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Economic Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Economic Times
Sonam Srivastava's Independence Day guide to building a self-reliant portfolio
Sonam Srivastava, Smallcase Manager & Founder of Wright Research, shares how investors can mark Independence Day by aligning their portfolios with India's self-reliance vision. From defence to renewables, she outlines sectors powering Aatmanirbhar Bharat — and simple, disciplined steps to build financial freedom without compromising on diversification or prudence. ADVERTISEMENT Edited excerpts from a chat: From your perspective, what does financial independence mean for investors today? Which sectors today best represent India's march toward economic self reliance (Aatmanirbhar Bharat)? For today's investors, 'financial independence' means the ability to meet life goals without compromising lifestyle or taking on costly debt,built on three pillars: (i) robust buffers (6–12 months' expenses, adequate insurance)(ii) disciplined, rules based investing that compounds ahead of inflation(iii) diversification across assets, factors and business cycles. ADVERTISEMENT In an era where US tariffs on Indian goods could hit export-heavy sectors (textiles, steel, chemicals), financial independence for the nation means strengthening domestic supply chains and reducing vulnerability to trade restrictions. Now, in India's Atmanirbhar journey, we see 5 standout pillars: Unlock 500+ Stock Recos on App Defence manufacturing: Import substitution shields us from foreign supply disruptions. Exports hit a record ₹23,622 cr in FY25, with indigenised systems gathering global traction. Renewables: Energy self-sufficiency reduces exposure to oil price shocks from Middle East instability. Installed RE capacity reached ~220 GW by Mar 2025, with a record ~22 GW added in H1 2025 Renewables: Energy self-sufficiency reduces exposure to oil price shocks from Middle East instability. Installed RE capacity reached ~220 GW by Mar 2025, with a record ~22 GW added in H1 2025 Digital public infrastructure: UPI now processes ~19.5 bn transactions a month (≈628 mn daily, July '25), lowering frictions and enabling inclusion. The PLI umbrella (₹1.97 lakh cr across 14 sectors) remains a key accelerant of these trends. Pharma & biotech: Demand for affordable medicines is global and relatively tariff-resistant. Local manufacturing, electronics & FMCG: Smartphone exports jumped to ~$24.1 bn in FY25, up 55% YoY, a flagship PLI success. Catering to India's massive domestic market provides a natural buffer from global trade wars. How do you strike a balance between supporting domestic industries and leveraging global opportunities? ADVERTISEMENT The balance shifts when geopolitical winds turn against you. With tariffs, global opportunities don't vanish, but they require strategic re-routing. How to adapt: Double down on domestic growth stories – The rural economy, infra push, urban consumption — these aren't dependent on trade deals. Selective global exposure – Use global ETFs to tap US tech, ASEAN manufacturing hubs, or Europe's green energy without over-relying on India-US trade. Hedging currency risks – The rupee could swing sharply during geopolitical tensions; currency-hedged products can reduce volatility. South-South trade – Look at Indian companies shifting export focus to Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia where tariff barriers are less severe. Keep any single theme to 10% or less, and rebalance on a fixed date, not on headlines. A simple basic checklist can help most investors fundamentally at least: is the business improving, is the price fair, and is the trend healthy? If an investment no longer passes those checks, trim it back to target. ADVERTISEMENT What is the investing equivalent of a 'freedom struggle' for retail investorsFor retail investors, the modern 'freedom struggle' is against three foes: (1) high costs and mis selling(2) behavioural biases (FOMO, panic selling, anchoring) ADVERTISEMENT (3) information overloadPrefer transparent, rules driven investment vehicles over tips, influencers and telegram groups. Measure risk by 'how far can this fall and can I sit through it?' not by short term returns. Cut churn, avoid leverage unless you truly understand it. Quiet, repeatable habits win in the long run. How can investors symbolically celebrate Independence Day through their portfolios while also making sound financial choices? To celebrate Independence Day in your portfolio, do something small but