Forward market panel clears cotton futures
The Forward Markets Commission (FMC) today gave its much-awaited clearance for cotton futures deals in the country. The government had barred futures trading in cotton in 1960.

Sebi verdict on Sterlite Industries likely to go the investor
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) verdict on Sterlite Industries is expected to favour investors who had tendered their shares to the company under its open offer for Indian Aluminium. Sterlite had withdrawn its open offer and rejected the application of Indal shareholders who had submitted their shares to Sterlite.

Birla Advantage Fund offers zero-load benefit
Birla Advantage Fund (BAF), the open-end growth fund from Birla Mutual Fund, has announced a zero load offer for investors during the quarter to December 31, 1998. The other funds of the group - Birla Income Plus (BIP) and Birla Cash Plus (BCP) are already available on zero load basis.

  FMC directive hits castor futures trade
  Sceptical exporters drag European shares lower on back of US worries
  Absence of Chinese demand takes toll on Omanese crude oil prices
  Commodity Briefing
  Buyers want tea auctions on Wednesdays
  Calcutta tea sale witnesses good demand
  Plastics remain steady
  Pakistani cotton prices ease
  Mixed trend prevails on grains market
  Market Round-up
  Gilts prices trip as Unit Trust turns seller
  Financial Briefing
  Fresh rumours do Sensex in again
  CLB seeks investors'view on Okara Agrore payment schedule
  RBI directive may block demat of bank scrips
  Flexibond mopup on course
  LK Singhvi quits BSE market operations panel
  Plantation firms told to furnish asset details
  Asian markets soar; Nikkei slumps on stronger yen
  Kabuli gram shoots up; g'nut oil recovers
  Buy Crompton Greaves for short-term gains
  Oversold stocks have profit potential