Uncertainty and risk in the
market have sharply risen in the recent past. In addition to the
global uncertainties the market now has to grapple with domestic
interest rate related risks as well.
There are widespread concerns
that the tightening of money supply has been excessive and could lead
to a significant slowdown in the economy, especially in the interest
rate sensitive sectors such as automobiles and housing.
We are still maintaining our
views that (1) inflation will moderate going forward and (2) the US
economy will slow down but not go in recession. As these events
unfold, concerns should ease and the environment for equities should
improve. However, the risks around our base case have certainly risen.
Volatility is likely to peak
in the next four weeks. We expect inflation to ease by the end of this
month. End April shall also bring the initial monsoon forecast as well
as the credit policy of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). While the
fourth quarter results of Indian companies may not be a trigger, the
market will keenly await the guidance on the FY2008 prospects of the
corporate sector, especially that of automobiles, banks and the other
interest rate sensitive sectors.