Monthly market commentary, knowledge series and more from FinKasturi Nivesh. 12 posts in 2024.
Cyber Security Awareness : December 2025
· Category: Global Markets
The Government of India has taken initiatives to educate the users on the best practices that must be followed to protect them from different cyber security attacks and cyber threats. Nowadays, cyber attackers can hack your computer and access your saved data and all other information. There is a need for best practices that protect users and their data from threats like malware, phishing, and data breaches from Hackers or Cyber attackers.
The precautions as initiated by CERT-In (The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team) concerning Desktop, Browser and Email Security are as follows;
Desktop Security:
Use genuine Operating Systems and Software. Keep your Operating System updated.
Install anti-virus and anti-malware solutions and keep them updated. Use strong login passwords and change them periodically.
Regularly take backups of your important files and data.
In case of incidents such as hardware failure, or cyberattacks, having backups can help you restore important information.
Maintain multiple copies of critical data in different locations to prevent loss in case of disasters.
Periodically test and verify your backups to ensure they can be used for restoration when needed.
Browser Security:
Update your web browser with the latest patches. Disable pop-up windows in your browser.
Delete browser cookies and cache regularly. Have “Safe Search” ON in Search Engines.
Enable private browsing or incognito mode. Be careful with the websites you visit.
Check the URL of a website to make sure that it has the “https://” or a padlock icon.
Email Security:
Verify the sender before clicking on any link/ attachment.
Check the domain name in the email address of the sender. Look for misspelt or typo errors.
Don’t click any links/attachments from suspicious emails received from strangers.
Do not use official email accounts for online shopping or ticket booking.
Do not click on shortened URLs received in emails/ chats/ messages without verifying them by expanding the URL.
Use strong passwords.
Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).
Do not store usernames and passwords in public systems.
The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) is a Government Organization under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India established to secure Indian cyberspace. CERT-In provides Incident Prevention and Response services as well as Security Quality Management Services. It is observing the National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) in October 2024 by organizing various events and activities for citizens as well as the technical cyber community in India with the theme of “Secure Our World” and “Cyber Surakshit Bharat” and hashtag #SatarkNagrik.
Source: The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In)
Investments in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing. This content is for general information and is not investment advice. Past market movements do not indicate future performance. Please consult your financial advisor.
In November, Nifty50 Index witnessed volatility, closing above the 24,100 mark after dipping below 23,400, with a marginal loss of 0.3% for the month. Sectorally, IT (+6%) was the best performer, followed by consumer durables (+3%) and capital goods (+2.3%), while power (-4.3%), metals (-2.4%), and oil & gas (-2.3%) saw declines. Globally, markets ended mixed with Philippines (-7.4%), Indonesia (-6.1%), and Hong Kong (-4.4%) falling, while the US S&P500 (+7.5%) outperformed on the back of optimism over market friendly policies by newly elected President.
Sentiments for the Indian market were impacted by weak 2QFY25 corporate earnings, geopolitical tensions, and potential policy changes under the incoming US administration, though a landslide victory by the BJP coalition in Maharashtra provided some relief. India’s GDP growth for 2QFY25 slowed to 5.4%, its weakest in seven quarters on the back of slow growth in manufacturing and lower Government spending.
Outflow by FIIs continued during the month with net selling of $4.7 billion even though the quantum of outflow came down significantly compared to the previous month. DIIs purchased $5.3 billion, indicating contrasting approaches by market participants.
Market Outlook
After a disappointing economic growth and corporate earnings during Q2, high frequency indicators are pointing towards recovery in both growth and earnings in H2FY25 as Government capex picks up and consumption improves on the back of festive / marriage season and expectation of a good Rabi crop. Volatility in the markets induced by sharp FII outflow post US Presidential election results seems to be behind us and markets have stabilized at least in the near term. India’s structural strengths, such as robust domestic demand and government-driven infrastructure spending support a favorable long-term outlook for Indian equity markets. Sectors which could outperform in near to medium term are IT, Banking, Defense, Consumer Discretionary, and Industrials. Investors are encouraged to focus on quality stocks with strong fundamentals, using market corrections as opportunities to build long-term positions.
