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Selloff 2022: Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPI) or Fair Weather Friends

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The sharpest rate hike of 75 basis points since 1994 by the US Federal Reserve is the latest flashpoint in the global and Indian stock markets reeling under massive selling pressure of foreign investors.

Indian and global markets too slumped on Thursday over recessionary fear after the US Fed raised interest rates by 75 bps, the biggest increase since 1994. Further, Fed Chair Jerome Powell signalled another big move (50-75 bps hike) next month, intensifying its fight to contain rampant inflation.

It has sharply increased the interest rate target to 3.4 per cent for 2022 and 3.8 per cent for 2023, according to Motilal Oswal Financial Services.

Sorbh Gupta, Fund Manager, Equity, Quantum AMC, said in a note that May has seen FPI outflows of $5.17 billion. This has been the thirst worst month of FPI flows since FPI investments were allowed to invest in India in 1991.

“Interestingly, of the five ‘worst ever’ months of FPI flows, 4 have come in this calendar year. Domestic institutional investors (mutual funds and insurance put together) have been net buyers for May 2022 to the tune of $6.57 billion,” he added.

Equity investors who have invested in equity markets in the last two-three years have seen mostly positive returns and a swift recovery after every correction. The current volatility and slow grind of the markets will test their patience, Gupta said.

S&P BSE SENSEX declined by (-) 2.16 per cent on a total return basis in the month of May 2022.

It has underperformed developed market indices like S&P 500 (0.18 per cent) and Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (0.32 per cent). S&P BSE SENSEX has also underperformed MSCI Emerging Market Index (0.46 per cent). The broader market has been weaker, S&P BSE Midcap Index has declined by (-) 5.5 per cent for the month & S&P BSE Small cap Index declined by 7.8 per cent.

The power and metal sectors which have been hogging the limelight over the past few months were the biggest losers, falling by 11.3 per cent and 15.5 per cent, respectively. The BSE Auto Index was the only sectoral indices in the green moving up by 4.9 per cent.

Yes Bank said in a note that the higher current account deficit will not be fully covered by capital flows in FY23. India has already witnessed FII outflows of $30.5 billion since October 2021 and $9.4 billion since April 2022, from both debt and equity.

“Even as we expect FDI flows to stay on a strong footing (though weaker than the previous fiscal) and short-term trade finance to remain buoyant, overall flows under the capital account is expected at around $55 billion in FY23, compared to $94 billion in FY 22,” the note said.

The risks of a lower BoP balance cannot be ruled out in the event of larger outflows than being currently anticipated.

As per the IIF, capital flows to EM, including India, are expected to slow to $972 billion this year from $1.68 trillion in 2021, a decline of 42 per cent YoY.

Excluding China, the net capital flows are likely to drop to $645 billion, down from $1 trillion last year. The underlying weak fundamentals of the EM economies on account of higher oil prices, high Current Account Deficit (CAD), elevated general government debt to GDP ratio and limited fiscal space to support growth is likely to limit the possibility of much capital pull into the region, Yes Bank said.

In FY 2021-22 alone, FIIs sold their investments for approximately worth Rs 1.22 lakh crore as against FY 2020-21 where they invested around Rs 2.67 lakh crore. There are multiple reasons because of which FIIs started pulling out their investments from the Indian markets since the last financial year, Angel One said in a note.

The Russia-Ukraine war took centre stage in the last week of February. Uncertainties and geopolitical complexities that arose due to this war have created a fear among foreign investors. This has resulted in the FIIs outflows in India.

India is the third largest consumer of crude oil and is also the third largest importer of crude oil across the globe. The heat of the Russia-Ukraine war had a massive impact on the global economy as the crude oil prices spiked. These soaring crude prices turned the Indian stock market volatile and resulted in the increase in the costs of transportation and an increase in inflation. This impact on the economy and imports influenced foreign investors’ sentiments which pushed them to pull their money out of the Indian stock market, Angel One said in a note.

Indian markets are aligned with the US and the other global markets which means if the other markets start falling, Indian markets will also be impacted. Among the major reasons that are recently affecting the US economy are higher inflation, an expected rise in the interest rate to control inflation and rising inflation has led to a sharp jump in the US bond yields.

Business

Tata Motors Unveils Limited-Edition Safari STEALTH to Mark 27 Years of Legacy

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Tata Motors is celebrating 27 years of the Safari with the launch of the exclusive STEALTH Edition, a limited-run variant designed for those who seek style and performance. Available in both the Harrier and Safari models, only 2,700 units of this edition will be produced. The Harrier STEALTH is priced at Rs 25.09 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), while the Safari STEALTH starts at Rs 25.74 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) and is offered in both 6- and 7-seater configurations. With a striking design, premium features, and advanced technology, the STEALTH Edition adds a new level of exclusivity to Tata’s SUV lineup.

The Tata STEALTH Edition brings a bold, monotone design that reflects the growing demand for exclusive and distinctive vehicles. With limited units available, this special edition is set to attract enthusiasts looking for a unique SUV. Bookings for the STEALTH Edition opened on February 21, both online and at Tata dealerships across India, giving customers the chance to own a rare and stylish addition to Tata’s lineup.

