Brokers score a big win, Monkeys in a fix

A week ago, the brokers eked out a small victory by leading the competition with a 1.9 percent week-on-week gain . In the trading week that just ended, they achieved something even more remarkable: their portfolio, comprising 10 stocks picked by 10 stock experts, managed to beat the Monkey portfolios by gaining 5.4 percent over the entire period since inception (19 April, 2011).

Of course, that performance was no match for the Sensex or Nifty, which put on 6-7 percent over the 37 weeks, although beating the Monkeys is still a rare achievement. The brokers have MRF to thank for that, as the stock surged a stunning 80 percent. A special mention of Kotak Mahindra Bank must also be made as it gained a healthy 34 percent.

The Monkeys, meanwhile, showed a mixed picture: while Monkey portfolio 1 added 4.5 percent, Monkey portfolio 2 went in the opposite direction as it lost a whopping 9 percent. Looks like Monkey 2 is back to the bad old days!

For Monkey portfolio 1, which consists of 10 randomly selected stocks from the BSE 100 , star performers Yes Bank and Tata Global lived up to their reputation as they both gained about 32 percent each. For Monkey portfolio 2, Noida Toll was the biggest gainer, up 20 percent. Monkey portfolio 2 consists of 10 randomly picked stocks from the BSE 500. (See Monkey Portfolio one below)

The picture isn’t much different for the week ended 27 April: the brokers beat the Monkeys again, although the Sensex and Nifty remained overall leaders despite losing 1.4 percent and 1.9 percent, respectively. In comparison, the brokers’ portfolio fell by 3.7 percent ( See portfolio below), while Monkey portfolio 2 lost 4.2 percent. Monkey portfolio 1 was the biggest loser, shedding 4.7 percent.

Firstpost had reported earlier that both the Monkeys and brokers have been holding secret conclaves with some influential investing heavyweights to give their respective portfolios some extra oomph. All of them are hunting for investors who will buy from the open market shares of companies the Monkeys/brokers own in their portfolios. As the competition gets dirtier, everyone is hoping to find that extra ‘kicker’ to boost the value of their stocks.

A devious little scheme (and let’s hope Sebi hasn’t heard of it!), but all is fair in love and war, right?

Firstpost can now reveal that at least one renowned investor, known only as Big Bull, has decided to throw his weight behind the brokers, leaving the Monkeys twisting in the wind. Apparently, he’s not too thrilled about an earlier Firstpost interview with Monkey 2, in which the simian admitted he was fascinated with the idea of “Planet of the Apes”. Big Bull is not a big fan of world domination, you see, unless he’s the one doing the dominating.

See monkey 2 Portfolio below :

Needless to say, the Monkeys aren’t giving up. They’ve decided to approach Big Bull’s arch-nemesis, Big Bear, and as we write this, secret talks are going on between the trio at Wasabi.

Stay tuned to Firstpost to find out what happens next!