iShares India 50 ETF is upgraded from hold to buy, reflecting improved macro conditions, strong earnings potential, and attractive risk-reward. Indian GDP growth, credit growth, and consumer confidence appear to be on the up and reflect well on this cyclical-heavy portfolio. INDY trades at 3.5x book, in line with its 10-year average, and offers much superior long-term earnings growth vs. the S&P 500, while its sensitivity to the latter is also minimal.
India's strong 6.4% projected GDP growth and favorable demographics make it an attractive emerging market opportunity, despite higher volatility. INDY ETF offers focused exposure to India's top companies, especially financials, benefiting from banking reforms, digitalization, and consumer growth trends. The fund's high concentration in large caps and key industries provides growth potential, but also increases company-specific and liquidity risks.
Despite the recent rise of geopolitical tensions with the neighboring country, Pakistan, investors remain bullish on India's long-term economic prospects. Even amid tensions, India ETFs like iShares India 50 ETF INDY have remained flat.
After months of downcycle concerns, India's domestic fundamentals are finally turning. But with external headwinds picking up, sticking with quality still makes sense. Having de-rated in recent months, mega cap-focused INDY is worth a look.
India's Manufacturing PMI fell to an 11-month low in November, indicating economic challenges. Despite underperforming global benchmarks, I reiterate a buy rating on the iShares India 50 ETF looking ahead to 2025. INDY's portfolio is concentrated in large-cap growth stocks, with significant exposure to financials and energy, and carries a P/E ratio of 19.5.
The Q2 GDP data has intensified calls for monetary easing. Due to stubborn inflation, a status quo on repo rates in the December may happen, with any easing likely to be deferred until early 2025.
INDY ETF is currently exceeding the average returns it generates in a calendar year, but it is still lagging global stocks. India's growth potential and stable political regime should work well for INDY in the long term, but in the short term, it is likely to face some risks. INDY's top holding - HDFC Bank is finding it challenging to grow its low-cost CASA share and is also seeing earnings contraction.
iShares India 50 ETF INDY is probably on the radar for investors seeking momentum. The fund just hit a 52-week high and moved up 29.7% from its 52-week low price of $43.60/share.
India's economy is thriving post-COVID, benefiting from the trade shift away from China and favorable demographics. iShares India 50 ETF provides easy access to top Indian stocks, with a high concentration in the Financials and Tech sectors. The INDY ETF competes with MSCI India ETF, offering broader exposure with less concentration in top holdings, but has underperformed recently.
iShares India 50 ETF INDY is probably on the radar for investors seeking momentum. The fund just hit a 52-week high and moved up 23.8% from its 52-week low price of $43.60/share.
Indian stocks have continued their march higher. Recent volatility indicates not all of the positives have been priced in. Having lagged the smaller caps, an uber cap 'catch up' is overdue.