After a phase of prolonged correction and valuation reset, Indian equities are beginning to offer selective opportunities across sectors.

In an interaction with Kshitij Anand of ETMarkets, Niraj Kumar, Chief Investment Officer at Generali Central Life Insurance, highlighted that financials and IT services have turned attractive from a risk-reward perspective, with several stocks trading at compelling valuations.

He also pointed to microfinance as a key turnaround play, supported by improving credit cycles after a period of stress.

While near-term uncertainties linked to global geopolitics persist, Kumar believes investors with a medium-term horizon can benefit by positioning in sectors with earnings visibility and structural growth tailwinds. Edited Excerpts –

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Q) Thanks for taking the time out. FY26 returns have turned negative due to geopolitical concerns around West Asia. How do you sum up the financial year?
A) FY26 was largely a year of consolidation for the markets. It began on a strong note, with multiple growth stimulants starting to translate into economic activity.
Fiscal measures such as income tax and GST cuts, accommodative monetary policy through repo rate reductions and ample liquidity, and regulatory support including the deferral of ECL and Project Finance guidelines had begun to show tangible impact.

Markets reflected this optimism, with the Nifty rising ~7% and the Midcap Index gaining ~15% till end February.

However, the escalation of the West Asian conflict triggered a sharp risk off phase in March. India’s dependence on energy imports, resulting macro pressures, and relatively lower appeal for global capital—amid slower earnings growth, elevated valuations, and limited AI led narratives—led to a steep correction, with the Nifty declining ~11% in March alone.

That said, broader markets displayed relative resilience. Overall, FY26 concluded on a softer note, with the Nifty down ~5%, while the Nifty Midcap 100 delivered modest positive returns of ~2%.
Looking ahead, history suggests that markets often rebound meaningfully once geopolitical conflicts stabilise. As clarity emerges on the West Asian situation, there is a reasonable case for a sharper recovery, setting the stage for a more constructive and rewarding FY27.Q) As we head towards FY27, what are the key triggers investors should keep in mind for a market reversal or return of bullish sentiment?
A) We remain constructive on FY27. After nearly two years of time and price correction, the risk reward for Indian equities has turned favourable.
While domestic fundamentals were improving and sentiment had strengthened post the Indo US trade agreement, geopolitical developments have temporarily dampened confidence.

The most immediate trigger for a market reversal would be de escalation in the West Asian conflict, particularly a ceasefire or diplomatic resolution between the US and Iran.

Beyond geopolitics, markets will closely track Q4 earnings and management commentary, especially around the resilience of growth despite recent disruptions. Sectors and companies offering visibility on earnings recovery are likely to be rewarded.

Q) Which sectors should be on investors’ radar for FY27?
A) We advocate a diversified portfolio approach. Financials remain a key focus area—across banks and NBFCs—where concerns around LPG/LNG disruptions impacting growth and asset quality have led to sharp derating.

Several stocks are now trading below COVID era valuation troughs. While near term earnings risks exist, we do not equate the current environment to COVID, and valuations offer a compelling margin of safety with meaningful upside potential.

Within lending, Microfinance stands out as a turnaround opportunity. After an 18 month period of borrower stress driven by excess leverage, the inherently short credit cycle suggests we are closer to recovery.

We also like non lending financials such as asset managers, brokers, and exchanges, which benefit from strong structural growth themes.

Post the recent correction, we have turned overweight on IT services. Market concerns around AI disruptions overlook the sector’s strong historical record of adapting to technology shifts.

AI led enterprise adoption will require large scale implementation, integration, and customization—areas where IT services companies are indispensable.

Valuations are now attractive, with mid teen multiples and 5–6% free cash flow yields, implying near zero terminal growth assumptions.

We also remain positive on domestic cyclical sectors including Power and Capital Goods, supported by the energy transition theme, and Materials—particularly Cement and Metals.

Q) How should one approach gold and silver in the new financial year?
A) Gold continues to serve as a strategic hedge against inflation and currency debasement and should remain part of a core portfolio.

However, investors should recognise that gold typically moves in phases—periods of consolidation followed by sharp upswings, often during geopolitical stress.

The recent correction in gold prices appears driven by temporary factors such as weaker Middle East demand and central bank selling to defend currencies amid geopolitical tensions. We view this pullback as an opportunity to rebalance allocations toward gold.

