“There are strong tailwinds for the market with potential to take it higher. Declarations by the prime minister on the next major reforms in GST by Diwali, is a big positive. The expectation is that most of the goods and services will be in the 5% and 18% tax slabs. Sectors like autos and cement which are presently in the 28% tax slabs are expected to benifit. TVS Motors, Hero, Eicher, M&M and Maruti are likely to respond positively to the news. Insurance companies are also expected to benefit from the GST revision. S&P 500 upgrading India’s sovereign credit rating is another major positive. But the market ignored this announcement since the negative news flows are also strong. India-US trade talks are unlikely to happen before August 27th deadline. The ‘ Trump Sword’ of 50% tariff dangling on India will restrain the market enthusiasm which can be triggered by the positive news mentioned earlier. The outcome of today’s meeting at the White House for finding a solution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict will be keenly watched by the market.”
