The BSE Sensex index closed 216 points higher at 33,462 levels on the back of exit polls, indicating the ruling BJP will win the Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh Assembly elections. Domestic and foreign brokerage houses are citing a positive outcome for the Indian stock market after the exit poll outcome with an assurance of political stability. This is very important as passing of key reforms would benefit the economy at the Central and state levels. There is expectation of fireworks in early trades on Monday next when results start pouring in on 18 December 2017. Therefore, caution is advisable in stock selection due to excessive volatility that day.
Bajaj Auto is the fourth largest manufacturer of two and three wheelers in the world and a pride in that segment for the last five decades. The domestic motorcycle industry was adversely affected from November 2016 to July 2017, due to various issues like demonetisation, change in BS4 emission regulation and implementation of the Goods and Services Tax. With the impact of these issues behind and corrective product actions taken, the company is likely to post a healthy growth of over 12% in the next one year. Bajaj Auto had lost a lot of market share over the last couple of years, since it did not have products which catered to the electric start segment. Most of its competitors had the technology and, therefore, were way ahead, hurting the sales of Bajaj Auto significantly. However, new launches by the company in the recent past have plugged the gaps and managed to lift volumes significantly in this particular segment, thereby helping regain lost ground and market share. In the executive segment, the company was losing market share due to certain issues, but now with the launch of viable products, volumes are expected to recover from the next financial
Rajiv Kapoor is a share broker, certified mutual fund expert and MDRT insurance agent.