Latest News

 The BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty maintained morning gains following rally across the globe. France's CAC, Germany's DAX and Britain's FTSE opened 1.5-2.5% higher on Monday after European Union agreed to lend euro 100 billion to Spanish banks.

The BSE benchmark rose 166.35 points or 0.99% to 16,885.22 and the NSE benchmark went up 52.20 points or 1.03% to 5,120.55.

Rate sensitives continued to support market since last week, especially ahead of RBI policy that schedule to be announced on June 18. Market experts feel the RBI may cut repo rate by 50 basis points instead of 25 bps.

Private sector lender ICICI Bank jumped 1.5% while rivals State Bank of India and HDFC Bank were up 1% each. Housing finance company HDFC rose 1.4%.

Shares of Sterlite Industries and Tata Power retained top position in the buying list, with gain of 4-4.6%.

Software services exporter Infosys and FMCG major HUL moved up 1.4%. Index heavyweight Reliance Industries rose 0.8%.

Nippo Batteries Company has touched a 52-week high of Rs 515, rising 4.5%. Its trading volumes spiked 28,085% to 12,99,968 shares as compared to its 5-day average of 4,612 shares.

Videocon Industries and BPCL gained 7% and 3%, respectively after new natural gas discovery in offshore Mozambique.

In the smallcap space, SKS Microfinance, Shristi Infra, ITI, Hindustan Media and GTL shot up 7-10% whereas Parekh Aluminex, Sagar Cement, Sayaji Hotels, Plethico Pharma and Chromatic India fell 4-5%.

About three shares advanced for every share declining on the National Stock Exchange. Brent and NYMEX crude gained 2% each.

Latest News

 The BSE Sensex advanced to a one-month high at 16,893.81 in early trade today on easing of euro-zone debt worries, but eased later. The 30-share barometer had opened higher at 16,804.89 points and firmed further to a month's high at 16,893.81, before quoting at 16,849.84 at 1035 hrs, a net gain of 130.97 points, or 0.78 per cent, from its previous close.

Markets opened on a positive note on easing of euro-zone worries after finance ministers of the euro-zone nations, in a emergency conference call last week, agreed to lend Spain up to 100 billion euros to stabilise its banks.

Latest News

 Indian equity benchmarks continued to hold early gains amid somewhat volatility. The news of European Union agreed to lend euro 100 billion to Spain helped markets globally.

The BSE benchmark climbed 156 points or 0.93% to 16,874.78 and the NSE benchmark was up 51.05 points or 1.01% to 5,119.40. The broader markets outperformed benchmarks; the BSE Midcap Index moved up 1.12% and Smallcap up rose 1.25%.

CLICK HERE to listen to the mid market commentary with moneycontrol.com'sChelsea Saldanha.

FTSE, CAC and DAX futures shot up 2-3%, indicating strong opening of European markets at 12:30 hours IST. Dow Jones and Nasdaq futures gained over 1%.

Back home, all sectoral indices were in green barring healthcare. The BSE Realty Index surged over 2% while Metal and Power gained 1.8% each. Bankex and Auto went up over 1%.

Shares of Sterlite Industries, Reliance Infrastructure, Jaiprakash Associates, Tata Power and BPCL were top gainers among largecaps, rising 3-4%.

Country's largest private sector lender ICICI Bank rose 1.9% while its rivals State Bank of India and HDFC Bank gained 1% each. Housing finance company too was up 1%.

Infosys, India's No. 1 software services exporter rose 1%; TCS and Wipro were marginally higher.

Index heavyweight Reliance Industries, top telecom operator Bharti Airtel and top cigarette major ITC were up around 0.5%.

Among metals and minings, Coal India, Hindalco and Tata Steel moved up 1.5-2%.

Country's second largest two-wheeler maker Bajaj Auto surged nearly 3% and top commercial vehicle maker Tata Motors was up over 1%.

In the second line shares, Anant Raj Industries, Videocon Industries, Bajaj Electricals, Sintex Industries and IFCI shot up 5-9% whereas S Mobility, Marico, Edelweiss Capital, Pidilite Industries and Bayer Cropscience fell 1.5-2.5%.

Latest News

 The BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty shed some gains due to somewhat profit booking, but Asian markets remained strong. The market had rallied 5% last week, so traders may be booking some profits.

