2022 was an eventful year when the global economy witnessed the cons of easy money flow (Quantitative Easing). Inflation across the globe tested multi-decadal highs forcing the global central banks to an interest rate hiking spree. Consequently, the US Federal Reserve increased the benchmark rate to its highest level in 15 years. Amidst all these, India turned out to be an outlier when most of the global markets clocked negative returns. The relatively stable equity market in India was a result of a smart economic recovery from the pandemic shock and the growing dominance of retail investors.

What does a higher interest rate mean for equity markets?

Stock prices reflect the present value of future cash flows that companies are likely to accumulate over their life. The discount rate used to discount future cash flows is a function of prevailing interest rates. Generally, companies trading at high valuations are more sensitive to an interest rate increase as the majority of the value emerges from high expectations on future cash flows. When interest rates increase, the high-valuation cohort tends to undergo a reset in valuation multiples to reflect the new reality. If we were to sort Nifty 50 stocks in terms of descending order of valuation multiples (P/E ratio is considered), the average annual returns of the top 15 ranked companies have exceeded the bottom 15 ranks by a wide margin from CY16 till CY21. As interest rates rose rapidly over the past year, the tide turned in favor of the bottom ranks - typically representative of the value style coming back in favor.

Source: Bloomberg; Current Nifty 50 stocks are considered; Data as of Dec 15, 2022

Over the past one-year, Indian markets were resilient and delivered positive returns compared to a double-digit decline in several of the global markets. As indicated in the above table, India’s outperformance was supported by robust earnings despite the Covid shock.

Another factor that supported the markets was strong flows from domestic retail investors. If we take the cumulative flows into equity markets since 2003, the share of flows since 2017 for FPI (Foreign Portfolio Investors) and Domestic Mutual Fund investors stands at 15% and 78% respectively (Data as of Nov 30, 2022). Unlike the experienced FPI, most retail investors haven’t seen a full market cycle yet. It will be interesting to see how retail investor behavior pans out over the long term. Nevertheless, Indian households' under-investment in equities (4.8% of Household Assets as of March 2022) grants ample scope for incremental flows. Historically, India has always traded at a premium to global markets due to the demographic dividend and reasonably stable policy environment. As the Indian market valuation is hovering close to its long-term average, the stock price returns henceforth will be largely driven by earnings growth. After many years of subdued earnings growth, the current earnings cycle in India looks promising in the medium term.

Stable Economic indicators

Domestic economic indicators continue to be reasonable. Credit demand and GST collections continue to remain healthy for many quarters in a row. Capacity utilization of the manufacturing sector surpassing the 70% mark indicates a possibility of private Capex revival. The government Capex trend is likely to be strong given the robust growth in tax collections. The possibility of good rabi crops and elevated crop prices are expected to revive rural demand. Even in case of a global slowdown, the impact on India is likely to be minimal given India’s strong domestic linkage (~70% of GDP from Domestic & Government Consumption).

Key Risks

Geopolitical tensions and China’s ease in Covid policy could trigger a rally in commodity prices including crude oil. Equity flows from FPIs could come under pressure given their possible preference for overseas markets posts the recent correction in their valuations. Persistent volatility in the domestic equity market could also lead to pressure on domestic MF flows.

What should an investor do?

Equity as an asset class stands out given its ability to beat inflation over the long term. Investors who remain invested for three years plus have had reasonable experience despite short-term volatility. Data shows that as the investment horizon increases, the chances of a negative return decrease considerably.

Rolling Returns based on Nifty TRI (Total Returns including Dividend) from 2000 till Nov 30, 2022:

We remain positive on Indian equities with a long-term perspective given its macro strength, reasonable valuations, and the potential persistence of earnings upcycle.

Name of the Scheme	This product is suitable for investors who are seeking*	Risk-o-meter of Scheme	Riskometer of Tier I Benchmark	Riskometer of Tier II Benchmark
Quantum Long Term Equity Value Fund (An Open Ended Equity Scheme following a Value Investment Strategy) Tier I Benchmark: S&P BSE 500 TRI	• Long term capital appreciation • Invests primarily in equity and equity related securities of companies in S&P BSE 200 index.	Investors understand that their principal will be at Very High Risk

*Investors should consult their financial advisers if in doubt about whether the product is suitable for them.

Above article is authored by Quantum.

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