The key domestic benchmarks are likely to open higher today as traders return to their desks for the first time in three sessions. Strong buying momentum by FIIs and robust closing at Wall Street on Friday despite Ebola fears may boost trader sentiment at Dalal Street even as Asian markets were trading mixed today. The stress test conducted by ECB was passed by most of Europe’s banks, signaling recovery in the region. However, China’s Shanghai Composite and Hang Seng fell after a Chinese state economist predicted growth in the world’s second biggest economy may slow to 7.3 per cent next year. Japan’s Nikkei 225 climbed as a weaker yen boosted the appeal of exporter stocks. Back home, Q2 earnings from companies such as Maruti Suzuki, ICICI Bank, Bharti Airtel, HUL, Lupin, Sesa Sterlite, ACC and Ambuja Cements will drive markets this week. Globally, investors will be eying the US Federal Reserve’s two-day meet starting on Tuesday where the Fed may wrap up its monthly bond buying program and offer some cues over when it may start raising interest rates. However, Sensex may see some volatility this week ahead of the October futures & options (F&O) contract expiry on Thursday.
