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In last one month, the stock has moved nearly 15% higher outperforming Nifty 50 index which rose 6.3% in the same period.
On the technical front, the stock's RSI (relative strength index) stood at 75.778. The RSI oscillates between zero and 100. Traditionally the RSI is considered overbought when above 70 and oversold when below 30.
The stock is trading above its 50 and 100 days simple moving average placed at 15081.62 and 13407.15 respectively. These levels will act as crucial support zones in near term.
Bajaj Finserv (BFS) is the holding company for the various financial services businesses under the Bajaj group. BFS participates in the financing business through its 52.65% holding in Bajaj Finance (BFL) and in the protection business through its 74% holding in two unlisted subsidiaries, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company (BAGIC) and Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Company (BALIC). Bajaj Housing Finance (BHFL), which does mortgage business and Bajaj Financial Securities (BFinsec), which does broking business, are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Bajaj Finance.
On a consolidated basis, BFS posted a 31.47% fall in net profit to Rs 832.77 crore on 1.7% decline in total income to Rs 13,949.45 crore in Q1 FY22 over Q1 FY21.
Bajaj Finserv Ltd rose for a third straight session today. The stock is quoting at Rs 17282.35, up 1.55% on the day as on 12:54 IST on the NSE. The benchmark NIFTY is up around 0.25% on the day, quoting at 17439.7. The Sensex is at 58592.23, up 0.17%. Bajaj Finserv Ltd has added around 13.16% in last one month.
Meanwhile, Nifty Financial Services index of which Bajaj Finserv Ltd is a constituent, has added around 5.26% in last one month and is currently quoting at 18177.95, down 0.28% on the day. The volume in the stock stood at 1.83 lakh shares today, compared to the daily average of 3.98 lakh shares in last one month.
The benchmark September futures contract for the stock is quoting at Rs 17325, up 1.7% on the day. Bajaj Finserv Ltd is up 204.14% in last one year as compared to a 56.36% gain in NIFTY and a 74.05% gain in the Nifty Financial Services index.
The PE of the stock is 0 based on TTM earnings ending June 21.
Bajaj Finserv Ltd gained for a third straight session today. The stock is quoting at Rs 16533, up 2.08% on the day as on 12:54 IST on the NSE. The benchmark NIFTY is up around 1.02% on the day, quoting at 16875.1. The Sensex is at 56667.56, up 0.97%. Bajaj Finserv Ltd has risen around 17.05% in last one month.
Meanwhile, Nifty Financial Services index of which Bajaj Finserv Ltd is a constituent, has risen around 7.21% in last one month and is currently quoting at 17520.25, up 1.21% on the day. The volume in the stock stood at 2.24 lakh shares today, compared to the daily average of 3.69 lakh shares in last one month.
The benchmark September futures contract for the stock is quoting at Rs 16553.45, up 2.05% on the day. Bajaj Finserv Ltd is up 167.08% in last one year as compared to a 48.19% spurt in NIFTY and a 55.7% spurt in the Nifty Financial Services index.
3M India Ltd, Zydus Wellness Ltd, Jindal Stainless Ltd, Escorts Ltd are among the other stocks to see a surge in volumes on NSE today, 24 August 2021.
Bajaj Finserv Ltd clocked volume of 11 lakh shares by 14:19 IST on NSE, a 4.39 times surge over two-week average daily volume of 2.51 lakh shares. The stock gained 7.24% to Rs.16,377.15. Volumes stood at 3.27 lakh shares in the last session.
3M India Ltd recorded volume of 25732 shares by 14:19 IST on NSE, a 4.32 times surge over two-week average daily volume of 5953 shares. The stock gained 1.56% to Rs.23,154.65. Volumes stood at 3628 shares in the last session.
Zydus Wellness Ltd saw volume of 1.17 lakh shares by 14:19 IST on NSE, a 3.25 fold spurt over two-week average daily volume of 35871 shares. The stock dropped 0.46% to Rs.2,206.10. Volumes stood at 66374 shares in the last session.
