Economy
|
Updated on 15th November 2025, 12:12 PM
Author
Satyam Jha | Whalesbook News Team
Nilesh Shah, MD of Kotak Mahindra AMC, believes political stability is present but emphasizes the India-US tariff deal as the key catalyst for foreign investors. He advises balanced asset allocation (55% equity, 20% precious metals) and cautions against the inflated IPO market, suggesting a 'start small' approach for good businesses at high prices. Shah remains constructive on India but urges investors to moderate return expectations.
▶
Nilesh Shah, Managing Director of Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Company, shared his perspectives on the Indian stock market, noting that as the Nifty approaches 26,000, political stability provides a favorable environment. However, he highlighted the India-US tariff deal as a critical factor that could unlock substantial foreign investment. Shah observed that while US investors show strong curiosity about India, immediate capital deployment is hesitant, suggesting a trade agreement could serve as the necessary trigger. For domestic investors, Shah reiterated the importance of a balanced approach, recommending a portfolio mix of 55% equity, 20% precious metals (gold and silver), and the remainder in debt, a strategy employed by Kotak's Multi Asset Allocation Fund. He remains positive on gold and silver, driven by central bank purchases, but warns against FOMO and advises research into central bank actions. The primary market (IPOs) is experiencing a boom, but Shah cautioned that some companies are overpriced. He noted that while AI tools expedite document analysis, selection discipline remains vital. For businesses with good fundamentals but high valuations, his advice is to 'start small.' Overall, Shah is constructive on India but advises investors to temper their return expectations in the current low inflation environment.
Impact: This news provides crucial insights into foreign investor sentiment, domestic asset allocation strategies, and the outlook for the primary and secondary markets. It can influence investment decisions, asset allocation choices, and risk assessment for Indian investors. The potential impact on foreign capital inflows is significant. **Rating: 8/10**
Terms: * **Nifty**: A benchmark Indian stock market index representing the weighted average of 50 of the largest Indian companies listed on the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE). * **Political Stability**: A situation where the government is stable and unlikely to be overthrown or face significant internal disruption, fostering confidence for investment. * **India–US Tariff Deal**: An agreement between India and the United States concerning the tariffs (taxes on imported/exported goods) imposed by one country on the other's products. Resolving these can boost trade and investment. * **Foreign Buying**: The act of overseas investors purchasing stocks or other assets in a domestic market. * **Asset Allocation**: The strategy of dividing an investment portfolio among different asset categories, such as stocks, bonds, precious metals, and cash, to balance risk and reward. * **Equity**: Represents ownership in a company, typically in the form of shares or stock. * **Precious Metals**: Naturally occurring elements that are rare and have high economic value, such as gold, silver, and platinum. * **Debt**: Financial liabilities or borrowings, often represented by bonds or loans, where lenders receive interest payments and repayment of the principal amount. * **Central Banks**: Institutions responsible for managing a state's currency, money supply, and interest rates. Their actions, like buying gold, can influence commodity prices. * **FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out)**: A feeling of anxiety that an exciting or interesting event may currently be happening elsewhere, often aroused by posts seen on social media, leading to impulsive investment decisions. * **Primary Market**: The market where new securities (like stocks or bonds) are issued for the first time directly from the issuer to investors (e.g., IPOs). * **IPO (Initial Public Offering)**: The process by which a private company first sells shares of stock to the public, becoming a publicly traded company. * **DRHP (Draft Red Herring Prospectus)**: A preliminary registration document filed with a securities regulator (like SEBI in India) by a company intending to go public. * **Valuations**: The process of determining the current worth of an asset or a company. In stock markets, high valuations mean investors are willing to pay a higher price relative to the company's earnings or assets. * **Moderated Return Expectations**: Adjusting the anticipated level of profit from an investment to a more realistic and achievable rate, especially in stable or low-growth environments. * **Inflation**: The rate at which the general level of prices for goods and services is rising, and subsequently, purchasing power is falling.