Happy Investing!
Investments in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing. This content is for general information and is not investment advice. Past market movements do not indicate future performance. Please consult your financial advisor.
In October, the Nifty50 Index declined sharply by 6.2%, marking its steepest monthly fall since March 2020. Mid-cap and small-cap indices also experienced declines, falling 6.7% and 3%, respectively. Oil & gas (-14%) was the worst-performing sector, followed by auto (-12%) and consumer durables (-10%). Factors impacting market sentiment included a rally in Chinese equities, continued FPI outflows, weak 2Q earnings, escalating geopolitical tensions, and uncertainty around the US presidential election.
Globally, the US S&P500 and Dow Jones indices each declined by about 1%. IMF maintained India's GDP forecast at 7% for FY2025. India CPI inflation rose to 5.5% in September (from 3.6% in August), and WPI inflation also ticked up to 1.8%. IIP contracted by 0.1% in August (4.7% growth in July). 2QFY25 earnings reports highlighted a broad slowdown, with net income from 34 Nifty-50 companies rising just 1.9% year-on-year, falling short of an expected 4.5% increase. FPIs sold $12.4 billion in the secondary market while DIIs made purchases worth $12.8 billion during the month.
Market Outlook
After a market correction driven by global factors, FPI outflows and muted quarterly earnings, investor sentiment may remain cautious in near term. Donald Trump winning the US Presidential Elections could impact the Indian market negatively due to factors such as slowing down the rate cut cycle and stronger US Dollar affecting foreign inflows for emerging markets like India. On the positive side, India could be a beneficiary of China plus one trade if USA imposes higher tariffs on Chinese goods under the new administration. President Trump's policies and trajectory of earning growth in upcoming quarters will remain key factors to watch out for going ahead. While markets could remain volatile in the near term, India’s structural story of strong economic fundamentals i.e. robust GDP growth and domestic demand remain supportive over the longer term. The Government's measures to support the rural economy and infrastructure spending may continue to bolster specific sectors.
We remain positive on sectors like Banking, Consumer Discretionary, Industrials, Defence and Pharma, that are well-positioned to benefit from the economic cycle and current sentiments of the market. Investors are advised to focus on quality stocks with sound fundamentals, using market corrections as opportunities to build long-term positions.
Happy Investing!
Investments in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing. This content is for general information and is not investment advice. Past market movements do not indicate future performance. Please consult your financial advisor.
In September, Nifty50 Index posted a gain of 2.3%, supported by a strong performance in the metals sector which surged 7% on the back of China's stimulus measures. Consumer durables and power sectors followed closely with increases of 6% and 5% respectively. However, oil & gas, PSU, and IT sectors saw declines of 4%, 3%, and 3% respectively. Mid-cap and small-cap indices lagged large-cap index, rising 1.5% and falling 0.7% respectively. Investor sentiment improved globally in the second half of the month following a 50 bps interest rate cut by the US Federal Reserve and stimulus measures by China. Markets like Hang Seng and Shanghai Composite jumped 18% post stimulus announcements.
Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) invested US$5.4 billion in Indian equities, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) added US$3.8 billion during the month. Among India's economic indicators, a slight uptick was seen in CPI inflation to 3.7% while WPI dropped to 1.3% and IIP growth firmed up to 4.8%.
Market Outlook
After hitting an all time high and crossing 26,000 level on Nifty, markets have witnessed some correction over the last few days on the back of FII outflow. While tactically, in the near term, some FII flow could have moved from India to China post sharp outperformance of Indian markets over last couple of years, structurally Indian economy and markets are well placed to be beneficiary of robust FII inflows over the next few years on the back of strong macro and corporate earnings growth. The domestic economic landscape continues to look favorable with stable GDP growth and inflation under control. Above normal monsoon and expectation of a robust upcoming festive demand should act as a tailwind for the economy. While intermittent profit booking in the markets is normal and expected, any deeper correction, especially due to global factors, should be used to increase equity exposure.