Jindal Stainless Ltd notched up volume of 82.84 lakh shares by 14:19 IST on NSE, a 3.1 fold spurt over two-week average daily volume of 26.70 lakh shares. The stock rose 16.03% to Rs.149.50. Volumes stood at 38.56 lakh shares in the last session.
Escorts Ltd witnessed volume of 46.37 lakh shares by 14:19 IST on NSE, a 2.94 times surge over two-week average daily volume of 15.75 lakh shares. The stock increased 3.13% to Rs.1,296.80. Volumes stood at 54.08 lakh shares in the last session.
The scrip zoomed 8.66% to hit a record high of 16,590.15 in intraday today.
Bajaj Finserv Ltd is up for a third straight session in a row. The stock is quoting at Rs 15125.35, up 2.63% on the day as on 12:49 IST on the NSE. The benchmark NIFTY is down around 0.03% on the day, quoting at 16609.85. The Sensex is at 55800.46, up 0.01%. Bajaj Finserv Ltd has risen around 18.9% in last one month.
Meanwhile, Nifty Financial Services index of which Bajaj Finserv Ltd is a constituent, has risen around 4.92% in last one month and is currently quoting at 17371.15, down 0.01% on the day. The volume in the stock stood at 2.71 lakh shares today, compared to the daily average of 2.9 lakh shares in last one month.
The benchmark August futures contract for the stock is quoting at Rs 15116.45, up 2.55% on the day. Bajaj Finserv Ltd is up 140.12% in last one year as compared to a 45.59% spurt in NIFTY and a 57.3% spurt in the Nifty Financial Services index.
SGX Nifty:
Trading of Nifty 50 index futures on the Singapore stock exchange indicates that the Nifty could rise 104 points at the opening bell.
Global markets:
Overseas, Asian stocks are trading mostly higher on Thursday as investors continue monitoring the situation surrounding China Evergrande Group. Markets in Japan are closed on Thursday.
As per reports, China Evergrande Group's chairman said the firm's top priority is to help wealth investors redeem their products, though questions remain over whether the embattled Chinese developer will pay the interest due on a dollar-denominated bond on Thursday.
U.S. stocks rallied on Wednesday after the Federal Reserve indicated it doesn't see an imminent rollback of the monetary stimulus that has been supporting the economy throughout the pandemic.
The Fed did not give a specific timeline on when it may begin moderating its purchases. “If progress continues broadly as expected, the Committee judges that a moderation in the pace of asset purchases may soon be warranted,” the Fed's post-meeting statement said.
The central bank has been buying $120 billion a month of Treasurys and mortgage-backed securities since the start of the Covid crisis. The Federal Open Market Committee voted unanimously to keep short-term rates anchored near zero on Wednesday.
The Fed is split on the timing of the first interest rate hike. Wednesday's so-called dot plot of projections showed nine of the 18 FOMC members expect a rate increase in 2022. That's up from seven in June's Fed projections.
Domestic markets:
Back home, the key equity indices ended with small losses after a volatile session on Wednesday. The barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, slipped 77.94 points or 0.13% to 58,927.33. The Nifty 50 index lost 15.35 points or 0.09% to 17,546.65.
Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) sold shares worth Rs 1,943.26 crore, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs), were net buyers to the tune of Rs 1,850.02 crore in the Indian equity market on 22 September, provisional data showed.
Trading of Nifty 50 index futures on the Singapore stock exchange indicates that the Nifty could fall 31 points at the opening bell.
Overseas, Asian stocks are trading lower Wednesday as traders assess the debt crisis at China Evergrande Group and gird for a Federal Reserve meeting that is expected to signal a reduction in stimulus later this year. Markets in Hong Kong are closed for a holiday.
