Markets week ahead: Shares to track GDP, foreign inflows

The government will release the March quarter GDP numbers on Friday, which is expected to confirm the economy grew at its slowest pace in a decade in fiscal year 2012-13.

GDP data should also show whether the economy has gained some traction after the government's reforms moves and rate cuts by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

Investors will also be eyeing whether strong foreign buying continues.

Foreign institutional investors extended their record net purchases of Indian stocks to a 26th consecutive sessions on Thursday, despite sharp falls sparked by worries the Fed would unwind its monetary stimulus earlier than expected.

Few companies will also continue to report their January-March results, including Coal India Ltd, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, and Cipla Ltd.

Key factors to watch during the week

Coal India is expected to post its earnings on Monday.

Drugmaker Sun Pharmaceutical will be reporting its results on Tuesday. Aditya Birla Group flagship firm Hindalco Industries is also expected to post its earnings later in the day.

On Wednesday, Cipla will be releasing its earnings data, and also money-supply data is due.

Tata Power Co Ltd and oil retailer Indian Oil Corp Ltd are expected to release their quarterly numbers on Thursday.

On Friday, government data for the March quarter GDP is expected.

Also, fiscal deficit data, infrastructure output for April will be eyed by investors at the end of the week.

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