Silver, on the other hand, is largely an industrial metal. While supply deficits exist, higher prices often lead to demand substitution. Given this dynamic, we do not see silver as a preferred long term portfolio allocation.

Q) How are we positioned against peers in terms of valuations?
A) India continues to trade at a premium to both developed and emerging market peers. The Nifty 50’s valuation premium versus the MSCI EM Index remains around ~40%, slightly below long-term averages.

While this premium has narrowed, global flows have favoured markets such as South Korea, Taiwan, and Brazil, driven by strong AI led or commodity linked earnings growth.

It is important to recognise why India has historically commanded a valuation premium: the longevity of growth driven by favorable demographics and rising discretionary consumption, and the breadth of investible opportunities, with nearly 500 companies exceeding USD 1 billion in market capitalization.

In contrast, many EM peers have highly concentrated indices. Consequently, while Indian valuations may appear optically expensive, we expect the structural premium to persist.

Q) Will FII flows reverse in FY27? How do you interpret domestic and global flows?
A) Capital flows ultimately follow returns and economic outlook. India’s underperformance versus both developed and emerging market peers over the past few years—driven by high starting valuations, slower earnings growth, and limited AI led drivers—had led to sustained FII outflows.

Importantly, just ahead of the West Asian conflict, foreign flows had begun to improve, reflecting growing comfort on valuations and a nascent recovery in earnings expectations.

The escalation of geopolitical tensions temporarily disrupted this improving trend. However, following the recent correction, the Nifty 50’s 12-month forward PE has moderated to ~17.5x, below its long-term average.

Even under conservative assumptions of flat earnings growth, valuations are now broadly in line with post COVID norms. While near term volatility may persist, the balance of risks has become increasingly favourable.

As geopolitical conditions stabilise, we believe FII flows could recover sharply, supported by India’s strong structural growth, improving earnings visibility, and attractive valuations. This phase therefore calls for investment managers to proactively position portfolios with a medium-term perspective, recognising that global economies will ultimately need to collaborate to resolve the conflict.

In the interim, strong and resilient domestic liquidity continues to provide a powerful backstop and reinforces confidence in the market’s underlying strength.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views, and opinions given by experts are their own. These do not represent the views of the Economic Times)

With crude oil sticking above the $100 barrel mark, India’s market resilience faces a countdown. Geojit’s Chief Investment Strategist Dr. V K Vijayakumar warns that while the economy can absorb a temporary shock, a prolonged two-week spike threatens a domino effect on inflation and GDP. As geopolitical tensions simmer, the window for a “painless” recovery is closing, leaving investors on high alert.

Edited excerpts from a chat on market outlook and opportunities:

Crude oil prices have been hovering above $100 a barrel mark. At what level, do you think the India equity story starts becoming meaningfully uncomfortable for investors?
For an oil importer like India, the impact of high oil prices can turn out to be very adverse if the prices remain elevated for an extended period. A 10% increase in crude (estimated roughly at $10) causes about 20 bp reduction in GDP growth, 30 bp increase in CPI inflation and 30 to 40 bp increase in current account deficit.This adverse macro impact will manifest if the crude price remains elevated for long. In the ongoing crisis, the durability of the crisis is significant. If the war ends soon (it can end any time) or if there is significant de-escalation and opening of the Hormuz Strait, crude can immediately fall to $80 level. In such a scenario, the adverse impact will not manifest. Another two weeks of crude above $100 is a temporary shock which the Indian economy can absorb. But beyond that, the economy and markets will be impacted.

Do you think the market is still underpricing the second-order effects of war, especially on inflation expectations, bond yields, and consumer sentiment?
The market is even now discounting a quick end to the war and cooling of oil prices. The market is not discounting a prolonged war and elevated crude oil price for long. Contrary to market expectations, if the conflict escalates and crude rises above $120 and remains at that level for many weeks, the market will further correct from the present levels. Everything boils down to how long the conflict continues, more importantly, how long Hormuz Strait remains restrictive.
How vulnerable is Q4 earnings season to this backdrop? Which sectors do you expect to show the sharpest earnings impact in Q4 from elevated crude and freight costs?
Q4 is unlikely to impact earnings significantly. The impact will be felt in Q1 FY27. However, the war and the consequent uncertainty will show up in some segments. Industries using petroleum inputs like paints, adhesives, and tyres will be hit. Manufacturers using LNG as fuel like verified tiles have been hit hard. Exporters will gain from currency tailwinds. IT will gain; but the Anthropic shock will continue to weigh on the segment. Exporters to the Gulf region will be impacted marginally.