permanent: raise your SIP by 10%, rebalance back to plan, and add a modest 'India build out' sleeve (5–10%) via diversified baskets across sectors that make sense for you. In today's tariff-hit world, symbolic patriotism in investing could mean: Allocating more to companies building for domestic consumption rather than overexposed exporters. Investing in import-substitute sectors — e.g., electronics manufacturing, indigenous defence tech. Backing companies with diversified export bases so they're not dependent on one major market like the US. Green & energy security plays — Reducing India's reliance on volatile global oil markets. Also, consider a government backed debt allocation for stability, review term and health insurance, and harvest tax losses where allowed. Skip big one day bets. The symbolism is clear, back India's productive capacity. The prudence is in diversification, costs you can explain, and risks you can sleep with. What investment principles from India's independence struggle can be applied to modern day portfolio management? Lessons from the independence struggle that work in markets: Discipline → Our leaders planned for food security amid global uncertainty; you should plan for liquidity during market sell-offs. Follow a plan even when it's hard Patience → In politics, trade negotiations take years; in investing, recovery from macro shocks also demands time. Allow compounding years, not months Unity-in-diversity → hold multiple assets and factors so one setback doesn't sink you Self-reliance → Just as Nehru built NAM (Non-Aligned Movement), your portfolio should be India-focused but globally aware. Have emergency cash and low leverage Flexibility in tactics → The freedom movement adjusted strategies when faced with new challenges; likewise, shift portfolio weightings when geopolitics changes the risk landscape. Put this to work with a written plan, periodic rebalancing, and a multi-factor core portfolio (quality, value, momentum, low-volatility etc). Keep fees and taxes low, track mistakes openly, and let data, not drama, decide adds, trims, and exits. Can MFs surpass FIIs in ownership over the next decade? With sustained SIP inflows (~₹15,000 to ₹16,000 crore per month as of mid-2025), growing financial literacy, and the rising middle class, it's very plausible that MFs could surpass FIIs in the next decade. Why it might happen: Domestic SIP flows are far more stable and immune to short-term trade headlines — they're driven by salaried individuals, not hot money. SIP culture is becoming habitual, much like monthly utility bills. to short-term trade headlines — they're driven by salaried individuals, not hot money. SIP culture is becoming habitual, much like monthly utility bills. FIIs are highly sensitive to global trade frictions and political tensions. If Trump's tariffs escalate into broader trade barriers, FIIs may trim India exposure in favour of 'safer' or more open markets. Retirement planning, insurance-linked investments, and equity awareness are expanding beyond metro cities into Tier-2/3 towns. Regulatory push for retail participation and digital onboarding has made investing almost frictionless. If FIIs sell due to macro shocks, MFs may naturally increase their share by buying those very stocks at lower valuations. However, surpassing FIIs will also depend on: Sustained economic growth above 6%+ with SIP inflows keeping pace with GDP and inflation Political stability and reform continuity: Policy stability is critical — Atmanirbhar Bharat reforms need to be sustained despite political cycles. Continued trust in domestic fund managers and product transparency Domestic sentiment must hold even during external shocks (which requires ongoing investor education). If current trends continue, MF ownership crossing FIIs by 2035 is not only possible — it's likely. (You can now subscribe to our ETMarkets WhatsApp channel)
Economic Times
03-06-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
Pick undervalued, high-quality stocks: Sonam Srivastava's 2025 playbook
