The Economic Times (India)
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As India sees incessant FII selloff so far this year, the government and RBI announced a slew of measures to ease foreign investments in government securities, with analysts suggesting that these may provide some short-term support for Dalal Street.India scrapped the long-term capital gains tax on investments by foreign institutional investors (FIIs) in government securities through an ordinance issued on Friday. The government has now exempted FIIs from tax on any interest income from government securities, as well as capital gains arising from their sale, exchange or transfer, according to an official gazette. Separately, while announcing the outcome of the MPC meeting, RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra also unveiled a series of measures to boost FPI investments, including expanding the Fully Accessible Route (FAR) to cover new issuances of 15-, 30- and 40-year government bonds.Limits on investments by NRIs and OCIs in equity instruments without Sebi registration are being raised, allowing them to invest larger amounts without regulatory registration. The facility is also proposed to be extended to all Persons Resident Outside India (PROIs), bringing them on par with NRIs and OCIs. This came as the RBI kept the repo rate unchanged at 5.25%What does this mean for Indian stock market?The proposal to increase investment limits for NRIs and OCIs in listed equity instruments without Sebi registration, and to extend the same facility to all individual Persons Resident Outside India (PROIs), is a significant step toward broadening participation in Indian capital markets, which is expected to improve market depth, liquidity and long-term capital inflows, said Arun Poddar, CEO of Choice International.He highlighted that equally important is the removal of capital gains tax on government securities investments for foreign investors. “This move strengthens the attractiveness of India's bond market and could encourage greater foreign participation in government debt. At a time of heightened global volatility, these measures reinforce investor confidence, support capital inflows, and reaffirm India's commitment to building deeper, more globally integrated financial markets, with the policy rate expected to remain low for an extended period,” he said.The government's move to exempt Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) from capital gains tax on any interest earned from government securities is “highly positive” for the capital markets, said Sumit Singhania, Head of Research at Bajaj Broking. “This fiscal cushion arrives at a crucial time, offering a strong shield to domestic markets as the RBI chief warned of volatile forex markets driven by shifting global sentiments,” he added.The policy is distinctly positive for bond markets and well-capitalized Banks and NBFCs, which benefit from targeted hedging subsidies and systemic stability, according to Archit Doshi, Senior Vice President at PL (Prabhudas Lilladher) AMC. “Conversely, one should be underweight rate-sensitive sectors, which remain highly vulnerable to margin compression, higher inflation expectations, and the threat of the RBI reaching its tightening tipping point,” he said.Rajeev Radhakrishnan, CFA, CIO of Fixed Income at SBI Mutual Fund, also said that the announcements aimed at enabling more dollar inflows are more significant in the near term, even though the overall policy stance has been broadly in line with expectations. “The concessional swap facility should help stabilise short end market rates and the foreign exchange market in the near term,” he said.For equities and debt markets, the measures to attract FII inflows are supportive of liquidity and inflows, while for the rupee, they signal a clear intent to anchor expectations and reduce volatility amid global oil shocks and sustained foreign selling pressure, said Ajit Mishra, Senior VP of Research at Religare Broking.Sachin Bajaj, Chief Investment Officer at Axis Max Life Insurance, also said that the initiatives are expected to support capital inflows, deepen domestic bond markets, and provide support to the Indian rupee over the short to medium term.RBI’s hawkish tone and the Indian stock marketWhile the measures taken to attract FII inflows in the debt market will likely provide short-term support for Dalal Street, analysts advised caution over the RBI’s hawkish policy stance. While the RBI maintained its policy repo rate as per expectations, the tone was much more cautious than in previous meetings.Sachin Bajaj highlighted that the policy emphasised preserving macroeconomic stability amid the prevailing global macroeconomic environment. “We believe there are significant risks to inflation in the coming months due to the pass-through of higher commodity prices to consumers and elevated food prices resulting from a below-normal monsoon. Going forward, there is a risk of an upward revision in inflation projections, and given the evolving global backdrop, we believe the RBI is likely to maintain a prudent, data-dependent approach. Future policy actions will be contingent on evolving growth-inflation dynamics and global developments,” he added.Also read: Explained: Sebi's Rs 15.15 lakh crore revenue inflation allegations against Rajesh ExportsWhile hawkish rhetoric without an accompanying rate hike provides a temporary respite for equity markets, it does not constitute an unequivocal endorsement of investment, particularly in highly rate-sensitive sectors such as real estate, automotive, and consumer discretionary goods, said Vipul Bhowar, Senior Director, Head of Equities at Waterfield Advisors.“Should inflation necessitate a rate increase later this year, these sectors are likely to experience pressure on both margins and demand. For investors, the current strategy emphasises capital preservation by focusing on high-quality equities with strong pricing power. This cautious approach is designed to navigate the prevailing geopolitical uncertainties until conditions stabilise,” the analyst added.(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)
As geopolitical headwinds make it tougher for equity investors to make money, Dalal Street’s top voice Nilesh Shah, managing director of Kotak Mahindra Asset Management, told a gathering of HNI investors at the ET Alpha Wealth Summit on Thursday that there are four specific investment structures which deserve a place in most portfolios right now.Shah’s first recommendation was the Special Investment Fund, or SIF, a structure that marks a meaningful shift in what is available to Indian investors. Shah noted that the mutual fund industry has, until now, been a long-only business but the SIF changes that. These are long-short, absolute return-oriented funds, designed to generate returns regardless of market direction rather than simply riding the equity tide.The second vehicle Shah flagged is performing credit AIFs. His reasoning was grounded in a simple supply-demand observation that for corporate settlements today, capital is not available from banks, mutual funds, or insurance companies.As institutional lenders have stepped back, borrowers are plenty and lenders very few. Amid this imbalance, Shah said the need is real and returns are attractive. Performing credit AIFs, which lend into this gap, are positioned to benefit directly from the scarcity of competing capital.https://youtube.com/shorts/Xa4AcXFg8hA?feature=shareThe third idea was REITs, and here Shah introduced a timing element. Over the last three years, REITs have delivered index-level returns of around 13.5%. But with interest rates rising, he suggested that the next six to nine months may present an opportunity to enter at better prices. Rising rates typically compress REIT valuations in the near term, and Shah framed any such correction as a potential entry point rather than a risk to avoid. Beyond the return potential, he positioned REITs as a portfolio diversification tool as the asset class behaves differently from equities and fixed income, and that is still underrepresented in most Indian investor portfolios.The fourth recommendation addressed global diversification but came with an important caveat. Mutual fund industry limits for overseas investment are currently full, which means the conventional route for Indian investors to access global markets through domestic mutual funds is closed. Shah pointed to Gift City as the workaround. Structures domiciled there allow investment under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme, and in his view, these Gift City-based LRS products are the practical path for investors who want global exposure while the mutual fund window remains shut.Across all four — the SIF, performing credit AIFs, REITs, and Gift City products — Shah's underlying argument was the same: in a volatile period, the portfolio needs instruments that can generate positive returns through means other than a rising equity market.(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views, and opinions given by experts are their own. These do not represent the views of the Economic Times)
