BOMBAY, 14 December 2003 — On Monday, the BSE ended at 5,131.54. Indian Oil saw a spurt as the market grapevine had it that company may announce a “huge” interim dividend soon.
Hero Honda shares fell like nine pins. The market is concerned about the new agreement which allows both partners to launch products in each other’s category. On the other hand, Hindustan Motors was up on rumors that US auto major, General Motors was picking up a stake in the company.
On Tuesday, the BSE closed at 5,229.34. FMCG stocks were the toast of the day. Marico Industries, Dabur, ITC, Tata Tea, Procter & Gamble and Nestle, all saw buying. Market punters say that the improvement in sales after monsoon has led to this feeling of optimism.
Mastek was the “star” of the day after it announced that it had been awarded a 10-year contract for an initial £27 million as part of the National Program for IT within the UK’s National Health Service. Zee Telefilms was also very much in the news on reports that it was close to acquiring Rajshri Productions in a deal worth not more than Rs.500 million.
On Wednesday the BSE closed at 5,285.54. Buying was seen in telecom stocks, mainly by FIIs.
On Thursday, the BSE closed at 5,299.96. Financial sector pivotals like HDFC, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank and State Bank of India led the gains.
And on Friday, the BSE ended at 5,315.81. Of the 2,165 scrips traded, 53 percent advanced while 43 percent declined. Profit booking in select stocks after recent gains weighed down indices.
The positive point though was that the Sensex finally ended up the 5,300 mark.
Gold was at Rs.6,050/- per 10 gms and silver was at Rs.8,945/- per Kg.
US dollar was at Rs.45.54, pound sterling at Rs.79.02, euro at Rs.55.69, UAE dirham at Rs.12.38, Kuwaiti dinar at Rs.154.49, Bahraini dinar at Rs.120.63, Saudi riyal at Rs.12.13, Qatari riyal at Rs.12.49 and Omani riyal at Rs.118.13.