Benchmark equity indices extended their winning streak for the third straight session on Friday supported by the strong global cues and value picking by the investors throughout the day. The markets kicked off trade in style with gap-up opening though the key indices pared some of their early gains in the post-noon session as profit taking dragged the blue-chip stocks lower taking the benchmarks in a tight-range till the end of the day's trade. The marketmen rushed for public sector undertaking stocks after the government cleared the roadmap for disinvestment of state-owned companies. Realty and metal counters also witnessed good buying during the session. On the other hand, fast moving consumer goods and auto sector stocks were targeted by the bears in trade. Finally, the BSE's 30-share Sensex added 94.38 points or 0.59% to settle at 16,158.28, while the 50-share S&P CNX Nifty gained 30.60 points or 0.64% to end at 4796.15.

The US markets managed a close of modest gains on Friday, the initial sentiments of the markets were not good after the surprisingly weak jobs report, nation's unemployment rate rose above 10% last month for the first time in 26 years. Though the rising unemployment re-assured investors, that the Fed will continue with its near zero interest rates for some more time. The Labor Department reported that employers cut 190,000 jobs last month, fewer than the 219,000 jobs lost in September, but more than forecast. The Dow Jones industrial average closed up by 17.46 points, or 0.17%, to 10,023.42. The Standard & Poor's 500 index was up by 2.67 points, or 0.25%, to 1,069.30, while the Nasdaq composite index rose by 7.12 points, or 0.34%, to 2,112.44.

The crude prices dropped sharply on Friday on weak jobs report. The US unemployment rate rose above 10% for the first time since 1983 .The other factor affecting the crude prices was the weather forecast claiming, tropical storms to sweep through the Gulf of Mexico over the weekend, likely disrupting oil production. Benchmark crude for December delivery gave up $2.19 to settle at $77.43 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. In London, Brent crude for December delivery shed $2.63 at $75.36 on the ICE Futures exchange.

The Indian rupee closed stronger on Friday, the positive sentiments of stock markets kept the spirit up. The rupee closed at 46.81, 21 paise stronger compared to its Thursday's close of 47.02/03. The domestic currency was in upbeat mood since beginning and touched its one week high in the early trade. The dollar remained steady against the other major currencies as market players grew cautious ahead of US jobs data.

The FII on Friday were the net buyers in both equity as well as debt segments. In equity segment the gross buying was of Rs 2035.50 crore against gross sell of Rs 1767.90 crore, while in the debt segment the gross purchase was of Rs 1059.40 crore with gross sales of Rs 314.90 crore.

The US markets closed in green despite weak jobs data on Friday, investors consoled themselves with the assumption that fed will continue with its liberal policy for some more time. The Asian markets have made a good opening and most of the indices were up in the morning trade, giving a cue of positive opening for the domestic markets. The PSU stocks are likely to continue with their upmove rejoiced by the governments proposal of stake dilution. Infra stocks too are likely to be in limelight today with the announcement of six road projects worth Rs 30000 crore.

Support and Resistance: S&P CNX Nifty and BSE Sensex

                                                             Nifty Top volumes

• IDEA Cellular has introduced an affordable tariff plan dubbed as Super Second for its Prepaid GSM Mobile subscribers in Punjab to pay per second for calls.
• A new three-judge bench is hearing RIL-RNRL row over gas supply price dispute after one of the judges, RV Raveendran, recused himself from the case.
• Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has appointed 300 associates for its North America Domestic Delivery Center, TCS Seven Hills Park.
• Mahindra & Mahindra is expected to commence production from its Chakan facility, by the end of November this year.
• Bharti Airtel's chairman Sunil Mittal has said that the company is not actively seeking acquisitions, after its tie-up talks with South Africa's MTN collapsed.