The global economic landscape is currently witnessing a fascinating scenario; Indian equities are outperforming global equities, despite the usually influential S&P 500 showing a decline. The surge in Indian equities speaks volumes about the strength and potential of the Indian economy. At the same time, the world’s fastest-growing economy, India, has sustained an average gross domestic product growth of 5.5% over the past decade.
The S&P 500, a benchmark for global equities, dropped 1.4% in August, diminishing its year-to-date gains to 18.8%. This decline, compounded by a bearish Head and Shoulders pattern, indicates a potential reversal in the market trend. The market sentiments have been largely influenced by the commentary by the Federal Reserve.
In the US, the strong dollar and high US 10-year treasury yields are dominant factors currently impacting the equity markets. A robust US dollar often results in lower commodity prices, as commodities are typically priced in dollars. This, in turn, can lead to lower earnings for companies, thus affecting the equity markets negatively.
Similarly, higher treasury yields can lead to an increase in borrowing costs for companies, resulting in lower profits and share prices. These factors combined, create a challenging environment for US equity markets, as they have to navigate through these headwinds.
On the other hand, the strong US Dollar Index has a profound impact on commodity prices. As commodities are generally dollar-denominated, a stronger dollar makes these commodities more expensive for non-US investors. This rise in prices can further put pressure on emerging markets like India, where commodities form a significant part of their imports.
The imminent threat of a US government shutdown adds another layer of uncertainty. In the event of a shutdown, government agencies cease operations, impacting economic activity and potentially shaking investor confidence. Historically, such events have led to short-term market volatility and uncertainty, as seen in previous shutdowns.
Implications for Indian Markets:
While Indian markets have been strong performers, they are not immune to global trends. A strong US dollar can affect Indian exports by making them more expensive for US buyers, potentially impacting India’s trade balance. Additionally, rising US Treasury yields could lead to capital outflows from emerging markets like India, causing depreciation of local currencies and potential equity market volatility.
The Indian market, given its robust economic growth, is poised to weather these global macro-economic factors. The resilience of the Indian economy is indicative of the potential for sustained growth in Indian equities, even amidst global economic uncertainties.
The current technical picture of the equity markets, thus, presents a compelling narrative of how macro-economic factors can shape market performance. This analysis underscores the importance of considering these factors when evaluating investment opportunities in the equity markets.
However, the dynamics of the equity markets are complex and influenced by a myriad of factors. While Indian equities are currently outperforming, the impact of a strong US dollar and high US treasury yields on US equity markets can’t be ignored. Investors and market analysts must keep a close eye on these developments to make informed decisions. The strength of the Indian economy, however, provides optimism for continued growth in Indian equities.
- Foram Chheda, CMT