Finance

Brokerages Optimistic About Indian Markets and Reforms Following Predicted Modi Election Victory

Published June 3, 2024

Following the release of exit polls that indicate a potential third consecutive win for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the investment community is showing a strong sense of optimism. Brokerage firms believe that a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) victory in India bodes well for the nation's economy and stock markets. This anticipated win is interpreted as a positive indicator of political stability and expected continuation of economic policies that favor growth and investment.

Market Outlook

As predictions suggest that the National Democratic Alliance, led by the BJP, might even surpass its previous Lok Sabha strength, financial experts forecast the Indian stock market to become increasingly steady and exhibit positive performances. This stability is seen as a direct consequence of the predicted electoral success, which confirms market faith in the governance and reform trajectory under Modi's leadership.

Brokerage Perspectives

Nomura, a well-regarded brokerage firm, anticipates that a win for Modi would sustain focus on key areas such as capital expenditure and fiscal consolidation. They expect that a pro-incumbency wave is likely to usher in continued reforms and attract foreign portfolio investments, which may, in turn, affect currency markets, specifically suggesting a potential selling of USD/INR.

Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd aligns with this view and emphasizes India's favorable economic conditions, such as strong corporate earnings and a commitment to manufacturing, capital expenditure, and infrastructure improvements. They suggest staying overweight on sectors such as financials, consumption, industrials, and real estate, viewing them as particularly valuable investment opportunities.

HDFC Securities provides a slightly more cautious perspective, not expecting a major immediate market reaction and predicting that any short-term disappointment or euphoria will stabilize quickly. Nonetheless, they consider the BJP's anticipated return to power would be beneficial, potentially accelerating ongoing reform processes and favoring sectors like infrastructure, banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI), capital goods, and telecommunications.

Brokerages, Markets, Reform