Is India's Growth Steady? Insights on Equity and Fixed-Income

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Domestic demand sectors are promising for investors.
- Long-term outlook for Indian equities remains positive.
- Caution is advised in the short term due to uncertainties.
- GST rationalization could enhance growth.
- Rupee expected to fluctuate between 87.5 and 88.5.
New Delhi, Sep 24 (NationPress) The report highlights that sectors driven by domestic demand, including consumption, infrastructure, and retail, along with high-quality large caps and selectively chosen mid- and small-cap stocks, present significant opportunities for investors.
According to asset management firm PL Wealth, the long-term outlook for Indian equities remains optimistic, although caution is advised in the short term due to tariff uncertainties and foreign portfolio investor outflows.
The firm pointed out that India's growth trajectory is intact, with the gross domestic product (GDP) for Q1 FY26 increasing by 7.8 percent year-on-year (YoY), supported by proactive government capital expenditure and a favorable deflator.
PL Wealth anticipates that GST rationalization will enhance growth by 0.2–0.3 percent, bolster consumption, and help mitigate inflationary pressures.
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation fell to a 97-month low of 1.55 percent in July, providing room for potential rate cuts, while services activity remains strong, evidenced by the Services PMI reaching a 15-year high of 62.9 in August, according to the report.
PL Wealth recommends focusing on large-cap investments and employing staggered entries to mitigate timing risks in the short term (1-3 months). In the medium term, opportunities in mid- and small-cap stocks are likely to arise, particularly in sectors fueled by domestic demand.
“Long-term investors should leverage volatility to increase their positions in quality companies, while fixed income and precious metals may present tactical opportunities in the current environment,” stated Inderbir Singh Jolly, CEO of PL Wealth.
The firm has adopted a neutral stance on fixed income, favoring long-term investments such as G-Secs and SDLs. Short-tenor AAA corporates are preferred for accrual, while appetite for credit risk remains subdued, as per the report.
PL Wealth projects that the rupee will fluctuate between 87.5 and 88.5 in the short term and stabilize around 86 to 88 in the medium term. However, they warned that further tariff escalation could push the currency towards 90/USD.