Domestic equities ended marginally higher, with the Nifty ending flat to close at 24,624, as gains in Metals, Automobiles and Realty offset profit booking in select index heavyweights. Analysts say Indian equities are expected to trade with a positive bias, supported by Brent crude prices at lower levels (US$80.5/bbl), which is expected to improve the outlook for inflation and corporate margins. With the RBI maintaining its policy stance and with the ongoing Q1 earnings season, stock-specific action is expected to remain the dominant market theme.
