Strong economic recovery to support markets
The Indian economy has rebounded strongly post the second Covid wave with high-
frequency indicators pointing to a V-shaped recovery to pre-second wave levels. While
manufacturing had led in the initial phase of the rebound, gradual withdrawal in
restrictions has led to a strong rebound in the services sector since Aug '21. We expect
the economic recovery process to continue led by strong festive demand and continued
acceleration in the services sector. Significant progress on the vaccination front will
restrict the fallout from any possible third Covid wave. Going ahead, we expect banking
and consumer-facing sectors to drive the markets given an expected rebound in
earnings in H2FY2022. We also remain positive on the IT sector given the structural
up-shift in the medium-term growth trajectory for the sector. Although on a P/E basis the
Nifty is trading above its five-year average, ex of IT and RIL, the Nifty is still near its
five-year average which provides comfort.
Improvement in Covid situation and progress on vaccination are key
positives
The Covid situation in India has improved significantly as the new cases on a 7-day rolling
average are now at ~15,000 per day from the peak of ~4 lakh per day in May '21 despite the
withdrawal of restrictions. Significant progress has been made on the vaccination front
with over 75% of the eligible population being partially vaccinated. Going by the current
pace of vaccination it is estimated that the entire eligible population will be fully vaccinated
by the end of Dec ‘21 which will limit the impact of any possible third wave on the economy.
Domestic flows to make up for any slowdown in FII flows due to tapering
Given the strong rebound in the US economy and high level of inflation due to supply chain
issues, the US Fed has indicated that they will start with the tapering gradually from the end
of CY2021. Considering the gradual pace of tapering, it is unlikely that there will be any
major pullout by FIIs though there will be a slowdown in inflows. However robust mutual
fund flows along with a continued increase in direct retail participation will more than make
up for a slowdown in FII flows.
Banking, consumption, and select cyclical sectors to do well along
with IT
We expect the banking sector to lead the markets from here on given the strong rebound in
earnings in H2FY2022 due to the pick up in AUM growth and decline in provisioning. We also
expect sectors like aviation, consumer durables, hotels, multiplexes, and real estate to do
well on the back of strong earnings growth in H2FY2022 due to further reopening of the
economy and pent-up demand. We expect that the IT sector will also continue to do well
going forward despite significant rerating over the past year due to structural upshift in the
medium-term growth trajectory.
Key risks for the markets are 1) A bigger than expected third Covid wave in India which
impacts the recovery process 2) Further increase in global inflation from current levels
forcing central banks to tighten earlier than expected.
Company CMP (`) TP (`)
Auto
Ashok Leyland 143 175
Sona BLW Precis. 640 775
Ramkrishna Forg. 1,192 1,545
Suprajit Engg. 368 425
Banking
AU Small Finance 1,261 1,520
Federal Bank 102 135
HDFC Bank 1,653 1,859
Shri.City Union. 2,215 3,002
Chemical
P I Industries 3,000 3,950
Others
Carborundum Uni. 868 1,010
Stove Kraft 980 1,288
Safari Inds. 853 979
Sobha 765 950
Whirlpool India 2,230 2,760
Lemon Tree Hotel 53 64
Amber Enterp. 3,450 4,150
Source: Company, Angel Research
Note: Closing price as on 26th Oct, 2021
Top Picks
Top Picks Report November 2021
Diwali Special
November 2021 2