We remain positive on domestic focused sectors such as banking, NBFC, consumer durables, industrials and capital goods which are going to benefit from either consumption demand or uptick in investment cycle. Investors are encouraged to stay focused on quality stocks with strong fundamentals, as volatility may present attractive entry points for long-term investments.
Happy Investing!
Investments in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing. This content is for general information and is not investment advice. Past market movements do not indicate future performance. Please consult your financial advisor.
In August, Indian markets experienced a sharp decline early in the month due to weaker US employment data, a sell-off in Japan, and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Despite this volatility, the Nifty Index ended the month with a 1% gain. Sectoral performance was mixed: healthcare (+7%), consumer durables (+4%), and IT (+4%) saw gains, while PSU (-4%), realty (-4%), and capital goods (-3%) faced losses. Globally, Brazil, Indonesia, and the Philippines showed gains of 6.5%, 6%, and 4%, respectively, while South Korea, China and Mexico experienced declines of 3.5%, 3%, and 2% respectively. The US S&P500 gained 2%. Key developments during the month included Bank of Japan's decision to hold off on rate hikes, Indian government's proposal to restore indexation benefits for property market, RBI maintaining steady interest rates, Supreme Court's ruling on state mineral taxes, and US Federal Reserve's comments indicating a potential rate cut. Fitch affirmed India's rating at 'BBB-' with a stable outlook. FPIs sold US$320 million of Indian equities, while DIIs bought US$5.8 billion during the month. India's economic indicators showed CPI inflation decreasing to 3.5%, WPI inflation dropping to 2%, IIP growth at 4.2%, and real GDP growth easing to 6.7% for 1QFY25.
Market Outlook
The outlook for the Indian stock market remains cautiously optimistic. India's economic indicators remain robust, with CPI inflation easing to below 4% and real GDP growth steady at 6.5% - 7%. However, global uncertainties, including potential interest rate changes by major central banks and economic performance in key regions like the US, China, and Japan, could impact market sentiment in near term.
The Indian economy is expected to continue its growth trajectory, supported by ongoing capex cycles and recovery in domestic consumption especially during the upcoming festive season. Sectors such as Banking, Healthcare, IT, and Consumer Durables are likely to remain strong. Overall, while market volatility presents risks, it also offers opportunities to invest in quality stocks in a favorable macroeconomic environment.
Happy Investing !
Investments in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing. This content is for general information and is not investment advice. Past market movements do not indicate future performance. Please consult your financial advisor.
In July, Nifty50 reached new highs with a 4% gain despite volatility ahead of the Union Budget. Mid-cap and small-cap indices rose 5.8% and 4.5% respectively. The IT, oil & gas, and FMCG sectors led gains, while banks, metals, and real estate sectors saw minor losses. The FY2025 Union Budget balanced capital expenditure, fiscal prudence, and welfare, with minor tax adjustments and rationalized capital gains taxes. Globally, Indian markets performed well alongside the US Dow Jones and Australia. Key developments included the UP government's tax waiver on hybrid electric vehicles, SEBI's proposed stricter derivatives regulations, the US Fed's unchanged rates with a potential cut in September, and mixed results from Nifty-50 companies. FPIs and DIIs bought US$3.7 bn and US$2.8 bn of Indian equities respectively. Economic indicators showed CPI inflation at 5.1%, WPI inflation at 3.4%, and IIP growth at 5.9%.
Market Outlook :
The outlook remains favorable due to continued economic strength, positive earnings growth expectations, and supportive global liquidity conditions. The Indian economy is projected to grow at 6.8% in 2024, as per Moody’s forecast. However, Ongoing geopolitical issues and global economic uncertainties, including potential interest rate changes by major central banks and Economic performance in key regions like the US, China, and Japan will be critical in shaping investor sentiment and global market trends. Key focus areas include the ongoing capex cycle and the revival of domestic consumption, which are crucial for sustaining strong earnings growth by Nifty 50 companies.