The Indian stock market closed nearly flat, with Sensex and Nifty ending the session in the green with marginal gains after seeing sharp upswings and downswings during the day.Sensex rose nearly 14 points to close at 74,360, while Nifty 50 rose around 11 points to end the session at 23,417, nearly unchanged from the previous session. This came as India VIX, which measures volatility in markets, fell over 3% to 15.77.Titan shares jumped 4% to lead gains on Sensex, while Zomato-parent Eternal jumped 3% to follow. ITC, Tech Mahindra, SBI, Bharat Electronics and ICICI Bank shares meanwhile gained around 1% each. On the other hand, Infosys, Bajaj Finserv, UltraTech Cement, Adani Ports and Tata Steel shares dropped around 15 each.Broader markets closed with higher gains, with Nifty Midcap 100 and Nifty Smallcap 100 indices gaining around 0.5% each. Sectorally, Nifty Consumer Durables rallied more than 2%, while Nifty Metal declined 0.7%. Around 1,817 stocks advanced on NSE, while 1,474 declined and 105 remained unchanged.Rupee watchNotably, investors now await the outcome of the Reserve Bank of India’s Monetary Policy Committee's (MPC) meeting tomorrow. Meanwhile, rupee closed at 95.7850 per U.S. dollar, from 95.7050 on Wednesday.FIIs net sold Indian shares worth Rs 5,617 crore on Wednesday, according to data on NSE. They have net sold Indian equities worth more than Rs 39,625 crore in just four consecutive sessions.India may scrap capital gains tax on FPI investments in govt securitiesThe Indian government is planning to scrap capital gains tax on investments in government securities by foreign portfolio investors (FPIs), a move which will likely shore up overseas capital inflows into the country, The Economic Times reported citing people familiar with the matter.The Cabinet, in a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, approved the promulgation of an ordinance to amend the Income Tax Act to pave the way for this exemption, sources further told The Economic Times, adding that a notification is expected soon after the President gives her assent to the ordinance.What lies ahead?On Thursday, the benchmark index Nifty opened with a gap-down. However, the index staged a recovery from lower levels and eventually closed on a flat note. Notably, this marked the third consecutive session where Nifty found support near its prior swing low and rebounded thereafter, said Sudeep Shah, Head of Technical and Derivatives Research at SBI Securities. He however added that a sustained follow-up move on the upside is still required to confirm a potential reversal.“At present, the index continues to trade below its key moving averages, while momentum indicators suggest a sideways trend. The daily RSI has been oscillating within a narrow range for the last 40 trading sessions, in line with the RSI range shift rules, indicating lack of directional strength,” he said.Going ahead, Shah expects the 23,550–23,580 zone to act as an important hurdle for Nifty 50.. A sustained move above the 23,580 level could trigger an extension of the ongoing pullback rally, potentially paving the way towards the 23,700 mark, he said. On the downside, he sees 23,330–23,320 zone as likely to serve as a crucial support area.(With inputs from agencies)(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)
Shares of Hero MotoCorp gained 3% to their day’s high of Rs 4,980 on the BSE on Thursday after the company unveiled its first flex-fuel motorcycles, marking its entry into a segment aimed at supporting India's transition towards cleaner and more sustainable mobility solutions.The country's largest two-wheeler manufacturer launched flex-fuel versions of its flagship Splendor+ and HF Deluxe motorcycles, making them India's first flex-fuel motorcycles in the 100cc category. The motorcycles are compatible with ethanol-blended fuels ranging from E20 to E85 and are designed for everyday commuting without compromising on performance or affordability.Hero MotoCorp said the new range is aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of daily transportation while aligning with India's goal of lowering economic carbon intensity by 45% by 2030.The motorcycles were unveiled in New Delhi ahead of World Environment Day in the presence of Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri and Hero MotoCorp Chief Executive Officer Harshavardhan Chitale.Speaking at the event, Gadkari said the introduction of flex-fuel motorcycles in the mass-market segment would support ethanol adoption, help reduce crude oil imports, strengthen farmers' incomes and contribute to the government's vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat.Puri said the launch represents another milestone in India's efforts to build a mobility ecosystem powered by cleaner and domestically produced fuels. He added that wider adoption of such vehicles could improve energy security, lower carbon emissions and reduce dependence on imported crude oil while strengthening the country's biofuels ecosystem.Chitale said the flex-fuel-ready Splendor+ and HF Deluxe were developed at the company's Centre for Innovation & Technology in Jaipur and reflect Hero MotoCorp's focus on future-ready and locally relevant technologies. He added that the motorcycles have minimal-to-no import content and reinforce India's manufacturing capabilities.Hero MotoCorp said the flex-fuel portfolio will be introduced in Delhi and select regions of Maharashtra in July 2026, followed by a nationwide rollout. The HF Deluxe Flex Fuel has been priced at Rs 72,792 (ex-showroom Delhi), while the Splendor+ Flex Fuel will be available at Rs 82,710 (ex-showroom Delhi).(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)
New Delhi: India is set to scrap capital gains tax on investments in government securities by foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) in an effort to shore up overseas capital inflows into the country as the Centre seeks to mitigate the effects of the Iran war on the economy, said people familiar with the matter.The Cabinet, in a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, approved the promulgation of an ordinance to amend the Income Tax Act to pave the way for this exemption, the people said. A notification is expected soon after the President gives her assent to the ordinance.More measures are expected to encourage capital flows.Foreign investors are currently subject to 12.5% long-term capital gains (LTCG) tax on listed shares and bonds held for more than 12 months. They also pay a 20% withholding tax on interest earned from government bonds. The government had ended the concessional 5% rate available to them in 2023. 131494504Industry DemandThe government had used the ordinance route in 2019 to cut the corporate tax rate to encourage private investment.Market participants have been urging a reduction in LTCG tax and withholding tax on interest earned on government bonds amid sustained capital flows out of India.The latest move comes in the backdrop of foreign portfolio flows turning negative and the rupee weakening sharply against the dollar with the West Asia conflict continuing.Regulators are expected to initiate further measures to complement the government's efforts to make the Indian markets attractive for foreign capital, said one of the persons cited above.In the calendar year so far, exits by FPIs add up to a net Rs 2.47 lakh crore, more than double the Rs 1.04 lakh crore they pulled out in calendar 2025. The rupee hit an all-time low of 96.965 to the dollar on May 20 but has since rebounded as the Reserve Bank of India has stepped up support and oil prices eased after renewed US-Iran peace efforts.(With inputs from Anuradha Shukla & Jatin Takkar)
