Vijay Kumar Gaba

 Before I say anything, I would like to make it clear that I use the terms “investor”, “trader” and “punter” in the context of equity investments, very judiciously.

To me an investor is a person who thoughtfully invests his money in a business to participate in the future growth of that business. A trader is person who is trying to optimize his return on capital by choosing from the best instruments available at any given point in time. It may be bond, fixed deposit, equity stock, gold, crypto currency, foreign exchange, other commodities etc. or a mix of these. Traders do not invest with the objective of “wealth creation”. Their focus is usually earning more than the risk free return while maintaining liquidity of his money. Punters buy financial assets or commodities just like lottery tickets. They get kicked by the prospects of hitting a jackpot someday and do not mind losing their entire capital in the process.

Here we are talking about investors only.

In summer of 2007, the global equity markets were doing great. Most global indices were close to their all-time levels. The global fund managers were exploring the world like Cristopher Columbus. Emerging Markets, BRICS, MENA, Frontier Markets etc were the hot themes. Everyone was deep in the money. Indian markets were no different. Then appeared first signs of sub-prime crisis and a sharp correction occurred in July 2007. However, the losses in correction were entirely recouped in no time and markets surged to their new highs by January 2008. The 14months after that were nothing less than a nightmare. The global equity indices saw cuts ranging from 35% to 75%.

The investors who had conviction in the strengths of the businesses they were invested in stayed the course and emerged winners. The punters lost their entire capital and much more. The traders also lost money.

In July 2007, at peak of the market, one investor invested in the stock of Mahindra and Mahindra Limited; the other investor invested in the stock of Reliance Industries; and a retired person invested in the Gilt Fund that invests in long duration government securities.

If they stayed invested in these instruments till today, the two investors in M&M and RIL stocks would be making about 9.25% CAGR (excluding dividends) on their investment; while the retired person would be making 9.5%.

A plain reading of previous two paragraphs may prompt the readers to jump to many conclusions. When I sent these two paragraphs to some of the readers for their comments, I got many responses. I find the following five responses as representative of the entire sample:

·         “Are you suggesting over a longer time frame, investment in gilt and stocks yield similar returns, but risk adjusted return are far superior in gilt.”

·         “If equities of front line companies have matched the return of Gilt, even after weathering two unprecedented crises (GFC, 2008-09 and Covid, 2020), then next decade perhaps equities will give phenomenal returns.”

·         “RIL gives you excitement’ but M&M is a steady performer.”

·         “If you are a long term investor, do not try to time the market. Over a longer period, returns would automatically get normalized.”

·         “Investment in reliance is like making a fixed deposit in SBI. You can never lose money.”

However, the responses could be very different, if I show the following chart to the respondents. This chart shows the relative performance of the stocks of M&M and RIL from July 2007 till date. The stock of M&M gave the entire return during first seven years (2007-2014) period. The current price of stock is almost same as it was in August 2014. The stock of RIL did not give any return for 9years (2007-2016). The price of the stock in December 2016 was almost the same as it was in July 2007.

A trader would immediately think, “December 2016 was the best time to sell M&M and buy RIL. This way one could have made the 2x the return of an investor.”

But an investor who is convinced about the business prospects of either M&M or RIL or both, the long intervening periods of no return are quite painful. The one who learns to manage this pain ultimately comes winner. The ones who succumb to this pain of non-performance, would sell RIL in 2016 and buy M&M, and end up as total losers.

If you want to fully assimilate the point I am trying to make here, then please talk to someone who had sold ITC and bought RIL in September this year, after getting no return in ITC for 5yrs.

 For past many years, it has become a tradition for popular market participants (brokers, fund managers, large investors, analysts etc.) to don finest attires and appear on special Diwali shows hosted by various TV channels to announce their prophecies for the traditional Indian New Year. In the spirit of the festivals of light, they enthusiastically speak about their outlook about the economy, financial markets, and investment opportunities.

In earlier years, these prophecies were taken seriously by the audience, mostly household investors. However, based on my interaction with several people from the targeted audience, I feel, now days most people listen to the experts for validating their own positioning rather than for guidance. Whether in consonance of their positioning or otherwise, these prophecies are drowned in the noise of firecrackers on Diwali night itself.

However given the mobility restrictions and popularization of digital media due to Covid-19 this year, most experts have presented their views from their homes (instead of TV studios) rather early. Therefore the audience has got 4-5 days, against the usual 2 days, to digest the expert views and react to these, even though there is no change in these views for past 15years.

Besides, the experts draped in fine silk Kurtas spreading the message of positivity and hope, another thing that has dominated the financial media in past one week is the state of automobile sector in the country.

First, the CEO & MD of Bajaj Auto Limited, rattled the markets with his rather despondent commentary about the state of economy in general and the state of automobile industry in particular. He categorically stated that the retail sales this Navratri have been disappointing this year, and even the present level of sub optimal demand is not sustainable after the accumulated demand post “unlocking” is met.

The rival Hero Honda management however calmed the ruffled feathers, presenting a buoyant picture saying that demand has remained robust during the festival season and is likely to sustain in coming months.

The management of the commercial vehicle major Ashok Leyland appeared confident that demand shall pick up steadily from hereon. Both the tractor majors, M&M and Escorts, also continue to show robust growth and margins.

One of the large non banking lenders, Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services, recently said that the market for cars is limited by supply and not demand. They told analysts that against 39000 cars in September, they financed 50000 cars in October.

The Federation of Automobile Dealers’ Associations (FADA), in a press release issued on Monday, advised caution for OEMs and dealers. The apex body of auto dealers categorically stated that “Dealer Inventory for both 2W and PV are at its newest highs in this Financial Year. FADA requests all OEMs with a special request to 2W OEMs to assess the on-ground inventory level and curb production accordingly.” The near term outlook of FADA, as stated in the said press release, is extremely cautious. It reads as follows:

“As we enter the last leg of festivals and with Covid getting into its 3rd wave in many cities, there is a sense of cautiousness amongst customers. Due to the lockdown announced in few European Countries, procurement of spares will also be a cause of hinderance for smooth supply of vehicles in Indian markets. This will create a supply and demand mismatch thus affecting the passenger vehicle sales.

FADA once again cautions both OEMs and Dealers to keep a check on vehicle inventory as post festivals, demand may remain subdued. Since Inventory levels are at its highest during this Financial Year, it may impact Dealers financial health thus leading closures and job losses.”

In my view, the divergence of views in Auto sector, aptly reflects the state of overall economy as well. At this point in time it is extremely difficult to make a correct assessment of the state of Indian economy.

The general view that rural economy is resilient to the slow down while the urban economy continue to struggle may not be relevant for one year perspective. The fiscal challenges of the government ought to eventually reflect on the support extended to the rural sector also. But as I said, it is very complex at this point in time. Making a prophecy about the economy and market for next 12 months requires a certain degree of both audacity and apathy. Unfortunately, I have none.