Banks, metals, power, auto and capital goods stocks were quite supportive. The market breadth too was strong - About four shares advanced for every share falling on the National Stock Exchange.

The BSE benchmark was up 118 points at 16,837 and the NSE benchmark went up 37.75 points to 5,106. The BSE Midcap and Smallcap indices rose 1% each.

Sudarshan Sukhani of s2analytics.com says, he is upbeat and bullish on the market now. "We should be on the long side of the market," he asserts.

The current rally, he says, has a target of 5,200.

Country's largest lenders State Bank of India, ICICI Bank and HDFC Bank climbed 1-1.7%. Housing finance company HDFC was up 0.66%.

Sterlite Industries topped the buying list for third consecutive session, rising nearly 4%.

Private power producer Tata Power rallied 3.5% and state-owned power producer NTPC gained 1.4%.

Index heavyweights Infosys, Reliance Industries, Larsen & Toubro and Bharti Airtel were up around 0.5%.

However, shares of TCS, Cipla and ONGC underperformed.

The Indian rupee gained 17 paise to 55.24 as against the US dollar.

Asian markets like Straits Times, Kospi and Taiwan Weighted were up 1.5%. Hang Seng rose 2% and Nikkei was up 1.8%. Shanghai too bounced back with moderate gains.

Latest News

 The Sensex and Nifty gain around 0.8 percent, after notching five consecutive daily gains last week.

Domestic shares also track a global rally after the euro zone finance ministers agreed on an aid package for Spanish banks.

The advance is being led by gains in banking stocks on continued rate cut expectations, and after the central bank announced on Friday a surprise open market operation of 120 billion rupees.

ICICI bank rises 2 percent, while HDFC Bankadvances 1 percent.

Latest News

 The BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty opened 1% higher on Monday on the back of positive developments in euro zone over the last weekend. The Indian rupee appreciated 27 paise to 55.15 as against the US dollar. 

The BSE benchmark gained 164.19 points at 16,883.06 and the NSE benchmark went up 53.30 points to 5,121.65.

European Union has been agreed to lend up to 100 billion euro to Spanish banks after Spain's request on Saturday. The Dow Jones and Nasdaq futures gained over 1%, indicating positive opening of US markets today.

Asian markets too rallied quite smartly after this news. Hang Seng and Nikkei rose 2%. Straits Times and Kospi were up 1.5%. Taiwan Weighted moved up 1.2% while Shanghai was flat due to weak inflation data. China's inflation for May declined at 3% as against 3.4% in previous month.

Back home, Sterlite, JP Associates, Hindalco, JSPL, Tata Steel, Sesa Goa, Cairn India (on rising crude oil prices), Maruti, Bajaj Auto, L&T, ICICI Bank, SBI, BHEL, Coal India, Reliance Infrastructure, Asian Paints and PNB were on buyers' radar.

FMCG majors HUL and ITC were marginally higher.

However, Sun Pharma and HCL Tech were flat.

The CNX Midcap Index rose 68 points to 7,102. About five shares advanced for every share declining on the National Stock Exchange.

In the second line shares, Shanthi Gears shot up 8% as The Economic Times reported that Bharat Forge is in talks to acquire significant stake in the company.

Infrastructure space was quite strong as The Economic Times reported that the government is working on mechanism to quickly release dues of infrastructure companies. GVK Power, IVRCL, Lanco Infratech and Adani Power were up more than 2%.

HDIL gained 2.5%. ITI surged 8% on huge volumes. PFC and REC gained 1.5%.

Videocon Industries climbed 3% after The Economic Times reported that the gas reserves in Mosambique are expected to rise dramatically with the giant new discovery.

However, Jet Airways was up 0.5% on profit booking.

Commodities too rallied. Copper and Brent crude rose 1.6%. NYMEX crude oil gained 2.25% to USD 86 a barrel. Gold was up 0.5% at USD 1599 an ounce.

Latest News

 The Indian rupee opened at 55.10 per dollar versus 55.43 on Friday.

Subramaniam Sharma, Greenback Forex said, "The rupee may remain vulnerable to the Eurozone woes. Any rally in domestic equity markets on hopes of a rate cut could cap its weakness. The range for the day is seen between 55.30-55.80/USD."