Domestic focused sectors such as Consumer Discretionary, FMCG, Capital Goods and Bank/NBFCs are expected to perform well in near term. Investors should take advantage of corrections in Indian market due to global market volatility to buy into quality stocks in the above sectors given the positive macroeconomic environment in India.
Happy Investing !!
Investments in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing. This content is for general information and is not investment advice. Past market movements do not indicate future performance. Please consult your financial advisor.
In May, the Nifty Index ended flat amid increased volatility due to Lok Sabha elections 2024, geopolitical tensions, and significant FPI outflows. Sectoral indices closed mixed, with Capital goods, Power, and Metals as major gainers, while IT, healthcare, and oil & gas were the major losers.
On the global front, markets ended on a mixed note, with Taiwan (+3.8%), US S&P 500 (+3.4%), and Germany (+3.2%) as major gainers, while Russia (-5%), the Philippines (-4%), and Indonesia (-3.6%) declined the most. Key developments included S&P Global Ratings revising its outlook for the Indian economy to ‘positive’ from ‘stable’, RBI approving the transfer of Rs2.1 tn as surplus to the central government for FY2024 and US Fed maintaining status quo on the federal funds rate.
FPIs sold US$3.8 bn of Indian equities in the secondary market, whereas DIIs bought US$6.4 bn. On the economy front, CPI inflation in April was unchanged from March at 4.83%, WPI inflation in April increased to 1.3%, and India’s industrial production growth in March moderated to 4.9% from 5.6% in February. 4QFY24 real GDP growth surprised on the upside at 7.8%.
Market Outlook
The outlook for Indian markets remains positive, driven by strong domestic macro economic parameters, robust earnings growth expectations and supportive global liquidity going ahead as interest rate hike cycle reverses during second half of 2024. While results of General Election suprised negatively with coalition government taking charge, policy continuity is likely to be seen. Upcoming Union Budget in July will underscore some of the Government's reform agenda which will be the key monitorable for the markets.
On going capex cycle and revival of domestic consumption will be key to Nifty50 companies posting earnings CAGR of nearly 15% over next 2 years. Sectors like Capital Goods, Banks, Consumer Staples & Durables, Real Estate and Energy are expected to do well going ahead. Investors are suggested to consider taking advantage of any intermediate correction in equity market to increase allocation in stocks with strong growth prospects over medium to long term.
Happy Investing!
Investments in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing. This content is for general information and is not investment advice. Past market movements do not indicate future performance. Please consult your financial advisor.
In April, Nifty Index recorded a gain of 1.2%, rising for the third consecutive month. The mid-cap and small-cap indices rebounded from the March sell-off and were up 5.8% and 11.4% respectively. Sector wise, most of the sectoral indices closed in positive territory, except for IT, which declined by 4.3%. Metals, power, and realty were the top gainers, up 10.8%, 7.7%, and 7.5% respectively.
On the global front, markets ended on a mixed note, with Hong Kong (+7%), Russia (+3%), and Malaysia (+3%) as major gainers, while the US Dow Jones (-5%), Japan (-5%), and Germany (-3%) declined the most. Key developments included the RBI MPC voting with a 5-1 majority to hold the repo rate at 6.5%; upward revisions of FY2025 India GDP growth forecasts by IMF, ADB, and World Bank; IMD forecasting an above-normal monsoon and Brent crude touching US$93/bbl amid geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. FPIs sold US$3 bn of Indian equities in the secondary market, while DIIs bought US$5.2 bn. On the economic front, industrial production in February increased to 5.7% from January's 4.1%. CPI inflation in March moderated to 4.9% from 5.1% in February.
Market Outlook
The outlook for Indian markets remains positive, driven by strong domestic macro economic parameters, expectation of stable political outcome in upcoming General Election (counting of votes to be done on 4th June) and supportive global liquidity going ahead as interest rate hike cycle reverses during second half of 2024. However, intermittent volatility is not ruled out ahead of election results.