India needs to challenge the legal basis of a proposed US tariff action that seeks to impose an additional 12.5% duty on imports from the country under a Section 301 investigation, trade policy think tank Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) said on June 3.The recommendation comes after the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) proposed fresh duties on imports from 54 economies following a probe into the enforcement of restrictions on goods linked to forced labour.GTRI said that the investigation stretches the intended scope of Section 301, a trade enforcement mechanism traditionally used to address barriers affecting market access for American businesses in foreign jurisdictions, PTI reported.The current action is focused instead on whether countries regulate imports originating from third nations where forced labour concerns may exist, the think tank observed.Also read | Iran war puts Malhotra & Co in razor-edge policy bindThe proposed tariff rate of 12.5% for India and several other economies is also higher than the tariff ceiling committed by the US under multilateral trade rules, the think tank said.According to GTRI founder Ajay Srivastava, India should maintain that Washington is attempting to extend its domestic import-control framework beyond its borders through unilateral trade measures.He said such an approach falls outside the mandate of Section 301 and raises broader concerns regarding the use of trade policy to influence regulatory practices in other countries.The think tank further noted that concerns surrounding forced labour are often confined to specific products or sectors rather than entire economies. It argued that imposing country-wide tariffs may not be an appropriate response when targeted measures could address the underlying issue more effectively.Also read | CBDT tells tax officers to tighten scrutiny of unexplained income, assetsGTRI also viewed the proposed action in the context of ongoing trade negotiations between India and the United States, suggesting that the move could increase pressure on New Delhi as both countries work toward a bilateral trade agreement. It cautioned that India may face additional investigations under Section 301 in areas such as industrial overcapacity.The USTR initiated two separate Section 301 investigations in March this year covering 60 economies. One inquiry examined issues related to forced labour, while the second focused on concerns over excess manufacturing capacity.Following the conclusion of the forced labour investigation, the US has proposed additional duties on imports from 54 economies. Under the plan, imports from countries including Canada, Ecuador, Mexico, Indonesia, Pakistan and the European Union would face a 10% tariff. A higher duty of 12.5% has been proposed for 48 economies, including India and China.The proposal has not yet been finalised and is currently open for public consultation. Stakeholders have until June 22 to request participation in hearings and submit testimony summaries, while written submissions can be filed until July 6. Public hearings are scheduled for July 7.A final determination is expected in the coming weeks and could be announced before the expiry of the temporary Section 122 tariff measures on July 24. If approved, the additional duties may come into force shortly thereafter.The investigation does not allege the use of forced labour in India's export production. Instead, it examines whether India has adequate restrictions on imports sourced from third countries where forced labour concerns may arise.Inputs from PTI
New Delhi: Beverages major PepsiCo on Tuesday announced the launch of its premium energy drinks brand 'Adrenaline Rush' in the Indian market, strengthening its presence in the category, which has seen strong growth in recent years.Pepsico, a leading player in the energy drinks with its brand Sting, now enters the mass-premium segment with 'Adrenaline Rush', creating a portfolio that spans from Rs 20 to Rs 60 price points. Adrenaline Rush is priced at Rs 60, while Sting costs Rs 20."With two variants under Sting and two variants under its premium offering, PepsiCo is broadening consumer choice while addressing a wider range of taste preferences and consumption occasions," the company said in a statement.With its two brands -- Sting and Adrenaline Rush -- PepsiCo's energy drinks portfolio will cater to a broad spectrum of consumers, seeking value propositions to those looking for a more premium, performance-led experience.Also Read: PepsiCo new packaging to carry 'No Artificial Flavours or Colours' labelCommenting on the development, PepsiCo India and South Asia, Vice President and General Manager -- Beverages, Nitin Bhandari said, "The energy drinks category in India continues to see strong growth, and we believe there is significant headroom for further expansion as consumers increasingly seek products that cater to different occasions, functional needs and aspirations."With Adrenaline Rush, PepsiCo is strengthening its energy drinks portfolio with a globally aspirational brand tailored for Gen-Z consumers, offering two differentiated variants -- Passion Rush and Classic Rush -- in a sleek premium can format to cater to the evolving preferences of today's youth.For Adrenaline Rush, PepsiCo has launched a high-energy campaign film centred on the proposition "A-Rush, A-Game On," adopting a digital-first and culture-forward approach.Also Read: PepsiCo to invest Rs 5,700 crore in India by 2030This is aimed at resonating with Gen-Z consumers through creator-led storytelling, internet culture, and social media conversations.As per a Mordor Intelligence report, the India energy drinks market size is valued at USD 0.82 billion in 2026 and is growing at a CAGR of roughly 2-6 per cent, helped by factors such as rising disposable incomes, rapid urbanisation, and an increasing need for quick-energy solutions among young working professionals.
New Delhi: Transrail Lighting, a leading turnkey engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) company, on Tuesday said it has bagged new orders worth Rs 575 crore primarily in the transmission and distribution (T&D), civil construction and pole business.As of March 31, the company's unexecuted order book (including L1 or Lowest Bidder position) stood at Rs 16,361 crore, up 12 per cent year-on-year, Transrail Lighting said in an exchange filing."The orders in the T&D segment including construction of a 500 kV HVDC line for a marquee customer, supply of our products in international markets, specialised civil construction job and pole supplies, highlights our diversified capabilities and competencies," the company's MD & CEO Randeep Narang said.Mumbai-based Transrail Lighting is an EPC company primarily engaged in T&D with operations spanning civil, railways, poles and lighting segments. The company has a presence across 63 countries.For FY26, the company posted a net profit of Rs 403.59 crore, up 23 per cent from Rs 328.68 crore in 2024-25. Its total income also rose over 29 per cent to Rs 6,928.83 crore from Rs 5,353 crore in FY25.