Latest News

 FIIs net buy USD 134 million in cash market on June 7

MFs net buy Rs 5 crore in cash market on Jun 7

As per provisional data of June 8, FIIs were net buyers of Rs 202 cr in cash market. FIIs were net buyers of Rs 299 crore in F&O. DIIs were net sellers of Rs 81 cr in cash market.

Latest News

 At 7: 50 am (IST), Asian markets were trading higher. China's Shanghai Composite was up 0.08% or 1.79 points at 2,283.23.

Hong Kong's Hang Seng rose 1.91% or 354.19 points at 18,856.53.

Japan's Nikkei surged 2.20% or 185.71 points at 8,644.97.

Singapore's Straits Times added 1.49% or 40.70 points at 2,778.59.

South Korea's Seoul Composite advanced 1.68% or 30.79 points at 1,866.43.

Taiwan's Taiwan Weighted gained 1.39% or 97.57 points at 7,097.22.

Latest News

 The US markets lost steam in the final hour of trading to finish mixed, after the Federal Reserve announced new capital rules for financials and following Bernanke's comments that offered little hope for further central bank intervention.

Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 0.37% or 46.17 points at 12460.96. Nasdaq Composite was down 0.48% or 13.7 points at 2831.02. Standard & Poor's 500 ended flat at 1314.99.

In the final hour of trading, the Federal Reserve announced it wants US banks to set aside more money to cover for unexpected losses, a move aimed at preventing another financial crisis. The news pushed major banks into negative territory.

US Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke's testimony to congress neither confirms, nor denies the possibility of further stimulus measures. And so the much-awaited Jackson-hole type moment has not come to pass after all. Bernanke said that the US economy is poised for moderate growth in coming quarters.

In economic data, claims for unemployment benefits fell more than expected last week for the first time in April, declining 12,000 to a seasonally adjusted 377,000.

In key data to watch in the US today, the international trade gap is expected to contract to 49.3 billion dollars.

In the currency space the euro soft in trade, but still holding above 1.25 dollar levels. The dollar index was above the 82 mark.

In commodities, brent crude prices slip to sub USD 100 levels as hopes of further stimulus by the fed fade. Nymex too slips below the USD 84 levels.

The precious metals space, gold prices tumble nearly 2% yesterday as no stimulus hints by the Fed prompted investors to unwind bullish bets on expected easing.

Latest News

 At 7: 47 am (IST), Asian markets were trading weak. China's Shanghai Composite was down 0.25% or 5.72 points at 2,287.41.

Hong Kong's Hang Seng shed 0.72% or 135.14 points at 18,543.15.

Japan's Nikkei slipped 2% or 172.43 points at 8,467.29.

Singapore's Straits Times was down 0.60% or 16.67 points at 2,742.59.

South Korea's Seoul Composite fell 0.54% or 10 points at 1,837.95.

Taiwan's Taiwan Weighted declined 0.93% or 65.69 points at 7,014.62.

Latest News

 The US markets soared more than 2% across the board, with the Dow and S&P 500 logging their best one-day gains in 2012, amid growing hopes that central banks around the world will implement further measures to support the global economy.

Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.37% or 286.84 points at 12414.79. Nasdaq Composite gained 2.4% or 66.61 points at 2844.72. Standard & Poor's 500 gained 2.3% or 29.63 points at 1315.13.

The CBOE volatility index plunged almost 10% to end near 22. Stocks saw an extra boost in the final minutes of trading after San Francisco Fed President John Williams said the central bank must stand ready to take even more policy action to boost the ailing job market.

In important data to watch out for in the US today, weekly jobless claims are expected to come in slightly lower at 379,000. Also Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke will be testifying before the congress today.

In the currency space, the euro moves higher versus the dollar after the European Central Bank left both interest rates and the outlook for economic growth unchanged. The dollar index was at around the 82 mark.

In commodities, Brent crude prices rise, returning above USD 100 a barrel on hopes that a European Union rescue to Spain's troubled banks will ease the euro zone debt crisis.

From the precious metals space, gold rose to 1,634 an ounce levels yesterday, to a one-month high on growing hopes for a European rescue plan for Spain. However, it is currently weak in Asia trade, at around USD 1623 levels.

