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Below the Market Outlook and investment Strategy for Samvat 2081 By Dr. Vikas Gupta, CEO and Chief Investment Strategist, OmniScience Capital

The Indian equity markets experienced a significant rally during Samvat 2080, with the Nifty rising approximately 25% by October 17, 2024. This growth was fueled by strong corporate earnings, improved GST collections, a revival in the Capex cycle, favorable monsoon conditions, and high domestic demand. Additionally, liquidity inflows from mutual funds and positive global cues contributed to market resilience. Globally, U.S. indices also posted gains of 27% to 35% during this period, reflecting a synchronized rally.

Key Growth Drivers:

The key growth drivers for the Indian equity markets include consistent corporate earnings growth, which has bolstered investor confidence, and a revival in capital expenditure, particularly in infrastructure, enhancing growth prospects. High GST collections reflect strong consumption patterns and economic expansion, while a favorable monsoon has supported agricultural productivity and maintained rural demand. Additionally, India’s large domestic market continues to provide stability against global uncertainties, and positive liquidity inflows, especially from mutual funds, have supported market momentum.

Risks and Challenges:

However, certain risks persist. Geopolitical concerns could disrupt global trade and investor sentiment, rising crude oil prices may increase inflation and affect the trade balance, and a global economic slowdown, particularly in the U.S. and Europe, could impact Indian exports.

Monetary Policy Outlook:

Global central banks, including the Federal Reserve, ECB, and BOE, have started easing monetary policies with rate reductions. India’s 10-year treasury yields indicate a potential rate cut, and the RBI's shift to a neutral stance signals that interest rate reductions may follow. Lower rates are expected to boost sectors like real estate, infrastructure, and consumer goods.

Economic Growth Prospects:

India’s GDP is projected to grow by 7-7.2% in FY25, supported by structural reforms, strong domestic demand, and favorable government policies. Looking further ahead, India is expected to become the third-largest economy by 2030, with the economy projected to more than double to $7 trillion by that time. Rapid urbanization, a growing middle class, and increased private investment will drive long-term growth.

Market Outlook for Samvat 2081:

The Indian market is poised for further growth, with government policies, structural reforms, and strong domestic demand continuing to be key drivers. The Union Budget 2024-25, with its focus on agricultural productivity, job creation, infrastructure, energy security, and innovation, is set to create a pro-growth environment, fostering sustained economic development.

Key Factors to Monitor:

1. Inflation: Close attention to inflation, particularly driven by rising crude oil prices, will be essential for maintaining economic stability.
2. Private Investment: The acceleration of private capital expenditure is poised to further fuel growth. The private sector's debt-to-equity ratio is at its lowest in decades, likely driving credit growth into the mid-teens. Banks also have their cleanest balance sheets in years and are currently undervalued, offering a significant opportunity for investors seeking potential alpha in this sector.
3. Digital and Green Transformation: The ongoing shift toward a digital and green economy opens up new investment opportunities, especially in technology and renewable energy. The undervalued power sector presents an attractive opportunity for green energy investments, while the long-term growth potential in the technology sector could exceed expectations due to the accelerating impact of the AI revolution.

Investor Strategy for Samvat 2081:

As we enter Samvat 2081, investors should focus on building a resilient portfolio by eliminating companies that fall into three pitfalls: Capital Destroyers, Capital Eroders, and Capital Imploders, as outlined in the Scientific Investing Framework by OmniScience Capital. These are companies with persistently negative earnings, poor returns on capital, or excessive overvaluation. After removing underperformers, investors should seek companies with strong earnings, manageable debt, and sustainable competitive advantages. Diversifying across sectors will help position portfolios for sustained growth in the coming year.

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