Thr government of India has allowed foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) registered at GIFT City in Gujarat to issue participatory notes (P-Notes) to their clients globally. Thill will help increase foreign investment into Indian equities. On going capex cycle and revival of domestic consumption will be key to Nifty50 companies posting earnings CAGR of nearly 15% over next 2 years. Sectors like Capital Goods, Banks, Consumer Durables, Real Estate and Energy are expected to do well going ahead. Investors are suggested to consider taking advantage of any intermediate correction in equity market to increase allocation in stocks with strong growth prospects over medium to long term.
Happy Investing!
Investments in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing. This content is for general information and is not investment advice. Past market movements do not indicate future performance. Please consult your financial advisor.
Most global markets ended positively during the month of March with Taiwan, Germany, and the UK as major gainers.On the back of positive global cues, Nifty50 Index gained 1.6% during the month amidst volatility seen in midcap and smallcap indices. Nifty50, Midcap and Smallcap indices ended FY24 with strong gains of 29%, 60% and 70% respectively making Indian equity market one of the best performing markets globally. Within sectors, capital goods, automobiles and metals were up during the month whereas IT, realty, and FMCG declined.
Among global developments, US Federal Reserve, in its latest meeting in March, projected reduction in key interest rates three times during 2024. On the domestic economy front, CPI inflation in February came in at 5.1% while industrial production in January moderated to 3.8%. Current account deficit in 3QFY24 moderated to USD 10.5 bn vs USD 11.4 bn in the previous quarter. Dates of Lok Sabha elections were announced which is scheduled from April 19 to June 1 in seven phases. FIIs bought USD 3 bn of Indian equities, while DIIs bought USD 6.8 bn during the month of March.
Market Outlook
The outlook for Indian markets remains positive, driven by strong domestic macro economic parameters, expectation of stable political outcome in upcoming General Election (counting of votes to be done on 4th June) and supportive global liquidity going ahead as interest rate hike cycle reverses during second half of 2024. While we have witnessed some volatility in midcap and smallcap segments of the market last month owing to rich valuations, expectation of strong earnings growth should provide support to quality stocks. On going capex cycle and revival of domestic consumption will be key to Nifty50 companies posting earnings CAGR of nearly 15% over next 2 years. Sectors like Capital Goods, Banks, Consumer Durables, Real Estate and Energy are expected to do well going ahead. With the expectation of incumbent government coming back to power, markets could witness the tailwind of favourable policy announcements over next few quarters. Investors are suggested to consider taking advantage of any intermediate correction in equity market to increase allocation in stocks with strong growth prospects over medium to long term.
Happy Investing!
Investments in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing. This content is for general information and is not investment advice. Past market movements do not indicate future performance. Please consult your financial advisor.
Indian markets ended February on a positive note, with the Nifty posting a return of 1.2%. Sectoral indices were mostly positive, except for FMCG, which declined by 2.2%. Best performing sectors included oil & gas (+6.7%), auto (+6.4%), and realty (+6.3%). Mid-cap (-0.5%) and small-cap (-0.3%) indices underperformed the Nifty. Global markets mostly ended positively, with Shanghai, Japan, and Hong Kong being major gainers. The US markets, SPX and Nasdaq, reached record highs, up 5.2% and 6.1% respectively, driven by optimism about artificial intelligence.
Key developments included Indian government's projection of a lower fiscal deficit for FY2025 in Union Budget, US FOMC maintaining policy rates, and RBI keeping the repo rate unchanged. On the domestic economic front, January CPI inflation moderated to 5.1%, while December IIP growth increased to 3.8%. India's GDP growth for 3QFY24 came in at 8.4% which was better than estimates. FPIs sold US$592 mn of Indian equities, while DIIs bought US$3.1 bn.
