The iShares MSCI India Small-Cap ETF continues to be rated as a Hold as downside risks have lessened but upside catalysts are lacking. SMIN's heavy cyclical sector exposure ties performance closely to India's domestic GDP, which is expected to be strong by global standards but will likely slow from the previous fiscal year. INR weakness has put off foreign investors, but with the RBI poised to stop its rate-cutting spree, the recent trade deal with the US could lead to some stabilization.
SMIN offers high growth and diversification potential but comes with elevated risk and expensive valuations compared to US growth ETFs like QQQ. Despite India's strong economic prospects, SMIN underperforms local small-cap indices due to currency drag and index construction but is the best passive US option. Current valuations in Indian small caps are frothy; past cycles warn of deep corrections, so fresh investments now carry significant downside risk.
I am upgrading the iShares MSCI India Small-Cap ETF (SMIN) to a buy due to improved valuation, despite technical caution. SMIN has underperformed, down 11% since November 2024, but offers a cheap P/E ratio of 16x and a PEG ratio under 1. The ETF's sector diversification includes 22% Industrials and 16% Financials, with a promising long-term EPS growth rate of 23%.
Indian small and mid-cap names have led the way down this year. But there are signs that the cyclical tide is turning. SMIN stands out as a compelling rebound play.
I am downgrading SMIN to a hold due to a higher P/E ratio and weakening technical trends despite strong long-term growth prospects. SMIN's portfolio is heavily weighted towards cyclical sectors, which could be vulnerable if emerging-market growth falters. The ETF's seasonality trends are weak from December to February, and technical indicators show bearish divergence and weakening momentum.
Investing in India's small-cap market offers strong growth potential, with the iShares MSCI India Small-Cap ETF providing diversified exposure to 499 companies. The SMIN ETF's sector composition, with heavy Industrials and Financials exposure, aligns well with India's long-term infrastructure and economic growth prospects. Despite a higher expense ratio of 0.79%, SMIN's past performance and diversification make it a compelling option for investors seeking underappreciated equity exposure.
This article discusses the potential risks associated with Indian Prime Minister Modi's election disappointment but concludes that it actually strengthened the case for owning India. The author argues that India demonstrated that it is a genuine democracy able to refocus policies with a prod from the electorate. India's economic growth and development should not be damaged by the modest rebuke to Modi's BJP and could profit from focus on creating a better economic situation for the poor.
India looks set for policy continuity in PM Modi's third term. Relative to an exceptional macro/micro setup, valuations aren't all that demanding here. Having outperformed through the last two terms, SMIN's small/mid-caps should continue to do well.