Markets off to a tepid start on global cues; Infosys top loser

Benchmark indices opened flat following global cues as investors remained wary over the latest tumult surrounding the Trump administration and geopolitical tensions emanating from North Korea. Investors are also grappling with the likelihood of an interest rate hike by the US Federal Reserve at its meeting next week. At 9:17 am, the S&P BSE Sensex was trading at 29,089, up 41 points, while the broader Nifty50 was ruling at 8,972 up 9 points. The broader market was trading flat with BSE Midcap gained 0.3% and BSE Smallcap up 0.1%. "The turn higher since Thursday has evolved well, but now looks to be running out of steam. Oscillators however, are more neutral, and to this end, swings to either side are to be expected. Though the upside objectives of 9,029-9,120 are still possible, they are less likely to followed up. today unless more dips unfold," said Geojit Financial Services in a note.After closing the last week in red, bulls regained charge yesterday with the markets nearing a new all-time high. Expectations of outcome in favour of BJP in the UP assembly elections made indices close at the highest level in 2 years. Nifty50 closed at 8,963.45, 40 points or 0.4% shy of a record high while Sensex gained ended 215.74 points higher, to close 29,048 - around 3% away from unchartered territory. GST Council's approval to central GST & integrated GST laws and strong foreign inflows also boosted sentiment. On Monday, foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) bought shares worth a net Rs 564.15 crore, while Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) sold shares worth a net Rs 481.96 crore, provisional data available with BSE showed. Commodity Trading Tips

Sectors and Stocks

RIL, PowerGrid, TCS and NTPC were the top gainers on BSE Sensex while Infosys, HeroMoto Corp and Bharti Airtel were the top losers. Tech Mahindra gained 1.24 % after it announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire a US-based healthcare Information Technology consulting company CJS Solutions Group LLC, which does business as The HCI Group. Bharat Financial Inclusion fell 2% after reports that the company's 4.5% gross loan portfolio is under risk of slipping into bad loan in the fourth quarter. Nifty Trading Tips