Market Outlook
The outlook for Indian markets remains positive, driven by strong domestic macro economic parameters, expectation of stable political outcome in upcoming General Election and supportive global liquidity going ahead as interest rate hike cycle reverses during second half of 2024. On going capex cycle and revival of domestic consumption will be key to Nifty50 companies posting earnings CAGR of nearly 15% over next 2 years. Sectors like Capital Goods, Healthcare, Consumer Durables, Real Estate and Energy are expected to do well going ahead. While pockets of midcap and smallcap segment looks overvalued currently after a sharp rally over last 1 year, there's still value left in certain sections. Investors are suggested to consider taking advantage of any intermediate correction in equity market to increase allocation in stocks with strong growth prospects over medium to long term.
Happy Investing!
Investments in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing. This content is for general information and is not investment advice. Past market movements do not indicate future performance. Please consult your financial advisor.
In the Month of December, Nifty closed with a robust gain of 8%, with the Mid-cap and Small-cap Indices also posting commendable increases of around 7% each. Among sectoral indices, power, PSU, and oil & gas stood out with gains of 18%, 15%, and 12%, respectively.
Globally, Indian markets emerged as the best-performing in December, outpacing Australia (+7%), Mexico (+6%), and Singapore (+5%). Key developments during the month included the RBI maintaining status quo on interest rates, BJP securing victories in key states, US Fed keeping rates steady and outlining future rate cut plans. On the economic front, CPI inflation in November rose to 5.6% from October's 4.9%, primarily driven by higher vegetable prices. Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) bought USD4 bn of Indian equities in the secondary market during the month, while Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) purchased USD1.6 bn.
Outlook for Indian markets remains positive, driven by strong domestic performance, stable political outcome, and supportive global factors. The continued inflow of foreign investments and optimistic economic projections further contribute to the positive sentiment. While uncertainties around results of General Election this year could create some volatility in the markets, structural levers of consumption uptick and capex growth should aid markets over medium term. Sectors like Banking, Consumer Durables, Cement, Real Estate and Capital Goods should do well. Investors should stay invested in Indian markets for long term owing to underlying resilience and attractiveness of the Indian economy.
Happy investing!
Investments in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing. This content is for general information and is not investment advice. Past market movements do not indicate future performance. Please consult your financial advisor.
In the month of January, Nifty50 showed minimal change after two consecutive months of gains. However, the mid-cap and small-cap indices continued their winning streak for the third month, rising by 5% and 7% respectively. Among sectors, oil & gas, PSUs, and realty sectors displayed notable gains, while Banking, FMCG, and metals sectors declined. The market movement during the month was influenced by factors such as the 3Q result season, US FOMC meeting, interim budget, and escalating tensions in the Middle East. Global markets ended the month with mixed results.
Key developments during the month included positive GDP growth estimates for India and the US Federal Reserve maintaining benchmark rates. On the economic front, CPI inflation in December was 5.7%, and WPI inflation increased to 0.73%. Factory activity moderated to 2.4% in November from 11.6% in October. Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) sold US$3.1 bn of Indian equities, whereas Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) bought US$3.3 bn during the month.
Market Outlook
The outlook for Indian markets remains positive, driven by strong domestic macro economic parameters, expectation of stable political outcome in upcoming General Election and supportive global liquidity going ahead as interest rate hike cycle reverses. As US Fed starts cutting interest rates around middle of 2024, resumption of FII inflows towards Indian markets should act as a tailwind. Post recent state election results with a favourable outcome for BJP, markets factors in a comfortable win for ruling party in upcoming national elections. On going capex cycle and revival of domestic consumption will be key to Nifty50 companies posting earnings CAGR of nearly 15% over next 2 years. Sectors like Capital Goods, Healthcare, Consumer Durables, IT, Real Estate and Energy are expected to do well going ahead. Investors are suggested to consider taking advantage of any intermediate correction in equity market to increase allocation.
Happy Investing!
Investments in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing. This content is for general information and is not investment advice. Past market movements do not indicate future performance. Please consult your financial advisor.
