Attractive returns despite interest rate uncertainties
The year 2012 was a good one for investors in India, with most asset classes delivering strong returns. Equities were up 25 per cent over the year, most categories of fixed income funds too delivered returns in a range of 10-15 per cent and gold rose by 11.5 per cent. Meanwhile, the rupee reflected macro worries that engulfed India, losing around 3.5 per cent in value.
Unlike 2012, where domestic investors for a major part of the year were left to worry about India’s vulnerable economic situation, 2013 has started off with a measured feeling of hope and optimism. The announcements of reforms in the last few months have been a big positive; however, the successful execution of these would drive sentiments and markets. In January, we again witnessed a string of actions from the government. In a decisive move to contain oil subsidy burden, the government announced a calibrated hike in retail diesel prices and one-shot hike in bulk consumer sales at market rates. Secondly, to control gold imports, the government announced a hike in import duty from 4 per cent to 6 per cent with immediate effect.
These measures are an attempt to lower risks from twin deficits — fiscal and current account, which clearly rank as top priorities for India’s policy makers. The combination of cheaper credit as a result of lower interest rates coupled with a conducive policy environment is expected to kick start the domestic investment cycle and this should be well supported by foreign
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