Indian markets were largely flat during September, with the Nifty 50 down a marginal 1.2% for the month. The multi-cap mutual fund related circular by market regulator, SEBI, did cause a huge initial surge in the broader markets. However, post regulator clarity, stocks cooled off and the BSE Mid-cap and BSE Small-cap 250 indices finally ended marginally higher at 0.3% and 3.1% MoM, respectively. Global markets also had a flattish to softer trend amidst bouts of large swings led by news flows related to US elections, Covid, USD movement and US stimulus package. Both FPIs and DIIs turned net sellers in equities to the extent of USD 587mn & USD 44mn respectively*.
The markets have seen a massive rally post the panic lows witnessed in March. After the initial surge in the bell weather blue chip large caps, lately the broader markets have also seen decent and aggressive participation. The gradual unlocking of the economy and the improving macroeconomic figures lend optimism. As mentioned earlier, we expect the September quarter corporate results to be better than expectations and that should lend support to the markets. At the same time, being selective is advocated as the strong rally has meant that there is over optimism in some areas. We move into a period of big events and that should lead to large swings and volatility. We would advocate any correction due to this to be an ideal investment scenario.