According to an analysis by Business Standard, about half (428) the 836 stocks in the BSE 500, BSE small-cap and BSE mid-cap indices have doubled in the past 15 months. During this period, the benchmark indices — the BSE Sensex and the National Stock Exchange Nifty — have gained about 60 per cent.

Experts said investor sentiment and valuations had hit rock-bottom last year due to weak domestic macro fundamentals. A subsequent improvement in investor sentiment and return of risk appetite had aided the market across the board.

Benchmark indices may open on a flat note tracking the mixed trends in their Asian peers. However, markets are likely to rebound later in the session and edge higher on firm global cues.

At 8:20AM, the early indicator SGX Nifty was up 5 points at 8,540.

With the new government remaining steadfast on overhauling safety regulations followed by car manufacturers, companies fear that the 10-15% upward revision in prices will adversely impact sales.

They say that a price increase upwards of Rs 35,000 per vehicle for an airbag fitment will lead to shrinking affordability levels among buyers, adversely impacting sales.

Hyundai Motor and Kia Motors on Monday raised their target for 2014 global sales to at least 8 million vehicles, anticipating record-high China sales to offset slowing growth in the United States and Europe.

The South Korean automakers, which together rank fifth in global vehicles sales, said in a statement the new sales target would represent an almost 6% increase from last year.

Banking stocks continue to rally on the bourses, with the market value of the ICICI Bank, crossing the Rs two lakh crore mark. The private sector lender has become the third bank and ninth company in current list of companies having m-cap of over Rs 200,000 crore.

ICICI Bank scrip up 1.9% to Rs 1,766 on BSE, taking its market value to Rs 2,04,395 crore at 1121 hours, the BSE data shows. The bank is at the ninth positions in overall market capitalization (m-cap) ranking.

Former cricketer Sreesanth is set to make his Bollywood debut in Pooja Bhatt’s next production venture and the filmmaker says the decision to cast him was quick and instinctive.

In the film, which has been titled Cabaret, the former India pacer will be seen donning the role of a Malayali mentor to the movie’s leading lady Richa Chadda’s character, who is a dancer.

Kenyan security forces have pursued and killed more than 100 militants and destroyed their camp in Somalia after the ambush of a Nairobi-bound bus that killed 28 people, Deputy President William Ruto said on Sunday.

Somalia's Islamist al Shabaab militants have claimed responsibility for the attack on Saturday, when gunmen ordered passengers on the bus to recite Koran verses and shot dead non-Muslims - 19 men and nine women - who could not.

The bank aims to grow its asset book which would comprise 50% of such local lending in foreign markets

State Bank of India (SBI), the country's largest lender, is taking a much bigger stride for its international business and looks all set to grow as a global banking giant. The bank, which has $39 billion worth of outstanding assets in its international book, is planning to double its local lending in foreign markets.

The bank, which has struck deep roots in the domestic market with its inclusive banking plans, will take more exposure in foreign companies -- who have no Indian corporate connections, to garner more local business rather than lending only to Indian subsidiaries and associate companies.

Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister Murli Deora passed away here this morning after prolonged illness.

He was 77 and is survived by his wife and two sons, including former MP Milind Deora.

Murli bhai as he was known as died at around 3.25 am. He had been unwell and admitted to a hospital. He had come home two days ago, family sources said.

Shares of Infosys is trading higher by nearly 2% at Rs 4,213 in early trade on BSE after the company said it has fixed record date as December 3, 2014 for the purpose of allotment of bonus shares/stock dividend.

On October 10, 2014 the board of directors of Infosys had recommended a bonus issue of one equity share for every equity share held.

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