Market Strategy 2023- Domestic themes to hog the limelight in CY23

Market Strategy 2023: Domestic themes to hog the limelight in CY23

India fared well both relatively and in absolute terms with respect to economic and stock market performance. Going ahead, we believe H1CY23 may turn out to be volatile as investors around the globe would seek answers to key puzzles such as: (i) How fast interest rate hikes come to a halt globally, (ii) Damage to economic growth, more so in developed economies, (iii) Lag effect of a rise in interest rates on demand cycle & corporate EPS in India, etc. However, we believe such volatility will throw up attractive opportunities in domestic oriented sectors like banks, capital goods, infrastructure, which will continue to be the beneficiaries of massive capex spend by the government/private sector and recovery in margins. Apart from these, domestic sectors like retail, auto ancillaries will also provide good opportunities for the medium to long term.

We also highlight the key risks for CY23 that may get manifested in the form of (i) Any negative surprise from Covid erupting once again and (ii) Continued hawkish stance of central banks, which may derail growth prospects.

Despite outflows of over $16 billion during the year so far, domestic flows have helped India to outperform the rest of the world. While we believe the resilience of the Indian markets may continue due to domestic funds, inflows from FPIs should provide sharp momentum as seen since July 2022. Moreover, considering continued outperformance, India’s share in FPI money is likely to increase further in CY23.

Nifty fair value pegged at 21,500

Post rebasing in FY22 and surpassing the stagnant earnings seen over FY18-21 at 450-500 levels, Nifty earnings are growing at 15% CAGR in FY22-25e. This is primarily driven by improved asset quality and credit growth revival in the index heavy BFSI space, pick-up in capex activity and consequent execution in capital goods domain, margins & profit recovery in auto, FMCG, metals, pharma and oil & gas space. Introducing FY25e and rolling over our valuations, we now value the Nifty at 21,500 i.e. 21x P/E on FY24-25e average EPS of Rs 1,020 with corresponding Sensex target at 71,600; offering a healthy potential upside of 19%.

Also read: India shining: Markets at second spot globally

Despite outflows of over $1,600 crore during the year so far, domestic flows have helped India to outperform the rest of the world. While the resilience of the markets may continue due to domestic funds, inflows from FPIs should provide momentum as seen since July 2022.

Themes to stand out in CY23 are: Electrification trend accelerating across categories in auto space; Banks poised for next round of re-rating cycle; Capex: Government to the fore with all guns blazing; FMCG: Gross margins bottom out; volume recovery in sight and Retail sector: Organised players to gain more prominence; Hotels: Structurally well placed to gain further traction; Hospitals structurally well poised for rounded growth andTextile: Exporters to overcome near term headwinds, expand global share