Indian equity benchmark -- Nifty -- ended Tuesday’s trading session on a higher note, supported by positive retail inflation data. After making a cautious start, soon index traded above neutral line, as traders took support with the government data showing that retail inflation eased to an 11-month low of 4.83 per cent in April as prices of some kitchen items declined though overall food basket firmed up marginally. The Consumer Price Index (CPI)-based retail inflation was 4.85 per cent in March. Traders took a note of report that the government is working on a verification system to help exporters deal with countervailing duty cases on domestic products over the RODTEP scheme. The exercise is important as countervailing or anti-subsidy duties were imposed on certain domestic units by the US and European Union (EU).
In afternoon session, index extended its gains to trade near day’s high point, as traders got some encouragement after the union ministry of ports, shipping, and waterways said that India and Iran signed a 10-year long-term bilateral contract for the operation of Chabahar Port, a vital cog in India’s trade plans with central Asia and parts of Europe. Under the agreement – signed between India Port Global Limited (IPGL) and the Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO) of Iran - India will develop the strategic port for 10 years. Finally, index ended in positive terrain with over half a percent gains.