Property company Evergrande, which has more than $300 billion of liabilities, missed some interest payments due Monday and investors are seeking clues about how Beijing plans to deal with the cash crunch.
U.S. stocks on Tuesday fought to rebound from Monday's rout, but failed as the Dow Jones Industrial average trended lower for most of the session and closed in the red. Worries over troubles at developer China Evergrande kept a lid on the market.
Investors were cautious ahead of the Federal Reserve's decision on interest rates and release of economic forecasts on Wednesday. Investors are looking for more information from Fed Chairman Jerome Powell on Wednesday about the central bank's plans to taper its bond buying, specifically when that will happen. Powell said last month that he sees the Fed slowing its $120 billion in monthly purchases at some point this year.
The US current account deficit increased to a 14-year high in the second quarter as businesses boosted imports to replenish depleted inventories amid robust consumer spending. The Commerce Department said on Tuesday the current account deficit rose 0.5% to $190.3 billion last quarter.
Back home, the key equity indices reversed early losses and ended with sharp gains on Tuesday. Recovering global cues boosted sentiment. The barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, advanced 514.34 points or 0.88% to 59,005.27. The Nifty 50 index added 165.10 points or 0.95% to 17,562.
Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) bought shares worth Rs 1,041.92 crore, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs), were net buyers to the tune of Rs 2,167.62 crore in the Indian equity market on 21 September, provisional data showed.
Trading of Nifty 50 index futures on the Singapore stock exchange indicates that the Nifty could rise 58 points at the opening bell.
Overseas, Asian stocks are trading lower on Tuesday as investors continue to monitor the situation surrounding embattled developer China Evergrande Group. Japanese stocks declined as they returned to trade following a Monday holiday. Markets in mainland China and South Korea are closed on Tuesday for a holiday.
Wall Street fell in a broad sell-off on Monday, as fear of contagion from potential collapse of China's Evergrande drove investors out of equities in a flight for safety.
The US Federal Reserve is due to meet on Tuesday and Wednesday as investors look for cues on when it will begin pulling back on its bond purchases.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell will hold a press conference Wednesday at the conclusion of the two-day meeting. Powell has said the so-called tapering could occur this year, but investors are waiting for more specifics, particularly after mixed economic data released since Powell's last comments.
Back home, the domestic equity benchmarks ended near the day's low amid heavy sell off on Monday. Weak global cues spoiled sentiment. The barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, declined 524.96 points or 0.89% to 58,490.93. The Nifty 50 index lost 188.25 points or 1.07% to 17,396.90.
Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) bought shares worth Rs 92.54 crore, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs), were net sellers to the tune of Rs 1,626.58 crore in the Indian equity market on 20 September, provisional data showed.
Trading of Nifty 50 index futures on the Singapore stock exchange indicates that the Nifty could slide 148 points at the opening bell.
Overseas, Asian stocks are trading lower on Monday, with shares of embattled Chinese developer China Evergrande Group continuing to drop. Markets in mainland China, Japan and South Korea are closed on Monday for holidays.
US stocks dipped on Friday as investors remain cautious due to a resurgent Covid virus and a historical tendency for September to be a weak month for equities.
The Food and Drug Administration advisory committee on Friday rejected a plan to administer booster shots of Pfizer and BioNTech's Covid-19 vaccine to the general public.
Investor focus for the week will likely be on the U.S. Federal Reserve's upcoming September meeting for clues on the central bank's tapering of its easy monetary policy.
Back home, equity indices snapped three day streak and ended with small losses on Friday. The barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, fell 125.27 points or 0.21% at 59,015.89. The Nifty 50 index lost 44.35 points or 0.25% at 17,585.15.
Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) bought shares worth Rs 1,552.59 crore, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs), were net sellers to the tune of Rs 1,398.55 crore in the Indian equity market on 17 September, provisional data showed.
Trading of Nifty 50 index futures on the Singapore stock exchange indicates that the Nifty could advance 93 points at the opening bell.
