Business

How to build your portfolio for FY27? Wealth Company MF CIO Aparna Shanker shares strategy

Published

5 hours ago

23 March 2026

How to build your portfolio for FY27? Wealth Company MF CIO Aparna Shanker shares strategy

Aparna Shanker, CIO – Equity at The Wealth Company Mutual Fund, recommends a balanced and diversified approach for FY27, with a clear tilt towards equities while maintaining exposure to debt and gold. She outlines an ideal asset allocation strategy for moderate-risk investors, while highlighting opportunities across manufacturing, financials and select small- and mid-cap stocks.

Edited excerpts from a chat:

After 1.5 years of no returns, how attractive is the market looking now?
Over the last 18 months, the market has largely gone through a phase of consolidation rather than wealth destruction. This period has helped correct some of the excess valuations that had built up earlier, particularly in pockets of the broader market. From a long-term perspective, such phases are healthy because they allow earnings to catch up with prices. As we look ahead, corporate earnings in India remain structurally strong, supported by improving balance sheets, a revival in capex, and domestic consumption. Therefore, while near-term volatility may continue, the market today appears far more balanced than it did a year ago, which improves the risk-reward for long-term investors.As per Bloomberg data, Nifty 50 earnings over the last five quarters demonstrate significant volatility rather than a consistent trend. After steady growth through Q4 FY25 and Q1 FY26, earnings experienced sharp swings—a dramatic +27.6% surge in Q3 FY26 followed by an equally severe -24.8% decline in Q4 FY26. This volatility reflects sectoral divergence: commodity sectors (oil & gas, metals) drove growth, while financials remained weak with compressed margins. The underlying earnings quality appears fragile, with consensus expectations being downgraded amid strained topline growth and narrowing margins across India Inc.

Amid global macro uncertainty, how is The Wealth Company Mutual Fund positioning its equity portfolios to navigate this environment while maintaining long-term return potential?
At The Wealth Company Mutual Fund, our investment philosophy is anchored in a combination of top-down and bottom-up stock selection, with a strong emphasis on earnings visibility, balance sheet quality, and good governance. Given global uncertainties ranging from geopolitical developments to interest rate cycles we are focusing on businesses that demonstrate resilient cash flows, scalable growth models, and prudent capital allocation. Our portfolios maintain a diversified approach across sectors and market capitalisations that are likely to benefit from India’s structural growth story, along with some tactical investment opportunities during these volatile times. The idea is to remain invested in companies that can compound earnings over multiple years rather than attempting to time short-term macro cycles.
What is your take on small cap stocks? Are they attractive now? Is valuation still a concern?
Small caps have witnessed significant interest over the past few years, and as seen many times before, valuations in certain pockets had moved ahead of fundamentals. However, the recent correction and consolidation have helped bring valuations closer to long-term averages in several segments. It is important to remember that the small-cap universe is extremely diverse. The decline has not been uniform across stocks, as they have varied strengths and growth potential, many of which are now available at better valuations. For long-term investors, small caps continue to offer an opportunity to participate early in the growth journey of emerging companies, provided investments are made with a disciplined, research-driven approach and a sufficiently long-term horizon.Which sectors of the market do you think are in a sweet spot of reasonable valuations and high growth as we step into FY27?
As we move into FY27, we see interesting opportunities across sectors aligned with India’s structural economic drivers. Areas such as manufacturing and industrials particularly those benefiting from the capex cycle and supply chain diversification remain attractive. We also see opportunities in select financial services, capital markets, tech-enabled businesses, niche consumption themes, and export-oriented businesses gaining global market share. Within the broader market, several emerging companies in these segments fall within the small- and mid-cap space, reinforcing our belief that bottom-up stock picking can generate meaningful long-term alpha.

If you had to prepare a portfolio afresh at this stage for an investor with moderate risk appetite and risk horizon of 4–5 years, how would you split it between gold and silver, equity and debt?
For an investor with a moderate risk appetite and a 4–5-year horizon, diversification remains essential. A balanced allocation could look something like 65–70% in equities, 15–20% in debt, and 10–15% in precious metals dominated by gold as a hedge against macro uncertainty. Within the equity allocation, investors should ideally have exposure across large caps for stability and small and midcaps for growth potential. This combination helps balance volatility while still allowing participation in India’s long-term growth opportunity.

What would be your advice to investors who entered small cap funds recently but are either sitting with no returns or at a loss?
We understand the concerns investors are experiencing. Small caps are inherently more volatile in the short term but have historically been rewarding over longer horizons. Periods of muted returns or temporary drawdowns are not unusual. If the investment horizon remains long term, it is generally advisable to stay invested rather than react to short-term market movements. In fact, systematic investing during corrections often improves long-term outcomes. The key is patience and allowing underlying business earnings to play out over time.

What is your take on IT stocks? Are the valuations too attractive now or the AI doomsday scenario is for real?
The IT sector has been undergoing a period of recalibration due to global economic uncertainties and prolonged decision-making cycles for discretionary spending. As a result, valuations in several companies have corrected from earlier highs. While the near-term outlook depends on global demand conditions, the long-term structural drivers remain intact. Technologies such as AI, cloud, and digital transformation are likely to expand the opportunity set rather than diminish it. Selective opportunities exist, and many companies are adapting their business models to capture emerging trends.

Broadly, what is your outlook of the market for FY27?
India continues to stand out as one of the most compelling long-term growth stories globally, supported by favourable demographics, policy continuity, and an ongoing investment cycle. While markets may see intermittent volatility due to global developments, the underlying earnings trajectory of Indian corporates remains encouraging. From a medium- to long-term perspective, we remain constructive on equities especially within the broader market, where emerging companies are well-positioned to benefit from India’s economic expansion. For disciplined, patient investors, FY27 could present meaningful opportunities to build long-term wealth.