The shares of Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) fell more than 4% on Monday after the company reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 493 crore for the fourth quarter of FY26, marking a nearly 2% year-on-year (YoY) decline from the Rs 502 crore net profit reported in the corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal year.IREDA shares dropped to Rs 127.81 apiece on the NSE, bucking the broader market optimism. The company on Friday reported a 14% YoY increase in revenue from operations to Rs 2,175 crore in Q4FY26, compared with Rs 1,905 crore in the year-ago period. Total income also rose 14% YoY to Rs 2,181 crore, while total expenses increased around 21.5% YoY to Rs 1,562 crore during the quarter under review.IREDA announces dividendAlong with its Q4 results, IREDA said its board of directors has recommended a final dividend of Rs 0.75 per share (7.5%) on a face value of Rs 10 each for FY26, subject to shareholders' approval at the upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM). If approved, the dividend will be paid within 30 days of its declaration at the AGM. The record date for determining shareholder eligibility will be announced later.IREDA also said its board of directors has discussed the recent fines imposed on the company by BSE and NSE. The company said last week that the stock exchanges had levied fines of Rs 2,02,960 each for alleged non-compliance related to the composition of its board and certain other SEBI provisions during Q4."The company is regularly following up with the Administrative Ministry, i.e., the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), for the appointment of the requisite number of Independent Directors on the Board of IREDA and has requested that MNRE expedite the process for the appointment of Independent Directors (including a woman director). The Board also requested that the stock exchanges waive the fines imposed on the company and refrain from imposing any further fine or penalty, since the matter relating to the appointment of Independent Directors is beyond the control of the company and there is no violation on the part of the company," IREDA said in an exchange filing.IREDA share priceIREDA shares have declined more than 1% over the past week and 5% over the past month. The stock has fallen over 8% so far in 2026 and nearly 27% over the past year.The company currently has a market capitalisation of over Rs 35,930 crore and a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of nearly 20x.(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions expressed by experts are their own and do not represent the views of The Economic Times.)
Shares of Asian Paints rallied as much as 4% to their day’s high of Rs 2,778 on the BSE on Monday after the company reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 1,172 crore for the fourth quarter of FY26, marking a 69% year-on-year increase from Rs 692 crore posted in the corresponding quarter last year. Revenue from operations during the January-March quarter rose 11% to Rs 9,228.46 crore, compared with Rs 8,349.59 crore reported a year earlier.During the quarter under review, total income increased by more than 11% year-on-year to Rs 9,418 crore. Total expenses rose at a slower pace, increasing nearly 8% to Rs 7,829.17 crore.EBITDA for the quarter rose 24.4% year-on-year to Rs 1,787 crore from Rs 1,436.2 crore in the corresponding period last year. EBITDA margin expanded by more than 200 basis points to 19.3%, compared with 17.2% a year earlier. For the full financial year ended March 31, 2026, Asian Paints reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 4,325.35 crore, up 18% from Rs 3,667.23 crore recorded in the previous financial year. Annual revenue from operations rose around 5% year-on-year to Rs 35,583.54 crore in FY26.Asian Paints shares: Buy, sell or hold?Nomura raised its target price to Rs 3,600 (35% upside) while maintaining a Buy rating, highlighting that the company not only retained but improved its guidance despite cumulative price hikes of around 13.5% year-to-date, including 10.5% implemented in April-May and a further 3% increase announced to dealers. The brokerage noted that management's decision to maintain volume growth guidance of 8-10% signals confidence in a strong demand environment. It also pointed to improved product mix guidance of -3% to -4%, compared with the earlier expectation of -5% to -6%, driven by a greater push towards premium and luxury paints, implying high-teens sales growth in FY27. The brokerage also maintained its operating margin guidance of 18-20% despite raw material inflation and competitive pressures. Nomura believes there is a high probability of crude oil prices moderating from current levels over the next six months, which could further support margins.Motilal Oswal maintained its Neutral rating on Asian Paints with a target price of Rs 2,750, implying a modest upside of up to 3%. The brokerage raised its FY27 and FY28 earnings estimates by 3%-4%, citing better-than-expected revenue performance. However, it cautioned that the uncertain geopolitical environment and persistent inflationary pressures could continue to weigh on overall demand. Management has guided for high single-digit volume growth in FY27 despite significant price hikes, supported by a favourable base, more painting days due to El Niño conditions and an extended festive season. The brokerage expects standalone EBITDA margins of 19.1% and 19.5% for FY27 and FY28, respectively, while consolidated margins are projected at 18.2% and 18.6%. It also noted that paint demand has remained subdued over the past two years, and recent price increases could delay a broader demand recovery. To counter competitive pressures, Asian Paints continues to focus on product innovation, strengthening brand salience, regionalisation and execution.JM Financial upgraded Asian Paints to Add with a target price of Rs 2,815, implying an upside of 5.4%. The brokerage believes the company's FY27 revenue outlook remains encouraging, supported by management's volume growth guidance of 8-10%. Combined with double-digit price increases, including hikes of around 10.4% already implemented and an additional 2-4% announced from June, along with a lower adverse mix impact of 3-4%, this is expected to drive mid-teen sales growth in FY27. JM Financial noted that demand trends remained stable during April and May, while management remains optimistic about business momentum in the second and third quarters of FY27, aided by a longer festive season. Also read: PSU bank stocks vs private banks in FY27: The valuation trap you need to avoidThe brokerage also highlighted that management has reiterated its EBITDA margin guidance of 18-20% despite significant raw material inflation, supported by price hikes, sourcing efficiencies, an improved product mix and calibrated spending. However, the company expects competitive intensity in the paints sector to remain elevated. (Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)
The long wait for the NSE public listing appears to be entering its final stretch. The exchange recently confirmed that it expects to file its draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) by the second week of June, putting the country's most anticipated IPO one step closer to reality.The update has once again sparked interest in NSE's unlisted shares, which continue to change hands actively in the private market. With the DRHP now less than two weeks away, investors may want to know does it still make sense to buy NSE shares before the IPO?The answer from analysts is nuanced. Most experts agree that NSE remains one of India's strongest financial franchises. However, they also caution that investors should not treat the approaching IPO as an automatic opportunity for quick gains.NSE currently trades in the unlisted market at around Rs 1,950-2,050 per share, implying a valuation of roughly Rs 5 lakh crore. That valuation already reflects significant optimism around the company's eventual listing."NSE is clearly one of India's strongest capital-market franchises and remains one of the most awaited IPO candidates. However, investors looking to buy unlisted shares purely because the DRHP filing is close should exercise caution," said Paresh Bhagat, CIO of Veer Growth Fund and chairman of Mangal Keshav."The business quality is not in question. The key risk is valuation and entry price." Bhagat noted that based on FY26 profit after tax of around Rs 10,300 crore, the exchange is already valued at nearly 48-50 times earnings.While NSE enjoys dominant market share, strong profitability and significant cash generation, he believes much of that strength is already reflected in current unlisted market prices. One of the biggest assumptions among investors is that buying shares before the IPO guarantees a profit once the company lists. Analysts say that assumption may not always hold true.The eventual IPO pricing remains unknown. In many large public offerings, companies deliberately leave room for public market investors by pricing the issue below prevailing unlisted market valuations.If that happens, investors entering NSE at current unlisted prices could face limited upside or even temporary mark-to-market losses. "The pre-IPO window should not be seen