The move is aimed at bringing more transparency in billing for consumers and protecting
the government’s revenues.
9
Global News/Economy
According to the Commerce Department, personal income in the U.S. increased by a little
less than expected in Nov 2018. The report at the same time showed a tad stronger than
expected personal spending growth. Personal spending increased 0.2% in Nov 2018 after
inching up 0.5% in Oct 2018. Disposable personal income, which is or personal income less
personal current taxes, also increased 0.2% in Nov 2018 after a 0.5% rise in Oct 2018. The
report also showed personal spending increased 0.4% in Nov 2018 after moving up 0.8% in
Oct 2018.
According to a report from the Federal Statistical Office, Germany’s consumer price index
grew 1.7% YoY in Dec 2018 as against an increase of 2.3% in Nov 2018. This marked the
lowest level since Apr 2018. Consumer price index inched up 0.1% MoM in Dec 2018.
According to Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications data, Japan’s jobless rate came
in at a seasonally adjusted 2.5% in Nov 2018, exceeding expectations, which would have
been the same as Oct 2018 reading. The job-to-applicant ratio was 1.63, the same as
forecasts and more than 1.62 in the previous month. The number of employed in Nov was
67.09 million, a rise of 1.57 million or 2.4% YoY.
University of Michigan data showed an improvement in U.S. consumer sentiment for Dec
2018. Consumer sentiment index for Dec 2018 came in at 98.3 compared to a preliminary
reading of 97.5. Expectations were for the index to stay unrevised.
10
Global Equity Markets
11
Global Indices
Indices
28-Dec-18
1-Week
Return
YTD
Return
Dow Jones
23,062.40 2.75% -6.70%
Nasdaq 100
6,285.27 3.95% -1.74%
FTSE 100
6,733.97 0.19% -12.41%
DAX Index
10,558.96 -0.70% -18.26%
Nikkei Average
20,014.77 -0.75% -12.08%
Straits Times
3,053.43 0.24% -10.27%
Source: Thomson Reuters Eikon
Value as on Dec 28, 2018
U.S.
U.S. markets managed to end the last
trading week of 2018 in green despite
worries over partial government
shutdown.
Investor sentiment soothed after
members of U.S. administration
downplayed reports that the President
has privately discussed firing U.S. Fed
chairman.
Europe
European markets closed on a mixed note. Investors remained jittery as the partial U.S.
government shutdown is expected to continue into Jan. Worries that the U.S. and China
may not agree on a long-term trade deal anytime in the foreseeable future made investors
offload riskier assets. However, further losses were restricted due to bargain hunting.
Asia
Asian markets largely remained under pressure as political uncertainty in the U.S. amid
partial government shutdown and persisting concerns about global economic growth
refrained investors from taking riskier bets. However, tension eased to some extent after
members of U.S. administration downplayed reports that the U.S. President has privately
discussed firing U.S. Fed chairman.
Global Debt (U.S.)
12
Yields on the 10-year U.S. Treasury
bonds fell 5 bps to close at 2.74% from
the previous close of 2.79%.
U.S. Treasury prices rose likely as
investors lowered expectations that the
U.S. Federal Reserve will raise interest
rates further in 2019. A partial U.S.
government shutdown also raised
concerns among the investors, thereby
improving the safe haven appeal of the
U.S. Treasuries.
Prices rose further as renewed trade
tensions between China and the U.S.
have resulted in concerns over
corporate profits and the economy.
Weak U.S. consumer confidence data
for Dec 2018 and domestic pending
home sales for Nov 18 added to the
gains.
2.72
2.74
2.76
2.78
2.80
2.82
24-Dec 26-Dec 28-Dec
Yield in %
US 10-Year Treasury Yield Movement
Source: Thomson Reuters Eikon
Commodities Market
13
Performance of various commodities
Commodities
Last Closing*
1-Week Ago
Brent Crude($/Barrel)
50.51 51.87
Gold ($/Oz)
1,281 1,256
Gold (Rs/10 gm)
31,547 31,114
Silver ($/Oz)
15.34 14.60
Silver (Rs/Kg)
38,133 36,635
Source: Thomson Reuters
Eikon *Value as on Dec 28, 2018
Gold
Gold prices gained over the week on
worries over global economic growth
and renewed China-U.S. tensions. U.S.
President is reportedly considering to
ban U.S. companies from using
equipment made by China’s two major
telecommunication companies.