Do you expect another round of earnings downgrades over the next few weeks if oil stays elevated?
If crude remains elevated and gas availability restrictions continue, another round of earnings downgrade will become inevitable. Earnings downgrades will be in import intensive and crude related segments mentioned earlier.

Has the small cap correction created genuine value, or are pockets of the segment still frothy despite the damage?
Correction in small caps has opened value in many segments. Broadly small cap valuations continue to be high, but there are segments with attractive valuations and high growth prospects. These are across industries and, therefore, stock selection holds the key to successful investment. An ideal strategy would be to invest in small cap mutual funds.

How are you thinking about banks in this setup, especially if higher inflation complicates the rate outlook?
Banking is one segment that is attractively valued now. Sustained selling by FPIs in leading large private sector banks has made the valuations in the segment attractive. This segment is an excellent long-term buy for investors. Credit growth in the economy continues to be good. The MPC is unlikely to increase the interest rates soon since inflation arising from supply shocks cannot be addressed through rate hikes.

Help us understand why PSU bank stocks have been the worst hit and whether one should be brave enough to buy the dip as the growth story looks promising but yields are playing spoilsport?
PSU bank stocks had a good run recently. What we are witnessing now is profit booking in the segment. This segment can be considered selectively for investment.

If the market was to rebound from here, which sectors do you think will lead the rally?
In the event of a sharp bounce back in the market, all beaten down but fundamentally strong stocks will rally smartly. But if FPIs continue to sell the rally, large cap banking names may continue to disappoint despite the strong fundamentals and attractive valuations. IT appears set for a tactical bounce back in April since the Q4 results are unlikely to disappoint. Automobiles and auto ancillaries are on a strong wicket. Telecom will remain resilient. Pharmaceuticals have potential to appreciate.

This article was written by

Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of CRDF either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

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In February 2026, Thai exports grew 9.9%YOY, driven by electronics and the US market, while imports surged 31.8%YOY. Middle East conflict and US tariffs pose risks, potentially worsening Thailand’s trade deficit.

Thai Export Performance in February 2026

Thai exports in February 2026 slowed to a growth of 9.9% year-on-year (YOY), with a total export value of USD 29,439.7 million. This was a significant deceleration from January’s 24.4% YOY surge and below forecasts. The export slowdown was coupled with a sharp 11.1% month-on-month seasonal adjustment contraction. Electronics led exports, expanding over 56.8% YOY due to global demand and investment in related industries, especially to the US, where exports rose 40.5%. Gold exports grew moderately by 18.2%, affected by falling global prices.

Import Trends and Trade Balance

Imports surged to USD 32,273.3 million, the highest in 50 months, rising 31.8% YOY, driven mainly by raw materials, intermediate goods, and capital goods like gold and electrical machinery. This import growth intensified the trade deficit, which reached USD -2,833.6 million in February, with a cumulative deficit of USD -6,137.1 million for the first two months of 2026.

Outlook and External Challenges

Thailand’s trade outlook faces challenges from the Middle East conflict and rising US import tariffs. The Middle East conflict, though limited in direct impact, may affect key export sectors and energy costs, worsening the trade deficit. Meanwhile, ongoing US tariff investigations under Section 301 pose export risks. The Ministry of Commerce projects 2026 export growth scenarios ranging from -3% to +1.1% YOY. SCB EIC will update economic forecasts by March’s end amid these evolving uncertainties.

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After the market sell-off, fund managers are broadly aligned on one message: share valuations are no longer stretched, but it’s still not the time to make aggressive bets. The decline in equities has narrowed India’s valuation premium, removed excess froth in overheated segments and brought large-cap stocks back to more comfortable levels, according to chief investment officers of six mutual funds. They remain sceptical about the prospects of mid-cap and small-cap stocks.

Most managers are advising investors to stay invested but stagger their entries, using systematic or phased allocation strategies rather than chasing a quick rebound.