Business

Plans unveiled for huge new town near Bristol

Published

21 seconds ago

23 March 2026

NewsAdmin

The government is proposing to construct seven new towns in the UK

08:05, 23 Mar 2026Updated 08:09, 23 Mar 2026

Brabazon Park with views of the lake and YTL Live entertainment complex(Image: Handout)

The government has announced plans to create a 40,000-home town in the West of England. The Brabazon and West Innovation Arc – a corridor of connected developments in South Gloucestershire – is one of seven areas that have been put forward as part of the proposals by Labour to build seven new towns in Britain.

A national consultation will be held on the plans as the government looks to ramp up housebuilding to a level not seen since the post-war era. Labour has pledged to build some 1.5 million new homes in England by the next election.

The latest announcement comes after a dozen locations were shortlisted in September. The other towns under consideration are Crews Hill and Chase Park, Enfield; Leeds South Bank, West Yorkshire; Manchester Victoria North, Greater Manchester; Thamesmead, Greenwich; and Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire.

On Thursday, housing secretary Steve Reed visited the West Innovation Arc with Helen Godwin, mayor of the West of England. He said: “The West of England is ready to build, and together with the new National Housing Bank, we’re laying the foundations our communities deserve.”

Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said: “The country’s fastest growing regional economy here in the West of England is the perfect place for a new town: Brabazon and the West Innovation Arc. As we continue to create jobs and growth, we need to build the right homes in the right places – with the services and infrastructure that people need.”

Published

52 minutes ago

23 March 2026

NewsAdmin

Kim Kardashian was traumatised by the robbery

Los Angeles — Kim Kardashian sparked fresh speculation about her personal life this week after photos surfaced of her stepping out with Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton in Tokyo, just days after a viral tumble at the 2026 Vanity Fair Oscars after-party. The 45-year-old entrepreneur and reality star, known for her business empire and high-profile relationships, continues to dominate headlines with a mix of fashion moments, family life, and entrepreneurial milestones.

The Tokyo sighting, captured in photos shared across social media on March 22, showed Kardashian and Hamilton walking closely together, with the SKIMS founder linking arms with the racing icon. Fans quickly interpreted the casual outing as evidence of romance, though neither has confirmed any relationship. The pair’s connection has drawn attention since earlier collaborations and mutual admiration, adding another layer to Kardashian’s post-divorce chapter following her 2022 split from Kanye West.

The Tokyo trip follows Kardashian’s high-profile appearance at the Vanity Fair Oscars party on March 15 at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Dressed in a curve-hugging gold Gucci gown from the Fall/Winter 2026 collection, she paired the look with sky-high Pleaser platform heels and icy blue contact lenses that gave her an almost unrecognizable appearance. The ensemble evoked her 2016 aesthetic, complete with a tousled bob hairstyle and dramatic makeup.

Behind-the-scenes footage shared on TikTok and Instagram on March 18 captured a lighter moment: while navigating an outdoor path with friend Stephanie Shepherd, Kardashian questioned if her shoes needed tightening. Moments later, she lost balance, stumbling and partially falling into a bush. She twisted her ankle but recovered quickly, with help from those nearby, and proceeded to the red carpet. Kardashian laughed off the incident in her posts, writing captions that embraced the relatable mishap. “Every girl has been here before,” one viral clip echoed.

The near-fall became a social media sensation, with outlets like Page Six, E! News, and Complex highlighting the clip. Kardashian attended alongside sisters Kendall Jenner, Kris Jenner, and Kylie Jenner, reinforcing the family’s strong presence at Hollywood events. Her gold glitter look drew praise for its elegance, though the footwear proved challenging in the skin-tight dress.

Business remains a priority for Kardashian in 2026. She was named a CNBC Changemaker earlier this year for leading SKIMS to a $5 billion valuation in 2025 and driving global expansion. The brand’s ongoing partnership with Nike produced the NikeSKIMS Spring 2026 collection, released in March. Kardashian fronted the campaign, showcasing a mix-and-match system of two-toned activewear essentials designed for versatility. The drop, available online since March 12, highlights her influence in shaping inclusive, performance-driven apparel.

Kardashian has also completed her six-year legal apprenticeship, earning her law license and positioning herself as an advocate for criminal justice reform. Through her private equity firm SKKY Partners, she pursues investments aligned with her values. These professional strides underscore her evolution from reality TV star to multifaceted mogul.

Family moments provide balance amid the spotlight. Kardashian frequently shares content with her four children—North, Saint, Chicago, and Psalm—co-parented with West. Recent TikToks featuring North highlight their close bond, with fans anticipating more collaborative content.

The divorce from West, finalized years ago, occasionally resurfaces in discussions. Kardashian has spoken positively about maintaining civility for the children’s sake and even praised certain YEEZY designs in interviews. She has emphasized personal growth post-split, describing a “new me” with renewed confidence independent of past relationships.

As speculation swirls around her Tokyo appearance with Hamilton, Kardashian maintains focus on her brands, philanthropy, and family. Her ability to turn everyday mishaps into viral, relatable content—while commanding attention at elite events—demonstrates why she remains one of entertainment’s most influential figures.

With SKIMS’ continued growth, potential legal advocacy expansions, and an active social presence, Kardashian’s 2026 trajectory blends glamour, business acumen, and authenticity. Whether navigating heels or headlines, she navigates the spotlight with characteristic poise and humor.