In this exclusive conversation, Sonam Srivastava, Founder of Wright Research, shares her market outlook, sectoral bets, and strategy for investors navigating today's volatility. From cautious optimism to tactical sector allocations, Sonam outlines how to approach equities in 2025 — and why this could be the right time to start building quality positions. Excerpts: ADVERTISEMENT Q. Let's begin with the market sentiment. The stock markets have been quite volatile lately. What's your current view on the market? Sonam Srivastava: The 25,000 mark has become a psychological barrier. We are cautiously optimistic at this point. The market has underlying strength, particularly in small- and mid-cap stocks that have reported strong earnings recently. In such a volatile environment, the focus should be on high-quality and trending stocks, while keeping an eye on global developments. Q. Q4 results have been muted, with Nifty 50 earnings growing less than 6% YoY—below street expectations. What's your take on this? Sonam: I actually find this quarter slightly encouraging. In previous quarters, downgrades outweighed upgrades. This time, we're seeing more upgrades, which is a positive sign. Especially in the broader market, some standout results indicate we could be at a turning point in earnings growth. Q. Are global factors playing a bigger role in impacting Indian markets currently, or is it more of a domestic story? Sonam: It's a mix of both, but global factors are very influential. For instance, US regulatory changes have pressured pharma stocks. Rising yields in the US and no rate cuts by the Fed are affecting investor confidence globally. However, domestically, we have strong positives—RBI is injecting liquidity, inflation is cooling, consumer confidence is picking up, and we might even see accelerated rate cuts. So, companies with a domestic focus may be better positioned right now. Q. Which sectors look promising for the next quarter or near term? What should be the portfolio strategy? Sonam: Sectors with strong domestic drivers like industrials, capital goods, and consumption are showing strength. The FMCG sector could benefit from a good monsoon. We also see momentum in defence, railways, and private banking. Allocating across these sectors with a focus on quality makes sense right now. ADVERTISEMENT Q. Should investors go all-in at this stage or adopt a more staggered approach? Sonam: Given the resilience in the market and the ongoing global uncertainties, it's best to take a balanced approach. Start building positions in high-quality stocks, especially those currently undervalued. Holding some cash or investing in multi-asset funds or gold can provide a cushion. But yes, it's a good time to gradually build equity exposure. ADVERTISEMENT Q. Are there any sectors that may underperform in the near term? How should investors hedge against them? Sonam: IT could remain weak due to muted earnings and unattractive valuations, driven by weak global demand. Certain PSU segments also appear overvalued—investors should be cautious there. Diversification across sectors remains the best hedge against such risks. Q. For 2025, are there sectors where retail investors should be overweight? ADVERTISEMENT Sonam: Yes, industrials, consumer durables, private banks, and agrochemicals—especially with a strong monsoon—look promising. Defence and railways also have tailwinds. Investors can consider overweighting these sectors while maintaining a diversified approach. Q. Could you name some specific stocks from these sectors that look strong both fundamentally and technically? Sonam: In capital goods, L&T is a solid pick. For defence, BEL and HAL look attractive. In agrochemicals, Coromandel and Avanti Feeds stand out. Among private banks, ICICI Bank and Kotak Mahindra Bank are good options currently. ADVERTISEMENT Q. So would you say this is a "buy on dips" kind of market? Sonam: Absolutely. This is a great time to accumulate quality stocks at attractive valuations. If you've been eyeing certain stocks, now might be a good opportunity. Q. What is the near-term market outlook? Sonam: We may see some consolidation around 25,000 on the Nifty in the short term due to global pressures. But the broader market—especially small and midcaps—looks very promising with solid earnings and growth prospects. It's a good time to start building positions for the long term. Q. For someone entering the markets for the first time right now, what's your advice? Sonam: Start with a diversified portfolio. A core-satellite approach works well—use large and midcap funds or multi-asset strategies for your core, and build a satellite allocation in high-potential sectors like defence, FMCG, or chemicals. That way, you're protected while still capturing opportunities. Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts/brokerages do not represent the views of Economic Times. (You can now subscribe to our ETMarkets WhatsApp channel)
New York Times
26-04-2025
- Business
- New York Times
Hosting an Extra-Large Wedding? Here's How to Plan Like a Pro.