Meanwhile, all eyes are on the GST Council meeting scheduled today, 17 September 2021 in Lucknow. The agenda for the GST Council meet includes considering taxing petrol, diesel and other petroleum products under the single national GST regime.
Meanwhile, the Union Cabinet has approved central government guarantee up to Rs 30,600 crore to back security receipts (SRs) to be issued by National Asset Reconstruction Company Limited (NARCL) for acquiring stressed loan assets.
NARCL proposes to acquire stressed assets of about Rs 2 lakh crore in phases within extant regulations of Reserve Bank of India (RBI). It intends to acquire these through 15% cash and 85% in SRs.
Overseas, Asian stocks are trading mixed on Friday, as traders weighed risks from China to the global recovery and the prospect of reduced Federal Reserve stimulus.
U.S. stocks closed mostly lower on Thursday after swinging between gains and losses after unexpectedly strong retail sales data underscored the strength of the U.S. economic recovery.
US retail sales increased in August, rising 0.7% from the previous month. The initial estimate for July, however, was revised down to a decline of nearly 2% from a month-over-month gain of 0.5%. Meanwhile, the latest unemployment insurance weekly data showed 332,000 first-time jobless claims last week.
Back home, benchmark indices ended with robust gains on Thursday, supported by firmness in banks and FMCG stocks. The barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, jumped 417.96 points or 0.71% at 59,141.16. The Nifty 50 index advanced 110.05 points or 0.63% to 17,629.50.
Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) bought shares worth Rs 1,621.88 crore, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs), were net sellers to the tune of Rs 795.13 crore in the Indian equity market on 16 September, provisional data showed.
Trading of Nifty 50 index futures on the Singapore stock exchange indicates that the Nifty could fall 12 points at the opening bell.
Meanwhile, all eyes are on the GST Council meeting scheduled on Friday, 17 September 2021 in Lucknow. The agenda for the GST Council meet includes considering taxing petrol, diesel and other petroleum products under the single national GST regime.
Overseas, Asian stocks are trading mixed on Thursday, with casino shares in Hong Kong mostly seeing another day of losses. Chinese stocks listed in the U.S. slid the sixth day and U.S. casino firms with exposure to Macau tumbled. Officials have signaled tighter curbs on operators in the gaming hub, again spotlighting Beijing's regulatory curbs.
Japan's exports extended double-digit gains in August, led by strong shipments of chip manufacturing equipment. Exports rose 26.2% in August compared with the same month a year earlier, the Ministry of Finance said on Thursday.
In US, the S&P 500 and Dow Jones indexes rose on Wednesday on mildly positive factory data and higher oil prices, although concerns over a slowing economic recovery and higher corporate taxes kept sentiment subdued.
Production by US factories, mines and utilities in August surpassed the level seen before the pandemic caused an unprecedented collapse, according to Federal Reserve data released Wednesday. Industrial production increased 0.4% in August, but it could have been 0.3% points higher had it not been for the effects of Hurricane Ida, which caused flooding and destruction in parts of Louisiana and the northeastern United States.
Back home, the domestic equity benchmarks ended near the day's high after a strong session on Wednesday. The barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, surged 476.11 points or 0.82% to 58,723.20. The Nifty 50 index advanced 139.45 points or 0.80% to 17,519.45.
Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) bought shares worth Rs 232.84 crore, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs), were net buyers to the tune of Rs 167.67 crore in the Indian equity market on 15 September, provisional data showed.
Trading of Nifty 50 index futures on the Singapore stock exchange indicates that the Nifty could rise 27 points at the opening bell.
On the macro front, India's exports rose by 45.76% to $33.28 billion in August, as against $22.83 billion in the same month last year, according to commerce ministry data released on Tuesday. Imports during the month increased by 51.72% to $47.09 billion, the data showed. Trade deficit in August widened to $13.81 billion as against $8.2 billion in the same month last year.
