Is the India market set for a rebound? 50% chance of Sensex hitting 89,000 by June 2026, says report
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
New Delhi, Nov 4 (NationPress) Indian equities appear ready for a rebound after experiencing a significant relative decline, as crucial factors contributing to this underperformance start to shift due to the front loading of capital expenditures and GST rate reductions, according to a report released on Tuesday.
The US-based investment banking firm Morgan Stanley has estimated a 50% likelihood that the BSE Sensex will achieve a target of 89,000, suggesting an upside potential of 6% by June 2026.
A positive growth surprise is anticipated in the upcoming months as India’s growth cycle is poised for acceleration, supported by the reflation initiatives from both the RBI and the government via interest rate cuts and reductions in the cash reserve ratio (CRR), the report indicates.
Key policy measures identified as catalysts include deregulation by the Reserve Bank, liquidity provisions, front loading of capital expenditures, and nearly Rs 1.5 trillion in GST rate cuts, Morgan Stanley noted.
The report also mentioned the warming relations with China and the impact of China's anti-involution policies.
“A potential India-US trade agreement could further enhance market sentiment. Thus, the hawkish macroeconomic framework in India post-Covid is now unwinding. Relative valuations have corrected and may have reached a low point in October,” it added.
The downturn that commenced in the second half of 2024, inflated relative valuations, and the absence of direct AI-related investments had negatively impacted India, while delays in a US trade agreement and India’s lower sensitivity in a global bull market added further strain, analysts observed.
The diminishing influence of oil on GDP, the increasing contribution of exports to GDP (particularly in services), and fiscal consolidation are expected to reduce real interest rates and inflation volatility, creating a favorable environment for higher price-to-earnings ratios, according to the report.
Key immediate drivers include potential RBI policy easing this quarter, an India-US trade deal, and enhanced foreign portfolio investor inflows, it noted.
Morgan Stanley stated that it favors domestic cyclicals over defensive stocks and has increased exposure to the financial, consumer discretionary, and industrial sectors.