Is HSBC Upgrading India's Economic Outlook to 'Overweight' with a Sensex Forecast of 94,000 by 2026?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- HSBC upgrades India's economic outlook to 'overweight'.
- Sensex target set at 94,000 for 2026.
- Lower inflation and tax reforms are driving growth.
- Sectoral benefits expected in autos, telecom, and energy.
- Challenges include geopolitical tensions and currency fluctuations.
New Delhi, Dec 11 (NationPress) According to a recent report by HSBC Global Research, Indian stocks are poised for significant gains by 2026, fueled by decreased inflation, tax reforms, and a more accommodating monetary policy. The report has raised India's status to 'overweight' in the context of Asia.
Furthermore, HSBC has reiterated its forecast for the Sensex at 94,000 for the coming year.
"We are positioned to be optimistic about India in the broader Asian landscape; our unchanged target for the Sensex by the end of 2026 remains at 94,000, representing an 11 percent increase from current values," stated the HSBC report.
The analysis indicated that consensus projections suggest a 10 percent growth for FY26e and 16 percent in FY27 (with a 14 percent projection for large-cap stocks).
HSBC emphasized, "The most severe earnings reductions appear to be behind us, and the latest results have bolstered our confidence in the growth trajectory."
With valuations returning to more rational levels, India’s premium over other emerging markets is now normalized.
"We expect increased foreign investments as funds seek to diversify away from AI-centric sectors across Asia," the firm remarked.
Sectors such as automobiles are likely to benefit from reduced interest rates, while telecommunications enjoy robust pricing power amid minimal competition.
"We are also optimistic about the Energy sector due to the favorable positioning of companies in light of declining oil prices," the report stated.
However, the report identified four potential challenges that could hinder interest: a sluggish recovery in growth, AI enthusiasm in other parts of Asia, escalating geopolitical tensions, and fluctuations in currency.
While a trade agreement with the United States would be advantageous, it is not deemed essential for attracting foreign investors, it added.
Previously, SBI Funds Management indicated that the outlook for India’s market is becoming increasingly positive, as stable GDP growth, rising earnings expectations, and a supportive monetary environment begin to enhance investor confidence.
According to the fund management entity, despite ongoing short-term hurdles, the overall climate for equities is gradually improving, paving the way for a measured yet steady recovery.
SBI Funds reported that India’s real GDP growth consistently exceeded projections, with the economy expanding by 7.8 percent in Q1 FY26 and 8.2 percent in Q2 FY26.