Overseas, Asian stocks are trading lower on Wednesday following losses overnight on Wall Street, with investors reacted to the release of Chinese economic data.
Retail sales growth in China slumped heavily in August further, accentuating the slowdown in the Chinese economy, the latest economic data shows. Retail sales grew by a mere 2.5% in August compared with a year earlier, way down from the 8.5% increase in July. Industrial production grew by 5.3% in August from a year earlier after a 6.4% gain in July.
U.S. stock indexes closed lower Tuesday, giving up gains earlier in the session after a better-than-feared inflation reading and falling back into their September doldrums.
US consumer prices rose a lower-than-expected 0.3% in August, the smallest increase in seven months and a hopeful sign that inflation pressures may be cooling. The August gain fell from a 0.5% increase in July and a 0.9% surge in June, the Labor Department reported Tuesday. It was the smallest increase since a similar 0.3% rise in January.
Back home, key indices ended a volatile trading session with small gains on Tuesday. The barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, rose 69.33 points or 0.12% at 58,247.09. The Nifty 50 index gained 24.70 points or 0.14% at 17,380, its record closing high.
Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) bought shares worth Rs 1,649.60 crore, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs), were net sellers to the tune of Rs 310.31 crore in the Indian equity market on 14 September, provisional data showed.
Trading of Nifty 50 index futures on the Singapore stock exchange indicates that the Nifty could rise 29 points at the opening bell.
On the macro front, Consumer Price Index-based Inflation (CPI) for August 2021 came in at 5.30%, compared with 5.59% in July, as food prices cooled further, especially in the case of vegetable inflation, data released by the National Statistical Office (NSO) showed on September 13.
Overseas, Asian stocks are trading mixed on Tuesday as investors look ahead to the release of U.S. consumer inflation data for August.
In US, the S&P 500 closed higher on Monday, ending a five-day losing streak as investors focused on potential corporate tax hikes and upcoming economic data. The Dow Jones Industrial Average also advanced, but the Nasdaq Composite Index ended lower.
Back home, equity benchmarks ended a volatile trading session with modest losses on Monday. The barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was down 127.31 points or 0.22% at 58,177.76. The Nifty 50 index was down 13.95 points or 0.08% at 17,355.30.
Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) bought shares worth Rs 1,419.31 crore, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs), were net sellers to the tune of Rs 559.59 crore in the Indian equity market on 13 September, provisional data showed.
Trading of Nifty 50 index futures on the Singapore stock exchange indicates that the Nifty could slide 15 points at the opening bell.
On the macro front, Industrial growth slowed to 11.5% in July against 13.5% in June because expansion in the biggest segment, manufacturing, along with mining, saw deceleration despite easing pandemic-related restrictions.
Overseas, Asian stocks are trading lower on Monday, with stocks in Hong Kong leading losses. Chinese technology stocks were under pressure after a report that China is seeking to break up Ant Group Co.'s Alipay and create a separate app for its loan business. Trade tension is also in the spotlight again after the Biden administration was said to be reportedly weighing a new probe into Chinese subsidies.
Elsewhere, North Korea said it successfully test-fired a new type of long-range cruise missile, ratcheting up tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
Wall Street ended lower on Friday as investors weighed signs of higher inflation, while Apple Inc tumbled following an unfavorable court ruling related to its app store.
Looking ahead for the week, the U.S. consumer price index for August is set to be out on Tuesday, while retail sales figures stateside are expected Thursday. A slew of Chinese economic data, including retail sales and industrial production for August, is also set to be out on Thursday.
Back home, the domestic equity barometers ended flat with some positive bias on Thursday. The barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, advanced 54.81 points or 0.09% to 58,305.07. The Nifty 50 index added 15.75 points or 0.09% to 17,369.25. The domestic stock market were closed on Friday, 10 September 2021, on account of Ganesh Chaturthi.
Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) bought shares worth Rs 423.44 crore, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs), were net buyers to the tune of Rs 704.21 crore in the Indian equity market on 9 September, provisional data showed.
Trading of Nifty 50 index futures on the Singapore stock exchange indicates that the Nifty could fall 45 points at the opening bell.
Overseas, Asian stocks are trading lower on Thursday as investors continue to fret over a slowdown in the recovery from the pandemic.
China's consumer price index rose 0.8% year-on-year in August. Meanwhile, the producer price index jumped 9.5% from a year ago.
Wall Street ended lower on Wednesday, spooked by worries that the Delta coronavirus variant could blunt the economy's recovery and on uncertainty about when the US Federal Reserve may pull back its accommodative policies.
Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve said in its latest “Beige Book” that U.S. businesses are experiencing rising inflation that is being intensified by a shortage of goods and likely will be passed onto consumers in many areas.
The Fed also reported that growth overall had “downshifted slightly to a moderate pace” amid rising public health concerns during the July through August period that the report covers. “The deceleration in economic activity was largely attributable to a pullback in dining out, travel, and tourism in most Districts, reflecting safety concerns due to the rise of the Delta variant, and, in a few cases, international travel restrictions,” the report said.
Back home, key equity indices ended flat after a volatile trade on Tuesday, tracking negative global cues. The S&P BSE Sensex, dropped 29.22 points or 0.05% at 58,250.26. The Nifty 50 index fell 8.6 points or 0.05% to end at 17,353.50.
Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) sold shares worth Rs 802.51 crore, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs), were net buyers to the tune of Rs 0.60 crore in the Indian equity market on 8 September, provisional data showed.
Trading of Nifty 50 index futures on the Singapore stock exchange indicates that the Nifty could rise 45 points at the opening bell.
Overseas, Asian stocks are trading mixed on Wednesday trade, as data showed Japan's economy grew faster than previous estimates.
Japan's economy grew faster than the initially estimated in the April-June quarter. Revised gross domestic product (GDP) data by the Cabinet Office released on Wednesday showed the economy grew an annualised 1.9% in April-June, from an initial estimate of a 1.3% expansion.
In US, the Dow Jones and S&P 500 fell on Tuesday, on concern that the delta coronavirus variant is slowing the economic recovery from the pandemic.
Back home, the benchmarks indices snapped their three-day rising streak and ended almost flat after a volatile session on Tuesday. The barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, shed 17.43 points or 0.03% to 58,279.48. The Nifty 50 index lost 15.70 points or 0.09% to 17,362.10.
Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) sold shares worth Rs 145.45 crore, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs), were net sellers to the tune of Rs 136.57 crore in the Indian equity market on 7 September, provisional data showed.
Trading of Nifty 50 index futures on the Singapore stock exchange indicates that the Nifty could rise 5 points at the opening bell.
Overseas, Asian stocks are trading mixed on Tuesday as investors look ahead to the release of Chinese August trade data. The Reserve Bank of Australia is also set to release its rate decision.
Markets in the U.S. were closed on Monday for a holiday.
Back home, key benchmark indices advanced for the third straight session and attained record closing levels on Monday, supported by firm global stocks. The barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, added 166.96 points or 0.29% to 58,296.91. The Nifty 50 index advanced 54.20 points or 0.31% to 17,377.80.
Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) sold shares worth Rs 589.36 crore, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs), were net buyers to the tune of Rs 547.31 crore in the Indian equity market on 6 September, provisional data showed.
Trading of Nifty 50 index futures on the Singapore stock exchange indicates that the Nifty could rise 39 points at the opening bell.
Overseas, Asian stocks are trading higher on Monday following U.S. jobs data released Friday that came in far short of expectations. Japanese shares climbed on hopes of better pandemic management and more spending by Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's successor.
In US, the Dow Jones Industrial Average retreated on Friday and the S&P 500 slipped from a record high after the August jobs report came in short of expectations, showing the impact of the delta-fueled Covid resurgence.
