Expect 15% total return from equities in 2013: HSBC

Here are experts equity calls for the day on how the markets are expected to trade:

Garry Evans, HSBC: Sentiment has turned more optimistic, but it's not so fully risk-on as to suggest it's time to take profits. For 2013, we remain moderately constructive on equities and target 15% total return for the year. Within Asia, we remain Neutral on India.

Rajesh Cheruvu, RBS: The cut in interest rates reflects a better outlook for inflation and is a good catalyst for positive absolute returns from equity and bond markets. We don't expect the government to go soft on its reform programme closer to general election in 2014, as no political party would like to be held responsible for seeing India's credit rating to fall to junk level.