Latest News

 At 7:45 am (IST), Asian markets were trading higher. China's Shanghai Composite rose 0.38% or 8.73 points at 2,318.29.

Hong Kong's Hang Seng gained 1.72% or 317.73 points at 18,838.26.

Japan's Nikkei added 1.06% or 90.65 points at 8,624.18.

Singapore's Straits Times advanced 0.23% or 6.46 points at 2,767.29.

South Korea's Seoul Composite gained 2.60% or 46.88 points at 1,848.73.

Taiwan's Taiwan Weighted surged 0.90% or 63.32 points at 7,119.47.

Latest News

 The US markets clocked in modest gains in thin trading following a better-than-expected service sector report. However, the ongoing uncertainty in the euro zone kept investors on edge. Meanwhile, Facebook declined almost 4% in yesterday's trade. The social-networking giant is now down almost 30% from its market debut of USD 38 a share.

Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.22% or 26.49 points at 12127.95. Nasdaq Composite added 0.66% or 18.1 points at 2778.11. Standard & Poor's 500 rose 0.57% or 7.32 points at 1285.5.

On the economic data front, there was some encouraging data, the pace of growth in the services sector picked up in May. The institute for supply management's services index edged up to 53.7 in May from 53.5 in April.

In the currency space, euro slips versus the dollar to 1.24, as fears over Spain escalated after the country warned about its access to credit markets. The dollar index was firm above the 82 mark.

In commodities, crude prices gain, with Nymex above USD 84 levels, meanwhile Brent crude prices trade around USD 99 a barrel.

From the precious metals space, gold holds steady at USD 1620 levels.

Latest News

 At 7: 38 am (IST), Asian markets were trading higher. China's Shanghai Composite was up 0.37% or 8.46 points at 2,320.38.

Hong Kong's Hang Seng rose 0.76% or 137.86 points at 18,396.89.

Japan's Nikkei added 0.68% or 56.98 points at 8,438.98.

Singapore's Straits Times rose 0.65% or 17.56 points at 2,729.87.

Taiwan's Taiwan Weighted advanced 0.69% or 48.40 points at 7,048.85.

South Korea's Seoul Composite shut today.

Latest News

The BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty turned flat amid eurozone concerns and volatility in rupee. Shares of ITC, Tata Motors and Bharti extended losses. Even ICICI Bank turned negative while RIL, L&T, SBI and TCS stayed supportive.

The BSE benchmark went up just 10 points to 15,998.49 and the NSE benchmark was up 5 points at 4,853.05.

On the global front, Germany's DAX lost 1% and Athex Composite tanked over 2% whereas CAC was flat after data about services purchasing managers' index.

The Indian rupee depreciated by 17 paise to 53.83 a dollar. Crude oil prices dropped in international market; Brent crude fell 0.81% to USD 98 a barrel and NYMEX crude was down 0.34% to USD 83.69 a barrel.

Cigarette major ITC and top telecom operator Bharti Airtel tumbled 2% each. Country's largest commercial vehicle maker Tata Motors plunged 3%, which has been falling since last week after results and monthly sales numbers.

Shares of HUL, ICICI Bank, ONGC and Tata Steel were down 0.2-0.6%.

However, index heavyweight Reliance Industries and top software services exporter TCS stayed 1% higher.

Latest News

 The BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty trimmed gains in afternoon trade due to fall in rupee and weak economic data in eurozone. The Indian rupee fell 18 paise to 55.84 a dollar, which gained more than 30 paise in morning trade.

The BSE benchmark was up 60.19 points at 16,048.59 and the NSE benchmark rose 24.30 points to 4,872.45. The broader markets too pared gains; the BSE Midcap and Smallcap indices were up 0.5% each.

India's largest lender State Bank of India went up 1.9% while its rivals ICICI Bank and HDFC Bank gained 0.5% and 1%, respectively.

Index heavyweight Reliance Industries climbed 1.2% and top engineering and construction company by sales Larsen & Toubro rose 1.8%.

TCS, country's No. 1 software services exporter rallied over 1% and housing finance company HDFC was up 0.8%.

Shares of Hindalco, Hero Motocorp, GAIL, BHEL, Sterlite and Cipla were up 1-1.7%.