U.S. jobs data released Friday came in far short of expectations, with the economy adding just 235,000 positions in August. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate declined to 5.2% from 5.4% in July, in line with estimates.
In a press conference on Friday, President Joe Biden touted the average monthly job gains since he took office and lower weekly jobless claims, and called for more vaccinations and for Congress to pass infrastructure and budget bills.
U.S. markets are closed on Monday for the Labor Day holiday.
Back home, barometers settled with modest gains near record high levels on Friday. The barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, gained 277.41 points or 0.48% at 58,129.95. The Nifty 50 index added 85.45 points or 0.52% to 17,323.60.
Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) bought shares worth Rs 768.58 crore, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs), were net buyers to the tune of Rs 668.60 crore in the Indian equity market on 3 September, provisional data showed.
Trading of Nifty 50 index futures on the Singapore stock exchange indicates that the Nifty could rise 24 points at the opening bell.
On the macro front, India's exports jumped 45.17% to $33.14 billion in August as against $22.83 billion in the same month last year, according to the commerce ministry's provisional data. Imports in August rose 51.47% to $47.01 billion, as against $31.03 billion in the corresponding month of 2020. The trade deficit in August 2021 was $13.87 billion, compared to $8.2 billion in the year-ago period.
Overseas, Asian stocks rose on Friday as investors look ahead to the release of a private survey on China's services sector activity in August.
The S&P 500 and Nasdaq eked out record finishes on Thursday, while the Dow also posted a modest gain, as higher commodity prices helped energy names recover ground and the latest jobs data left investors unfazed about existing positions.
The US trade deficit narrowed more than expected in July as imports declined likely because of shortages and a shift in domestic spending from goods to services. The Commerce Department said on Thursday that the trade gap fell 4.3% to USD 70.1 billion. Data for June was revised to show the deficit at USD 73.2 billion instead of USD 75.7 billion as previously reported.
The number of Americans filing new claims for jobless benefits fell last week. Initial claims for state unemployment benefits dropped 14,000 to a seasonally adjusted 340,000 for the week ended August 28, the lowest level since mid-March 2020.
Back home, domestic equity benchmarks clocked robust gains on Thursday, amid buying interest in FMCG and IT stocks. The barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, surged 514.33 points or 0.9% at 57,852.54. The Nifty 50 index advanced 157.90 points or 0.92% at 17,234.15.
Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) bought shares worth Rs 348.52 crore, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs), were net buyers to the tune of Rs 381.70 crore in the Indian equity market on 2 September, provisional data showed.
Trading of Nifty 50 index futures on the Singapore stock exchange indicates that the Nifty could rise 19 points at the opening bell.
Overseas, Asian stocks are trading mixed on Thursday as Australia reported a higher-than-expected trade surplus in July. Australia recorded a trade surplus of 12.117 billion Australian dollars (about $8.93 billion) in July, according to data released Thursday by the country's Bureau of Statistics.
The Nasdaq closed Wednesday at a record high, and the S&P 500 rose but just missed a fresh peak, as September kicked off with renewed buying of technology stocks.
US manufacturing activity unexpectedly picked up in August. The ISM said its index of national factory activity inched up to 59.9 last month from a reading of 59.5 in July.
US private employers hired far fewer workers than expected in August. Private payrolls increased by 374,000 jobs last month after rising 326,000 in July, the ADP National Employment Report showed on Wednesday.
Back home, key benchmark indices ended with modest losses on Wednesday, amid profit selling after recent steep gains. The barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, fell 214.18 points or 0.37% at 57,338.21. The Nifty 50 index lost 55.95 points or 0.33% at 17,076.25.
Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) bought shares worth Rs 666.66 crore, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs), were net sellers to the tune of Rs 1,287.87 crore in the Indian equity market on 1 September, provisional data showed.