as a guaranteed arbitrage opportunity," Bhagat said. "If the IPO is priced more reasonably for public-market investors, the gap versus current unlisted prices could be meaningful."Others echo the same concern. "I would avoid buying NSE unlisted shares purely on the expectation of the upcoming DRHP filing," said Arpit Jain, Joint Managing Director at Arihant Capital Markets."While the filing could be an important milestone in the IPO journey, a significant portion of the optimism around the listing is already reflected in the current unlisted market price." Jain pointed to several high-profile IPOs in recent years where strong excitement before listing did not necessarily translate into exceptional post-listing returns.He said investors should focus on valuation, offer pricing, market conditions and the final IPO structure rather than rushing to buy shares simply because the DRHP is approaching.At the same time, few analysts dispute the quality of the underlying business. NSE remains India's largest stock exchange and dominates equity derivatives trading. The exchange reported total income of Rs 18,713 crore and consolidated net profit of Rs 10,302 crore in FY26.Its capital-light business model, strong cash flows and dominant market position have made it one of the most sought-after names in the unlisted market.According to Nitant Darekar, Research Analyst at Bonanza, NSE currently trades at around 45 times FY26 earnings, based on earnings per share of Rs 41.62. While that valuation is not cheap, it remains below some listed peers."NSE remains a capital-light near-monopoly," Darekar said. "At around Rs 1,950-2,170 in the unlisted market, it trades near 45x FY26 earnings. That's rich, but below BSE at around 70x and MCX at around 80x."Darekar added that the recent settlement of the long-running co-location case has removed a major overhang on the IPO process. However, he cautioned that the exchange's earnings remain linked to derivatives trading activity, which can be volatile, especially after regulatory changes in the futures and options segment.He also highlighted another practical consideration for investors. "The urgency is real. Post-DRHP, fresh unlisted purchases face a one-year lock-in. But valuation, not the calendar, should drive the decision."That point is particularly important because many retail investors view the narrowing pre-IPO window as a reason to buy immediately.Ishan Tanna, Senior Associate at Ashika Capital, said history suggests otherwise. "Historically, buying unlisted shares very close to the IPO stage has not always offered the best risk-reward for investors," he said."In many cases, the biggest gains are made when IPO visibility is low and uncertainty is high. Once the DRHP gets filed and listing draws closer, valuations often become expensive as the IPO excitement premium starts getting priced in."Tanna said NSE remains a rare financial infrastructure asset with strong profitability and a dominant position in Indian capital markets, making it attractive for long-term investors.However, investors chasing quick listing gains should recognise that late-stage entry into pre-IPO stories often carries greater risks than many assume.For now, the consensus among market experts is that NSE remains one of India's highest-quality businesses and its IPO will likely attract enormous investor interest. But with the stock already trading at elevated valuations in the unlisted market, investors may need to focus less on the countdown to the DRHP and more on whether the current price adequately compensates them for the risks ahead.(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of Economic Times)
Shares of Inox Wind tumbled 8% on Monday after the company reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 105.68 crore for the January-March quarter of FY26, down 45% year-on-year (YoY) from Rs 190 crore in the corresponding quarter last year.Shares of the company crashed to Rs 85.61 apiece on NSE, the lowest level since April 10 this year. The firm’s revenue from operations, meanwhile, fell over 2% YoY to Rs 1,244 crore during the fourth quarter of the financial year, which ended on March 31, 2026, from Rs 1,275 crore in the year-ago period. Total income declined marginally to Rs 1,306 crore, while total expenses increased more than 5% YoY to Rs 1,162 crore during the quarter under review.Inox Wind’s EBITDA declined 6% YoY to Rs 333 crore. For the entire financial year 2026, the company reported a 3% rise in bottom line to Rs 449 crore.JM Financial on Inox WindJM Financial highlighted that the company’s Q4 results were an “all-around” miss on estimates. Its revenue was nearly 25% lower than the brokerage’s estimates. “Since management has not shared details, we estimate execution of 85 MW versus 252 MW QoQ/236 MW YoY. Adjusted PAT moderated to Rs 1.1 billion (-44% YoY, -55% JMFe, -52% consensus). The company has an order book of 3.1GW including 1.5 GW from CESC and 750 MW from group companies. Given the challenges in connectivity, RoW and PPAs, we expect IWL to execute 900 MW/1,100 MW during FY27/28,” it said.The domestic brokerage maintained its ‘Add’ rating on the shares of Inox Wind, but reduced its target price to Rs 101 apiece. This implies an upside potential of nearly 9% from the stock’s previous closing price of Rs 93.02 apiece.Motilal Oswal on Inox WindMotilal Oswal also highlighted that Inox Wind reported a weak set of numbers for Q4. However, it highlighted that the visibility of recurring captive order inflows from Inox Clean, which plans to add 3GW of renewable capacity annually with 20-30% expected to be wind-based, management’s strategy to gradually increase pure equipment supply contracts’ share in the order book from 27% currently to 75% over time, which should improve working capital efficiency and margins, and management’s FY27 revenue growth guidance of 75% YoY with EBITDA margins of 20-22% were the key things it liked about the results.The domestic brokerage lowered its FY27 and FY28 EBITDA estimates by 7% and 6% respectively. It maintained its ‘Buy’ rating on the shares of Inox Wind, with a target price of Rs 110 per share, implying an upside potential of more than 18% from the stock’s previous closing price.Inox Wind share priceInox Wind shares have fallen more than 4% in one week and around 8% in one month to close at Rs 93.02 apiece on Friday. The stock is down more than 24% so far in 2026 and nearly 52% in one year.In the longer term, the shares of the company have delivered returns of more than 169% over three years and 386% over five years. The company currently has a market capitalisation of nearly Rs 9,307 crore. The stock’s P/E ratio stands at nearly 36.(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)
New Delhi: Travel portal Yatra Online's founders have opened discussions to sell a controlling stake with feelers having been sent to competitors and other potential buyers, people aware of the development said.The companies they have approached include Makemytrip, Paytm Travel, Rapido, Ixigo and a private equity fund, the people said. Yatra is working with advisors on the sale, they said. Suitors could submit non-binding term sheets to formally document their interest next week. Any formal offers will be subject to due diligence, they said.Also Read: Yatra bets on corporate travel as India’s business travel market heads toward $20 billion by FY27Yatra's founders include Dhruv Shringi, Manish Amin and Sabina Chopra. Shringi, also the chairman, said "there is no substance" to this information."We just reported record profits for the year, hence no reason for anyone to sell," Shringi said when ET sought his comment. "This would anyways not be the right time to do something in the travel industry," he said. The other two founders of Mumbai- and New York-listed Yatra could not be reached for comment. Emailed queries to the company did not elicit a response till press time Sunday.Ixigo and Paytm denied any interest in purchasing a controlling stake in Yatra. Makemytrip and Rapido said they would not comment on "market rumours"."That said, our inorganic growth playbook of investing in niche organisations across travel-adjacent categories has not changed," said a MakeMyTrip spokesperson.Also Read: Indians may be roaming closer to home because of a war far away"Online travel booking is becoming a crowded market. It looks ripe for consolidation," said a fund manager at an international investment firm on condition of anonymity.Yatra Online refers to itself as India's largest corporate travel services provider. The company reported consolidated total income from operations of ₹199.3 crore for the fourth quarter ended March 31, 2026, down from ₹228.5 crore a year earlier. Net profit for the quarter fell to ₹8.2 crore from ₹15.2 crore.On an annual basis, the company reported total income from operations of ₹1,032 crore for fiscal year 2026, and a net profit of ₹47 crore. Yatra said it reported its most profitable year in its history despite some "very significant" macro headwinds that impacted three months of the year.CEO Siddhartha Gupta said that its quarter four was affected by geopolitical disruptions and war-related uncertainty, which weighed on international travel demand, particularly in MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences & exhibitions).