The Harrier and Safari STEALTH Edition stand out with their bold design and advanced features, built on the sturdy OMEGARC platform derived from Land Rover’s D8 architecture. The exclusive Matte Black finish, R19 Black Alloy Wheels, and a distinctive STEALTH mascot give these SUVs a powerful road presence. Inside, the cabin is designed for comfort with ventilated first- and second-row seats (Safari only for the second row), a Carbon-Noir interior theme, and a voice-assisted dual-zone climate control system.

Technology is a highlight, featuring a 31.24 cm Harman touchscreen, Arcade App Store, Alexa Home 2 Car, Map My India navigation, and a 10-speaker JBL audio system with Harman AudioworX. Power comes from a 2.0L KRYOTEC BS6 Phase 2 turbocharged engine producing 170PS, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Safety is a priority, with Level 2+ ADAS offering 21 functions, including a segment-first Intelligent Speed Assist, along with 7 airbags and ESP with 17 safety features.

Unveiling this exciting new version of the Harrier and Safari, Vivek Srivatsa, Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd., stated, “Tata Motors has been a leader in the Indian SUV segment, with innovation at its core. The Tata Safari, which introduced the concept of a lifestyle SUV to India, reflects this legacy of pioneering excellence. Over 27 remarkable years, the Safari has constantly evolved, and the launch of the STEALTH Edition is a tribute to this journey. This special edition is an exclusive offering, with only 2,700 units available in the striking STEALTH Matte Black finish. More than just an SUV, the STEALTH Edition is a symbol of prestige, adventure, and capability, making it a highly desirable collector’s item for enthusiasts and connoisseurs. Owning a STEALTH Edition isn’t just about having an extraordinary vehicle—it’s about claiming a piece of automotive history that many will aspire to have in their collection.”

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Business

Maruti Suzuki’s New Mid-Term Plan Aims To Make India An Export Hub, Launch More EVs

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New Delhi: The Suzuki Motor Corporation of Japan, the parent company of Maruti Suzuki India, on Thursday announced a new mid-term plan with a “rethink” in its strategy as “the business environment has changed due to declining market share in India” and the growing electrical vehicles segment.

In its new mid-term plan for 2025-30, the company has identified India as its “most important market”. Maruti Suzuki aims to create a manufacturing capacity of producing 4 million cars annually to reclaim a 50 per cent market share in India and use the country as a global export hub as well.

The auto major plans to expand its EV lineup starting with the e-Vitara, and is aiming to launch four new EV models by FY30 in a segment where its rivals like Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra already have a varied EV portfolio in India.

“In India, we will promote further localisation in line with the growth of the electric vehicle market,” the company said.

Maruti Suzuki is currently exporting three lakh vehicles from India annually. By the end of this decade, it is targeting the export of 7.5-8 lakh units per year.

While the company noted it achieved revenue and profit targets ahead of schedule by improving sales mix and quality, its sales volume target could not be met.

It noted that the “competitive environment is becoming increasingly severe, and the quality of product functions, equipment and services required by customers is increasing”.

It aims to be India’s no.1 carmaker in terms of production, local sales and exports of electric cars. A total of six electric vehicles will be introduced by FY30, including four electric cars and two commercial vehicles.

Suzuki Motor plans to invest 1,200 billion yen (about Rs 7,000 crore) as capital expenditure towards production, new models, carbon neutrality and quality measures. A new plant in Haryana’s Kharkhoda and an assembly line in Suzuki Motor Gujarat will come onstream by 2030 for a total installed capacity of four million units.

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Business

‘Made in India’ iPhone 6e not SE variant but a next-gen entry point for consumers

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New Delhi, Feb 20: In a further push to the local manufacturing, the entire iPhone 16 lineup, including the newly-launched iPhone 16e, is now being assembled in India for domestic market as well as for exports, as industry experts on Thursday cleared the air around the new device being compared to now-retired iPhone SE.

The new Apple device, with A18 chip, breakthrough battery life, Apple Intelligence, and a 48MP 2-in-1 camera system, is being manufactured/assembled for local consumption as well as for export to select countries.

According to experts, iPhone 16e is not iPhone SE4 and the whole “comparison is futile”.

When iPhone SE was launched, it was another masterstroke at that time. However, times have changed since then.

“Essentially, Apple retired the SE lineup and extended the iPhone 16 lineup with a new entry point. iPhone SE was no longer adding any value to consumers, developers or Apple,” said Neil Shah, Partner and Co-Founder at Counterpoint Research.

The iPhone SE which was positioned as a “Special Edition,” which brought nostalgia of older and smaller design, was priced around $400.

However, the iPhone SE lost its value and popularity, which used to be once 16 per cent of the total iPhone sales volumes, dropped to 1 per cent last year.

According to Shah, consumers now prefer better cameras, bigger displays and faster processors.

“With all this background, what Apple did was to extend the 16 series with a newer ‘base version’ of iPhone 16 and now retired SE,” Shah explained.

According to industry experts, the company has done well with streamlining the series, reducing fragmentation in design and experience and able to charge $599 (US)/Rs 59,999 (India) with the newest entry point for the best Apple experiences.

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