Strong Jan inflation data allows Nifty to conquer 5400

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After six days of consolidation, the Nifty finally closed above 5400-mark, keeping the hopes alive of the index crossing all-important 5600 level in coming days.

The upmove was mainly on the 26-month low January inflation data, which gave a fillip to rate sensitive stocks in anticipation of policy interest rate cuts from RBI.

However, India being a net importer, one should keep an eye on rupee and crude, which is slowly inching towards USD 120 per barrel.

But clearly, the market is in an intermediate bull trend and stocks, even after companies posting poor results, ended trade with handsome gains. Capital goods and infra stocks were on buyers' radar. The broader markets too staged a smart rally outperforming largecaps once again today.

The Sensex closed at 17848.57 up 75.73 points or 0.43% and the Nifty ends at 5427.45 up 37.25 points or 0.69%. About 1615 shares advanced, 1258 shares declined, and 526 shares remain unchanged.

Reliance Communications, Larsen, Tata Motors, Maruti Suzuki and Hero Motocorp were top gainers in the Nifty. Cipla, Tata Power, Siemens, ONGC and Bharti Airtel ended in red.

Midcap Buzzers: Jain Irrigation, Alstom Projects, Hind Constructions, Tata Comm and Aurobindo Pharm gained 7-9%. Manappuram Finance, Glodyne Techno, Shree Global, Allcargo and Vaarad Ventures shed 5-6%.

The total turnover for the day was Rs 152473 crore. Breakup- NSE Cash Rs 13259.78 Cr, NSE F&O Rs 103255.13Cr, BSE F&O Rs 32418.26 Cr, BSE Cash Rs 3540.03 Cr