Navigating Volatility: Expert Consensus on Investing in Uncertain Times
India's equity markets are experiencing considerable volatility, driven by global geopolitical tensions and surging crude oil prices. However, experts at Business Today's Most Powerful Women Conclave underscored that these periods of uncertainty often present significant long-term investment opportunities. They urged investors to maintain a long-term perspective, emphasizing that while some near-term challenges are inevitable, staying invested can lead to substantial value unlocking and wealth creation over time.
Amisha Vora: India's Long-Term Strengths
Amisha Vora, chairperson of PL Capital (Prabhudas Lilladher), advised investors to "hold your nerves, remain invested, [and] add a little more, but not do that with a quick-profit idea." She pointed to India's robust, fast-growing economy, its young demographic, immense domestic demand, and the emergence of new sectors as key advantages. Vora anticipates foreign portfolio investors will return once geopolitical tensions ease, crude oil prices stabilize, and the AI wave matures. She also advocated for a reduction in long-term capital gains tax to enhance the competitiveness of Indian markets.
Priti Rathi Gupta: Opportunity in Uncertainty
Priti Rathi Gupta, founder of investment platform Lxmi, shared her perspective that "uncertainty in my world is an opportunity." Having navigated multiple market cycles, Gupta believes the current period is optimal for wealth creation. She highlighted that women tend to be more persistent investors, with data showing significantly lower redemption rates in mutual funds among women compared to the general investor population over similar timeframes.
Praveena Rai: Commodity Markets and UPI Evolution
Praveena Rai, MD and CEO of MCX, India's largest commodity exchange, noted that the commodity markets are experiencing rapid growth, albeit from a nascent stage. She stressed the importance of expanding awareness about commodity investing. Rai also commented on the recent decision to levy a Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI payments exceeding ₹2,000. She explained that the vast infrastructure and operational costs associated with processing high-volume, real-time UPI transactions necessitate mechanisms to create value back into the system.
Ritu Arora: Allianz's Bullish Outlook on India
Ritu Arora, India country head for Allianz Services, reiterated her company's strong belief in "the India story." Despite market corrections and anticipated limited short-term inflows from global investors, Allianz remains strategically bullish on India's long-term opportunities, as evidenced by its insurance joint ventures with Jio Financial Services.
Anjali Bansal: Developing Core Capabilities for Future Growth
Anjali Bansal, founder of Avaana Capital, observed that while India has seen significant growth over the past 15 years through digitalization in sectors like financial services and e-commerce, the next decade and a half must focus on developing core national capabilities. She emphasized reducing reliance on imports for crucial resources like oil and even renewable energy components. Bansal identifies substantial opportunities in areas such as energy security, strengthening critical value chains, advanced materials, biomaterials, space, and defense.