The Sensex had a better week

The Sensex had a better week when compared to the previous one, with a good support at the 15,000.00 levels. The Sensex after losing 5 percent last week, lost another 2.5 percent this week to close at 15,189.00 and the Nifty lost the same 4,517.00. Midcap and Smallcap indices performed relatively well sliding by 1.5 percent each. Interest rate hike by the RBI took its toll on the Realty and Banking stocks. The sectoral index for Realty sector ended down by 9 percent and banking lost 3 percent for the week.IT as a sector lost nearly 5.5 percent on fears of US recessions and Nasscom's comments that the growth of IT exports might drop by 3-4 percent. Healthcare , which is considered a defensive sector in turbulent times in the market was the top gainer inching up by nearly 4.6 percent. News of Japanese pharma major Daiichi Sankyo buying out the promoters stake in Ranbaxy has propelled the pharma stocks. Analysts expect some more acquisitions in this space in the coming years, as foreign companies are looking at increasing their generic drug portfolio to boost their profitability and diversify their product portfolio. Stocks closed lower in 4 of 5 trading sessions this week, with Monday being the worst day with Sensex losing more than 500 points. Thursday was the only 'green' day for the Sensex as the indices made a smart recovery on higher growth in industrial output. The much awaited interest rate hike happened this week as the RBI raised the interest rate by 25 basis points from 7.75 to 8.00 percent. Inflation numbers continue to make new highs as the new numbers came in at 8.7 percent which is the highest since 2001.FII's after selling equities worth Rs 33bn last week sold Rs 35 bn in equities this week, continuing their selling spree. Wall Street had relatively a better week when compared to the domestic indices.The Dow industrial gained 0.8%, the S&P 500 0.05% and the Nasdaq ended in the red with a loss of 0.8% for the week. The decline in crude prices, strengthening dollar and encouraging economic data helped the indices recover towards the end of the week. The key for the markets from here is the direction of Crude prices and the Fed's meeting in the coming week, which might give us an idea about the Fed's plan for more interest rate hikes in the future to combat inflation. Key Events for the coming week: * Some more Q4 numbers. US Markets: * Tuesday - Industrial Production numbers * Wednesday - Crude Oil and gasoline supply date * Thursday - Jobless benefits data Stocks to Watch in the coming week * Finolex Ind - Rs 63.00 * Zee Entertainment- Rs 220.00 * Zee News - Rs 52.00 * Aurobindo Pharma - Rs 329.0 * Solar Explosives- Rs 390.00