The year 2017 gave handsome returns to the inves­tors, who flooded the markets with funds through MFs/SIPs. Relentless movement in the mid-cap and small-cap stocks led to the rise in the markets. However, the recent reduction in the exposure of mutual funds to these segments amid overvaluation started off cyclical correction, with SEBI disallowing swapping of stocks within the categories

After reacting positively to the robust macroeconomic numbers, Indian stock markets witnessed consolidation at record high levels. This was in the wake of investors’ provisional transition to major commodities from equities. Crude oil prices surged ahead of their three-year high levels amid flat production at 32.41mbpd by OPEC in December, apart from protests in Iran. Gold hit new highs with demand pick-up from domestic jewellers, supported by overall strong global trend, amid weak US dollar. Further, the markets remained cautious ahead of the Q3 corporate earnings season kicking-off. In the near-term, corporate earnings, inflation numbers are estimated to hit 5 per cent plus which would drive the markets.

The company is engaged in manufacturing of paints, var­nishes, enamels or lacquers, organic and inorganic com­pounds. The company commands 11.1 per cent market share in terms of revenue and is the fourth largest player in the paints industry in India. Its PAT has grown at a CAGR of 31.5 per cent over FY15-17. It has delivered ROE of 20.9 per cent on a TTM basis. The

Of late, the Indian stock markets are seen hovering around their peak levels while both bulls and bears appeared to have spent their forces. The January effect was visible in the markets with a bounce back driven by robust auto sales numbers for the month of December. The auto sector witnessed pick-up in car sales, especially with luxury car sales growing at fast­est pace in the last half decade. Further, the positive momentum in the manufacturing and services PMI carried forward the optimism in the markets. Nikkei India manufacturing PMI surged at its fastest pace in the last five years at 54.7 as against 52.6 in the previ­ous month. The surge was led by rise in merchandise exports at 30.5%, plus 6.8% growth in