Sensex, Nifty gained for seventh straight week

Key benchmark indices gained for the seventh straight week to scale highest closing level in 28 weeks as latest government data showed that inflation in January eased to a 26-month low. Nifty continues to form higher highs throughout the week and finally closed above 5550 levels. 

Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) pumped in another 3500 crores during last week taking total for 2012 to 24,100 crores (till February), as per provisional data from the stock exchanges. The BSE benchmark Sensex was up by 540.70 points or 3.05% for the week to settle at 18289.35 levels. The NSE flagship Nifty ended at 5564.30 levels, up by 182.70 points or 3.40%. 

In February 2012 (till February 16), FIIs were net buyers to the tune of 11553 crore, while MFs were net sellers to the tune of 5860 crore.

GAIL enters SENSEX, replaces Jaiprakash Associate

Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL), India largest gas distribution company, will replace Jaiprakash Associate in SENSEX, the 30 stock benchmark index of BSE, from 9th Dec 2011.

JP Associate has been a significant under performer since past 1 year and has lost significant market capitalization, which has compelled it to be moved out of the India's most tracked index.

At the current market price of Rs.60 the market value of JP Associate stands at Rs. 12,900 crores.

GAIL on the other hand has the current market capitalization of Rs. 48,700 crores, almost four times the size of JP Associate. 

The news would put further pressure on JP Associate and the stock could correct further from the current levels. On the other hand GAIL could see more money flowing into its stock and hence could give decent return from the current price of Rs. 384.