New Delhi: Restaurants, fashion and beauty retailers, and multi-brand outlets in malls are raking it in as heatwave conditions, school holidays, and lesser travel combine to drive customers indoors into air-conditioned retail outlets and eating joints."Our restaurants have waiting periods stretching to hours at key locations like Mall of India in Delhi NCR even on weekdays. We have over 15 outlets across key malls in India, and the mall business is higher than last year. Our sales would be up by around 15-20% for outlets in malls compared to last year," said Saurabh Khanijo, managing director of Kylin chain of restaurants.Also read: After Zudio boom, Trent still has a long runway for growth: Noel TataPushpa Bector, group executive director at DLF Retail, said revenues for DLF malls should be up by around 10-11% for April and May compared to last year. “People are not travelling as much this summer,” said Bector. “Because of adverse weather conditions, disposable incomes are going into malls, and per capita spending seems to have gone up. We should be doing considerably well all the way till August. Categories such as F&B, beauty and fashion are doing well,” she added.The average time a family spends at the mall has increased since the start of summer vacations, said Ravinder Choudhary, vice president of Vegas & Unity Group that operates half a dozen malls in Delhi and Punjab.“We have also created activity zones in the malls that we operate. That crowd then spends time shopping and eating out as well. Food and entertainment zones are doing extremely well while there is a stable growth in fashion brands,” he added.Café Delhi Heights, which operates around 44 outlets across malls in India, is seeing a 10% uptick in sales over last year.For standalone outlets in local markets and high street areas, restaurateurs are running offers like extended happy hours to lure more crowds.Also read: The 9 pm rule inside India’s predictable summer shopping pattern"Extreme weather is increasingly becoming a factor in consumer decision-making. During periods of intense heat, air-conditioned malls gain a natural advantage as they offer a complete ecosystem of shopping, dining and entertainment in a comfortable environment,” said Shriram PM Monga, co-founder, SRED, a retail advisory firm.Monga said that it was not merely a seasonal spike in footfalls but a shift in ‘dwell-time economics.’“Based on what we are observing across our portfolio, mall footfalls increase by 15–25% during peak holiday and high-temperature periods, resulting in stronger sales for F&B and lifestyle brands,” he said. “As Indian cities continue to urbanise and temperatures grow more extreme, well-planned retail destinations are poised for sustained demand. The consumption story inside organised retail is only getting stronger."
Canada has introduced stricter documentation requirements for digital nomads entering the country under a work-permit exemption, requiring applicants to provide evidence that their income is earned entirely outside Canada and that they work remotely for foreign employers or overseas clients.Under Canadian immigration rules, digital nomads, remote workers employed by foreign companies or self-employed individuals serving overseas clients—can stay in Canada as visitors and work remotely for up to six months without obtaining a work permit, according to a report by CIC News. This exemption applies because they are not considered to be entering the Canadian labour market. Previously, immigration officers were instructed that digital nomads did not need to provide additional documentation beyond what is generally required from visitors. The updated guidance now directs officers to verify that applicants earn their income outside Canada and do not provide services to Canadian employers or clients. More clarity for immigration officers The revised instructions also provide additional guidance for officers assessing digital nomad applications. According to the updated rules, as cited by CIC News, digital nomads who wish to remain in Canada beyond their initially authorized stay should apply for a visitor record. Applicants must also satisfy immigration officers that they do not intend to enter the Canadian labour market during their stay. The guidance further states that accompanying family members must submit separate applications for their own temporary resident status. General entry requirements remain Canada's immigration department also clarified that digital nomads must continue to meet all standard requirements applicable to temporary residents. This includes demonstrating sufficient financial resources to support themselves during their stay, convincing officers that they will leave Canada when their authorized stay ends, and meeting admissibility requirements related to health and criminality. According to the CIC News report, the updated instructions also state that a digital nomad already in Canada may work for a Canadian employer without obtaining a work permit only if they qualify under a separate work-permit exemption set out in Canada's immigration regulations. The changes provide immigration officers with more detailed criteria for assessing digital nomad entries while reinforcing the requirement that remote workers benefiting from the exemption remain outside Canada's domestic labour market.
