Now, with numbers out, the markets have to navigate an equally uncertain terrain. The earnings season saw numbers from India’s most significant growth engine—consumption—sputter. Firms across a range of consumer businesses, from soaps and shampoos to air conditioners and two-wheelers, reported lacklustre numbers that they blamed on a slowing rural economy and consumers holding back on spending in the run-up to the elections. It’s still unclear as to how broad-based the slowdown is. “The view among most investors is that the next government will have its task cut out in getting growth back,” says an investor. Most want to wait for the next Budget to see if the government boosts spending and relaxes its inflation targeting approach.
Some like Viraj Mehta, head and fund manager at Equirus PMS, are waiting for more clarity. “The composition of the new government and its policies will have an impact on the direction of the markets over the long term,” he says. “While financials are priced to perfection, there could be some opportunity in sectors like capital goods where valuations are reasonable.”
Add to that an uncertain macroeconomic outlook for the Indian economy and it becomes clear why the markets are likely to hit the pause button. Oil prices have been hovering around $70 a barrel, but could spike if the US and Iran end up in conflict. No deal has emerged so far from the US-China trade talks and it remains to be seen how markets price in lower earnings on account of the disruption to global supply and finished product chains. As of now there is no sign of either side backing down.
First Published: May 20, 2019, 14:53
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