Market Week Ahead: GDP, PMI, Auto Sales and US Jobs Data in Focus

Mumbai, Aug 30: Indian equities are likely to take cues from a busy domestic and global economic calendar next week, with investors tracking India’s Q1 GDP print, manufacturing and services PMI readings, August auto sales and the closely watched US employment report. Global cues, particularly US rate expectations and crude oil price movements, are also likely to influence market sentiment. 

The week will begin with India’s Q1 GDP data, while activity indicators from India and the US will dominate the middle of the week. The US non-farm payrolls report on Friday will be the week’s key global trigger, with investors looking for clues on the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy path. 

Monday, August 31

UK markets closed: UK equity markets will remain shut on Monday for a public holiday, potentially resulting in thinner trading volumes in the region. With the UK market closed, attention in Europe is likely to shift towards economic data from Germany and broader global cues. 

India Q1 GDP data: India’s first-quarter GDP numbers will be the biggest domestic trigger at the start of the week. Investors will assess the pace of economic expansion and the performance of consumption, investment and other key components for signs of whether domestic growth momentum remains resilient. 

Germany CPI: Germany’s August inflation reading will provide an early indication of price pressures in the euro zone’s largest economy. The data could influence expectations around the European Central Bank’s monetary policy, particularly if inflation deviates significantly from market expectations. 

Milky Mist Dairy Food – Q1 results: Recently listed Milky Mist Dairy Food will announce its first-quarter results, giving investors their first major earnings update since its stock-market debut. Revenue growth, margins and profitability will be closely watched as the company establishes its post-listing performance track record. 

Leap India – Q1 results: Recently listed Leap India is also scheduled to report its Q1 numbers. Investors will focus on the company’s revenue trajectory, margins and earnings performance as they assess the operating momentum of the newly listed company. 

Mastek – ex-dividend, ₹16 per share: Mastek will turn ex-dividend for a ₹16 per share dividend. Investors buying the stock on or after the ex-dividend date will not be eligible for the announced payout. 

Tuesday, September 1

India August manufacturing PMI: India’s August manufacturing PMI will provide a high-frequency snapshot of factory activity at the start of the second quarter. Investors will track new orders, output, employment and input-cost trends for clues about manufacturing momentum and corporate pricing power. 

US August manufacturing PMI: The US manufacturing PMI will offer fresh clues about activity in the world’s largest economy. A stronger or weaker-than-expected reading could influence expectations for US growth and interest rates, with potential implications for global equities and bond yields. 

August auto sales: Auto companies will release their August sales figures, providing an early read on demand across passenger vehicles, two-wheelers and commercial vehicles. Investors will watch volume growth, model launches and the pace of recovery in different segments, while also looking for signs of improving consumer demand ahead of the festive season. 

Maharashtra Seamless – ex-dividend, ₹10 per share: Maharashtra Seamless will turn ex-dividend for a ₹10 per share dividend as investors adjust for the upcoming payout. 

AK Capital Services – ex-dividend, ₹12 per share interim dividend: AK Capital Services will turn ex-dividend for an interim dividend of ₹12 per share. The stock’s price typically adjusts on the ex-dividend date to reflect the payout. 

Bengal & Assam Company – ex-dividend, ₹50 per share: Bengal & Assam Company will turn ex-dividend for its ₹50 per share dividend, making Tuesday the key date for determining eligibility for the payout. 

Procter & Gamble Hygiene and Health Care – ex-dividend, ₹60 per share: Procter & Gamble Hygiene and Health Care will turn ex-dividend for a ₹60 per share dividend. The consumer goods company’s corporate action will be among the key stock-specific events for the session. 

Wednesday, September 2

US crude oil inventory: Weekly US crude inventory data will be in focus amid continued sensitivity around global oil prices. A larger-than-expected build in inventories could weigh on crude prices, while a drawdown could provide support, with movements in oil remaining important for India’s inflation, trade balance and rupee outlook. 

Thursday, September 3

India August services PMI: India’s August services PMI will provide another important gauge of domestic economic activity after Tuesday’s manufacturing reading. Investors will watch new business, employment and input costs for signs of sustained demand and pricing pressures across the services economy. 

US initial jobless claims: Weekly US jobless claims will offer a fresh snapshot of labour-market conditions ahead of Friday’s non-farm payrolls report. A meaningful deterioration or improvement in claims could influence expectations for the Federal Reserve’s policy path. 

Vadilal Industries – ex-dividend, ₹43 per share: Vadilal Industries will turn ex-dividend for a ₹43 per share dividend, making it another stock-specific corporate action to watch during the week. 

Friday, September 4

US non-farm payrolls: The August US non-farm payrolls report will be the week’s most important global economic trigger. Investors will scrutinise job creation to gauge the strength of the US labour market and assess the implications for the Federal Reserve’s interest-rate outlook. 

US unemployment data: The US unemployment rate, released alongside payrolls, will provide an additional indication of labour-market health. A weaker employment picture could strengthen expectations of monetary easing, while resilient jobs growth could keep rate-cut expectations in check. 

TCC Concept – face value split: TCC Concept will split its ₹10 face-value shares into ₹2 shares. The subdivision will increase the number of outstanding shares while proportionately reducing the face value of each share, without by itself changing the company’s underlying value.