Stock market correction: The recent months have seen the stock market coming down from its highs

Stock market sell-off: Opportunity for investors to buy stocks at discounted prices; what should be your strategy now? However, the maximum correction came in the month of January 2025. The current stock market sell-off is rattling the investors especially those who have recently started investing in the market. What can be investors' investment strategy going forward?

Sanjeev Govila

Sanjeev Govila


Certified Financial Planner (CM), CEO, Hum Fauji Initiatives.
As we navigate through January 2025, the Indian stock markets present a complex landscape marked by recent stock market corrections, sector-specific valuations, and global political shifts. After a record-breaking rally of the Indian stock market spanning 54 months, the markets are now facing corrections and global uncertainties for more than 5 months now. This is rattling the investors, especially the new investors.

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It's time for investors to ask some critical questions: Are the stock markets overvalued? Are there any hidden opportunities to encash? How should investors respond in the face of global upheavals and domestic shifts?

Understanding these dynamics is crucial for investors aiming to make informed decisions.

Are the Indian Stock Markets Overvalued?

Recent data indicates that Indian equities are trading at elevated valuations. The Nifty 50 index, for instance, has a Price-to-Earnings (P/E) ratio higher than its historical average, suggesting potential overvaluation. As of January 24, 2025, the Nifty 50 closed at 23,092.20 points, reflecting a 12% decline from its high in September 2024.

High valuations often reflect investor confidence in a country's growth prospects as most of us are confident from the way the country is progressing. However, they also warrant caution, as they can lead to market corrections, as observed in the recent downturn.
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Sectoral Valuations: Overvalued and Undervalued Segments

The Indian stock market's valuation landscape varies across sectors. The Telecom sector is currently favoured by investors, trading above its 3-year average P/E ratio of 43.0x, driven by anticipated annual earnings growth of 32.5%. In contrast, the Energy sector is out of favour, trading close to a P/E of 13.0x.

Additionally, sectors like Information Technology and Pharmaceuticals have shown resilience, benefiting from global demand and favourable currency movements. On the other hand, sectors such as Real Estate and Consumer Discretionary have faced challenges due to various macroeconomic factors. So, there is no one reason fits all, every sector and theme has its own reason to be where it is.

Global Political Shifts: The Trump Administration's Impact on Indian economy

The re-election of President Donald Trump has introduced uncertainties in global trade policies, which could affect the Indian economy. Trump's proposed tariffs and trade policies have raised concerns about potential trade barriers affecting Indian exports. This announcement heightened market volatility, with the volatility index (VIX) rising to 17, the highest since August 2024. Following the tariff announcements, the Nifty 50 index dropped by 1.37% to 23,024.65, and the BSE Sensex declined by 1.6% to 75,838.36 on January 21, 2025.
While these developments pose challenges, India's domestic demand-driven growth model may position it as a relative beneficiary under Trump's policies.

Investor sentiment amid market corrections

The recent Indian stock market has tested investor patience and confidence especially the new investors. This is because investors had got used to stock markets going up. The corrections had been very short and shallow. But there is now a need to realise that such corrections are natural and often healthy, allowing markets to consolidate before resuming an upward trajectory.

The best thing that such investors can do right now is to:
Stay Calm: Avoid panic selling during market downturns.Focus on Fundamentals: Invest in companies with strong balance sheets and sustainable business models.Diversify Portfolios: A well-diversified portfolio can mitigate risks associated with specific sectors or asset classes.Consult Financial Advisors: Professional guidance can provide personalized strategies aligned with individual financial goals.

Mutual Funds: A strategic avenue for investors

For most of the investors, especially those lacking the time or expertise to manage individual stock portfolios, mutual funds offer an effective avenue for market participation. Benefits of investing in mutual funds include:
Professional Management: Experienced fund managers make informed decisions on behalf of investors.Diversification: Mutual funds invest in a broad range of securities, reducing the impact of poor performance from a single asset.Liquidity: Investors can easily buy or sell mutual fund units, providing flexibility.Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs): These allow investors to invest small amounts regularly, promoting disciplined investing and rupee cost averaging.
The Indian stock market presents both opportunities and challenges. Informed and disciplined investing, coupled with a focus on long-term financial goals, can help investors navigate the complexities of the market. Staying updated with the latest market data and global developments is essential for making sound investment decisions.

(The column written by Col Sanjeev Govila (retd), Certified Financial Planner, CEO, Hum Fauji Initiatives, a financial advisory firm.)
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This story originally appeared on: India Times - Author:Faqs of Insurances