However, India's largest commercial vehicle maker Tata Motors topped the selling list, losing 3% and top telecom operator Bharti Airtel fell 1.75%.

Shares of ITC, HUL, ONGC, Tata Power and DLF were down 0.4-1.4%.

Germany's DAX turned flat after services purchasing managers' index fell to 51.8 in May from 52.2 in the previous month. France's CAC was up 0.6%; its final services purchasing managers' index was at 45.1 as against 45.2 during the same period. Spain and Italy's services purchasing managers' index too declined while eurozone services PMI dropped to 46.7 in May from 46.9 in April.

Latest News

The 50-share NSE Nifty rose nearly 1% and was inching towards the 4900 level after India's services sector grew at its fastest pace in three months during May. Banks, capital goods and technology stocks extended gains in afternoon trade.

The BSE benchmark gained 120.32 points at 16,108.72 and the NSE benchmark was up 43 points at 4,891.10.

Latest News

 Indian equity benchmarks extended gains following further upmove in Asian markets. Hang Seng, Nikkei and Straits Times were up 0.8% each; Kospi and Taiwan jumped 1-1.5% while Shanghai turned positive. Index majors Reliance Industries, Larsen & Toubro and State Bank of India advanced further.

The 30-share BSE Sensex climbed 107.54 points to 16,095.94 and the NSE benchmark rose 37 points to 4,885.25.

Ridham Desai, Managing Director, Morgan Stanley feels the domestic market is likely to do well in the next 12 months. He said that the valuations are currently attractive as market participants are well hedged for volatility.

Reliance Industries, India's most valued stock jumped 1.2% and country's largest software services exporter TCS rose 0.9%.

Engineering and construction major by sales Larsen & Toubro went up 1.6% while state-owned capital goods major BHEL was up nearly 2%.

Top lender State Bank of India rallied 2% while rivals HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank gained 1.5% and 0.85%, respectively.

However, shares of Tata Motors, Bharti Airtel, Tata Power and DLF were down 1% each. Infosys and ONGC were moderately lower.

The broader markets continued to outperform benchmarks - BSE Midcap and Smallcap indices were up 0.9% each. Even the market breadth was positive - about three shares advanced for every share falling on the National Stock Exchange.

Latest News

 The 30-share BSE Sensex stayed higher due to consistent buying interest in banks and metals stocks. Index heavyweights Reliance Industries and TCS too were quite supportive, both rising 0.7% each. However, the fall in Tata Motors, Bharti, ONGC and ITC has limited the upside.

The BSE benchmark gained 90 points at 16,078.42 and the NSE benchmark moved up 32.90 points to 4,881.05. The broader markets outperformed benchmarks - the BSE Midcap Index rose 1% and Smallcap went up 0.75%.

Asian markets too maintained upmove - Hang Seng and Nikkei rose 0.5% each; Straits Times, Kospi and Taiwan Weighted were up 0.6-1.1% whereas Shanghai was flat.

Back home, country's largest lender State Bank of India and private sector lender HDFC Bank rallied 1.7% each while rival ICICI Bank was up 0.7%.

Among metals stocks, Hindalco, Sterlite Industries and Tata Steel moved up 1-3%.

However, top commercial vehicle maker Tata Motors dropped 1.4% and top telecom operator Bharti Airtel was down 0.7%.

Latest News

 The BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty opened 0.6% higher on Tuesday following positive Asian cues and recovery in rupee. Asian markets (except Shanghai) were up 0.5-1.5%. The Indian rupee rose 30 paise to 55.36 a dollar today.

The BSE benchmark gained 73.49 points or 0.46% at 16,061.89 and the NSE benchmark was up 24.65 points or 0.51% to 4,872.80.

Infrastructure stocks gained ahead Finance Minister's meeting to discuss issues about the sector on Wednesday. Reliance Infrastructure and BHEL were up 1.5-2%, Larsen & Toubro was up 0.5%.

Jaiprakash Associates gained 2% as Yamuna expressway is close to being operationalised. UP government is expected to finalise toll rates soon. Jaypee Infra rallied 7.5%.

Hero Motocorp rose 1% as company said it would invest Rs 2,575 crore in two new plants. It will also set up new plant in Neemrana in Rajasthan with initial capacity of 750,000 units.

