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Updated: June 20, 2025 20:20
India’s equity markets, particularly the midcap segment, are flashing red on valuation metrics, according to a fresh report by global brokerage Jefferies. After a blistering rally since April 2025, concerns are mounting over stretched valuations and a flood of equity supply that could derail the momentum.
Key Highlights from the Jefferies Report
- The Nifty 50 index is now trading at 22.2 times its 12-month forward earnings, following a 14.1 percent rally since April 7
- The Nifty Midcap 100 index has surged 23.7 percent in the same period and is now valued at 27.1 times forward earnings, raising red flags on sustainability
- Equity supply has surged, with companies raising USD 7.2 billion in May and another USD 6 billion so far in June through stake sales and IPOs
- Promoters and private equity investors have offloaded over Rs 40,000 crore worth of shares in just two weeks of June, capitalizing on elevated valuations
Market Rotation and Sectoral Shifts
- Since the Union Budget 2025, investor focus has shifted from investment-led themes to consumption-driven plays, aided by a softer monetary policy stance
- Consumer finance stocks have rallied sharply, with Bajaj Finance up 35 percent year-to-date
- Jefferies has rebalanced its India long-only portfolio, exiting names like Larsen & Toubro, Thermax, and Godrej Properties, and adding TVS Motor, Home First Finance, and Manappuram Finance
- The brokerage has also increased exposure to PolicyBazaar and Bharti Airtel, reflecting a tilt toward consumption and digital themes
Risks from Equity Supply and Valuation Stretch
- The current pace of equity supply mirrors levels seen before the September 2024 correction, raising fears of a supply-demand imbalance
- The midcap rally has outpaced earnings growth, with the Nifty Midcap 150 and Smallcap 250 indices up 17 to 18.5 percent since April
- Analysts warn that unless earnings catch up, the market could face a correction, especially in overheated pockets of the midcap space
Jefferies’ Broader Market View
- While cautious on valuations, Jefferies remains constructive on India’s long-term growth story, particularly in real estate and consumption
- The firm expects India’s property market to continue its upcycle, supported by lower mortgage rates and strong pre-sales momentum
- However, it notes that the next investment cycle may be more gradual and prolonged compared to the boom-bust phase of FY03–FY17
Future Outlook
With valuations stretched and equity supply surging, Jefferies’ warning serves as a timely reminder for investors to tread carefully. While India’s macro fundamentals remain strong, the near-term outlook may hinge on earnings delivery, global cues, and the market’s ability to absorb fresh capital without triggering a correction.
Sources: Jefferies, Economic Times, Business Standard, Moneycontrol, Reuters, MSN.
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