While the midcap index flirts with new peaks, strong corporate earnings have helped cool down previously stretched valuations. Nippon India's Rupesh Patel analyses the resilient Q4 FY26 earnings season, breaking down how a bottom-up investing strategy can help investors uncover reasonable entry points despite building geopolitical and macroeconomic headwinds.Edited excerpts from a chat with Rupesh Patel, Senior Fund Manager - Equity Investments, Nippon India Mutual Fund:Your Nippon India Growth Mid Cap Fund delivered a strong 22% over the last 5 years, beating the benchmark. But given your Growth at Reasonable Price (GARP) philosophy, where are you actually finding "reasonable" valuations in a midcap market that many currently see as overheated?On an aggregate basis, the NSE Midcap 150 index has remained almost flat since September 2024. However, during this period, earnings have grown at a reasonable rate. In fact, midcap as a category has been the most resilient and delivered higher growth compared to other segments of the market. As a result, valuations today, though they appear higher compared to long-term averages, have corrected as compared to where we were in September 2024.Coming to Nippon India Growth Fund, we follow a bottom-up approach to construct the portfolio and buy stocks based on their relative attractiveness on risk-reward equation. Some of the businesses in the category may appear expensive in the near term; however, the size of the opportunity and their ability to maintain earnings growth at a reasonable rate over the long term make them attractive from a medium to longer-term perspective. You are overweight financials and underweight technology in the midcap fund. What's the rationale? How do you think midcap lenders and midcap IT companies are placed at this stage?Our OW stance on financials is on account of our exposure to lenders as well as other beneficiaries of financialization of savings like Life Insurance companies, asset management companies, Exchanges, etc. On the lending side, most of our exposure is to well-capitalised lenders where asset quality is largely expected to hold, Return on Assets/ Return on Equity remains healthy, and valuations are reasonable in the context of the overall market.In IT companies, we have been underweight since the last few quarters, largely owing to the risk of a slowdown in earnings growth on account of current geopolitical uncertainties and the impact of disruptions like AI. Valuations were also a concern till a few quarters back. Going ahead, as the dust settles and some of these companies evolve and adapt to new realities, growth will recover from current lows. Companies in this sector are generally capital efficient and generate free cash flow, making them attractive bets again as valuations turn favourable.Within the midcap space, how do you read the Q4 earnings season? What are your biggest takeaways for investors?Q4 earnings season for midcaps has turned out to be quite resilient, and most companies are delivering on expectations. However, going ahead, risks related to deterioration in the macro environment, cost inflation, and logistics remain relevant. If current geopolitical uncertainties continue, we must be cognizant of these risks and their impact on earnings and valuations. Given the growth trajectory, valuations and earnings, midcap companies are in a sweet spot. Would you agree?If we look at the last few quarters, midcap companies’ earnings have remained resilient. Most of them have delivered healthy earnings growth even in Q4, FY’26. However, aggregate returns of midcap companies as represented by the NSE Midcap 150 index have remained flat since September 2024, resulting in a valuation correction over this period. Further, midcap is a very diverse category with a universe representing multiple sectors and some unique and fast-growing profit pools that have the potential to grow meaningfully over the medium to long term; hence, on a bottom-up basis as well, opportunities exist in this segment of the market. How have you been reshuffling your portfolio to realign it with the realities of war?As mentioned earlier, we remain cognizant of risks arising on account of deteriorating macro conditions, inflation in costs and logistical challenges, if current geopolitical uncertainties persist. We also remain aware of the potential impact of these risks not only on earnings growth but also on market valuations. In some instances, current stock prices may already be reflecting risks of these uncertainties, making the risk-reward favourable. Hence, our approach is to remain aware of valuations and avoid vulnerable businesses.From a 3-5 year perspective, which sectors do you think are best placed at this stage - both from a growth as well as a valuation perspective?We remain positive on Financials, Consumer Discretionary, and select industrials.Within financials, we are positive on lenders as well as companies that benefit from a bigger trend on the financialization of savings. Accordingly, we have exposure to companies in the insurance space, Asset Management Companies, Exchanges and other financial services companies. On lenders, asset quality remains benign, they are well capitalised, generate decent Return on Assets (RoA) and Return on Equity (RoE) and valuations are reasonable.Consumer discretionary companies are likely to benefit from favourable demographics, growth in per capita incomes and trends on premiumization playing out in multiple categories over the medium to long term.On the industrial front, the reason to be positive is on account of various initiatives taken by the government to encourage manufacturing in India. Select companies in Auto ancillaries, Electronics manufacturing, precision engineering and defence-related segments can also do well. However, these are broad sectors, and winners will have to be picked on a bottom-up basis, considering factors like their manufacturing prowess, management strength and cost competitiveness.The midcap index has already hit a new peak this month, ahead of both small and largecaps. What's the reason behind this optimism, and do you see valuation risk building?Although the midcap index is close to an all-time high, its last 20 months' returns have been flat despite midcap companies as an aggregate delivering superior growth. In that sense, valuations today have turned favourable on account of this time correction. Even if we look at the last 3 years' earnings on a CAGR basis, midcap as a category has reported superior earnings growth as compared to broader markets. Going ahead as well, the outlook on midcap companies’ earnings growth continues to remain healthier. In that sense, the performance of the midcap index is largely a reflection of underlying earnings growth. (Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views, and opinions given by experts are their own. These do not represent the views of the Economic Times.)
India's primary market is set for an active week in the mainboard segment, with two public issues scheduled to open for subscription even as investor sentiment remains selective amid volatile equity markets and heightened global uncertainty. The spotlight will be on the IPOs of CMR Green Technologies and Hexagon Nutrition, which together aim to raise nearly Rs 770 crore.The offerings come at a time when the IPO market has seen a lull for a few weeks in a tepid 2026. While several companies have secured regulatory approvals in recent weeks, many have put off their IPO plans due to market volatility.The first issue to hit the market next week will be CMR Green Technologies. The company's IPO will open on June 3 and close on June 5. The issue is priced in the range of Rs 182-192 per share and aims to raise Rs 630.9 crore. Equirus Capital is managing the offering.CMR Green Technologies operates in the metal recycling and circular economy segment, manufacturing recycled aluminium and zinc products for automotive and industrial applications. The company counts several leading automotive manufacturers among its customers and is positioned to benefit from increasing adoption of recycled metals and sustainability-focused manufacturing practices.The company is expected to attract investor interest given the growing focus on resource efficiency, electric vehicles and environmental regulations that are encouraging the use of recycled materials.The second mainboard issue scheduled for next week is Hexagon Nutrition.The IPO will open on June 5 and close on June 9. The company has fixed a price band of Rs 42-45 per share and plans to raise Rs 138.9 crore through an offer for sale of 3.09 crore shares. Since the issue is entirely an OFS, the company will not receive any proceeds from the public offering.Hexagon Nutrition is a research-driven nutrition company engaged in manufacturing micronutrient premixes, wellness and clinical nutrition products, therapeutic formulations and ready-to-use nutritional foods.Founded in 1993, the company operates manufacturing facilities in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Uzbekistan and exports products to more than 75 countries. Its products are sold through both business-to-consumer and business-to-business channels and include brands such as Pentasure, Obesigo, Pediagold and Nutrone.The company has reported steady financial growth in recent years. Profit after tax rose to Rs 24.4 crore in FY25 from Rs 12.2 crore in FY24 and Rs 5.8 crore in FY23, while total income increased to Rs 331 crore.At the upper end of the price band, Hexagon Nutrition is valued at around 15 times post-issue earnings.Market participants will closely watch subscription trends in both issues as they could provide a signal on investor appetite for new listings after months of fluctuating market sentiment.The broader market environment remains mixed. Indian equities have faced pressure this year from elevated crude oil prices, geopolitical tensions in West Asia and foreign institutional investor outflows. However, strong domestic liquidity and continued retail participation have helped support primary market activity.SME segmentApart from the mainboard issues, the SME segment is also expected to remain active next week.Genxai Analytics plans to raise about Rs 55 crore through its NSE SME IPO, which opens on June 5 and closes on June 9. The issue is priced at Rs 110-116 per share. Vahh Chemicals will launch a fixed-price SME issue worth Rs 13.5 crore between June 4 and June 8 on the BSE SME platform.Merritronix will also tap the SME market with a Rs 70 crore issue opening on June 1 and closing on June 3.While SME offerings continue to attract investor interest, listing performance has remained mixed in recent months, making subscription quality and valuation discipline increasingly important factors for investors.(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of Economic Times)
