Amidst a relentless rally in Indian stock markets, Sailesh Raj Bhan, Chief Investment Officer of Nippon Life India Asset Management Ltd, has sounded a cautionary note. Bhan, whose firm has consistently delivered top-performing equity funds in India, is growing increasingly concerned about the exuberance in the market, especially in the small- and mid-cap segments. As Indian equities surge to record highs, Bhan warns that this euphoria may lead to misallocation of capital, posing significant risks for investors.
Indian stock markets have experienced a remarkable $790 billion rally since late March 2023, propelling the total market capitalization to a staggering $3.8 trillion. Benchmarks have repeatedly touched new all-time highs, driven by a retail investing boom and optimism about the nation’s economic growth and corporate earnings. Global funds have poured in a net investment of $17 billion into Indian equities during the first eight months of the year, further fueling the market’s surge.
Bhan, who manages approximately $17.4 billion in equity assets, points out the challenges of investing in a market where stock prices seem to skyrocket before one can even make an investment decision. He describes this phenomenon as “reflective of froth,” indicating that the market may be overvalued and driven by excessive speculation. While Bhan’s firm has achieved remarkable success this year with its high-conviction bets on reasonably priced stocks, he acknowledges the difficulty in finding such opportunities in the current environment.
Of particular concern to Bhan is the booming small- and mid-cap segment. In 2023, both the Nifty Smallcap Index and the Nifty Midcap Index have surged by about 30%, significantly outperforming larger companies. This surge in smaller companies’ stocks has raised red flags among some strategists who worry about a potential bubble in these segments.
Bhan’s expertise and track record in investment management lend weight to his cautionary stance. His firm’s Nippon India Multi Cap Fund, the largest fund under his management, has outperformed 96% of its peers in 2023 and 91% over the past five years. While Bhan acknowledges that some of their earlier investments in state-backed manufacturing and banking stocks have yielded substantial returns, he emphasizes the need to transition to areas of the market where “sensible value” can still be found.
To navigate the current market conditions, Nippon Life India Asset Management is shifting its focus towards large-cap stocks in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, utilities, and consumer staples. These sectors are perceived to have more stable valuations and growth prospects compared to smaller, riskier stocks.
Despite the concerns raised by Bhan and others about the exuberance in Indian stock markets, companies and their shareholders are increasingly willing to tap into the market for funding. According to JPMorgan Chase & Co, India is expected to witness annual fund raising of at least $30 billion through primary and secondary share sales in 2024 and the years to come. The data suggests that the euphoria in Indian stocks is encouraging companies to take advantage of favorable market conditions to raise capital for expansion and growth.
As the rally in Indian stocks continues, investors must exercise caution and carefully evaluate their investment choices. Bhan’s warning underscores the need for a balanced and informed approach to investing in a market where euphoria and exuberance may be concealing underlying risks.