JSPL, Sterlite, SBI, ITC, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, HDFC, TCS and Tata Steel were other gainers.

However, CCI Chairman said final orders on tyre and cement cartels would be in next 2-3 weeks. ACC and Ambuja Cements were down 0.5-1%

However, Tata Motors, ITC, Coal India, ONGC and Infosys were under pressure.

The CNX Midcap went up 40 points to 6,809.  About two shares advanced for every share falling on the National Stock Exchange.

In the second line shares, Insecticides India rose 1.5% as The Hindu Business Line reported that company is planning to dilute equity this financial year by 7% - 8% to raise Rs 100 crore for expansion plans.

Hindustan Copper increased cathode copper price by Rs 3,594/kg; the stock was up 2%.

Future Capital Holdings jumped over 2%. Pantaloon Retail was up 2.5%

EIH Associated Hotels shot up 6% and Hindustan Motors surged 8%.

NFL, RCF, FACT and Chambal Fertiliser were up 1.5-3.5%.

Latest News

 The Indian rupee opened at 55.38 per dollar versus 55.66 yesterday.

Vikram Nanivadekar, Verity Analytics said, "The rupee is likely to be positive given the rebound in the Euro and Asian equity market cues. The market will watch out for the G7 meeting outcome for further cues. The range for the day is seen between 55.25-55.80/USD."

Latest News

 The US markets closed flat in a choppy trading session, as gains were limited following disappointing factory orders report and amid uncertainty surrounding the European debt crisis.

Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 0.14% or 17.11 points at 12101.46. Nasdaq Composite was up 0.46% or 12.53 points at 2760.01. Standard & Poor's 500 was flat at 1278.18.

On economic data front, new orders for factory goods fell in April for the third time in four months. Orders for manufactured goods dropped 0.6% versus a forecast of orders rising 0.2%.  The government also revised its estimate for new orders in March to show a steeper decline.

In key data to watch out for in the US today, the ISM non-manufacturing index is expected to remain unchanged at 53.5 levels for the month of May.

In the currency space, euro off lows, back above 1.25 to the dollar as investors pare bearish bets against the common currency. The dollar index eases to 82 levels.

In commodities, Brent crude prices gain, above USD 99 levels as a drop to multi-month lows attracted bargain hunters and as the euro rose against the dollar.

In the precious metals space, gold prices trade flat at around USD 1620 levels after 4% surge on Friday.

Latest News

 The BSE Sensex falls further in the late trade of the day. Both BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty were down over 1% each. Heavy sell off seen in oil & gas, capital goods, power, IT, and auto stocks.

It's a weak session across the broader markets. The breadth is disappointing about 821 shares have advanced, 1719 shares declined, and 884 shares are unchanged. An ugly start for the June series, the Nifty slipped below 4850.

The Sensex was down 225.76 points or 1.39% at 15992.77, and the Nifty was down 75.35 points or 1.53% at 4848.90.

Top losers on the Sensex were Tata Motors at Rs 227.40 down 2.49%, ONGC at Rs 247.50 down 2.44%, Jindal Steel at Rs 430.80 down 2.41%, L&T at Rs 1,146 down 2.24% and HDFC Bank at Rs 494.85 down 2.19%.

Top losers on the BSE Midcap - Fresenius Kabi, Pantaloon Retail, Apollo Tyres, Dewan Housing and S Mobility were down 6-15%

Fresenius Kabi was down another 15% today following yesterday's 20% fall after the foreign parent's proposed offer for sale to increase its holding in the company. The move is in contrast to market expectations of a delisting offer from the parent.

FMCG major Hindustan Lever was trading at Rs 420.40 down 1.48% from its previous close of Rs 426.70.

Latest News

 The rupee traded at 55.89-55.90 per dollar, above its previous close of 56.08-56.09, helped by dollar-selling from two large foreign banks on what was seen as custodian flows, as well as from a mid-sized infrastructure company.

Traders say a sharp fall in global oil prices was also prompting oil firms to stay out of the market. Dealers estimate if oil prices stay around current levels, it would reduce dollar demand by oil firms by nearly USD 2 to USD 3 billion per month.

Brent crude fell further on Friday, staying below USD 102 per barrel.