At some of the largest weddings Priya Maganti has planned in India, there were 50,000 guests, give or take a couple hundred. 'To be honest, you can't count after a certain point,' said Ms. Maganti, who runs RVR Eventz & Design in Hyderabad, India. 'Everything doubles or triples: your food catering, your seating, your gifts, your planning team, the allergies and requirements.' Having that many wedding guests isn't exactly normal in India, but large weddings of 500-plus are more common there than in many other countries. 'Weddings are a way of life in India,' said Parthip Thyagarajan, the founder of WeddingSutra, a planning website. 'A wedding is not just about the bride and groom in India. It's about two families talking about their values, their vision and communicating to the world who they are.' For some luxury weddings, 'there are up to 300 agencies, production houses and planners involved,' he added. An average Indian wedding will have around 310 guests and costs $10,000 to $30,000, according to Wright Research, an investment advisory firm based in Mumbai, India. By comparison, a U.S. wedding typically includes about 116 guests and costs $33,000, according to The Knot, a wedding planning website. Other countries are also known to go big. In Nigeria, weddings generally cater to at least 350 guests and as many as 1,000, according to planners, costing $9,000 to $14,000, according to Business Insider Africa. And in South Korea, the average wedding size is 279, according to Statista, a data gathering service, and costs around $36,000, as of 2022, according to a local matchmaking agency, Duo, cited in The Korea Times. With this much volume, event planners will have to put their organizational, social and time-management skills to the test. Some challenges they face are universal, but others are specific to large-scale events. For one, the more invitations issued, the higher the chances that an R.S.V.P. won't be honored. Planners estimate that 15 to 20 percent of people invited won't make it, according to Devanshi Patel, the founder and owner of Shreem Events in Mumbai. But sometimes, that calculation is off. 'In 2023, we had a wedding of 1,500, and 2,500 turned up,' said Khurram Khan, who co-founded Parinaya Sutra with Dheera Likhi. 'The other side is that you plan for more people, 1,000 maybe, and then 600 or 700 come. Then, you have a lot of seating and big spaces that aren't occupied.' Planners for bigger-than-average celebrations also need to manage crews to match. Recently, Ms. Patel had a team of about 150 people working on a 550-guest wedding in Jaipur, the capital of the Indian state of Rajasthan. 'We chartered two airplanes — the host took care of everybody's tickets — and the planners became like airport attendants for the guests,' she said. 'We customized the food on the plane and got a D.J. to curate the track list that we gave to the airline to put on the P.A. system. On arrival, we had an entire welcome for them with horses, camels, dancers from Rajasthan.' At a massive wedding, the entertainment must be top-notch and rapid-fire to keep the crowds engaged. Preston Bailey, who worked on last year's extravagant Ambani-Merchant wedding, said that big weddings have become like Broadway shows. 'Our goal is that every 15 minutes, there's a wonderful surprise,' Mr. Bailey said. Planners who have seen it all — and then some — offer some other universal advice. When choosing whom to work with, don't be afraid to ask all your questions. 'What's the backup plan?' Ms. Likhi said. 'What scale have they worked on? What's the maximum budget wedding they've handled?' Mr. Bailey said that being aware of unspoken signals is important. 'As soon as I get an inquiry, I try to return it as quickly as possible,' Mr. Bailey said. 'I am accessible — that's the first unconscious message that they get, which I think is extremely important.' A well-structured floor plan can make all the difference, whether you have 100 guests or 10,000. There should be different zones for eating, dancing and lounging, Ms. Likhi said. Create space between gathering points and encourage movement. 'The mains are in one place, the desserts are in a different place,' she said. None of the gathering areas should be near the entry and exit, providing room for the support staff to maneuver, she added. Several years ago, Noureen Morani and Karan Soorma, founders of Morani & Soorma, organized back-to-back destination weddings in the United Arab Emirates for two cousins, with the guest count fluctuating between 600 and 1,000 throughout the week. 'The hotel was about 1.5 kilometers long,' Mr. Soorma said. 'The team was sprinting around the entire property.' The two maintained detailed checklists and schedules to handle the events and the 20 different musical acts. Mr. Soorma also recommended setting timelines for major tasks and establishing agreed-upon payment schedules. 'Pay your team as much as you can in advance so they're motivated to deliver, and on the day of the wedding, you're not worried,' he said. During one outdoor event at a 600-person wedding in Sri Lanka, Ms. Patel discovered that rain was imminent. Luckily, she already had a hangar set up just in case, so she and her team began herding inside around 200 guests dancing in a procession. 'As soon as they stepped inside, there was a downpour,' Ms. Patel said. 'If a vendor screws up, you can get a second vendor, but with nature, it's really risky, and you always need to have a Plan B.' At a 600-person wedding in Jaipur, rain forced Ms. Morani and Mr. Soorma to move an entire outdoor setup into a ballroom. 'It had taken all night to get it ready, and we shifted it in six hours,' Ms. Morani said. 'The lawn became a swimming pool.' After pushing the ceremony back by half an hour, they informed all the guests of the schedule change. 'Keep the communication flowing,' Mr. Soorma said. 'Help people understand what's gone wrong and manage their expectations. Once people know what to expect when they're entering the venue, they're accommodating.' When all else fails, act cool. 'Panic is very contagious,' Mr. Bailey said. 'My advice is, whatever you do, keep your calm — at least on the outside.'
