Are Indian 10-Year Government Bonds and Large Cap Stocks Worth the Investment?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- 10-year government bonds present favorable investment conditions.
- The 10-year G-Sec yield is currently appealing for entry.
- Large-cap stocks in IT and banking sectors show relative attractiveness.
- Investors can mitigate volatility through defensive sectors.
- Current economic conditions suggest potential for lower policy rates.
New Delhi, Dec 12 (NationPress) The combination of uneven growth and fiscal prudence has opened avenues for investors in Indian government bonds, especially those maturing in 10 years and beyond, according to a recent report released on Friday.
The analysis from DSP Mutual Fund also highlighted the appealing nature of large-cap stocks, particularly within the IT and banking sectors.
With the central government's gross market borrowing stabilizing as a proportion of GDP, net issuance of government securities is incrementally growing at a slower pace than the economy, which is limiting bond supply and alleviating upward pressure on interest rates.
"The gap between nominal GDP growth and the 10-year G-Sec yield has contracted to around 2.5% to 3%, suggesting potential for lower policy and term rates should growth continue to be inconsistent," the report indicated.
Additionally, the difference between the repo rate and the 10-year yield remains comfortably wide at approximately 1 percentage point, presenting an attractive carry and potential for capital gains for investors who are open to extending their duration now. The current India Gsec 10-year yield is positioned between 6.55% and 6.65%, marking a favorable entry point, as stated by DSP Mutual Fund.
Furthermore, CPI inflation is at a multi-decade low, significantly below the Reserve Bank of India’s target of 4%, which further bolsters the argument for lower policy rates if growth remains inconsistent.
The fund also noted that the Nifty MidSmallCap 400 has fallen below its 200-day moving average in comparison to the Nifty 100.
"Consequently, the Flexicap SMID versus Large Cap signal now indicates the relative appeal of large-cap stocks," the report stated.
Investors can utilize defensive sectors such as IT, banks, and certain other large-cap stocks to navigate market volatility, it added.
However, the report cautioned that a nominal GDP growth of 10% with 4% core inflation translates to about 6% real growth, which is inadequate for fully leveraging India’s demographic advantage.
This situation reflects sluggish consumption growth, a deceleration in services exports, and an inability of goods exports to gain significant momentum, all of which require corrective measures.