INVESTOR's WEALTH ZOOMS UP BY Rs.28 LAKH CRORES

Stock market investors became richer by a whopping Rs 28 lakh crore in 2014 as a record market rally boosted the valuation of all listed firms to Rs 98.36 lakh crore at the end of year. This was the fourth consecutive year of rise in investor wealth. The year also saw investor wealth hitting Rs 100 lakh crore mark. In 2014, the benchmark Sensex rose by 6,328.74 points or 30 per cent and recorded a record high of 28,822.37 on November 28. This is the highest annual gain since 2009 when it had rallied by 7,817 points. The 30-share gauge ended the year on a positive note at 27,499.42, up 95.88 points. The broader CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange also firmed up by 34.45 points to end at 8,282.70. It has risen by 1,978.7 points or 31.38 per cent for the year 2014. The rise in investor wealth was also on account of the continued rise in the number of listed firms. At present, the total number of listed companies stands at 5,542. Analysts said that Indian stock market saw an excellent year riding high on robust investor sentiment, impressive foreign fund inflow, formation of a new majority government at the Centre and economic reforms. "Markets rode higher on the back of hope of structural reforms driven by a decisive political mandate and improving macro-economic balances. The new government reinforced its position in the elections in some of the important states and initiated the reforms in a gradual manner including those on FDI norms, direct transfer benefit, diesel de-regulation, labour reforms, coal allocation, ordinance on land acquisition, the 'Make in India' initiative," said Devendra Nevgi, CEO, ZyFin Advisors. In the stock market, TCS continued to remain the most valued firm as its market valuation stands at Rs 5,00,396.24 crore. TCS is followed by ITC, ONGC, RIL and CIL in the top five companies list. In 2014, shares of Tata Motors zoomed 31.8 per cent, ONGC surged 18.22 per cent, TCS gained 17.67 per cent) and ITC firmed up by 14.55 per cent. Foreign investors have infused over USD 16 billion into equities this year.

 

BEST ANNUAL GROWTH IN 5 YEARS

Stocks ended 2014 on a cheerful note with the Sensex today rising nearly 96 points to 27,499.42 and the Nifty climbing over 34 points to 8,282.70, helping the Indian markets notch up their best annual gain in five years. The new government's reform initiatives, robust foreign fund flows and a wave of optimism over growth prospects pushed up share values in 2014, making investors richer by a whopping Rs 28 lakh crore. The benchmark S&P BSE Sensex today rallied for the fourth sraight session to end at almost one-week highs. The market saw mostly across-the-board buying as 11 out of 12 sectoral indices closed with gains. Power, realty, consumer durables, pharma and oil & gas shares good activity. However, the BSE Auto index closed in the red on selling in some stocks as excise duty incentives for the sector would not be extended beyond December 31. The 30-share Sensex resumed today a tad lower but recovered immediately. It remained in positive terrain throughout the session to settle at 27,499.42, a rise of 95.88 points or 0.35 per cent. In straight four sessions, it has spurted by 290.81 points or 1.07 per cent. For the year as a whole, the Sensex registered 6,328.74 points or 29.89 per cent -- its best gain since 2009. "Our market remains the hot investment option. And this growth is expected to continue as cyclical, rate-sensitive and investment-oriented stocks find flavour with investors," said Kamlesh Rao, CEO, Kotak Securities. Meanwhile, the broader 50-issue CNX Nifty of the NSE advanced by 34.45 points, or 0.42 per cent, to 8,282.70. The CNX Nifty has spurted by 1,978.70 points, or 31.39 per cent, during 2014 calender year.