Investor Wealth Soars 27 Percent to Over 67 Lakh Cr in 2012


Investor Wealth Soars 27 Percent to Over Rs.67 Lakh Cr in 2012

Bangalore: Investor wealth soared by 27 percent to around Rs 67.7 lakh crore in 2012 with the stock indices gaining nearly 25 percent on hefty capital inflows and of late a slew of reform measures even as concerns remain over economic growth and rising fiscal deficit.

Indian bourses made a dramatic turnaround after a meltdown in 2011, leaving behind strong optimism about a bullish 2013 in hopes of RBI rate cut, hefty capital inflows, a recovery in global economy and excellent earnings growth in the third quarter of 2012-13.

The smart recovery helped investor wealth to soar by over 14.5 lakh crore to 67,78,609 crore on December 21, 2012 against 53,12,875 crore at the end of last year.

The Q3 earnings, which are most likely to beat the market pundits, indications of more reforms by the UPA government and hopes of increase in retail participation in quality IPO/FPO and OFS in the near future expected to augment the bullish fervor in 2013, an analyst said.

The BSE sensitive index Sensex posted impressive gains of 3,787 points, or 24.5 percent, at 19,242 on December 21, 2012, against preceding year-end's close of 15,454.92 points.

The Sensex had lost 5,054 points, or over 24 percent, during 2011.

The National Stock Exchange's Nifty also spurted by 1,223 points or 26.5 percent to 5,847.70 on December 21, 2012 from previous yearend's close of 4,624.30.

Investors ignored dwindling industrial output, declining exports, ballooning fiscal deficit, overall gloomy economic atmosphere in domestic and international markets amid fear of European debt crisis to spiral over worldwide.

Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) made the second largest investment in the Indian capital market in the year under review.

As the Sebi data, FIIs pumped in 1,21,652 crore or $23.15 billion this year till December 21. Previously, they had made biggest investments of 1,33,266 crore or $29.36 billion in equities during 2010.

Kishor P Ostwal, CMD of CNI Research Ltd said a few big investors made a large profit in the market as select stocks scored new highs in view of paucity of floating stocks.

However, retail investors were not benefitted either in the secondary market IPO market and were seen selling their holdings, as a result the public ownership in the India Inc came down to 6-7 percent as against a high of 15 percent 2007, he said.

Though the Sensex could not surpass its all-time peak registered in 2008, the sectoral indices like BSE-FMCG, BSE-HC, BSE-CD and BSE-Auto logged their historical highs during the year on hectic buying by foreign funds.

Analysts said at the beginning of 2012 investors feared of further slide in view of corruption scams.

However, the market surprised everyone by rising almost 1,739 points or 11.25 percent, largest monthly rise in absolute term in the month of January in any calender year, following hectic buying by Foreign funds.

It was also the biggest monthly performance since September 2010 when it had gained by 2,098 points or 11.67 percent.

The rally in the month was driven by strong global cues on hopes of some stabilidation in the Europe and gradual improvement in the U.S. economic data.

On domestic front, the government's decision to allow Qualified Foreign Investors (QFI) to invest directly in local equities from January 15, 2012 and signs of more foreign funds inflow also underpinned sentiment.

The Union Budget, which was delayed this year due to the Assembly polls in five states, presented by then Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on March 16 failed to enthuse the investors and plans to revive the economy.

The market then turned negative and remained dull for the next few months due to slowdown in GDP growth, worries over macroeconomic conditions due to higher global crude oil prices, as India imports two-third of its oil consumption, rising trade deficit, weakening currency and global uncertainty.

Fears that reform process may take back seat after the ruling Congress party suffered a setback in some states in March and cut in China's growth target also weighed on the market sentiment.

Revival of monsoon at the fag-end and Moody's retaining stable outlook on India supported the weak stock markets.

Moreover, announcement of reform measures such as allowing FDI in multi-brand retail and downsizing the LPG subsidy by the government later pushed the Sensex higher since September.

The Sensex moved in a range of 19,612.18 and 15,358.02 before ending at 19,242.00 on December 21, 2012, displaying a rise or 3,787.08 points or 24.50 percent.

The wide-based S&P CNX Nifty of the NSE also flared up by 1,223.40 points or 26.46 percent to settle at 5,847.70 on December 21, 2012.

On the global front, barring China which ended in the red, rest of the other Asian markets ended firm. European as well as U.S. stocks too exhibited strong trend this year.

Read: Number of Registered FIIs Falls for First Time in 5 Yrs

Source: PTI