Monday, March 4, 2013

Markets to slither on the last leg down


Markets to slither on the last leg down

Over the last weekend we read 47 budget analyses report, besides the one written by InvesTrekk itself. An overwhelming consensus appears to believe that this budget is inadequate; uninspiring; lacks innovation; and sets too ambitious fiscal target, especially tax collection, deficit and subsidies.

We may outline the likely economic scenario for FY14 as follows:

(a)   We may not witness any substantial acceleration in investments during FY14. The fiscal constraints shall continue to constrict public investment, as evident from unimpressive provision for plan capital expenditure. Besides, traditionally no major private projects are initiated in a pre-election year, as the industrialist wait for the new regime to take place and announce their policies. The only area where investment can accelerate is the faster execution of work-in progress.

We do not agree with the opinions that extension of 80IA and introduction of investment allowance could be immediate motivating factors for investment in power and manufacturing sector. Rs100cr plus plant and machinery investment decision is different from buying in end of season 2day sale at a popular retail store.

(b)   With no credible plan to check consumer inflation, deteriorating job outlook and lower subsidies, the resilience of consumption should also start withering.

(c)    The fiscal tightness, higher consumer inflation, slower savings growth and lower industrial credit demand should continue to impact the money growth. The liquidity conditions should therefore continue to remain tight. The recent hike in deposit rates by banks is a clear indication towards this trend. Even if RBI cuts the policy rates by 25-50bps in next 3months, the short term rates may not react sharply.

(d)   The volatility in Chinese data, persistently poor European economic data and recent US budget cuts shall add to the global economic woes. The external demand situation may therefore not improve dramatically in next couple of quarters. The current account and INR will therefore continue to remain under pressure.

(e)   Under the circumstances the growth shall continue to remain below trend. Though the massive election spending in next 12months may add few basis points to growth, overall it may still be at the lower band of the projected 6-6.5%.

(f)     We may soon see a fresh round of earnings downgrades, especially in banking and industrial sectors.

In our view, the market has definitely completed its up move that started last year. The down move has begun and shall strengthen in coming months as the markets corrects some oversold conditions and short sellers gain some confidence. 

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