Sunday, November 15, 2020

Sensex, Nifty charts (Nov 13, 2020): in blue-sky territories after touching lifetime highs

FIIs continued with their buying spree during the week. They were net buyers of equity worth a massive Rs 198.69 Billion - far exceeding their entire net buying during Oct '20. DIIs were net sellers of equity worth Rs 135.11 Billion. Both indices gained 4.2% to touch lifetime highs.

According to RBI, India's GDP may have slipped into an unprecedented recession by contracting 8.6% during Q2 (Jul-Sep '20), following a 24% contraction during Q1 (Apr-Jun '20). (Two straight quarters of GDP contraction is a thumb-rule definition of a recession.)

India's Index of Industrial Production (IIP) grew at 0.2% in Sep '20 after contracting for six consecutive months. IIP had contracted by 4.6% in Sep '19. However, CPI-based retail inflation rose to 7.61% in Oct '20 - its highest level since May '14 - against 7.34% in Sep '20.

BSE Sensex index chart pattern


During 'muhurat' trading on Sat. Nov 14, the daily bar chart pattern of Sensex rose to touch lifetime intra-day (43830.9) and closing (43638) highs. The index is trading in blue-sky territory (with no known resistances) - well above its three rising daily EMAs in a long-term bull market.

In less than 8 months since touching an intra-day low of 25638.9 on Mar 24 '20, the index has made a spectacular gain of more than 18100 points (71%). However, many small investors who prefer mid-cap and small-cap stocks may be wondering why their portfolios are barely in profit.

The pandemic-induced lockdown and subsequent stuttering economic growth has affected smaller companies a lot more. Larger, well-established companies have been able to utilise tax cuts and lower interest rates to grab more market share from smaller and unorganised companies. The rich have got richer; the poor, poorer.

Daily technical indicators are looking bullish and overbought. MACD is rising above its signal line in bullish zone. RSI is moving sideways inside overbought zone. Slow stochastic is falling inside its overbought zone. While an index can remain overbought for long periods, some consolidation or correction may be around the corner.

Q2 (Jul-Sep '20) results of corporate India have shown clear improvement over Q1 (Apr-Jun '20) as economic activity is returning back towards normalcy post sudden lockdown in Mar '20. Manufacturing activity and credit growth still remains weak. Certain sectors - like hospitality, travel, transportation will take a long time to recover.

High food prices despite a bountiful monsoon is another concern. Sky-high vegetables prices have seriously affected both rural and urban poor. The increasing gap between the rich and the poor does not augur well for a broad-based economic growth. Sooner than later, the stock market indices will revert to mean. 

Till then, extra due diligence is recommended before investing in individual stocks. Those who are already invested in good, diversified portfolios should add to existing holdings on dips but avoid chasing fresh ideas at a market top.

NSE Nifty index chart pattern


The weekly bar chart pattern of Nifty rose sharply for the second straight week to close at a lifetime high of 12780. Massive buying by FIIs has propelled the index into blue-sky territory with no known resistances. 

Bulls are in total control of the chart. The index is trading well above its three rising weekly EMAs in a long-term bull market. However, caution is advised near a lifetime high. 

A sharp correction had followed after the index had touched its previous top in Jan '20. Such a dramatic correction is unlikely at this stage - specially with FIIs in buoyant buying mood. A more moderate correction or consolidation will improve the technical 'health' of the chart.

Weekly technical indicators are looking bullish and overbought. MACD is rising above its signal line towards its overbought zoneRSI has moved up to the edge of its overbought zone. Slow stochastic has bounced up from the edge of its overbought zone but showing negative divergence by touching a lower top. That may trigger some consolidation or correction.

Nifty's TTM P/E has moved up to 34.73 - which is way above its long-term average and well inside its overbought zone. The breadth indicator NSE TRIN (not shown) has dropped inside its overbought zone. Near-term index upside appears limited.

Bottomline? Sensex and Nifty charts have climbed up to lifetime highs on the back of huge buying by FIIs. Overbought technical indicators can lead to some profit booking. Stay on the sidelines till bullish euphoria subsides. 

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