Mahindra Manulife Mutual Fund announced the launch of ‘MPOWER SIF’ marking its entry into SEBI’s newly notified investment product called Specialized Investment Fund and reinforcing its commitment to bringing differentiated investment solutions to investors.With MPOWER SIF, Mahindra Manulife Mutual Fund aims to address the evolving needs of investors, who are looking to complement their existing mutual funds with products that use derivatives and other tools to create different risk return outcomes.Also Read | Smallcap valuations turn favourable as correction creates fresh opportunities: Bajaj Finserv AMC The fund house aims to provide a client experience that seeks to meet the investors aspiration, whilst remaining true to the core premise of creating investment outcomes that are consistent and meaningful.“The launch of MPOWER SIF is a significant step forward in expanding our product suite. As investors and their goals and aspirations evolve over time, there is a clear requirement for investment solutions that offer greater flexibility and use the entire range of tools available to deliver consistent outcomes. This approach is complemented by an investment team with extensive experience anchored by a sound risk management framework,” said Anthony Heredia, MD & CEO, Mahindra Manulife Investment Management.Mahindra Manulife Mutual Fund intends to roll out a range of differentiated strategies under MPOWER SIF across equity, hybrid, and fixed income categories, aligned with regulatory guidelines and investor suitability.“MPOWER SIF gives us the flexibility to design more agile and outcome-oriented portfolios by leveraging a wider investment toolkit. This platform will enable us to combine fundamental research with tactical allocation strategies, with the objective of delivering superior risk-adjusted returns across market cycles. We believe it is well suited for investors seeking a more nuanced approach to portfolio construction,” said Krishna Sanghavi, Chief Investment Officer - Equity, Mahindra Manulife Investment Management.Also Read | Should senior citizens continue investing in equity mutual funds after retirement? Expert explainsThe SIF category offers strategies that go beyond conventional Mutual Funds, including long-short approaches, derivatives-based strategies, and more focused portfolio construction, catering to investors seeking a different approach to meeting their investment goals.(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)If you have any mutual fund queries, message on ET Mutual Funds on Facebook/Twitter. We will get it answered by our panel of experts. Do share your questions on ETMFqueries@timesinternet.in alongwith your age, risk profile, and Twitter handle.
With Indian markets trading near elevated long-term averages, relying on a single, static asset class carries higher risk. According to Ihab Dalwai, Senior Fund Manager at ICICI Prudential AMC, high return dispersion means the real opportunity over the next three years lies in a flexible asset allocation framework that actively shifts capital between equities, debt, and commodities to deliver better risk-adjusted outcomes.Edited excerpts from a chat with the fund manager:How different is Active Asset Allocator Long-Short strategy from your existing Balanced Advantage Fund or Multi-Asset Fund, which you already co-manage?Unlike the traditional mutual fund offerings such as Balanced Advantage Funds (BAF) or Multi-Asset Funds, the Active Asset Allocator Long-Short strategy is structurally different as it operates within the Specialized Investment Fund (SIF) framework, which provides decent higher portfolio flexibility.While BAFs and Multi-Asset Funds primarily manage net exposure through hedging and dynamic allocation, the SIF structure allows us to deploy a wider range of derivative-based strategies. This enables the portfolio to potentially generate returns not only from directional market participation but also from relative opportunities across asset classes and market conditions.Another key difference is the breadth of the opportunity set. The strategy dynamically allocates across equities, debt, commodities, InvITs and derivatives, with the flexibility to actively recalibrate exposures depending on valuations, macros and risk-adjusted opportunities. The objective is to create a more adaptive portfolio that seeks smoother outcomes across cycles while maintaining a disciplined buy low, sell high philosophy.At a time when Indian markets are trading near elevated long-term averages, how are you reading the current risk-reward equation across equities, debt and commodities? Which asset class currently looks most attractive from a three-year perspective?From a three-year perspective, we believe investors should avoid thinking in terms of a single winning asset class. The current environment is more suited for dynamic asset allocation because return dispersion across asset classes could remain high.Equity valuations have corrected in pockets where expectations are low and such opportunities have increased over the last 1-2 years. At the same time, fixed income has become relatively more attractive after the sharp repricing in global rates. Commodities, especially precious metals, performed well over the last year due to dollar devaluation, however that trend has currently paused because of rising rates in the US.In our view, the opportunity today lies in actively shifting between these asset classes rather than remaining concentrated in one asset class. Over the next three years, a flexible allocation approach may potentially deliver better risk-adjusted outcomes than static exposure.Your framework talks about “being invested the right way at the right time.” What are the biggest macro variables driving your current asset allocation stance?Our framework for equities combines a valuation plus earnings overlays. In case of debt and commodities, our allocation is based on various macro indicators. The key macro variables we monitor include growth trends, inflation trajectory, liquidity conditions, real interest rates, currency movements and earnings cycles. At a broader level, we try to identify the prevailing growth-inflation regime because different asset classes tend to perform differently across economic phases. For example, equities and cyclical commodities generally perform better during growth-led expansions, while gold and duration assets tend to outperform during slowdown or uncertainty-driven phases.Commodities are emerging as a bigger allocation theme globally. Do you believe Indian investors remain structurally underallocated to commodities if we exclude household gold?Commodities has to be seen from a tactical allocation perspective rather than a structural allocation as they don’t pay either dividend or interest as other asset classes do. Hence, give the sharp run up in commodity prices, we don’t see an issue with relatively lesser allocation to commodities today.How do you see gold behaving if global growth weakens but inflation remains sticky?It is a tricky situation because the outlook on real rates is not clear. Historically gold as an asset class tends to do well when US real rates come off.What role do InvITs play in the portfolio construction process, especially in a rising interest rate environment?InvITs can play an important diversification role within the portfolio because they provide exposure to infrastructure-linked cash flow assets that are relatively distinct from traditional equity and debt instruments.In a rising rate environment, there can be near-term valuation pressure on yield-oriented assets, including InvITs. However, the impact also depends on the strength and growth visibility of the underlying assets and cash flows. Therefore, selective allocation becomes important rather than taking a broad-based view.Do you think that midcaps are now in a sweet spot and, barring a few pockets, unimpacted by the geopolitical conflict? In your Large and Midcap Fund, how overweight are you on midcaps?Midcaps continue to offer selective opportunities, particularly in businesses benefiting from domestic economic formalisation, manufacturing expansion, financialisation and government-led capex. However, after the strong rally seen over the last few years, valuations in certain parts of the midcap universe continue to remain elevated. Therefore, midcaps are not a homogeneous segment. Stock selection and valuation discipline become increasingly important in the current environment.Within the midcap universe, which sectors do you like from a 3-5 year perspective and why?The approach to midcaps has to be bottom up. Having said that, there are opportunities in certain platform companies and consumer facing businesses which have meaningfully underperformed over the last three years and have muted expectations from the market which makes them a good investment case today.