Brent Crude
Brent crude prices witnessed a
truncated trading week and declined
during the period. Probable fall in
energy demand owing to global
economic slowdown, consistent rise in
U.S. crude stockpiles and an increase in
output from Saudi Arabia weighed on
the prices.
Baltic Dry Index
The Baltic Dry Index witnessed trading
holiday barring on Dec 24 and
registered decline on the back of lower
capesize and panamax activities.
8.40
9.80
11.20
28-Nov-18 13-Dec-18 28-Dec-18
Global Commodity Movement
Gold Spot ($/Oz) Silver Spot ($/Oz) Brent ($/bbl)
Global
Commodity Prices
Rebased to 10
Source: Thomson Reuters Eikon
-2.62%
1.97%
5.07%
Currencies Markets
14
Movement of Rupee vs Other Currencies
Currency
Last Closing*
1-Wk Ago
US Dollar
69.98 70.04
Pound Sterling
88.66 88.70
EURO
80.18 80.21
100 JPY
63.28 62.87
Source: RBI Figures in INR , *
Value as on Dec 28, 2018
Rupee
The Indian rupee strengthened against
the greenback following gains in the
domestic equity market and selling of the
greenback by exporters.
Euro
The euro rose against the greenback as
persisting concerns regarding the partial
U.S. government shutdown and renewed
worries about U.S.-China trade tensions
kept the latter under pressure.
Pound
The pound strengthened against the
greenback as concerns of a prolonged
U.S. government shutdown kept the latter
under pressure.
Yen
The yen strengthened against the
greenback as its safe haven appeal
improved on persisting concerns
regarding partial U.S. government
shutdown and signs of confrontation
between U.S. President and the Fed.
9.80
9.90
10.00
10.10
10.20
10.30
28-Nov-18 8-Dec-18 18-Dec-18 28-Dec-18
USD GBP Euro JPY
Source: RBI
Currency
Prices (
in terms of INR)
Rebased to 10
Currency Movement
- 0.08%
- 0.05%
- 0.04%
0.65%
15
The Week that was…
24
th
December to 28
th
December
The Week that was (Dec 24 Dec 28)
16
Date Events
Present
Value
Previous
Value
Monday,
December 24, 2018
Japan Corporate Service Price (YoY) (Nov) 1.20% 1.30%
Tuesday,
December 25, 2018
Japan Leading Index CI (Oct F) 99.60 100.50
Wednesday,
December 26, 2018
U.S. S&P/Case-
Shiller US Home Price Index (YoY) (Oct)
5.48% 5.52%
Thursday,
December 27, 2018
U.S. Consumer Confidence Index (Dec) 128.1 136.4
Japan Housing Starts (YoY) (Nov) -0.60% 0.30%
Japan Construction Orders (YoY) (Nov) -10.70%
-16.50%
U.S. Initial Jobless Claims (Dec 22) 216k 217k
U.S. House Price Index (MoM) (Oct) 0.30% 0.20%
U.S. Conference Board Present Situation (Dec) 171.6 172.7
Japan Jobless Rate (Nov) 2.50% 2.40%
Japan Industrial Production (YoY) (Nov P) 1.40% 4.20%
Japan Retail Trade (YoY) (Nov) 1.40% 3.60%
Friday,
December 28, 2018
Germany Consumer Price Index (YoY) (Dec P) 1.70% 2.30%
U.K. BBA Loans for House Purchase (Nov) 39,400
39,697
U.S. Pending Home Sales (YoY) (Nov) -7.70% -4.70%
17
The Week Ahead
31
st
December to 04
th
January
18
The Week Ahead
Day Event
Monday,
December 31, 2018
China Manufacturing PMI (Dec)
India Eight Core Industries (Nov)
Tuesday,
January 1, 2019
India Nikkei Manufacturing PMI (Dec)
Wednesday,
January 2, 2019
U.K. Markit Manufacturing PMI (Dec)
Germany Retail Sales (YoY) (Nov)
Thursday,
January 3, 2019
U.S. ISM Manufacturing PMI (Dec)
U.S. ADP Employment Change Dec)
India Nikkei Services PMI (Dec)
U.K. Markit Construction PMI (Dec)
Friday,
January 4, 2019
Germany Unemployment Change (Dec)
Eurozone Consumer Price Index Estimate (YoY) (Dec)
U.S. Change in Non-farm Payrolls (Dec)
U.S. Unemployment Rate (Dec)
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19
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